South Africa and France aim to strengthen their partnership amidst U.S. unpredictability
Deepening Economic Ties: South Africa-France Business Forum
In a simultaneous effort to fortify relationships with the United States and bolster economic ties, South Africa deployed two delegations to Washington D.C. and Paris, respectively, on May 21st. While President Cyril Ramaphosa negotiated with President Donald Trump, Vice President Paul Mashatile led an official South African delegation in Paris for the inaugural France-South Africa business forum.
The Parisian gathering, lasting from May 21st to 23rd, was populated by nine ministers or deputy ministers, alongside over a hundred representatives of South African companies. The primary objective of this event was to encourage French investments and strengthen bonds between the two countries across various sectors, such as trade, transportation, tourism, energy, and culture.
The support of companies like EDF, Engie, TotalEnergies, and Alstom underscores French investments' value within South Africa. These ventures are appreciated for their specialized expertise, particularly in infrastructure, and the more than 65,000 jobs they provide, despite an unemployment rate of 43%. Conversely, Aspen, a pharmaceutical company, has invested over 100 million euros in France since its establishment in Normandy in 2014.
These "close and warm" relations are fostered by the French South African Chamber of Commerce and Industry and Team France network's collaborative efforts to boost trade and investment between the countries. The theme of the forum, "SA-France: A Partnership for Mutual Prosperity," indicates a shared commitment to enhance mutual economic and cultural prosperity through activities like arts and culture.
The recent business forum focused on strategic sectors like energy, infrastructure, and Information and Communication Technology (ICT), demonstrating a targeted approach to attract investments in these domains. Deputy President Paul Mashatile's visit to France from May 19th to 24th, 2025, was a crucial component of this initiative, involving high-level discussions and bilateral talks with French officials.
In conclusion, French investments in South Africa are poised to grow across key sectors, driven by government initiatives and strong bilateral relations. The success of these endeavors promises mutual economic prosperity and a deeper bond between the two nations.
The South African-French Business Forum in Paris served as a platform to discuss financing opportunities for strategic sectors like energy and Information and Communication Technology (ICT), as both countries strive to foster growth in these areas. The convergence of business interests, politics, and finance is evident in the high-level discussions and bilateral talks between South African officials and their French counterparts, aiming to attract investments in these sectors.
The Parisian gathering also aimed to strengthen ties in the general news sector, as cultural exchanges like arts and culture were highlighted as a means to augment mutual economic and cultural prosperity. The support of French companies like EDF, Engie, TotalEnergies, and Alstom, who have made significant investments in South Africa's infrastructure, underscores the importance of finance in fostering business relationships.
