On July 12 2026, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa concluded a three-day official visit to France. The visit served to cement a new strategic partnership through the establishment of a Joint Ministerial Commission. This body institutionalises annual meetings to strengthen diplomatic, security and economic cooperation. The visit also aimed to ease past tensions and reaffirm the Paris–Pretoria axis in the face of geopolitical pressures. The partnership is underpinned by robust trade, which grew by 7.7 per cent in 2025 to reach $2.7 billion. Thirty French companies have committed to investing a further €1.11 billion in South Africa this year. Finally, discussions are looking to the future, with a strong focus on the energy transition and sustainable development.
The South African President, Cyril Ramaphosa, concluded a three-day official visit to France on 12 July 2026. The trip was marked by the signing of a strategic partnership establishing a Joint Ministerial Commission. This new body institutionalises annual meetings to strengthen diplomatic, security and economic ties. The visit to Paris and the Somme also sought to dispel political misunderstandings that had affected relations between the two countries in the past. Despite mounting global geopolitical pressures, both nations have expressed a shared determination to build a common future.
« I would say the situation is rather positive. I believe the French representatives, just like those from DIRCO, are sincere when they say that relations between the two countries are excellent. However, as you pointed out, a slight area of tension has emerged recently. South Africa is currently facing punitive measures from the United States. And although President Macron, during his visit to the G20 in Johannesburg, invited President Ramaphosa to attend the G7, which France was due to host, the United States unfortunately decided otherwise. »
Oscar van Heerden, Political Analyst
– South Africa
To overcome these diplomatic challenges, both countries are relying on a particularly strong historical economic foundation. Bilateral trade increased by 7.7% in 2025, reaching approximately USD 2.7 billion, driven by a remarkable 42.2% surge in South African exports to France. Investment has also expanded significantly, with 30 French companies committing to invest around EUR 1.11 billion (ZAR 20.7 billion) in the South African economy this year, in addition to the USD 7 billion invested since 2003.
« France is South Africa’s third most important trading partner within the European Union. Germany ranks first, followed by the United Kingdom, with France in third place. It is therefore a leading strategic partner for South Africa. Trade is mainly focused on the pharmaceutical sector and the supply of strategic minerals. On our side, we import these products, while France sources essential minerals from us, including manganese, iron and gold. In addition, there are many other rare metals involved, alongside major cooperation in the automotive industry. »
Oscar van Heerden, Political Analyst
– South Africa
While the automotive, pharmaceutical and traditional mining industries remain the cornerstone of this partnership, discussions at the Élysée are already looking ahead to the industrial challenges of tomorrow. In response to global climate imperatives, decarbonisation and sustainable development have emerged as the new priority areas of cooperation for the two Heads of State.
« Nevertheless, there is considerable scope to develop other areas of cooperation. I am convinced, for example, that President Ramaphosa will discuss with President Macron the commitments made by several European Union countries regarding the energy transition and the gradual phase-out of fossil fuels. For us South Africans, this is a rapidly growing industry of the future. The opportunities created by green growth are genuine drivers of job creation and economic recovery. »
Oscar van Heerden, Political Analyst
– South Africa
With the establishment of the Joint Ministerial Commission, France and South Africa now have the institutional framework needed to turn these environmental and industrial ambitions into concrete projects, further strengthening their position as major partners on the international stage.
