South Africa

Political and Economic relations

Date of update: March 23rd 2026 Information still valid as of today's date

Political relations

There is regular high-level political dialogue between France and South Africa, strengthened by regular visits from Heads of State and ministers. A Forum for Political Dialogue for senior officials was held in Paris on 22 March 2018. The most recent Forum for Political Dialogue (ministerial level) took place in Pretoria on 28 February 2019.

On 28 May 2021, President Macron travelled to Pretoria for an official visit. Minister of State Zacharopoulou travelled to South Africa in October 2022.

Economic relations

In 2021, trade between France and South Africa increased by over 20% to reach €2.6 billion. South Africa is a major partner in Sub Saharan Africa (largest customer and second-largest supplier).

With almost 370 French companies set up in South Africa, France ranks 11th in terms of foreign investors in South Africa, representing FDI stock of over €3 billion in 2020. These companies are active in most sectors and employ over 65,000 people. Most French investment stock is focused on manufacturing industry (chemical and pharmaceutical industries in particular), construction and finance. French companies announced further investments of 50 billion rand during the South Africa Investment Conference in Johannesburg in March 2022.