South Africa, France deepen cooperation in investment, technology and defence

Africa, Politics

PARIS, France (NPA) — South Africa has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening strategic ties with France, with both countries seeking to expand cooperation in investment, science and technology, defence, energy and cultural diplomacy.

President Cyril Ramaphosa made the commitment on Friday during talks with French President Emmanuel Macron as part of his official visit to France from July 10 to 12.

Describing France as one of South Africa’s key strategic partners, Ramaphosa said the two countries enjoy longstanding cooperation spanning trade and investment, education, defence, energy and people-to-people exchanges.

“France is a key strategic partner for South Africa, and we enjoy longstanding bilateral cooperation spanning trade and investment, energy, defence, education, people-to-people exchange and other fields,” the South African leader said.

Ramaphosa noted that economic relations between the two countries continue to grow, highlighting the strong participation of French companies at the 6th South Africa Investment Conference held in Johannesburg in March.

According to him, 30 French companies pledged investments worth approximately €1.11 billion (R20.7 billion) across key sectors of the South African economy.

He said the investment commitments demonstrate growing confidence among French businesses in South Africa’s economic prospects and expressed optimism that French firms would participate in the country’s ambitious infrastructure development programme.

The President also disclosed that both countries are negotiating several bilateral agreements, including cooperation on transport, the peaceful use of nuclear energy and a declaration of intent on mobility.

On science and innovation, Ramaphosa welcomed France’s admission as the 14th member of the Square Kilometre Array Observatory (SKAO) and said both countries would deepen collaboration in artificial intelligence, oceans and marine sciences, soil health and water research.

“We welcome this ongoing cooperation in pursuit of innovation-led growth and environmental sustainability,” he said.

The South African leader further announced that Pretoria and Paris had agreed to convene the long-delayed 13th Defence Strategic Dialogue in South Africa in October to review the implementation of their Memorandum of Understanding on Defence Cooperation and identify new areas of partnership.

He added that South Africa and France would continue strengthening cultural diplomacy to support the growth of their creative industries, promote social cohesion and create employment opportunities.

Addressing global affairs, Ramaphosa reaffirmed South Africa’s support for multilateralism, saying today’s world faces interconnected challenges ranging from armed conflicts and trade tensions to pandemics, poverty and unemployment.

“Multilateralism is the most effective means for addressing these collective global challenges. No country can resolve these issues in isolation. The current global environment requires stronger partnerships, collective action and a renewed commitment to the principles of the United Nations Charter and international law,” he said.