French investment in South Africa is taking centre stage as Johannesburg prepares to host the 5th France–South Africa Business Forum next week.
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French companies have invested R166bn in the country since 2019, highlighting the depth of bilateral economic ties and continued business confidence in the South African market. More than 400 French companies now operate across South Africa, employing tens of thousands of people and contributing to sectors including energy and infrastructure, manufacturing, transport, retail and financial services.
Against this backdrop, the forum on Tuesday, 29 September 2026 will bring business and government leaders together to explore opportunities spanning energy security, infrastructure, sustainable cities, water, manufacturing, logistics, digital transformation and skills development.
Organised by Business France, FSACCI, CCEF and the French Embassy, the event will also reinforce South Africa’s role as a regional gateway for French companies.
The forum comes at a particularly significant moment for bilateral relations. During President Cyril Ramaphosa's official visit to France in July 2026, discussions focused on accelerating industrial co-operation, supporting South Africa's energy transition, strengthening skills development and fostering greater investment flows between the two countries. The visit confirmed the strategic importance of the France–South Africa economic partnership and reinforced momentum ahead of the forum.
Driving regional growth
Rather than focusing solely on investment opportunities, the forum will address a series of strategic themes that are shaping the future of the South African economy, including:
- Energy security and the green transition;
- Infrastructure development and sustainable cities;
- Water and environmental solutions;
- Manufacturing competitiveness and industrialisation;
- Logistics and transport connectivity;
- Digital transformation and innovation;
- Skills development and workforce readiness.
South Africa also plays a wider regional role in French business strategies. As one of Africa's largest industrial economies and a key gateway to Southern Africa and the Indian Ocean region, the country provides a platform for companies seeking to develop regional operations, strengthen value chains and expand into neighbouring markets.
The forum will bring together business leaders, investors, government representatives and industry experts to discuss these priorities and foster new business connections. This will take place through a plenary session, technical workshops, B2B meetings, and a networking cocktail. Following the forum, the gala dinner on Wednesday, 30 September 2026 will offer an additional platform for senior business and institutional leaders to continue discussions and deepen commercial engagement.
As French investment in South Africa continues to grow, the 2026 forum aims to mark the next chapter of a mature economic relationship increasingly defined by industrial co-operation, innovation, sustainable development and long-term value creation for both countries.
