French investment in South Africa continues to create opportunities for growth  

Johannesburg, September 2026 – French companies have established a significant and long-term presence in South Africa, contributing to investment, employment, skills development and economic activity across a range of sectors. As South Africa enters a new phase of economic development, the relationship presents further opportunities for French investment and partnerships.

More than 400 French companies operate in South Africa, with a presence spanning across energy, infrastructure, manufacturing, transport and logistics, financial services, retail and other sectors. French companies have invested R166 billion in South Africa since 2019, demonstrating the depth of the commercial relationship and continued confidence in the country’s long-term potential.

This investment relationship will be a key focus of the 5th France–South Africa Business Forum, taking place in Johannesburg on 29 September 2026, followed by the Team France Gala Dinner 2026 on 30 September. Together, the Forum and Gala Dinner form a Team France initiative, organised jointly by Business France, the French South African Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FSACCI), the French Foreign Trade Advisors (CCEF) and the French Embassy.

The Forum comes at a time of continued momentum in bilateral economic relations. President Cyril Ramaphosa’s official visit to France in July 2026 provided another opportunity to engage with French companies operating in South Africa and highlighted shared priorities including skills development, job creation, knowledge transfer, innovation and South Africa’s economic and green transitions.

For French businesses, South Africa offers opportunities across sectors central to the country’s future growth, including energy and the green transition, infrastructure, water, manufacturing, logistics, digital transformation and skills development. These areas align with both South Africa’s development priorities and the expertise and solutions offered by French companies.

The investment story also extends beyond South Africa’s borders. As a major industrial economy and regional business hub, South Africa provides French companies with a platform from which to develop partnerships and explore opportunities across Southern Africa and the Indian Ocean. This creates scope to strengthen regional value chains and develop new commercial relationships.

The Forum will bring together business leaders, investors, government representatives and industry experts to examine these opportunities and strengthen connections between the French and South African business communities. This will be done through a plenary session, technical workshops, B2B meetings, a networking cocktail. Following directly after the Forum, the Gala Dinner will provide an opportunity for business and institutional leaders to continue these discussions and strengthen relationships in a more informal networking setting.

Together, the Forum and Gala Dinner reflect a relationship that has moved beyond trade towards long-term investment, industrial cooperation and partnerships, while creating opportunities to build on the established presence of French companies in South Africa and explore the next phase of growth.

About the Team France partners 

Business France, FSACCI, the French Foreign Trade Advisors and the French Embassy work together through the Team France network to support French companies, strengthen economic relations and develop trade and investment opportunities between France, South Africa and the wider region.