Strengthening Investment Ties Between France & South Africa 

On February 19, 2025, Business France (Invest in France) organized a breakfast dedicated to the attractiveness of France at the Pullman Hotel in Cape Town. This exclusive breakfast gathering brought together South African investors, business leaders, and key stakeholders to discuss France’s strategic position as a top destination for foreign investment. The event provided valuable insights into opportunities for South African companies to establish and grow their presence in France, while also reinforcing the “Choose France” campaign, which promotes France as a prime destination for global business investment. 

Opening Remarks by H.E. David Martinon 

The event began with insightful remarks from H.E. David Martinon, Ambassador of France to South Africa, Lesotho and Malawi, who underscored the strong and growing economic ties between France and South Africa. He highlighted France’s continued leadership as the number one country in Europe for foreign investment since 2019, as confirmed by EY (2024). This achievement is further supported by the France 2030 Plan, which will allocate €54 billion over the next five years to strengthen the country’s industrial and technological sectors. In his address, H.E. Martinon outlined the significant potential for future collaboration between France and South Africa, emphasizing shared goals of innovation, sustainability, and growth that will drive both nations forward 

France’s Commitment to Business-Friendly Policies 

Member of Parliament Amélia Lakrafi took the floor to underscore France’s commitment to fostering business-friendly policies that support foreign investors. She elaborated on the various initiatives and reforms that France has implemented to create a conducive environment for international businesses. Her remarks reinforced France’s dedication to maintaining its position as a leading host country for foreign investment. 

Insights from Nicole Blasyk 

Nicole Blasyk, Project Director for Inward Investments in Sub-Saharan Africa at Business France, shared key insights into why France remains a top destination for foreign investment, particularly in sectors such as manufacturing and research & development. She pointed to France’s innovation-driven economy, dynamic industrial hubs, and strong support for international businesses through incentives like the Research Tax Credit (CIR). Nicole also shared that in 2023, 1,815 investment projects in France created 59,000 jobs over three years, underscoring the significant impact of foreign investment on economic growth. 

Success Story of Simera Group 

One of the highlights of the morning was the inspiring testimony from Johann du Toit, CEO of Simera Group. He shared the success story of Simera Sense, a cutting-edge South African company specializing in high-performance cameras for CubeSats and microsatellites. With its new facilities in Somerset West and recent expansion to Toulouse, the ‘European Space Capital,’ Simera exemplifies the boundless opportunities for collaboration between South Africa and France in the aerospace sector. Du Toit’s testimony served as a powerful example of how South African companies can thrive in the French market and contribute to the growth of both economies. 

Looking Ahead 

Attendees were encouraged to keep an eye out for the Business France Annual Report on Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) 2024, which will be released at the end of March 2025. This report is expected to provide further insights into the investment landscape in France and highlight new opportunities for international investors. 

In conclusion, the breakfast event at The Pullman Hotel in Cape Town was a resounding success, fostering meaningful connections and highlighting the numerous opportunities for South African companies in France. The event underscored the importance of continued collaboration and investment between the two nations, paving the way for a prosperous future.