The 5th France-South Africa Business Forum got underway, in Johannesburg on Thursday.
The event brought together French and South African businesses, investors, institutions and other stakeholders, to explore business opportunities, strengthen partnerships and support investment and international expansion between the two countries.
John Steenhuisen, Deputy Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, encouraged South African companies to make greater use of France as a gateway to European markets, technology, investment and partnerships.
“Bilateral trade between our two countries stood at approximately 3.2 billion Euros in 2024, and French companies have built a substantial presence here in South Africa with over 480 establishments and almost 100 000 jobs created here in South Africa. Most importantly, this relationship continues to generate the investment that we need” he said.
About thirty (30) French companies committed about R20.7 billion in investments, at the 2026 South Africa Investment Conference.
Picture: John Steenhuisen, Deputy Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, at the 5th France-South Africa Business Forum in Johannesburg.