The visit includes engagements with the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation, French President Emmanuel Macron and senior members of the French government. According to the SA government, relations between the two countries remain strong, supported by cooperation across a range of bilateral, regional and multilateral platforms.
International relations Analyst Dr Oscar van Heerden described the relationship as broadly positive despite recent diplomatic tensions linked to reports that SA was excluded from a recent G7 Summit in France.
Van Heerden said Macron had previously invited Ramaphosa to attend the summit during a visit to Johannesburg. However, reports later emerged suggesting that pressure from the United States influenced France’s decision not to extend a formal invitation.
While French officials have denied those claims, Van Heerden argued that the episode created a temporary diplomatic strain between Pretoria and Paris.
Despite that setback, Van Heerden said the current visit demonstrates France’s commitment to maintaining strong ties with SA.
France remains one of SA’s most important economic partners within Europe. According to Van Heerden, France is SA’s third-largest trading partner in the European region after Germany and the United Kingdom.
Trade relations span several sectors, including pharmaceuticals, mining and automotive manufacturing. SA exports strategic minerals such as manganese and iron ore, while importing a range of industrial and pharmaceutical products from France.
Van Heerden said there is potential to expand cooperation further, particularly in renewable energy and climate-related investment.
The visit comes as SA continues to pursue funding commitments linked to the Just Energy Transition Partnership, an initiative designed to support the country’s transition from fossil fuels to cleaner energy sources.
Beyond trade, global geopolitical developments are expected to feature prominently in discussions between Ramaphosa and Macron. Issues likely to be addressed include tensions in the Middle East, the conflict involving Russia and Ukraine, and the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
Van Heerden also expects regional security to form part of the agenda. SA has played a significant role in peacekeeping and mediation efforts across Africa, including in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Mozambique, South Sudan and the Horn of Africa.
The discussions may also cover developments in the Sahel region, where France has reduced its military presence following strained relations with several former colonies.
According to Van Heerden, France is increasingly seeking to strengthen relationships with influential African economies beyond its traditional sphere of influence in Francophone Africa. In that context, SA’s position as one of the continent’s largest economies makes Pretoria an important strategic partner.
–ChannelAfrica–
