South Africa’s (SA) President Cyril Ramaphosa is expected to meet French business leaders to promote investment opportunities in SA and encourage greater participation in the country’s infrastructure and economic development programmes.

This as part of his official visit to France where he is expected to engage French business leaders as part of efforts to strengthen trade, investment and economic cooperation between the two countries.

The business engagements follow bilateral talks with French President Emmanuel Macron at the Élysée Palace in Paris, where the two leaders reaffirmed the longstanding strategic partnership between the two countries.

The President says French companies have already pledged more than $2 billion in new investments this year, with cooperation also expected in energy, science and technology, defence and education.

During the visit, International Relations Minister Ronald Lamola and his French counterpart signed a Memorandum of Understanding establishing a Joint Ministerial Commission to deepen bilateral co-operation.

Presidential Spokesperson, Vincent Magwenya says, “The Leaders’ Meeting will provide strategic political direction on strengthening resilient education systems and is expected to endorse priorities for the global education agenda for the 2026–2027 period.
Discussions will focus on strengthening the teaching profession, advancing foundational and lifelong learning, promoting inclusive digital transformation, and ensuring sustainable financing for education.”