5th France–South Africa Business Forum: Continuing the Conversation, Creating New Opportunities
The France–South Africa business relationship has gained momentum over the past two years, with new opportunities for investment, partnership and cooperation emerging across key sectors. On 29–30 September 2026, the 5th France–South Africa Business Forum will bring this conversation to Johannesburg, creating a platform for businesses and institutions from both countries to connect, exchange ideas and explore new opportunities.
The Forum follows the successful 4th edition in 2024 and builds on the South Africa–France Investment Week, held in Paris in May 2025 in the presence of South African Deputy President Paul Mashatile. The conference brought investment opportunities between the two countries into focus and provided a platform for French and South African stakeholders to engage around areas for cooperation.
This momentum continued during President Cyril Ramaphosa’s Official Visit to France in July 2026, when the President met with leaders of French companies operating in South Africa. Discussions highlighted shared priorities including skills development, job creation, knowledge transfer, innovation and South Africa’s economic and green transitions.
These priorities also reflect the investment opportunities identified in South Africa’s 2026 State of the Nation Address, particularly in infrastructure, energy, logistics, water, industrialisation and digital transformation.
Two days of business, investment and connection
The 5th France–South Africa Business Forum will bring together senior government representatives, business leaders, investors, development finance institutions and industry experts from both countries.
Across two days, the programme will explore South Africa’s investment landscape and opportunities in sectors including investment, governance, logistics, water, manufacturing, digitalisation and the green economy.
Attendees can expect keynote addresses, executive roundtables, technical workshops, an Innovation Contest, B2B meetings and high-level networking sessions, providing opportunities to gain insights, meet potential partners and build connections across the French and South African business communities.
For companies looking to increase their visibility and engagement at the Forum, Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum and tailor-made sponsorship packages are available. These offer opportunities including branding, speaking engagements, exhibition space, B2B matchmaking and networking with key decision-makers.
From business dialogue to creating connections
The Forum will conclude on the evening of 30 September with the Annual France–South Africa Gala Dinner, bringing together more than 300 business and institutional leaders.
Last year’s Gala Dinner demonstrated the strength of the network that exists between French and South African companies, clients, suppliers and business partners. This year’s dinner will once again provide an opportunity to step away from the formal business programme and continue conversations in a social setting.
For companies operating in South Africa, the Gala Dinner is also an opportunity to invite key clients, suppliers and partners to be part of the wider French–South African business community. With representatives from companies across sectors, the evening offers a chance to strengthen existing relationships, make new connections and showcase the contribution of French business to the South African economy.
Be part of the next chapter
From the Investment Week in Paris in 2025 to President Ramaphosa’s visit to France in 2026, the France–South Africa business relationship continues to evolve.
The 5th France–South Africa Business ForumandAnnual Gala Dinner offer an opportunity to be part of that next chapter. Whether the objective is to understand new investment opportunities, meet potential business partners, engage with decision-makers or strengthen existing relationships, 29 and 30 September in Johannesburg are an opportunity to connect with the businesses and institutions shaping the future of the relationship.
FSACCI invites the French and South African business communities to join us in Johannesburg for two days of business dialogue, B2B engagement, networking and new opportunities.
Pre-register for the Business Forum and make sure to get your Gala Dinner tickets!
