French Investment in South Africa: Building on a Long-Term Partnership
French companies have been investing and operating in South Africa for decades, building a business presence that extends well beyond financial investment. Since 2019, French companies have invested R166 billion (€8.5 billion) and employ more than 80,000 people in South Africa.
Today, France remains an important investment partner for South Africa, with companies contributing to employment, skills development, manufacturing and local supplier networks.
Why South Africa?
South Africa offers French investors a combination of economic diversity, institutional stability and regional access.
As one of Africa's most diversified economies, South Africa has a strong presence across manufacturing, services, mining, agriculture and other industries. Its established legal and regulatory framework, including an independent judiciary, provides an important foundation for long-term investment.
The country also serves as an economic hub for southern Africa, offering French companies opportunities to develop their activities beyond the South African market.
Investment with a local footprint
French investment in South Africa is increasingly reflected in local operations and productive capacity. French companies have established manufacturing plants and factories in the country, rather than focusing solely on assembly or importing finished products.
This creates value through employment, supplier development and skills transfer. Approximately 99.5% of employees working for French companies in South Africa are South African, highlighting the extent to which these businesses are integrated into the local economy.
Skills development is also an important part of this contribution. French companies invest in developing employees' competencies and creating opportunities for professional progression, while working to strengthen local supplier networks.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, French companies also sought solutions to limit retrenchments and maintain operations and trade wherever possible, demonstrating the long-term nature of their commitment to the South African market.
Opportunities for the years ahead
South Africa's current priorities create opportunities for further French investment and cooperation.
The 2026 State of the Nation Address placed infrastructure, energy, industrial development, skills and job creation among the priorities for strengthening economic growth. These areas also align with areas where French companies have established expertise and experience.
Infrastructure investment, the energy transition, manufacturing and the development of local skills and supply chains all offer opportunities to deepen the economic relationship between France and South Africa.
Challenges remain, particularly around the shortage of technical skills and the ability to attract scarce international skills when they are not available locally. Continued investment in training and skills development, alongside an effective visa environment, will therefore be important to supporting future investment.
Current opportunities
French investment in South Africa is already well established, but there is scope to build on this foundation.
The 5th France–South Africa Business Forum, taking place in Johannesburg on 29–30 September 2026, will bring together business leaders, investors and institutional stakeholders to explore opportunities for greater cooperation between the two markets.
As the Forum approaches, FSACCI will look more closely at the sectors where French companies are already contributing to South Africa's economy and where new opportunities for investment and partnership are emerging.
Join us at the France–South Africa Business Forum to be part of the conversation and explore the next chapter of the France–South Africa economic relationship.
