Skills, Training and Employment: Investing in People Behind Growth
Investment in infrastructure, energy and industry can only deliver long-term economic value if businesses can access the skills required to operate, maintain and develop these sectors.
Skills development is therefore an important part of the France–South Africa economic relationship. South Africa’s National Skills Development Plan 2030 aims to build a workforce with the competencies required for economic growth, while government has identified digital skills, artificial intelligence, data science and cybersecurity among emerging priorities.
The challenge is significant. South Africa continues to face high youth unemployment, while businesses in technical and emerging sectors need access to specialised skills. In May 2026, the Department of Higher Education and Training called on the private sector to strengthen partnerships supporting the transition from education and training into employment.
France can contribute through vocational training, higher education partnerships, internships, knowledge exchange and links between businesses and training institutions. Academic cooperation is already part of the wider France–Africa relationship, with programmes supporting joint training, mobility and the development of skills aligned with economic priorities.
For businesses, skills development should not be viewed separately from investment. A new manufacturing facility, renewable energy project or logistics operation also creates demand for technicians, engineers, managers, digital specialists and other professionals.
This makes skills a shared business priority. South African companies bring knowledge of local markets and operating environments, while French partners can contribute technical expertise, training models and international experience.
Ahead of the Business Forum, the conversation should therefore include not only where investment can go, but how businesses, education institutions and government can ensure that people are equipped to participate in the opportunities that investment creates. Registrations for companies in South Africa close on 25 September.
Continue the conversation at the Team France Gala Dinner on 30 September - the grande finale to the Business Forum! Buy your tickets here.
Title image generated by FSACCI using AI with OpenAI.
