Team France Business Excellence Awards 2026: Celebrating Business Impact and Bilateral Growth
The 2026 Team France Gala Dinner will provide more than a networking opportunity following the 5th France–South Africa Business Forum. It will also recognise companies whose work is contributing to South Africa’s economic development and strengthening business ties between France and South Africa.
As part of this year’s Gala Dinner, the Team France Business Excellence Awards, sponsored by Forvis Mazars, will recognise organisations demonstrating meaningful achievements in areas including bilateral business, industrial development, local value creation and skills development.
Three categories recognising business impact
For the 2026 edition, three award categories have been introduced, each reflecting areas that are important to South Africa’s economic development and to the strategic priorities of the France–South Africa relationship.
1. France–South Africa Business Bridge Award
This award recognises a company that has made an outstanding contribution to strengthening business, investment and economic ties between the two countries.
It is open to French companies operating in South Africa, South African companies operating in France, as well as joint ventures and strategic partnerships involving businesses from both countries. The award may recognise companies expanding their presence in the other market or businesses creating new economic opportunities between France and South Africa.
2. Industrialisation & Local Value Creation Award
This category recognises a company making a significant contribution to South Africa’s industrial development through activities such as local manufacturing, localisation, investment, technology transfer and the development of sustainable local value chains.
The judging process will consider areas including industrial expansion, local sourcing, export capability, supply-chain development, infrastructure delivery, operational excellence and technology transfer.
3. Skills Development & Future Talent Award
This award recognises companies making an outstanding and measurable contribution to developing South Africa’s future workforce.
Initiatives considered may include graduate programmes, apprenticeships and learnerships, youth employment, technical and digital skills development, upskilling and reskilling, women in STEM and technical careers, and partnerships with universities and TVET institutions. The transition from training into permanent employment will also be considered.
Nominations close on 21 September
Companies that meet the eligibility requirements are encouraged to submit their nominations by 21 September 2026.
The nomination process has been designed to give the judging panel sufficient evidence to assess each nominee consistently, while avoiding the need for companies to disclose confidential investment amounts. This allows organisations to demonstrate the impact and significance of their initiatives through relevant achievements, outcomes and evidence.
The awards provide an opportunity for companies operating across the France–South Africa business relationship to have their contributions recognised alongside their peers and to highlight the tangible impact of their activities on economic development, industrial capability, skills and bilateral business ties.
Be there for the awards
The awards will be presented at the Team France Gala Dinner on 30 September 2026, which will follow directly after the 5th France–South Africa Business Forum in Johannesburg.
The Gala Dinner will bring the Forum to a close with an evening dedicated to business relationships, recognition and continued engagement across the French and South African business communities.
Companies planning to attend the Forum should therefore also make sure they secure their Gala Dinner tickets and join Team France for an evening celebrating the businesses contributing to the next chapter of the France–South Africa economic partnership.
Submit your award nomination by 21 September 2026 and secure your place at the Team France Gala Dinner.
Submissions and enquiries
Contact: Cynthia Kalenga-Tshimpumpu,
Events & Experience Manager, at events(@)fsacci.com
