France and South Africa Held Business Investment Forum
The two-day summit addressed trade obstacles and infrastructure stability for French companies operating in South Africa.
Updated on Sept. 28, 2026 in International Trade
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French and South African officials convened a business forum to discuss investment barriers and long-term economic cooperation. The event focused on technical workshops to improve the enabling environment for the 480 French subsidiaries currently operating in the country.
Why it matters
The forum provides a venue for French investors to navigate local challenges, including municipal service reliability and visa access. Strengthening these ties is vital as South Africa remains France's largest customer in Sub-Saharan Africa.
French companies support over 70,000 jobs in South Africa, with €3.2bn in bilateral trade recorded in 2024. This total includes €1.7bn in French exports and €1.5bn in imports from South Africa.
The players
Leon Schreiber
He is the Minister of Home Affairs who launched the second phase of the trusted employer scheme in July.
Business France
This organization provides guidance and explanations of BEE rules to prospective French investors entering the South African market.
The details
Participants focused on drafting recommendations to streamline business operations and clarify Black Economic Empowerment (BEE) rules. Discussions also highlighted the need for infrastructure stability ahead of upcoming local government elections.
Timeline
September 29-30, 2026: The France-South Africa business forum was held.
July 2026: The second phase of the trusted employer scheme was launched.
March 2026: The 6th South African investment conference took place.
November 4, 2026: Local government elections are scheduled.
2019: The starting point for tracked French investment stock.
Market Dynamics
The forum addresses the complexities of Black Economic Empowerment (BEE) rules for foreign investors. This effort follows a pattern set by established trade frameworks that seek to balance local economic transformation goals with the requirements of international business entities.
The forum provides clarity for stakeholders regarding visa processing and operational infrastructure. These improvements aim to secure the R20.7bn in pledges made by French companies, potentially stabilizing long-term investment portfolios in the region.
The takeaway
Ongoing dialogue between French firms and South African authorities aims to bridge regulatory and infrastructure gaps to maintain strong bilateral trade. Investors should monitor the upcoming November elections for potential shifts in municipal service performance.
What happens next
Local government elections are scheduled to take place across South Africa on November 4, 2026, which will be a key indicator for municipal service stability.
Further reading
Learn more about broader trade trends in the International Trade section.
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Do you trust your local government to provide the stable infrastructure necessary to attract new business?
