Deputy President Mashatile pays a courtesy call on President Emmanuel Macron in France

Deputy President Shipokosa Paulus Mashatile has today, Wednesday 22 May 2025, paid a courtesy call on the President of the French Republic, His Excellency Emmanuel Macron at his residence, Palais de I’Élysee. 

The Deputy President was accompanied by Ministers, Deputy Ministers and business leaders from South Africa and France. The meeting followed a successful investment conference where commitments were made to upscale trade relations between the two countries. 

South Africa remains committed to a global trade and investment environment that aims for sustainable and impactful global economic growth, despite the geopolitical challenges.

The meeting with President Macron focused on strengthening trade and diplomatic cooperation as well as cooperation in multilateral fora. The importance of economic cooperation between the two countries is about bridging the gap between the south and north, thereby creating a trade equilibrium. 

During the meeting, the Deputy President indicated that the presence of over 400 French companies employing over 65 000 South Africans is a testimony to the value proposition that South Africa offers. 

However, the Deputy President noted that in the past 2 years, there has been a decline in bilateral trade, underpinned by a decline in both imports and exports. Therefore, it was prudent that South Africa intensify efforts to increase bilateral trade through business-to-business engagements.

The inaugural SA-France Investment Conference is then viewed as a step in the right direction to expand on existing cooperation and identify new areas of cooperation with a specific focus on trade and investment. The Conference will continue on a biennial basis to further take stock of established partnerships and explore other areas of cooperation. 

In response, President Macron welcomed the Deputy President and his delegation and appreciated the decision of South Africa to strengthen trade and bilateral relations. He reiterated the commitment for France and South Africa to continue to work together in various multilateral platforms for diplomacy and peace. President Macron also confirmed that he will be coming to South Africa to attend the G20.

In conclusion, the two leaders agreed that this engagement will further cement the bonds between the business sectors in South Africa and France and further unlock more potential investments.


Media enquiries: Mr Keith Khoza, Acting Spokesperson to the Deputy President at +27 66 195 8840

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria