President Ursula von der Leyen, together with President António Costa, will attend the EU-South Africa Summit in Cape Town on March 13, marking the first since 2018. This Summit aims to reaffirm Europes commitment to its unique partnership with South Africa, strengthen strategic ties, and tackle global challenges. It also supports South Africas G20 presidency and prepares for the EU-African Union Summit later this year.
President von der Leyen emphasized the importance of strong partnerships in a shifting geopolitical landscape: “My goal in Cape Town is to strengthen our unique relationship with South Africa by enhancing cooperation in trade, raw materials, and clean energy, bringing new investments under the Global Gateway initiative.”
The EU and South Africa will explore ways to enhance trade and investment, focusing on clean technology and sustainable supply chains. President von der Leyen will discuss advancing this relationship through new trade deals, concentrating on investment, clean energy, skills, and technology.
At the Summit, President von der Leyen will announce an EU “Global Gateway Investment Package” with South Africa, promoting investments through grants and loans. The package aligns with shared priorities like green hydrogen projects, infrastructure connectivity, and vaccine production capacity.
The Joint Research Centre and South African Nuclear Medicine Research Infrastructure will sign a collaboration agreement to accelerate cancer diagnosis and treatment in South African hospitals.
Background
The EU is South Africas largest trading partner and investor, with a strategic partnership established in 2007. Together, they address sustainable development goals through science, technology, and innovation collaboration. EU funding to South Africa exceeds €3 billion, supporting various sectors.
More info on Global Gateway
Partnership with South Africa
Delegation of the European Union to the Republic of South Africa
Bilateral cooperation with South Africa
More info on the EPA
EPA SADC - Southern African Development Community | Access2Markets
EU trade relations with South Africa
The EU stands as South Africas leading trade partner, offering a more diversified and balanced exchange than with any other global market – factsheet.