Infosheet Bulletin: EU-South Africa Cooperation

Download the Infosheet Bulletin: EU-South Africa Cooperation

South Africa is the EU’s leading partner in Sub-Saharan Africa for trade, investment and scientific cooperation. As the first African nation to chair the G20, it holds a key role in shaping global economic governance reform; an agenda also shared and supported by the EU.

This year marks a milestone in Africa-EU relations, with several high-level engagements reinforcing their strategic partnership. After seven years, the EU and South Africa convened a bilateral summit on March 13, 2025, bringing together key leaders, including South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, European Council President António Costa, and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. This summit followed the 16th EU-South Africa Ministerial meeting on February 16, 2025, further strengthening cooperation.

Building on these engagements, this is a pivotal moment to take stock of progress, reaffirm a shared commitment to economic stability and resilience, and lay the groundwork for a more dynamic and mutually beneficial Africa-Europe partnership in this landmark year for AU-EU institutional relations.