French economic players in South Africa [fr]
In 2019, France ranks 11th among foreign investors in South Africa regarding the stock of FDI (Foreign Direct Investments), around €1.8 billion. 370 French companies’ subsidiaries are based in South Africa – including most of the major CAC40 firms. They are present in many sectors and employ more than 65,000 people. The French companies in South Africa drive emblematic projects in railways, water and waste management solutions, renewable energies and nuclear power.
The French presence is extremely significant into the local economy development. First of all, France, through the French Tech initiative, carries out the development of the start-ups’ ecosystem in South Africa. The support of the French-South African Tech community and incubators enables the growth of high-potential economic activities. Moreover, numerous global firms are involved in vocational training programs (i.e. Schneider Electric, Leroy Merlin, etc.) and foster local populations’ employment in their business (i.e. Alstom).
The Regional Department of Economic Affairs
The Regional Department of Economic Affairs follows up the economic and business environments in South Africa and Southern African countries – Angola, Botswana, eSwatini, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Zambia and Zimbabwe. By consolidating and promoting economic, financial and commercial relationship with southern African countries, it contributes to the development of trade and investment.
Contact:
Address: French Embassy - 250 Melk Street New Meuckleneuk - 0181 Pretoria
Phone: +27 012 425 1770
Fax: 0027 012.425.1779
E-mail: pretoria@dgtresor.gouv.fr
More information:
- South africa: https://www.tresor.economie.gouv.fr/Pays/ZA
- Lesotho: https://www.tresor.economie.gouv.fr/Pays/LS
- Malawi: https://www.tresor.economie.gouv.fr/Pays/MW
The French Trade Commission - Business France office
Business France is the national agency supporting the international development of the French economy, responsible for fostering export growth by French businesses, as well as promoting and facilitating international investment in France.
It promotes France’s companies, business image and nationwide attractiveness as an investment location, and also runs the V.I.E international internship program.
Founded on January 1, 2015 through a merger between UBIFRANCE and the Invest in France Agency, Business France has 1,500 personnel, both in France and in 70 countries throughout the world, who work with a network of public- and private-sector partners.
The French Trade Commission Business France office in South Africa (Johannesburg) is divided into 5 departments:
Consumer goods and healthcare
Infrastructure, transport, industries
Agriculture and food industries (Agrotech)
ICT & Services
Invest in France
The French Trade Commission Business France office is based in Sandton, Johannesburg and has 15 employees:
Director/Commercial Advisor, Marc Cagnard
Head of the Industry & Cleantech Cluster, Stefane Leny
Head of the Tech & Services Department - Market Access - Art of Living - Health & Special Events, Blandine Aigron
Export Advisor, Agriculture & Food, Maeva Royo
Investment Business Manager, Nicole Blasyk
Contact:
Physical Address: WeWork Building, 155 West Street, Sandown, Sandton 2031, Johannesburg
Postal address: PO BOX 651048 - BENMORE 2010
Telephone: 0027 (0)11 303 7150
Trading hours:
Mon.-Thu. 8h30-12h30/ 13h15-17h15
Fri. 8h30-12h30 / 13h00-15h00
For further information, please visit Business France’s website
E-mail: johannesburg@businessfrance.fr
French South African Chamber of Commerce & Industry (FSACCI)
The French South African Chamber of Commerce and & Industry (FSACCI) is a member-based and member-driven business platform. Through value-add and intentional support, FSACCI has become the proud facilitators of more than 200 companies and organisations. The network is engaged, active and evenly represented by French and South African multinationals, SMEs and entrepreneurs. The Chamber has fostered effective business support for more than 40 years and continues to adapt and transform to the needs of their community whilst ensuring that the reciprocal trade between France and South Africa flourishes.
Contact:
Address: Block A, Inanda Business Park, 98 Albertyn Ave, Sandton, Johannesburg.
Phone: +27 (0)14 940 0083
E-mail : fsacci@fsacci.co.za
Internet website : https://www.fsacci.com
Social networks: Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook.