As world economies continue to grow in interconnectedness with the passage of time, South Africa is proving to be an economy that has gained global attention and trust across industries (sports, CCI, tourism, commodities, etc.). From being the first African country to host the Fifa World Cup, to the G20 and now the WEF Spring Meeting, as a founding member of the BRICS alliance, the country’s influence has gradually grown making it an emerging global powerhouse to be on the lookout for.

While South Africa continues to prove itself as an emerging power, concerns still remain amongst investors concerning transparency in institutions. In order for the country to surpass the potential currently exhibited, strong institutions are crucial to making it an attractive economy for foreign investment.

Investing in South Africa opens the door for expanding business across the region, a strategy adopted by local and international entreprises (Shoprite, MTN, FNB, Mr Price Group, Woolworths, etc.).

• Finance & Investment : Raising capital between Paris & Johannesburg
  As the economic hearts of France and South Africa, the Paris and Johannesburg metropoles are strategic partnerships to invest in as the global order of the world shifts more drastically (American tariffs, Brexit). Building bridges between the financial regulators of Paris and Johannesburg ultimately facilitates investment flows between these local and regional hubs.
  
• Water, Sanitation & Waste
  Beyond “Shedding”: Investing in Resilient Water and Sanitation Infrastructure between France and South Africa.
  
• Industry & Economic Sovereignty : Towards an Optimised, Automated & Frictionless Industry “Made in South Africa for Africa”
  The COVID-19 crisis served as a wake-up call for leading economies, highlighting the critical role of reindustrialisation in achieving economic sovereignty. In response, both South Africa and France have launched initiatives across key sectors such as textiles, medical devices, mining, and automotive to strengthen local production and resilience. At the same time, new technologies—driven by optimisation, automation, and digitalisation—are transforming industrial processes. These innovations enhance safety, increase efficiency, improve revenue generation, and streamline operations, paving the way toward a more frictionless industry. What are the key challenges in combining reindustrialisation with technological transformation, and what lessons can South Africa and France learn from each other?
  

• Creating an Enabling Environment for Investment in South Africa
  Overcoming visa constraints, B-BBEE challenges, and security concerns as barriers to sustainable investment.
  
• Future‑Ready Corridors: Ports, Rail & Intelligent Supply Chains
  Could South Africa be a new trade route in troubled times? The country’s strategic location between the Atlantic and Indian Ocean makes it an attractive option when tensions at the northern straits flare.
  
• Upskilling South African Youth: How to Ensure Job Readiness in Technical Fields
  France and South Africa’s academic quality is not to be proven. However, like most developed economies, scientific courses are neglected as well as practical training. What are the tools available to ensure job readiness ? What strategies were implemented in rising industrial countries to encourage youth to choose those career paths?
  
• Decarbonising at the Right Cost: Balancing Environmental Ambition & Economic Viability
  As global markets—particularly in Europe—advance toward stricter low‑carbon requirements, South African industries face growing pressure to adapt without compromising their competitiveness. This session will explore how to reduce carbon intensity through pragmatic, cost-effective solutions, ensuring that the transition to a greener economy remains both sustainable and economically viable.

18.00 | Team France Gala Dinner 2026 & South African dignitaries

Deadline for registration: Thursday 24 September 2026 – 6:00 PM (UTC+2)

Price: 
FSACCI Member – Individual: R2,150 per person | Table of 10: R20,000
Non-Member – Individual: R2,900 per person

Reserve your place HERE !