South Africa

Information about the partnership

Partner country since 2019

Participants in the programme to date: 282 executives

Political partner for the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action: Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (DTIC) of the Republic of South Africa

South Africa’s holds considerable economic potential: the country has large resources of base metals, gold and coal, its own plant manufacturers and a well-established agricultural sector. Compared with other African countries, South Africa also has well-developed infrastructure. The country’s energy generation continues to be dominated by coal. Green technologies are being rolled out only slowly. There is intensive contact with Germany in the context of the national hydrogen strategy. South Africa continues to be Germany’s most important trading partner in Africa, with Germany mainly importing metals, ores, coal and agricultural products. German exports to South Africa are dominated by motorised vehicles and motorised vehicle parts, machinery and chemicals. For several years now, Germany has had a large trade deficit with South Africa.

Partnering in Business with Germany is open to executives from all sectors. The largest group of executives taking part in the programme work in manufacturing and the services sector. The focus is on the areas of mechanical engineering, the food industry, the automotive industry, the healthcare sector, IT, the chemical industry and logistics. The level of interest in the field of renewable energy is growing. In the mining sector, there is demand for security technology and automation.

Since December 2023, programme alumni have been able to join the South African Association of Managers Forum (SAAMF).