Pretoria: South Africa and Germany have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening their Strategic Partnership, with discussions focusing on expanding economic cooperation, accelerating the Just Energy Transition, and addressing pressing global challenges, including conflicts in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Ukraine, and the Middle East.
According to South African Government News Agency, Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Ronald Lamola hosted Germany's Federal Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Johann Wadephul, on a working visit to South Africa. The two ministers held a private meeting before convening official talks, marking a significant step following the 12th Meeting of the South Africa-Germany Bi-National Commission (BNC) held in Berlin in April 2026. This meeting celebrated 30 years of diplomatic ties, elevating the relationship to a Strategic Partnership with the adoption of a Joint Action Plan.
Lamola highlighted that the discussions aimed to review progress in implementing the Action Plan and identify areas requiring accelerated cooperation. He expressed satisfaction with the engagement, noting the productive review of progress made and agreement on areas necessitating faster action.
Germany remains a crucial trading partner for South Africa in Europe, with bilateral trade valued at approximately R295 billion in 2025. More than 600 German companies operate in South Africa, employing around 100,000 people. Economic cooperation, particularly in expanding trade and investment, critical raw materials, and developing a battery value chain, was a key focus of the discussions.
The ministers also discussed cooperation under the Just Energy Transition Partnership, which supports South Africa's shift towards cleaner energy while addressing social and economic considerations. The partnership also emphasizes cooperation on vocational education and training, directly addressing youth employment challenges.
Strengthening political dialogue is another focus of the Strategic Partnership, with both sides agreeing to institutionalize regular high-level engagements between their foreign ministries. The ministers further agreed to deepen cooperation on strengthening democratic resilience, including efforts to counter disinformation.
Beyond bilateral matters, the talks covered major international developments, including peace and security challenges in Africa, particularly the eastern DRC, the war in Ukraine, and the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. On the Middle East, Lamola reiterated South Africa's position, calling for a ceasefire, humanitarian access, and a political solution based on international law.
As Chair of the Southern African Development Community (SADC), South Africa briefed Germany on regional priorities ahead of the upcoming SADC Summit. These priorities include industrialization, agricultural transformation, the energy transition, and supporting African-led efforts to promote peace and stability.
Lamola also expressed appreciation for Germany's support for an inclusive G20 and its view that the forum should not be diminished. South Africa hosted the first G20 Summit on African soil in 2025 and remains committed to protecting the inclusivity and integrity of the forum.
The South Africa-Germany relationship is managed through the Bi-National Commission, established in 1996 following former President Nelson Mandela's State Visit to Germany. The mechanism consists of eight senior official-level working groups covering key areas of cooperation. Germany is also a major source of foreign direct investment and ranks among South Africa's leading overseas tourism markets.
