From April 14 to 16, 2025, Business France showcased French expertise at the Cyber, Defense, and Security 2025 forum in Pretoria, South Africa. Organized by Business France in collaboration with the Partnerships Office of the Directorate of International Security Cooperation (DCIS), French Ministry of the Interior, the Internal Security Service, and the French Embassy in South Africa, Lesotho, and Malawi, the forum brought together representatives from South Africa, Angola, Botswana, Lesotho, Malawi, and Namibia. The French Ambassador hosted a cocktail event at his residence and delivered a speech emphasizing the importance of the forum.

The Cyber, Defense, and Security 2025 forum highlighted Southern Africa’s strategic importance in the cyber, defense, and security sectors. The region’s advanced industries and growing cybersecurity needs offer substantial opportunities for investment and collaboration.

Importance of Security and Defence

Regional Stability: Southern Africa faces various security challenges, including armed conflict, political crises, and cross-border crime. Cooperation helps address these issues collectively, promoting regional stability.

Economic Development: Stability is essential for economic growth. By ensuring a secure environment, countries can attract investment, boost trade, and improve living standards. 

Shared Security Threats: Many security threats, such as terrorism and organized crime, are transnational. Collaborative efforts enable countries to effectively combat these threats. 

Opportunities for French Companies in Southern Africa Based on SADC Strategies

Given the region’s security challenges and SADC’s strategic initiatives, the forum highlighted numerous opportunities for French companies to collaborate with Southern African countries both on a national level and within the Southern African Development Community (SADC) framework. French companies can support SADC’s crucial role in promoting peace and security through initiatives like the Protocol on Politics, Defense, and Security Cooperation.

Security and Defense:

• Airbus Helicopters: Offering advanced aviation solutions, including helicopters for law enforcement, search and rescue, and anti-poaching operations, in line with SADC’s Regional Law Enforcement and Anti-Poaching Strategy.
• Arquus: Providing modern armored vehicles and combat systems for peacekeeping missions, border security, and counter-terrorism operations, supporting the SADC Protocol on Politics, Defense, and Security Cooperation.
• MBDA: Supplying complex weapon systems, including missiles and air defense solutions, to strengthen defense infrastructure and improve responses to regional security threats, in line with the Common SADC Defense and Security Policy.

Cybersecurity:

• Gatewatcher: Offering advanced cybersecurity solutions, including network detection and response platforms, to protect critical infrastructure from cyber threats and enhance overall cybersecurity posture.
• Oppscience: Providing intelligence analysis management systems to transform large volumes of data into actionable insights, supporting government agencies and enterprises in making informed decisions, aligning with the objectives of the Regional Early Warning Centre (REWC).

Infrastructure Development:

• Naval Group and Exail: Specializing in naval defense, offering design, development, and construction of naval vessels to enhance maritime security and protect sea routes from piracy and illegal activities, supporting SADC’s Maritime Security Strategy.
• Eutelsat OneWeb: Delivering satellite internet solutions to improve connectivity in remote areas, supporting education, healthcare, and economic development, contributing to the socio-economic development goals of the Harmonized Strategic Indicative Plan for the Organ (SIPO II).

Training and Development:

• Defense Conseil International (DCI): Supporting the capability development of international armed and security forces through training and consulting services, enhancing the skills of Southern African defense personnel, supporting the Organ on Politics, Defence, and Security Cooperation.
• Block’Axess: Specializing in surveillance and security solutions for public events and sensitive areas, enhancing public safety and managing large gatherings effectively, aligning with the Regional Law Enforcement and Anti-Poaching Strategy.
• Codra: Manufacturing SCADA systems and data historians to support the management of utilities, transportation, and industrial processes, ensuring the security and reliability of essential services, aligning with the Regional Disaster Preparedness and Response Strategy.

Strengthening Ties: South Africa and France’s Growing Partnership

Over the past decade, the relationship between South Africa and France has flourished, marked by increased economic cooperation, cultural exchanges, and strategic partnerships. Diplomatic ties have significantly strengthened since the normalization of relations post-apartheid. In recent years, both nations have collaborated closely on trade, defense, and cultural initiatives. France has become one of South Africa’s key trading partners, with French companies investing heavily in the South African economy. This partnership has been mutually beneficial, fostering economic growth and development in both countries. This deepening bond is set to reach new heights with the upcoming Investment Conference in Paris.

Investment Conference in Paris

The South African Embassy in Paris, in collaboration with the Office of the Deputy President of South Africa, Mr. Paul Mashatile, will host an Investment Conference from May 20 to 22, 2025. This event aims to deepen economic relations between South Africa and France, highlighting a wide range of investment opportunities in South Africa. The conference will feature sectoral and cross-cutting thematic workshops, networking opportunities, and business meetings between nearly 250 French companies and approximately 60 South African companies.

The relationship between South Africa and France has never been stronger. The upcoming Investment Conference in Paris is a reflection of the commitment of both nations to deepen their economic ties and explore new avenues for collaboration. French companies have a unique opportunity to leverage their expertise and contribute to the development and security of South Africa, particularly with the upcoming G20 summit.