Main results
The eighth summit between the leaders of the EU and South Africa took place in Cape Town, South Africa, on 13 March.
The President of the European Council, António Costa, together with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, represented the EU. South Africa was represented by President Cyril Ramaphosa.
"The European Union and South Africa are not just partners, we are strategic allies, bound by shared values of democracy, human rights, rule of law, and multilateralism. Our partnership delivers real benefits to our citizens, our economies, and the world."- President António Costa
The summit was an opportunity to intensify the EU’s partnership with South Africa, which is a strategic partner for the EU in a challenging context of rising populism and geopolitical instability.
The leaders to tackle the most pressing global and regional issues. They also discussed how to further EU-South Africa cooperation in a wide range of sectors.
The leaders issued a joint declaration at the end of the summit.
Multilateral cooperation
"In the face of this challenging political and socio-economic environment, we underscored our belief in the principle of multilateral cooperation to collectively address shared challenges."- EU-South Africa summit declaration
Against the backdrop of rising geopolitical instability and heightened uncertainty, EU and South African leaders expressed their support for a just, comprehensive and lasting peace in the major wars and conflicts around the globe, including in Ukraine and the occupied Palestinian Territories.
They also voiced their concerns about the growing challenges to multilateralism due to rising nationalism and unilateralism, which undermine efforts to tackle shared challenges such as:
- climate change
- trade protectionism
- global pandemics
- rising inequality
- peace and security
- sustainable and inclusive growth
Support for multilateral institutions
Leaders affirmed their unwavering commitment to multilateralism, a consistent approach to the rules-based order, and the centrality of the United Nations Charter.
"We further reaffirmed that all states must act in a manner consistent with the Purposes and Principles of the UN Charter in its entirety, which includes the prohibition on the threat or use of force to seek territorial acquisition against the territorial integrity and sovereignty or political independence of any state."- EU-South Africa summit declaration
They agreed on the need to reform the UN Security Council, by strengthening the voice of underrepresented regions, and the World Trade Organisation, which is facing unprecedented challenges due to the impact of unjustified trade measures and distortive practices.
"We stress the importance of a transparent rules-based multilateral trading system that is non-discriminatory, fair, open, inclusive, equitable, and sustainable, as a necessity to promote economic growth, development, and poverty reduction."- EU-South Africa summit declaration
In response to a deteriorating global and regional security landscape, leaders decided to launch a dedicated peace, security and defence dialogue. This will facilitate a shared understanding of the emerging threats and allow for regular cooperation on related issues.
In order to fight climate change, inequality, and poverty, leaders also reaffirmed their joint commitment to:
- advancing the UN Sustainable Development Goals
- the Paris Agreement, and keeping 1.5°C within reach
- pursuing just transition pathways towards global net zero emissions
- helping developing countries to close the digital gap
The EU expressed support for South Africa's G20 presidency, including its theme of solidarity, equality and sustainable development.
Regional cooperation
Leaders remain committed to the advancement of peace, security and sustainable development in their respective regions.
Guided by the UN charter principles, leaders supported a just and lasting peace in Ukraine, Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and the occupied Palestinian Territories.
African continent
As 2025 marks the 25th anniversary of the EU-African Union partnership, EU and Southern African leaders expressed their full commitment to a vision of an African continent that is peaceful, stable and prosperous.
Leaders supported peace in Sudan, South Sudan, DRC and beyond.
They strongly condemned the violations of international humanitarian law and the abuses of human rights occurring in the eastern DRC. They stressed the importance of bringing to justice the perpetrators of those heinous acts.
Leaders also expressed their concerns about the resurgence of military coups, pre- and post-election violence and the humanitarian needs driven by conflicts, as well as the threat stemming from the rising prevalence of terrorist organisations on the African continent.
A partnership for growth and development
"South Africa and the EU are committed to a partnership that supports economic growth, sustainable development, industrialisation, beneficiation of critical mineral at source, partnerships with local industries and decarbonisation in a manner consistent with their respective needs and concerns at different levels of economic development."- EU-South Africa summit declaration.
Trade figures
South Africa is the EU’s largest trading partner in Sub-Saharan Africa, with €49 billion worth of trade in goods in 2023.
The EU is South Africa’s top source of foreign direct investment, accounting for approximately 47%.
Thanks to he Southern African economic partnership agreement signed in June 2016, the EU has either completely or partially eliminated customs duties on 98.7% of imports from South Africa.
Challenges and opportunities
To strengthen cooperation and boost South Africa and EU’s competitiveness, leaders discussed:
- launching negotiations on a clean trade and investment partnership (CTIP)
- how to facilitate South African exports of electric and hybrid vehicles to the EU market
- existing challenges in trade in animal and plant products
- an export certification node for diamonds in South Africa
Global gateway
The EU announced a global gateway investment package of €4.7 billion, based on three building blocks:
- expanding South African vaccine production and boosting local pharmaceutical value chains
- support for the just energy transition through the development of critical raw materials, safe and sustainable low carbon hydrogen value chains and energy infrastructure
- the connectivity infrastructure, including transport and digital
Critical minerals
Leaders recognised the need to harness critical minerals for sustainable and inclusive growth and development and supported the development of a framework towards clean industrialisation and investments.
They also supported the opening of negotiations between the EU and South Africa with a view to establishing a memorandum of understanding on raw materials between both partners.
Decarbonisation
Leaders agreed to support:
- efforts to triple renewable energy capacity globally and double energy efficiency globally by 2030
- the development of strategic low carbon value chains
They also acknowledged the need to jointly support the production of safe and sustainable low carbon hydrogen and sustainable fuels for the decarbonisation of transport.
Bilateral sectoral cooperation
Leaders noted with appreciation the continued expansion of their bilateral cooperation across various sectors such as trade and investment, health, education and skills, macro-economic policies, environment, defence, peace and security.
Scientific research, innovation and health
Leaders acknowledged the fundamental role of science, technology and innovation for development.
South Africa stressed the value it attaches to its participation in Horizon Europe, the EU's framework programme for research and innovation.
The EU and South Africa agreed to continue to collaborate on health matters.
"We underlined our joint commitment to the African Union goal to produce in Africa over 60% of the vaccines needed for Africa's population."- EU-South Africa summit declaration
Human rights
Leaders welcomed the ongoing collaboration within the human rights dialogue to uphold and advance human rights and democracy globally. They agreed to synergise their positions at the Human Rights Council.
Leaders also concurred that the advancement of gender equality, empowerment of women and girls, elimination of gender-based violence and protection of the rights of children and persons with disabilities, as well the full and equal enjoyment of all human rights by LGBTI persons, are cornerstones of a democratic and inclusive society.
People-to-people contacts
During the summit preparations, both parts decided to continue their ongoing dialogue on visa policy between South Africa and EU member states with a view to:
- fostering people-to-people contacts
- facilitating enhanced interactions for investors and businesses
8th SA-EU Summit Declaration