President Cyril Ramaphosa will undertake an Official Visit to France from 10-12 July, where he is expected to hold bilateral talks with French President Emmanuel Macron.
President Ramaphosa will also participate in high-level education discussions at UNESCO, engage French business leaders, and attend the 110th Commemoration of the Battle of Delville Wood.
The visit will include discussions between President Ramaphosa and President Macron, as well as bilateral engagements between senior members of the South African and French governments aimed at strengthening the longstanding partnership between the two countries.
On Friday, the President will, at the invitation of UNESCO Director-General Professor Khaled El-Enany, co-chair the Leaders' Meeting of the UNESCO High-Level Steering Committee (HLSC) on Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG 4) on Quality Education.
South Africa's appointment as Co-Chair of the High-Level Steering Committee underscores the country's growing leadership role in global education governance and reflects the international community's confidence in South Africa's contribution to advancing inclusive, equitable and quality education for all.
The meeting is expected to provide strategic political direction on strengthening resilient education systems and endorse priorities for the global education agenda for 2026–2027.
Discussions will focus on strengthening the teaching profession, advancing foundational and lifelong learning, promoting inclusive digital transformation, and ensuring sustainable financing for education.
Following the meeting, President Ramaphosa will participate in the Transforming Education Summit +4 (TES+4) Stocktake, convened by UNESCO and the United Nations to assess global progress made since the 2022 Transforming Education Summit and identify priority actions required to accelerate the achievement of SDG 4 by 2030.
According to the Presidency, the President's participation will reinforce South Africa's commitment to strengthening education systems, promoting skills development, expanding opportunities for young people, and ensuring policy coherence between South Africa's G20 Presidency priorities and the global education agenda.
President Ramaphosa will also meet President Macron on Friday before attending a dinner hosted by the French leader. On Saturday, he is scheduled to hold discussions with French business leaders.
The Presidency said relations between South Africa and France remain comprehensive and productive, underpinned by cooperation across sectors including energy, science and technology, defence, trade and investment, arts and culture, tourism, higher education and training, and health.
France is one of South Africa's key economic partners. In 2025, direct bilateral trade between the two countries grew by 7.7% to approximately $2.719 billion, with South African exports to France increasing by 42.2% to about $790 million.
French companies have also invested more than $7 billion in South Africa since 2003, creating nearly 16 000 jobs across sectors such as renewable energy, business services, transport, communications and information technology.
On Sunday, President Ramaphosa will travel to Longueval in northern France to attend the 110th Commemoration of the Battle of Delville Wood at the South African National Memorial.
The commemoration honours the courage and sacrifice of South African soldiers who fought during the Battle of Delville Wood in July 1916, one of the most significant battles involving South African forces during the First World War.
The ceremony will include the laying of wreaths in remembrance of those who lost their lives in service of their country, as well as the unveiling of a UNESCO plaque recognising the historical significance of the memorial.
President Ramaphosa will be accompanied by First Lady, Dr Tshepo Motsepe, Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ronald Lamola, Minister of Defence and Military Veterans, Angie Motshekga, Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure, Dean MacPherson, Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Gayton McKenzie, Minister of Higher Education and Training, Buti Manamela, and senior government officials. – SAnews.gov.za
