Keynote Address by Deputy President Paul Mashatile France-South Africa Investment Conference, Paris | 21 May 2025 1. South Africa as an Economic Hub Deputy President Mashatile emphasized South Africa’s role as a strategic gateway for investment and trade in Africa, underpinned by a robust bilateral relationship with France spanning energy, infrastructure, ICT, and mining . He highlighted sectors like lithium mining—a critical resource for the green economy—as a priority for foreign direct investment (FDI) and public-private partnerships (PPPs) . 2. Digital Transformation and Green Economy The conference theme, "A Partnership for Mutual Prosperity", underscored collaboration in digital innovation and renewable energy transitions, aligning with France’s Just Energy Transition Partnership (JET-P) to decarbonize South Africa’s energy mix . Mashatile noted France’s support for initiatives like the Team Europe Manufacturing African Vaccines (MAV+), linking healthcare and industrial growth . 3. Logistics and Infrastructure Development With Gautrain’s success as a model, South Africa seeks French expertise in transport and logistics to enhance regional connectivity . The Deputy President called for investments in port and rail infrastructure to bolster intra-African trade . 4. Addressing Global Challenges Mashatile stressed the urgency of tackling inequality, poverty, and climate change through multilateral cooperation, referencing South Africa’s G20 presidency and alignment with the UN Charter’s principles . He reiterated support for a negotiated resolution to the Ukraine conflict and highlighted South Africa’s ICJ case against Israel, advocating for a two-state solution . 5. Strengthening Collaboration - Skills Development: France’s scholarships for South African students and joint technical agreements on labor were praised as steps to bridge skills gaps . - Healthcare: Partnerships with French firms like Sanofi were welcomed to address healthcare challenges and local vaccine production . - Policy Certainty: Mashatile assured investors of South Africa’s commitment to stable policies, citing the Mzansi Golden Economy (a cultural-economic framework he developed as Arts Minister) as proof of transformative governance . Closing Remarks The Deputy President expressed gratitude to MEDEF International for facilitating business dialogues and urged French companies to leverage South Africa’s "abundant opportunities" amid global shifts . South Africa is OPEN for business.