The European Union and South Africa pledged to deepen ties at a summit on Thursday, as both face trade tariffs and aid threats from the new U.S. administration.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced a €4.7 billion ($5 billion) investment package, focusing on clean energy and vaccine manufacturing. South African President Cyril Ramaphosa said the global shift toward “unilateralism” and “economic nationalism” made stronger EU-South Africa cooperation essential.
Both parties are adjusting to policy changes from Donald Trump’s government, which has frozen U.S. aid to South Africa and imposed tariffs on EU steel, aluminium, and alcohol. Washington also withdrew from a global climate fund that supported South Africa’s transition to renewable energy.
Von der Leyen reaffirmed the EU’s commitment, stating, “We are doubling down with our support and are here to stay.” She emphasised the EU’s support for a “rules-based international order” and South Africa’s G20 presidency.
The summit also addressed the Ukraine conflict, with President Volodymyr Zelensky expected in South Africa next month.
South Africa remains the EU’s largest trading partner in sub-Saharan Africa, exporting €24 billion in goods in 2023, though the trade balance favours the EU.
