German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier has reaffirmed strong economic ties between Germany and South Africa during his visit to the country. South Africa, Germany’s largest trading partner in sub-Saharan Africa, has attracted over €6.2 billion in German investments, creating close to 100,000 jobs.
Steinmeier toured BMW’s IT hub in Tshwane, a key facility where software is developed for global automotive use. South Africa is home to major production plants for German automakers BMW, Daimler, and Volkswagen, making it the leading automotive production base on the continent.
In talks with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, Steinmeier addressed South Africa’s G20 Presidency, which began in December. He expressed confidence in South Africa’s leadership, noting its role as a vital voice for the global South.
🇿🇦His Excellency President @CyrilRamaphosa hosted a Working Luncheon in honour of His Excellency President Frank-Walter Steinmeier of the Federal Republic of Germany during his working visit at Mahlamba Ndlopfu this afternoon. #GermanyInSA 🇩🇪🇿🇦#BetterAfricaBetterWorld 🌍 pic.twitter.com/JhgbmXupR9
— The Presidency 🇿🇦 (@PresidencyZA) December 13, 2024The German president also met John Steenhuisen, leader of the Democratic Alliance, and visited Freedom Park in Pretoria to explore the country’s historical struggle against apartheid. During the visit, he laid a wreath at the Freedom Flame and spoke with individuals who experienced the apartheid era.
