Berlin— South Africa and Germany have agreed to upgrade their bilateral relations to a Strategic Partnership following the 12th meeting of the German-South African Bi-National Commission (BNC) in Berlin.
The gathering, which marked the 30th anniversary of the BNC, brought together Foreign Ministers Ronald Lamola and Thorsten Frei Wadephul to discuss cooperation on global governance, peace and security, and economic development.
The ministers signed a Joint Action Plan outlining expanded collaboration across energy, climate, trade, health, science, and education.
Germany announced a new €200 million concessional loan to support South Africa’s Just Energy Transition Partnership, alongside technical assistance to accelerate renewable energy and grid investments.
Additional commitments included €270 million in German and EU funding for green hydrogen and battery value chains under the Global Gateway framework.
Other key outcomes included:
- Enhanced cooperation on vaccine production and pharmaceutical innovation to strengthen regional health security.
- New initiatives in artificial intelligence, quantum research, and cybersecurity as part of a deepened science and technology partnership.
- Joint efforts to mobilise private capital for peace-positive investments in Africa, with discussions on establishing a regional secretariat in South Africa.
- Expanded collaboration in arts, culture, and education, including school partnerships and museum projects.
- Intensified trade and investment dialogue, with quarterly consultations to address regulatory barriers and improve investor conditions.
- Strengthened cooperation on agriculture, particularly in combating foot-and-mouth disease.
- Broader vocational training programs to boost youth employment and skills development.
The meeting also reaffirmed both countries’ commitment to democracy, human rights, and a rules-based international order.
The BNC, established in 1996 by Nelson Mandela and Helmut Kohl, has served as the cornerstone of bilateral relations for three decades.
This year’s session coincided with South Africa’s 32nd year as a post-apartheid democracy and came 37 years after the fall of the Berlin Wall.
