Microsoft Word - EU-SA Partnership

This report by the South African Institute of International Affairs analyzes the Strategic Partnership between the European Union (EU) and South Africa, focusing on the second Heads of State meeting held in Cape Town on 11 September 2009. It examines the shift from a development-focused relationship to a high-level political alliance aimed at addressing global issues, trade, and regional stability in Africa.

• The EU-South Africa Strategic Partnership, established in May 2007, represents a shift in the EU's external strategy to engage emerging powers and increase its global political visibility. This approach is guided by the 2003 European Security Strategy (ESS), which seeks to build a network of allies including China, India, Japan, Canada, Brazil, and South Africa.
• The EU is South Africa's primary trade and investment partner. In 2007, the EU accounted for 34.5% of South Africa's exports and 35.8% of its imports. Bilateral trade grew five-fold from R56.5 billion in 1994 to R313 billion in 2007. The EU is also the largest source of overseas development assistance for South Africa, with €980 million earmarked for the 2007-2013 period.
• The partnership has expanded into 13 pillars of discussion. Notable progress includes the EU-SA Energy Dialogue Forum, which focuses on Clean Coal Technology, Carbon Capture and Storage, and Clean and Efficient Energy. In science and technology, South Africa is the fourth largest non-EU participant in the 6th European Framework Programme, supported by over €20 million in EU investment and €30 million in Sector Budget Support funds.
• The 2009 Cape Town Summit resulted in the signing of an amended Trade Development and Co-operation Agreement (TDCA) that adds 35 new chapters of co-operation. Additionally, a new employment creation programme for South Africa was signed, funded by the European Commission (EUR 100-million) and DFID (GBP 18-million).
• The partnership emphasizes the 'African Agenda' and regional integration. The EU supports South Africa's role in the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and continental peace and security. This includes a €1 billion Food Facility established by the EU-Africa partnership to assist developing countries during the global food crisis.
• Significant tensions exist between the EU and South Africa regarding Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) negotiations and EU sanctions against Zimbabwe, which the EU is currently unwilling to reform.

APA

South African Institute of International Affairs (n.d.). Microsoft Word - EU-SA Partnership. https://saiia.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2008/04/eu_sa_partnership.pdf

Chicago

South African Institute of International Affairs. Microsoft Word - EU-SA Partnership. n.d. https://saiia.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2008/04/eu_sa_partnership.pdf.

Wikipedia

{{cite report |author=South African Institute of International Affairs |title=Microsoft Word - EU-SA Partnership |url=https://saiia.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2008/04/eu_sa_partnership.pdf |access-date=17 August 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@techreport{southafricaninstituteofinternationalaffairsndmicrosoft, author = {{South African Institute of International Affairs}}, title = {{Microsoft Word - EU-SA Partnership}}, institution = {South African Institute of International Affairs}, url = {https://saiia.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2008/04/eu_sa_partnership.pdf}, urldate = {2026-08-17}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }