President Ramaphosa to undertake Official Visit to France

President Cyril Ramaphosa will undertake an Official Visit to the French Republic from 10 to 12 July 2026 that will include discussions between President Ramaphosa and host President Emmanuel Macron, as well as bilateral engagements between senior members of the two governments.

President Ramaphosa is scheduled to co-chair high-level engagements at the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) Headquarters in Paris.

President Ramaphosa will also attend the 110th Commemoration of the Battle of Delville Wood in Longueval.

On Friday, 10 July 2026, President Ramaphosa will, at the invitation of UNESCO Director-General Professor Khaled El-Enany, co-chair the Leaders' Meeting of the UNESCO High-Level Steering Committee (HLSC) on Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG 4) on Quality Education. 

South Africa's appointment as Co-Chair of the High-Level Steering Committee underscores the country's growing leadership role in global education governance and reflects the international community's confidence in South Africa's contribution to advancing inclusive, equitable and quality education for all.

The Leaders' Meeting will provide strategic political direction on strengthening resilient education systems and is expected to endorse priorities for the global education agenda for the 2026–2027 period. 

Discussions will focus on strengthening the teaching profession, advancing foundational and lifelong learning, promoting inclusive digital transformation, and ensuring sustainable financing for education.

Following the High-Level Steering Committee meeting, President Ramaphosa will participate in the Transforming Education Summit +4 (TES+4) Stocktake. Convened by UNESCO and the United Nations, the Summit will assess global progress made since the 2022 Transforming Education Summit and identify priority actions required to accelerate the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal 4 by 2030.

The President's participation will reinforce South Africa's commitment to strengthening education systems, promoting skills development, expanding opportunities for young people, and ensuring policy coherence between South Africa's G20 Presidency priorities and the global education agenda.

On Friday, 10 July 2026, President Ramaphosa will also meet with President Macron and attend a dinner hosted by President Macron. On Saturday, 11 July, President Ramaphosa will hold discussions with French business leaders.

Relations between South Africa and France remain of a comprehensive and productive nature and are underpinned by strong cooperation at national, regional, and multilateral levels across a multitude of sectors. South Africa-France relations include cooperation on a wide range of sectors including Energy cooperation; Science and Technology; Defence cooperation; Trade and Investment; Cooperation in the fields of Arts and Culture; Tourism; Higher Education and Training, and Health. 

Cooperation in multilateral bodies and institutions remains fruitful with robust dialogue on several issues, including climate change and the environment. France has also shown a keen interest in the South African perspective on international and regional peace and security issues.

On Sunday, 12 July 2026, President Ramaphosa will travel to Longueval in northern France to attend the 110th Commemoration of the Battle of Delville Wood at the South African National Memorial.

The commemoration honours the courage and sacrifice of South African soldiers who fought during the Battle of Delville Wood in July 1916, one of the most significant battles involving South African forces during the First World War.

The ceremony will include laying of wreaths in remembrance of those who lost their lives in service of their country, as well as the unveiling of a UNESCO plaque recognising the historical significance of the memorial.

President Ramaphosa will be accompanied by the First Lady, Dr Tshepo Motsepe; the Minister of International Relations, Ronald Lamola; the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans, Angie Motshekga; the Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure, Dean MacPherson; the Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Gayton MacKenzie; the Minister of Higher Education and Training, Buti Manamela; and senior Government officials.

Media enquiries: Vincent Magwenya, Spokesperson to the President - media@presidency.gov.za

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria