On March 24, 2026, the city of Apeldoorn, in the eastern Netherlands, hosted a major business forum organized under the auspices of His Excellency Vusi Madonsela, Ambassador of South Africa. The event brought together a large and distinguished audience, reflecting growing interest in strengthening bilateral economic relations.
The fully packed venue gathered investors, development financiers, business leaders, and delegations from South Africa. Representatives from the Ministries of Trade and Industry, Foreign Affairs, investment promotion agencies, as well as Dutch authorities, were also in attendance. This strong mobilization underscored the shared commitment to consolidating a strategic partnership between the two nations.
The success of the forum also owes much to the dedication of Mr. Mark Agterrdenbosch and his team, particularly within SABA and SANEC, whose efforts helped create a dynamic and constructive platform for dialogue and exchange.
In his address, Ambassador Vusi Madonsela demonstrated a high level of expertise in economic diplomacy, highlighting South Africa’s pivotal role in trade relations with the European Union. He clearly outlined investment and cooperation opportunities while emphasizing the strength and resilience of existing economic ties.
Figures presented during the forum confirmed this positive momentum. Bilateral trade between South Africa and the Netherlands is estimated at between €6 and €8 billion. Dutch foreign direct investment (FDI) stock in South Africa ranges from €40 to €60 billion, while South African investments in the Netherlands remain relatively modest, pointing to significant growth potential.
South African exports to the Netherlands, valued at €4.2 billion, mainly consist of minerals, vehicles and automotive products, agricultural goods, and metals. In turn, Dutch exports to South Africa amount to between €2.5 and €4 billion, covering machinery, pharmaceuticals, medical equipment, electrical goods, food products, and energy-related items.
Beyond the figures, the forum above all strengthened human and institutional ties, paving the way for new avenues of cooperation. It also reaffirmed South Africa’s strategic position as a key partner for Europe and highlighted the Netherlands’ role as a commercial gateway to the European continent.
Pae Lokombe NkaluluEditor-in-Chief, Afriqu’Europe Magazine
