EU Launches €12 Billion South Africa Roadshow to Secure Critical Minerals as China Curbs Exports
Updated
Updated · businessday.co.za · Jun 2
EU Launches €12 Billion South Africa Roadshow to Secure Critical Minerals as China Curbs Exports
3 articles · Updated · businessday.co.za · Jun 2
About 200 companies gathered at Johannesburg’s JSE as the EU opened its first South Africa investment roadshow, seeking to channel €12 billion into critical minerals, green energy and related infrastructure.
The push is meant to build alternative supply chains after China restricted some mineral exports and after Europe’s earlier struggle to cut dependence on Russian energy.
South Africa used the event to press for beneficiation rather than raw-mineral exports, with Trade Minister Parks Tau saying access to its resources should support local processing and industrial development.
EU-backed projects already on the table include a €600 million loan for 1,200MW of green energy and a €1.48 billion Transnet facility to modernize ports and rail.
The roadshow is the first major capital-mobilization effort under the 2025 EU-South Africa Clean Trade and Investment Partnership, building on €46 billion in 2025 bilateral trade.
With Europe now mandating sustainable sourcing, can African mineral projects meet these strict new standards and still attract investment?
Can Africa's demands for local industry truly break its 'resource curse', or will Europe simply look elsewhere for critical minerals?
€2 Billion EU-South Africa Clean Trade and Investment Partnership: Transforming Critical Minerals, Green Energy, and Industrialization (2025-2026)
Overview
The European Union has launched a major investment push in South Africa, marking a shift from traditional aid to a strategic, investment-focused partnership. Announced in 2025-2026, this initiative centers on a €2.08 billion package, including a €600 million loan for green energy and significant funding for infrastructure upgrades. The EU aims to strengthen cooperation, promote fair trade, and support sustainable industry, helping South Africa build economic resilience and move toward a sustainable future. This partnership highlights the EU’s commitment to fostering good working conditions and deeper economic ties with South Africa.