German and South African Foreign Ministers Discuss Economic Cooperation, Energy Transition and G20 Participation
On 18 September 2024, Dr. Johann Wadephul, a senior member of the German Bundestag and the CDU/CSU foreign‑policy spokesperson, met with Ronald Lamola, Minister of International Relations and Cooperation of South Africa, in Berlin. The talks centred on strengthening bilateral economic ties, advancing a just energy transition, and addressing South Africa’s concerns regarding its role in the G20 process.
Focus on Economic Growth and the Just Energy Transition
Both ministers highlighted the potential for expanded trade and investment between Germany and South Africa, particularly in renewable‑energy technologies, green hydrogen, and sustainable mining. According to the German Federal Foreign Office, bilateral trade reached €12.3 billion in 2023, with German firms being among the top investors in South Africa’s automotive and machinery sectors[1].
Dr. Wadephul stressed Germany’s commitment to supporting South Africa’s shift away from coal‑dependent power generation. He referenced the Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP) announced at COP28, which earmarks €8 billion for South Africa’s renewable‑energy rollout over the next five years[2]. Minister Lamola welcomed the partnership, noting that it aligns with South Africa’s own Integrated Resource Plan 2023, which targets 41 GW of new renewable capacity by 2030[3].
The ministers agreed to establish a joint working group to:
- Identify concrete project pipelines for solar and wind farms in the Northern Cape;
- Facilitate technology transfer for green‑hydrogen production;
- Explore financing mechanisms through the German Development Bank (KfW) and the New Development Bank.
Addressing G20 Participation Concerns
A significant portion of the dialogue focused on South Africa’s recent concerns about being omitted from a G20‑related gathering held in Florida earlier in 2024. Dr. Wadephul responded:
“We will of course be ready to make South Africa’s concerns heard within the framework of the G20 and, above all, I expect that this interruption will not be permanent, but that South Africa
