Gauteng MEC for Economic Development, Agriculture and Rural Development, Vuyiswa Ramokgopa says South Africa’s relationship with Europe rests on strong economic cooperation and trade agreements in various sectors.
Speaking at the summit of The European House Embrosetti (TEHA) CEO Dialogue in Johannesburg, Ramokgopa stressed that the country must ensure the ease of doing business by addressing regulatory constraints, ensuring safety and security and the availability of skills.
TEHA and the Gauteng Growth and Development Agency (GGDA) have signed a three-year partnership renewal to support private investment into Gauteng and the wider Southern African region.
“The clean trade and investment partnership is a good example. It focuses on renewable energy, clean fuel, electricity, critical minerals value chains and climate change technologies. These are areas where Gauteng has the engineering skills, financial services and industrial base to deliver. At the same time, we must be candid. Europe’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism has entered its definitive phase this year, which means that carbon measurements and access to clean energy increasingly determine whether our exports can compete. Climate rules must come with finance, technology and realistic transition pathways. Otherwise, they risk becoming barriers to industrialisation.”
Southern Africa’s economic future depends on how well we work together. Stronger regional partnerships, trade and infrastructure investment can help build more resilient and competitive economies. #GrowingGautengTogether https://t.co/nGASFyK1S8
— Vuyiswa Ramokgopa (@VuyiswaRamokgop) November 12, 2026
#CEOSA26 The final panel of the first day at the TEHA CEO Dialogue on Southern Africa was dedicated to “Advancing ports, railways, and strategic infrastructure”.
Our thanks to the panelists:
– Avhapfani Tshifularo (CEO, @FuelsIndustryZA)
– Russell Baatjies (CEO, @follow_transnet)
– Tshepo Kgobe (CEO, Gautrain Management Agency @TheGautrain)
– Mameetse Masemola (Head, @infraSA_)
– Tristan Le Masne (Managing Director Southern Africa, @Alstom)— The European House – Ambrosetti (@Ambrosetti_) November 12, 2026