Bavarian Minister-President arrived in Cape Town
Dr Markus Söder is visiting South Africa

Dr. Ivan Meyer, Western Cape MEC for Agriculture, Economic Development and Tourism, with Dr. Markus Söder, the Minister-President (Premier) of the Western Cape’s German partner province Bavaria

Delegation

During his visit until Tuesday, 4 November, Minister-President Söder will meet with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa and Western Cape Premier Alan Winde and participate in the 'Regional Leaders Summit' conference in Cape Town.

Minister-President Söder underlined that South Africa is one of Germany’s most important partners, and that it is a great honour to be received by President Cyril Ramaphosa, who plays a crucial global role as G20 President as well.

Bavaria has maintained excellent relations with South Africa for many years, particularly with its partner province, the Western Cape. Both regions have a strong research landscape and are significant economic engines.

During the visit, Minister-President Söder and Premier Alan Winde will celebrate the 30th Anniversary of the partnership between the Western Cape and Bavaria.

The visit aims to expand international cooperation, particularly regarding science and research. A broad scientific alliance is meant to be launched as a key aspect of the future partnership between Bavaria and the Western Cape.

Bavarian and Western Cape universities and colleges will sign partnership agreements, and the launch of a biotech initiative is planned.

Dr Söder and his delegation are also looking forward to getting to know the land and its people better. Bavaria has supported the development of children and young people in townships and other areas for many years, particularly in vocational education.

The visit has been arranged at the invitation of Western Cape Premier Alan Winde. Founded in 2002 by the Free State of Bavaria, the “Regional Leaders Summit” is taking place for the twelfth time this year. Apart from the Western Cape and Bavaria, members of the conference include regions from Georgia (USA), Québec (Canada), São Paulo (Brazil), Shandong (China), and Upper Austria (Austria). Together, these regions represent 187 million people. The motto of the 2025 conference is ‘Growth through Economic Resilience’.

This marks Minister-President Dr. Söder’s third visit on the continent, following visits to Ethiopia in 2019 and Egypt in 2024. South Africa currently holds the G20 presidency and is Bavaria’s most important trading partner in Africa.

In 2019, the Free State of Bavaria adopted an ‘Africa Initiative’ as part of its Africa strategy, with cooperation with the Western Cape province being one of the focal points. This includes project funding in areas such as youth work, vocational education, and human safety.

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