Ramaphosa Secures €62 Billion Spanish Investment Pipeline to Drive South Africa’s Green Industrialisation

President Ramaphosa unveils a €62 billion investment pipeline with Spanish businesses in Madrid, focusing on green energy, minerals, and digital growth.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 17, 2026, 7:48 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from Engineering News.

Bilateral Economic Milestone Reached in Madrid Business Forum

President Cyril Ramaphosa has solidified a massive economic partnership with Spain, announcing a pipeline of 85 investment projects valued at more than €62 billion. Speaking at the South Africa–Spain Business Forum in Madrid on Friday, April 17, 2026, the President emphasized that South Africa is seeking "long-term industrial partners" rather than just funding. These structured, investment-ready projects are facilitated by InvestSA and target critical sectors including energy transition infrastructure, green industrialisation, and pharmaceutical manufacturing.

Spain Emerges as Fastest-Growing Major EU Trading Partner

Trade between the two nations has reached a new high, with total trade for 2025 recorded at approximately €2.8 billion. Notably, South African exports to Spain grew by 10% to reach €1.3 billion, making Spain the country's fastest-growing major trading partner within the European Union. Currently, over 150 Spanish companies operate in South Africa, supporting more than 20,000 jobs. Spain has further committed over €2.1 billion specifically to South Africa’s just energy transition, focusing on green hydrogen, electric vehicles, and grid infrastructure.

Strategic Focus on Supply Chain Resilience and Global Value Chains

Ramaphosa highlighted that the two economies complement rather than compete with each other, offering a unique opportunity to connect European technological prowess with African growth. The investment projects span diverse value chains, including critical minerals beneficiation and agro-industrial sectors. The President noted that these partnerships aim to build "resilient, sustainable, and inclusive" supply chains that create shared prosperity across both nations, from the mining communities of Limpopo to the industrial hubs of Seville and Madrid.