United States wants over 1,000 American companies in South Africa
The United States wants to invest and double the number of US companies and employees in South Africa.
This was the message from the United States Ambassador to South Africa, Leo Brent Bozell III, who spoke at the Biznews Conference in Hermanus on Tuesday (10 March).
Speaking about the relationship between the two countries, Bozell said he has been struck by the energy and potential he sees in South Africa.
He described South Africa as a nation of immense potential, immense complexity, and immense importance, not only on the African continent, but around the globe.
Bozell said he intends to engage widely with South Africans across multiple sectors in the months ahead.
“In the weeks and months ahead, I look forward to engaging with a wide range of South Africans, in government, in civil society, and in the business community,” he said.
He noted that the United States views South Africa as a key partner, particularly from a trade and investment perspective.
“The United States values partners in South Africa. This country is Africa’s largest economy, and it’s the largest US trade and investment partner in sub-Saharan Africa.”
According to Bozell, more than 500 American companies already operate in South Africa, employing over 250,000 people.
“That is real partnership, but partnership must be rooted in reciprocity,” he said. Bozell also raised concerns about issues affecting investor confidence.
He said the US government has highlighted matters such as the business environment, rural safety, the country’s expropriation policies, and South Africa’s geopolitical alignments.
According to Bozell, such factors directly influence how companies evaluate investment decisions.
“When businesses believe their property rights may be uncertain, when policy frameworks create unpredictability instead of clarity, and when strategic alignments appear to drift towards regimes that do not share our democratic values, common ground becomes harder to sustain,” he said.
Double the number of US companies
Despite these concerns, Bozell emphasised that the US is eager to expand cooperation where it benefits both countries.
“President Trump’s America First policy means I’m here to advance the security, prosperity, and values of the American people,” he said.
“But America First does not mean America alone. It means where cooperation advances our interests and benefits our partners, we pursue it energetically.”
He pointed to several recent investments by major US technology companies as examples of the strong commercial relationship already in place.
Bozell cited investments by companies such as Visa, Google Cloud, Microsoft, and Amazon.
Visa recently launched its first data centre in Johannesburg, with a R1 billion investment planned over three years.
Google Cloud has also established its first African cloud region in Johannesburg as part of a major investment in the country’s digital transformation, while Microsoft is expanding its cloud and artificial intelligence infrastructure.
“Microsoft is investing an additional R5 billion by 2027 to expand cloud and AI infrastructure here, building on more than R16 billion already invested,” Bozell said.
“They’re proof that American companies bring capital, high standards, cutting-edge technology, workforce development, and long-term commitment.”
He said the US also wants to encourage South African companies to invest in the American market, announcing a new initiative called the SelectUSA Investment Accelerator.
“A healthy economic relationship is never one-sided. The strongest partnerships are built on investment and opportunity flowing in both directions,” Bozell said.
Looking ahead, Bozell said he believes the US–South Africa relationship still has significant untapped potential, provided the right conditions are in place.
He added that the US hopes to dramatically expand its economic presence in South Africa.
Bozell noted that America is proud of the 500 companies already operating in South Africa and stressed that America is not done.
He suggested that there is no reason why this shouldn’t be 1,000 American companies and the employment that comes with it.
“That’s how Americans think. Nothing is beyond the pale for us. We want partners who also dream great dreams, and that’s South Africa’s signature. Let us do all in our power to make our relationship prosper and thrive.”
Loading ...