Johannesburg, South Africa – As the European Union’s Ambassador to the Republic of South Africa since August 2022, Ms. Sandra Kramer stands as a pivotal figure in strengthening the multifaceted ties between Europe and the African continent. With over two decades of extensive experience in international diplomacy and EU external relations, Ambassador Kramer’s strategic leadership is instrumental in advancing key initiatives and shaping the narrative of a robust, mutually beneficial partnership.
Ambassador Kramer’s career at the European Commission, which began in 1995, reflects a deep and varied engagement with international affairs. Her early roles as Trade Counsellor at the EU Delegation to Indonesia and Head of Economic Cooperation at the EU Delegation to India provided a foundational understanding of global economic dynamics. She further honed her skills serving as assistant to the Commission’s Chief Spokesperson and later as Head of the Communication Unit at the Directorate-General for Enterprise & Industry. Her tenure as Director of Coordination and Administration in the Cabinet of European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker showcased her administrative prowess, overseeing crucial aspects of budget and human resources.
Crucially, between 2019 and 2022, Ambassador Kramer served as Director for Africa at the Directorate-General for International Partnerships (DG INTPA). This role was particularly significant, placing her at the heart of shaping and implementing the EU’s strategic approach to its relationship with Africa, a period that laid the groundwork for many of the initiatives she now champions in South Africa.
Leading Key Initiatives in South Africa and the Broader EU-Africa Agenda
In her current capacity as EU Ambassador to South Africa, Ms. Kramer has been at the forefront of several transformative initiatives. Her work is deeply intertwined with South Africa’s strategic priorities, particularly in the realm of climate action and sustainable development. She has been a strong advocate for the Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP), a landmark commitment by international partners, including the EU, to support South Africa’s shift from coal to renewable energy. This initiative is a cornerstone of global efforts to combat climate change while ensuring a fair transition for affected communities.
Furthermore, Ambassador Kramer is a key proponent of the Global Gateway Africa–Europe Investment Package. This ambitious EU strategy aims to mobilize significant investments across Africa in critical sectors such as renewable energy, digital connectivity, transport, health, and education. Her role involves facilitating the implementation of these investments in South Africa, ensuring they align with national development goals and foster sustainable growth.
Beyond large-scale infrastructure and energy projects, Ambassador Kramer has also championed programs focused on good governance, transparency, and accountability in South Africa. Her support for grants to civil society organizations under the Enhancing Accountability Programme underscores the EU’s commitment to strengthening democratic institutions and fostering civic participation.
Influence at the EU-Africa Summit and Beyond
While the large-scale 3rd EU-African SME Summit in Johannesburg (June 19-21, 2025) has recently concluded, and the 3rd AU-EU Ministerial Meeting (May 21, 2025) and 6th AU-EU Agriculture Ministerial Conference (June 27, 2025) have also taken place, these events serve as vital components of the broader, ongoing EU-Africa partnership. Ambassador Kramer’s extensive background, particularly her direct experience as Director for Africa at DG INTPA, ensures that the outcomes and insights from these meetings feed directly into the larger strategic dialogue.
Her presence and engagement at such high-level forums are crucial for bridging the gap between policy and on-the-ground implementation. She provides a vital link between the European Commission’s strategic vision for Africa and the specific needs and priorities of a key partner like South Africa. As preparations continue for the 7th AU-EU Summit, scheduled for later in 2025 in Africa, Ambassador Kramer’s role will be to consolidate the gains from recent engagements and advocate for a stronger, more impactful partnership that addresses shared challenges and harnesses mutual opportunities. Her diplomatic acumen and deep understanding of both EU policy and African realities make her an indispensable asset in forging a resilient and prosperous future for both continents.
Ambassador Kramer’s academic background, holding Master’s degrees in Modern Literature from the University of Groningen and in Economics and International Relations from the Johns Hopkins University School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS), reflects the intellectual rigor and multifaceted perspective she brings to her diplomatic responsibilities. She embodies the comprehensive approach the EU is taking to its relationship with Africa, encompassing economic, environmental, and governance dimensions
