The French diplomatic and economic presence in South Africa has welcomed several new members to Team France in South Africa, Lesotho and Malawi, bringing new expertise across political affairs, economic analysis, administration, research and international cooperation.
Recent announcements by the Embassy of France in South Africa and French institutions highlight the arrival of professionals who will contribute to France’s diplomatic, economic and research activities in the region.
The new appointments include Florentin, Aurélien Boissier, Khalil Kharraz, Amayelle Pendeoro B., Édouard Chrétien and Alix Viagto, each taking on different responsibilities within France’s diplomatic and institutional network.
Florentin – Embassy Administration and Political Support
Florentin has joined the Embassy of France in South Africa after spending 12 years in the private sector working in infectious waste collection in northern France.
He joined France’s Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs in September 2023 as an Administrative Assistant. Following three years at the Directorate for United Nations and International Organisations in Paris, he now supports the Embassy’s political counsellors.
His responsibilities also include mail, archives and the diplomatic pouch, contributing to the smooth administrative functioning of the Embassy.
Aurélien Boissier – Political Counsellor
The Embassy has also welcomed Aurélien Boissier as its new Political Counsellor.
Aurélien joins the Embassy following four and a half years at France’s Permanent Mission to the United Nations in New York. Based in Pretoria, he will follow South Africa’s foreign policy and contribute to the understanding of the bilateral relationship between France and South Africa, as well as France’s relations with Lesotho and broader international issues.
During his career at France’s Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs, he has worked across a range of portfolios, including Asian and Middle Eastern affairs and international issues.
Khalil Kharraz – Economic and Sectoral Studies Analyst
Khalil Kharraz has joined the Regional Economic Department of the French Embassy in South Africa as an Economic and Sectoral Studies Analyst.
Currently completing a Master’s degree in Management and International Business at Javelin School of Management, Khalil holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Management.
His international academic and professional experience includes work in Cambodia, Morocco and Spain, where he gained experience in international economic and sectoral matters.
His role will contribute to the Embassy’s economic analysis and understanding of sectoral developments relevant to France and South Africa.
Amayelle Pendeoro B. – Research and Communications
The French Institute of South Africa – Research (IFAS-Research) has welcomed Amayelle Pendeoro B. as its new Research Project and Communications Officer.
Based in Johannesburg since July 2026, Amayelle supports the Institute’s research activities while contributing to the visibility and coordination of IFAS-Research’s scientific initiatives.
Before joining IFAS-Research, she worked in cultural cooperation with the Alliance Française in Uganda and the Central African Republic, managing international projects, partnerships and cultural events.
Her experience adds a strong research, communications and cultural cooperation dimension to France’s institutional presence in the region.
Édouard Chrétien – Head of Economic Department
The French Treasury in Southern Africa has welcomed Édouard Chrétien as the new Head of the Economic Department at the French Embassy in South Africa, Lesotho and Malawi.
A Chief Engineer for Statistics, Economics and Data from INSEE, Édouard began his career as a researcher at CREST before joining the French Prudential Supervision and Resolution Authority.
He joined the French Treasury in 2017, where he held various positions covering financial-sector matters, macroeconomic policy, European affairs and public policy.
His appointment strengthens France’s economic engagement and analysis in Southern Africa.
Édouard Chrétien and Alix Viagto
Alix Viagto – Financial Counsellor
Alix Viagto joins Édouard Chrétien as the new Financial Counsellor at the French Embassy in South Africa, Lesotho and Malawi.
Together, the new appointments reinforce the capacity of France’s economic team to engage on financial, economic and policy matters across the region.
The appointments reflect the breadth of France’s engagement in Southern Africa, spanning diplomacy, political affairs, economic cooperation, research, culture and international relations.
Strengthening France–South Africa Engagement
The arrival of these new professionals comes at a time when France and South Africa continue to maintain broad political, economic, cultural and institutional relations.
From political diplomacy and economic analysis to research and cultural cooperation, the new members bring diverse experience that will contribute to France’s engagement with South Africa, Lesotho, Malawi and the wider region.
Their appointments further strengthen the network of Team France and its work to deepen cooperation and partnerships across Southern Africa.
