As the French Ambassador to South Africa, Lesotho, and Malawi, David Martinon brings decades of diplomatic expertise to his role, having navigated some of the world’s most complex political environments.
Appointed to his current post by French President Emmanuel Macron, Martinon arrived in South Africa in May 2023, eager to strengthen the historic ties between France and Southern Africa.
Martinon’s career is marked by both high-level diplomacy and challenging assignments. Reflecting on his experience as Ambassador to Afghanistan during the Taliban’s return to power, he said: “It was an intense period. We were responsible for the safe evacuation of many people, and the negotiations were often precarious. But that’s part of the job—working under pressure, being resilient, and finding solutions in difficult circumstances.”
Prior to his role in Afghanistan, Martinon served as Consul General in Los Angeles and as Press Secretary to the President of the Republic of France. Now, at the helm of the French Embassy in Pretoria, he oversees one of France’s largest diplomatic missions in Africa.
“The French diplomatic network is vast, in order to match our ambitions here. In addition to our embassy in Pretoria, we have consulates in Johannesburg and Cape Town, we have the French Institute in Johannesburg, and we have 14 alliances françaises which are schools of French language and cultural activities.”
“At the embassy, there is a cooperation and cultural service, an economic service, a defence attaché and security attaché.”
One of Martinon’s key goals is to foster stronger ties between France and South Africa, both economically and culturally.
“I see South Africa as a giant with incredible potential. It has the ability to be a leader in the region and globally. My mission is to make sure French companies and cultural programmes are part of that journey.”
As an ambassador, Martinon’s role is multifaceted. He must advocate for French interests in business, culture, and diplomacy, while also managing a large team spread across several locations.
“An ambassador needs to be a good manager, but more importantly, an influencer. My job is to ensure that French positions, projects, and programmes are well understood and respected in South Africa, Lesotho, and Malawi.”
Martinon’s passion for fostering cultural partnerships is evident in his work with Création Africa, an initiative that supports African creative industries.
“We’ve incubated South African projects that have gone on to tell African stories to the world. I’m incredibly proud of the results, particularly in fashion, where designers like Thebe Magugu have made a mark globally.”
Looking to the future, Martinon hopes to deepen the relationship between South Africa and France, underpinned by shared values of democracy, human rights, and multilateralism. He sees diplomacy as more than just political manoeuvring—it’s about building genuine connections.
“To represent France successfully, I must understand the country I’m living in, its history, its values, and its people. It’s not just about advocating French positions; it’s about engaging in meaningful dialogue with South Africa and finding common ground.”
Despite the demands of his position, Martinon remains committed to leading a balanced life.
“I usually wake up very early, around six in the morning, and exercise for an hour. The day is filled with meetings—whether with government officials, NGOs, or business leaders—but I try to keep time for reflection and to stay connected with my team.”
In his downtime, Martinon appreciates the natural beauty and cultural richness of South Africa.
“What I like most about South Africa is its diversity—of landscapes, people, and experiences. The history is complicated and painful, but the country’s resilience is inspiring. It’s a miracle how it has reconciled its past with its present.”
As he continues his diplomatic mission, Martinon is driven by a desire to leave a legacy.
“There are many things I would like to achieve. In terms of cultural partnerships, we’ve done a lot, but I believe we can do even more. I also want to ensure that the economic ties between France and South Africa remain strong, with a focus on long-term investments that create jobs and foster knowledge-sharing.”
For Martinon, the job of an ambassador is never static; it is about continuously learning, engaging, and adapting.
“The world is complex, and diplomacy is about mastering the details, understanding the nuances, and finding solutions that work for both sides. That’s how we build lasting relationships and successful partnerships,” Martinon said.