South Africa

South Africa is one of the most sophisticated and promising emerging markets globally. The highly developed first-world economic infrastructure and a huge emergent market economy has given rise to a strong entrepreneurial and dynamic investment environment. The success of the first democratic election in 1994 put the economy on a growth path and created a conducive environment for both domestic and foreign investment. In the face of a global economic slowdown, South Africa’s diversified trade across a range of products and markets has weathered conditions comparatively well.

There are many lucrative possibilities arising from South Africa’s wealth of natural resources. It is the world’s largest producer of gold, platinum, vanadium, chromium, manganese and alumino-silicates. Other key growth industries include leisure & tourism, in particular eco-tourism; automotive component manufacturing; pharmaceuticals; and ICT and knowledge-based industries.

South Africa actively promotes and supports FDI with favourable legislation that includes industry-specific incentives and concessions. It benefits from a world-class financial services sector, excellent infrastructure, good skills and an abundance of labour, all competitively priced.

South Africa is the engine of growth in southern Africa and, with its new global focus, strategic geographical location and world-class infrastructure assets, it is a highly competitive investment location.