South Africa is often called the economic powerhouse of Africa - with a gross domestic product (GDP) four times that of its Southern African neighbours and comprising 25% of the entire GDP of Africa. The country leads the continent in industrial output with 40% of Africa’s total output, 45% of total mineral production and generates over 50% of Africa’s electricity.
The success of the first democratic election in 1994 put the economy on a growth path and today South Africa is one of a few emerging economies that showed positive real growth figures for the last 12 years. A profound restructuring of the economy has borne fruit in the form of macro-economic stability, booming exports and improved productivity in both capital and labour.
Not surprisingly, South Africa’s global competitiveness has soared. A Global Competitiveness Report for 2004, released by the World Economic Forum (WEF), ranks South Africa as the most competitive country in Africa and 4th best country in the Southern Hemisphere.
Manufactured value-added products are now increasingly eating into commodities’ traditionally dominant share of exports. South Africa’s export base is diversifying rapidly, with notable successes in processed agricultural goods, automobiles and industrial machinery.
SOUTH AFRICA: Alive with Investment Possibility |
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"Investors dream of a business destination which combines their ideals: the stability of a developed nation, the opportunity of a vibrant emerging market, and a climate that fosters growth ..." Catch a two-minute documentary on South Africa as a business destination, featuring testimonials from investors who have had success doing business in SA.
 To watch the video (16mB mpeg), click here.
You will need Windows Media Player (available here) or equivalent to watch the video.
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