Find a detailed industry analysis, an in-depth review of a market state, expert views, a discussion of the competitive landscape, and much more in each of market research reports on South Africa available in our online store.
South Africa: an economic profile
South Africa is one of the world’s few countries to split the role of capital between 3 cities. The official capital, Pretoria, enjoys a population of 1 million. Cape Town serves as the legislative capital with a population of 2.9 million whilst the judiciary is based in the smaller Bloemfontain with only 370,000 residents. The largest city, though, by far is Jonnasburg with 3.2 million people. The country’s total population is 49 million. It is a parliamentary democracy with powers split between President and Parliament. The present President is Jacob Zuma.
Economic background
South Africa had a GDP of USD 578.6 billion as of 2012 and a growth rate of 2.6% – a figure lower that during 1993-2007 when the economy grew for 62 consecutive quarters at a level of around 5% on average. It was hit badly by the crisis of 2008-2009, with growth slowing to around 3%. However, it is still regarded as one of the world’s most important emerging economies, and in 2011, it joined Russia, Brazil, China, and India to become known as the BRIC economies of emerging nations. It has an inflation rate of around 5%, but its unemployment rate is extremely high – around 25%. The government has poured a lot of money in infrastructure, and this combined with the sound legal framework makes it a trusted country for investment. Its top export partners are China, the USA, Japan, Germany and the UK, whilst it imports from the USA, China, Germany, Japan, India, Saudi Arabia, and the UK.
Industrial Analysis
The country has a widely spread industrial base with income generated as follows: agriculture – 2.2%, mining – 10%, manufacturing – around 12.5 %, electricity and water – nearly 2.5%, construction – just under 4%, wholesale retail and motor trade – just over 16%, transport storage and communications – 9%, finance real estate and business services – over 21%, government services – 6.7%, and personal services – close to 6%.
Mining
South Africa is deemed to have the world’s 5th largest mining reserves valued at some USD 2.5 trillion. It has a long history of mineral and metal extraction. Deposits include: platinum, manganese, chromite ore, gold, diamonds, and vanadium.
Gold accounts for one third of the country's exports. The country is also the fourth largest diamond producer in the world. The mining sector generates half of the nation’s foreign exchange. Companies like Exxaro, De Beers, and Anglo American Corporation are recognised as having world class technical expertise. 42% of companies quoted on the Johannesburg stock exchange are mining related. The government is trying to develop downstream industries which add value to the raw material rather than just exporting the raw product. The industry has been suffering recently from a range of industrial relations problems with strikes hitting the gold fields.
Automotive industry
Multinationals from all over the world use South Africa to create components and assemble vehicles because of its low production costs and access to new markets. Companies with manufacturing bases in the Republic comprise BMW, GM, Ford, Toyota, Nissan, Mercedes Benz, Renault, and Volkswagen.
The sector contributes 6% of GDP and 12% of manufacturing exports. 28,000 people are employed directly in the industry, with 61,000 being engaged in component construction. It is based in the Eastern Cape and Gauteng. The Government implemented a plan – "Automotive Development and Production Plan" – aimed to expand production to 1.2 million vehicles by 2020.
Tourism
Tourism is recognised by the government as a key industrial sector. The wonderful natural resources of the country have been enhanced by strategic think as to how they can be used to build the economy. In 2009, it contributed 7.9% to GDP, and it currently supports one in twelve jobs in the economy. The sector was given a tremendous boost in 2010 when the country staged the football World Cup and attracted 8.1 million visitors. This grew to 8.3 million in 2011. No fragment of the tourism market has been neglected. Business tourism has been an expanding area with the country having over 1000 conference and exhibition centers. However, the country also promotes eco tourism, paleo tourism and sports and adventure tourism.
Electronics
Electronics together with transport and storage account for 10% of GDP. It is one of the swiftest growing areas of the economy mainly based around mobile telephony. Its telephone network is 99.9% digital which is the most developed in Africa. It is a world leader in prepayment and fraud prevention systems. Multinational companies with subsidiaries in South Africa include: IBM, Unisys, Microsoft, Intel, Dell, and Compaq.
In conclusion, most research reports see South Africa as an expanding economy with growth in a variety of sectors. It is moving away from reliance on mineral wealth by using the income produced from these industries to diversify its economic base. Multinational companies have not been slow to recognise it as a sound centre from which to develop the expanding African market for a range of products.
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Wax Market in South Africa to 2017 - Market Size, Trends, and Forecasts
US$ 662.00
... 2017 which makes the report an invaluable resource for industry executives, marketing, sales and product managers, analysts, and other people looking for ... key questions such as: What is the size of the wax market in South Africa? How is the market divided into different product segments? Which products ...
November 2013
13 pages
Plastic Headgear Market in South Africa to 2017 - Market Size, Trends, and Forecasts
US$ 664.00
... 2017 which makes the report an invaluable resource for industry executives, marketing, sales and product managers, analysts, and other people looking for ... key questions such as: What is the size of the plastic headgear market in South Africa? How is the market divided into different product segments? ...
October 2013
13 pages
Glass Tube Market in South Africa to 2017 - Market Size, Trends, and Forecasts
US$ 653.00
... until 2017 which makes the report an invaluable resource for industry executives, marketing, sales and product managers, analysts, and other people looking for key ... KEY QUESTIONS SUCH AS: What is the size of the glass tube market in South Africa? How is the market divided into different product segments? ...
August 2013
15 pages
Dolomite Market in South Africa to 2017 - Market Size, Trends, and Forecasts
US$ 653.00
... until 2017 which makes the report an invaluable resource for industry executives, marketing, sales and product managers, analysts, and other people looking for ... KEY QUESTIONS SUCH AS: What is the size of the dolomite market in South Africa? How is the market divided into different product segments? Which ...
August 2013
13 pages
Wood Based Panel Market in South Africa to 2017 - Market Size, Trends, and Forecasts
US$ 653.00
... until 2017 which makes the report an invaluable resource for industry executives, marketing, sales and product managers, analysts, and other people looking for ... QUESTIONS SUCH AS: What is the size of the wood based panel market in South Africa? How is the market divided into different product segments? ...
July 2013
22 pages
PESTLE Analysis of South Africa 2013, June 2013
US$ 750.00
... analysis on the various risks associated with the country and presents its findings in “PESTLE Analysis of South Africa 2013.” The report provides an in-depth PESTLE analysis of South Africa’s economy. The analysis includes a comprehensive examination of the macroeconomy, political scenario, social development, and technological study of South Africa. This report ...
June 2013
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Tobacco Products - South Africa
US$ 653.00
... the actual market situation, trends and future outlook for tobacco products in South Africa. The study provides essential market information for decision- ... potential for the market? How the macroeconomic indicators look like? Product types discussed in the study: Cigarettes Cigars, cigarillos and cheroots ...
May 2013
22 pages
Animal Food - South Africa
US$ 653.00
... on the actual market situation, trends and future outlook for animal food in South Africa. The study provides essential market information for decision- ... market study answers to questions such as: What is the size of the animal food market in South Africa? How is the market divided into different types of ...
April 2013
20 pages
Sugar - South Africa
US$ 653.00
... on the actual market situation, trends and future outlook for sugar in South Africa. The study provides essential market information for decision-makers ... This market study answers to questions such as: What is the size of the sugar market in South Africa? How is the market divided into different types of ...
April 2013
24 pages
Confectionery Product Market in South Africa
US$ 653.00
... for confectionery products by type Forecasts and future outlook of the market Macroeconomic indicators This market study answers to questions such as: What is the size of the confectionery product market in South Africa? How is the market divided into different types of products? ...
April 2013
23 pages
Pasta - South Africa
US$ 653.00
... on the actual market situation, trends and future outlook for pasta in South Africa. The study provides essential market information for decision-makers ... This market study answers to questions such as: What is the size of the pasta market in South Africa? How is the market divided into different types of ...
April 2013
21 pages
Cement - South Africa
US$ 653.00
... on the actual market situation, trends and future outlook for cement in South Africa. The study provides essential market information for decision-makers ... This market study answers to questions such as: What is the size of the cement market in South Africa? How is the market divided into different types of ...
March 2013
21 pages
Safety Glass Market in South Africa
US$ 653.00
... THIS MARKET STUDY ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS SUCH AS: What is the size of the safety glass market in South Africa? How is the market divided into different types of products? Which products are growing fast? How the market has been developing? How does the future look like? What is the ...
February 2013
21 pages
Turbine Market in South Africa
US$ 653.00
... THIS MARKET STUDY ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS SUCH AS: What is the size of the turbine market in South Africa? How is the market divided into different types of products? Which products are growing fast? How the market has been developing? How does the future look like? What is ...
February 2013
22 pages
Food and Beverage Processing Machinery Market in South Africa
US$ 653.00
... market situation, trends and future outlook for food and beverage processing machinery in South Africa. The study provides essential market information for ... ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS SUCH AS: What is the size of the food and beverage processing machinery market in South Africa? How is the market divided in
February 2013
28 pages
Rubber Tyre Market in South Africa
US$ 653.00
... THIS MARKET STUDY ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS SUCH AS: What is the size of the rubber tyre market in South Africa? How is the market divided into different types of products? Which products are growing fast? How the market has been developing? How does the future look like? What is the ...
February 2013
25 pages
South Africa Mobile Service Market, Subscribers & Companies Forecast to 2015
US$ 1,100.00
... . This 120 page Renub Research report titled “South Africa Mobile Service Market, Subscribers & Companies Forecast to 2015” contains 97 Figures. This ... & Others) Revenue (2008 to 2011) and Forecast (2012 to 2015) Cell C Mobile Service (Voice, Data, Messaging, Interconnection & Others) Revenue (2008 to 2011) ...
January 2013
121 pages
Construction and Mining Machinery Market in South Africa
US$ 653.00
... TO QUESTIONS SUCH AS: What is the size of the construction and mining machinery market in South Africa? How is the market divided into different types of ... Pile-extractors and pile-drivers Road rollers, compacting and tamping machinery Rock and coal cutters Scrapers Track-laying tractors Other construction ...
January 2013
31 pages
Internal Combustion Engine Filter Market in South Africa
US$ 653.00
... ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS SUCH AS: What is the size of the internal combustion engine filter market in South Africa? How is the market divided into different types of products? Which products are growing fast? How the market has been developing? How does the future look like? What is ...
January 2013
19 pages
Glass Packaging Market in South Africa
US$ 649.00
... market study answers to questions such as: What is the size of the glass packaging market in South Africa? How is the market divided into different types of products? Which products are growing fast? How the market has been developing? How does the future look like? What is the ...
December 2012
20 pages
Fishing Equipment Market in South Africa
US$ 649.00
... market study answers to questions such as: What is the size of the fishing equipment market in South Africa? How is the market divided into different types of products? Which products are growing fast? How the market has been developing? How does the future look like? What is ...
December 2012
21 pages
Iron and Steel Fasteners Market in South Africa
US$ 649.00
... study answers to questions such as: What is the size of the iron and steel fasteners market in South Africa? How is the market divided into different types of products? Which products are growing fast? How the market has been developing? How does the future look like? What is ...
December 2012
27 pages
South Africa Water Purifier Market Forecast and Opportunities, 2017
US$ 4,000.00
... water purifiers. ‘South Africa Water Purifier Market Forecast & Opportunities, 2017’ discusses the following aspects related to water purifiers market in South Africa: Residential Water Purifier Market Size, Share & Forecast Counter Top, Under Counter and Portable Water Purifier Market ...
October 2012
65 pages
Analyzing the Hair Care Market in South Africa
US$ 300.00
... of the hair care market in South Africa. The report begins with an analysis of the basics of hair care and then moves on to analyze the hair care industry in South Africa. The report analyzes the market segmentation, market share ...
August 2012
60 pages
Analyzing the Tobacco Industry in South Africa
US$ 320.00
... . Aruvians Rsearch analyzes the South African tobacco industry in its research offering Analyzing the Tobacco Industry in South Africa. The report is an in-depth profile of the tobacco industry in South Africa as well as the ...
March 2012
75 pages
Pharmaceutical Industry in South Africa
US$ 300.00
... complete analysis of the Pharmaceutical Industry in South Africa. The report covers a brief profile of the global pharmaceutical industry, the TRIPS agreement ... in the industry, and the key players in the pharmaceutical industry in South Africa – complete with a SWOT analysis of the leading companies ...
February 2012
100 pages
South African Retail Industry Forecast to 2013
US$ 1,000.00
The South Africa retail industry is one of largest retail industry in the Sub Saharan region that presents profitable investment opportunities for new players. With surging middle class, rising income...
September 2011
50 pages
Analyzing Fixed Line Telecommunication Industry in South Africa
US$ 250.00
... fixed line telecommunication industry in South Africa. The report begins with an analysis of the basics of the telecommunication industry and then moves on to analyze the industry in South Africa. The report analyzes the ...
June 2011
45 pages
Analyzing the Biofuel Industry in South Africa
US$ 400.00
... brings you the complete guide to the South African Biofuels Industry – Analyzing the Biofuel Industry in South Africa. The report begins with an analysis ... on the fascinating journey of discovering the biofuels industry in South Africa. The economics of biofuels, issues facing the industry, regulatory barriers ...
June 2011
85 pages
South African Insurance Industry Forecast to 2013
US$ 1,000.00
South Africa is known for its well-developed and highly liberalized financial sector. Particularly, the insurance industry of the country is the most developed in the entire African continent. South A...
May 2011
60 pages
South African Banking Sector Analysis
US$ 800.00
Single User PDF Format: US$ 800.00 Multi-User License: US$ 1,400.00 Hard Copy: US$ 900.00 CD-ROM: US$ 900.00 South African banking sector is well-developed and highly liberalized. It is one of the la...
March 2011
70 pages
World chlorpyrifos market - South Africa
US$ 520.00
... 1990s. This report is an intelligence report on chlorpyrifos industry all around the world with focus on India market. This study reveals the historical development ... and future trend of chlorpyrifos industry and is ...
January 2011
8 pages
Southern Africa Telecom Industry Report, 2008
US$ 400.00
This report focuses on the telecom development in the four biggest countries in terms of population: South Africa, Zambia, Madagascar and Tanzania; meanwhile it reveals the main businesses and operati...
May 2009
38 pages
South Africa: Agrochemicals: Market Intelligence (2020-2025)
US$ 2,250.00
... The report “South Africa: Agrochemicals: Market Intelligence (2018-2022)” provides market intelligence on the different market segments, based on type, active ingredient, formulation, crop, and pest. Market size and ...
July 2025
120 pages
