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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Wesizwe Platinum Ltd. - Business Profile with Financial and SWOT Analysis
US$ 200.00
Wesizwe Platinum Ltd. - Business Profile with Financial and SWOT Analysis provides access to trustworthy data on the company and its performance, presenting an all-around view. It offers an insightful overview of the company’s structure and recent operations, includes SWOT analysis, highlights product and service offerings, covers the latest important corporate actions and financial results.
June 2026
30 pages
W.G. Wearne Ltd. - Business Profile with Financial and SWOT Analysis
US$ 200.00
W.G. Wearne Ltd. - Business Profile with Financial and SWOT Analysis provides access to trustworthy data on the company and its performance, presenting an all-around view. It offers an insightful overview of the company’s structure and recent operations, includes SWOT analysis, highlights product and service offerings, covers the latest important corporate actions and financial results.
June 2026
30 pages
White Water Resources Ltd. - Business Profile with Financial and SWOT Analysis
US$ 200.00
White Water Resources Ltd. - Business Profile with Financial and SWOT Analysis provides access to trustworthy data on the company and its performance, presenting an all-around view. It offers an insightful overview of the company’s structure and recent operations, includes SWOT analysis, highlights product and service offerings, covers the latest important corporate actions and financial results.
June 2026
30 pages
Wilderness Holdings Ltd. - Business Profile with Financial and SWOT Analysis
US$ 200.00
Wilderness Holdings Ltd. - Business Profile with Financial and SWOT Analysis provides access to trustworthy data on the company and its performance, presenting an all-around view. It offers an insightful overview of the company’s structure and recent operations, includes SWOT analysis, highlights product and service offerings, covers the latest important corporate actions and financial results.
June 2026
30 pages
William Tell Holdings Ltd. - Business Profile with Financial and SWOT Analysis
US$ 200.00
William Tell Holdings Ltd. - Business Profile with Financial and SWOT Analysis provides access to trustworthy data on the company and its performance, presenting an all-around view. It offers an insightful overview of the company’s structure and recent operations, includes SWOT analysis, highlights product and service offerings, covers the latest important corporate actions and financial results.
June 2026
30 pages
Wilson Bayly Holmes Ovcon Ltd. - Business Profile with Financial and SWOT Analysis
US$ 200.00
Wilson Bayly Holmes Ovcon Ltd. - Business Profile with Financial and SWOT Analysis provides access to trustworthy data on the company and its performance, presenting an all-around view. It offers an insightful overview of the company’s structure and recent operations, includes SWOT analysis, highlights product and service offerings, covers the latest important corporate actions and financial results.
June 2026
30 pages
Winhold Ltd. - Business Profile with Financial and SWOT Analysis
US$ 200.00
Winhold Ltd. - Business Profile with Financial and SWOT Analysis provides access to trustworthy data on the company and its performance, presenting an all-around view. It offers an insightful overview of the company’s structure and recent operations, includes SWOT analysis, highlights product and service offerings, covers the latest important corporate actions and financial results.
June 2026
30 pages
Witwatersrand Consolidated Gold Resources Ltd. - Business Profile with Financial and SWOT Analysis
US$ 200.00
Witwatersrand Consolidated Gold Resources Ltd. - Business Profile with Financial and SWOT Analysis provides access to trustworthy data on the company and its performance, presenting an all-around view. It offers an insightful overview of the company’s structure and recent operations, includes SWOT analysis, highlights product and service offerings, covers the latest important corporate actions and financial results.
June 2026
30 pages
Woolworths Holdings Ltd. - Business Profile with Financial and SWOT Analysis
US$ 200.00
Woolworths Holdings Ltd. - Business Profile with Financial and SWOT Analysis provides access to trustworthy data on the company and its performance, presenting an all-around view. It offers an insightful overview of the company’s structure and recent operations, includes SWOT analysis, highlights product and service offerings, covers the latest important corporate actions and financial results.
June 2026
30 pages
Workforce Holdings Ltd. - Business Profile with Financial and SWOT Analysis
US$ 200.00
Workforce Holdings Ltd. - Business Profile with Financial and SWOT Analysis provides access to trustworthy data on the company and its performance, presenting an all-around view. It offers an insightful overview of the company’s structure and recent operations, includes SWOT analysis, highlights product and service offerings, covers the latest important corporate actions and financial results.
June 2026
30 pages
York Timber Holdings Ltd. - Business Profile with Financial and SWOT Analysis
US$ 200.00
York Timber Holdings Ltd. - Business Profile with Financial and SWOT Analysis provides access to trustworthy data on the company and its performance, presenting an all-around view. It offers an insightful overview of the company’s structure and recent operations, includes SWOT analysis, highlights product and service offerings, covers the latest important corporate actions and financial results.
June 2026
30 pages
Zaptronix Ltd. - Business Profile with Financial and SWOT Analysis
US$ 200.00
Zaptronix Ltd. - Business Profile with Financial and SWOT Analysis provides access to trustworthy data on the company and its performance, presenting an all-around view. It offers an insightful overview of the company’s structure and recent operations, includes SWOT analysis, highlights product and service offerings, covers the latest important corporate actions and financial results.
June 2026
30 pages
Zeder Investments Ltd. - Business Profile with Financial and SWOT Analysis
US$ 200.00
Zeder Investments Ltd. - Business Profile with Financial and SWOT Analysis provides access to trustworthy data on the company and its performance, presenting an all-around view. It offers an insightful overview of the company’s structure and recent operations, includes SWOT analysis, highlights product and service offerings, covers the latest important corporate actions and financial results.
June 2026
30 pages
Zurich Insurance Company South Africa Ltd. - Business Profile with Financial and SWOT Analysis
US$ 200.00
Zurich Insurance Company South Africa Ltd. - Business Profile with Financial and SWOT Analysis provides access to trustworthy data on the company and its performance, presenting an all-around view. It offers an insightful overview of the company’s structure and recent operations, includes SWOT analysis, highlights product and service offerings, covers the latest important corporate actions and financial results.
June 2026
30 pages
South Africa Cement Market Outlook 2026
US$ 1,050.00
Cement Market in South Africa: 2019-2023 Review - capacities by plant, production and consumption dynamics, recent years prices, 5-years forecast
June 2026
30 pages
South Africa: Acetone Market
US$ 1,499.00
... report about the acetone market in South Africa currently available! The purpose of the report is to describe the state of the acetone market in South Africa, to present ... This is the most comprehensive report covering the acetone market in South Africa currently available! We also offer similar reports, ...
June 2026
100 pages
South Africa: Caprolactam Market
US$ 1,499.00
... about the caprolactam market in South Africa currently available! The purpose of the report is to describe the state of the caprolactam market in South Africa, to present ... This is the most comprehensive report covering the caprolactam market in South Africa currently available! We also offer similar reports, ...
June 2026
100 pages
South Africa: Ethanolamines Market
US$ 1,499.00
... about the ethanolamines market in South Africa currently available! The purpose of the report is to describe the state of the ethanolamines market in South Africa, to ... This is the most comprehensive report covering the ethanolamines market in South Africa currently available! We also offer similar reports, ...
June 2026
100 pages
South Africa: Acrylates Market
US$ 1,499.00
... report about the acrylates market in South Africa currently available! The purpose of the report is to describe the state of the acrylates market in South Africa, to present ... This is the most comprehensive report covering the acrylates market in South Africa currently available! We also offer similar reports, ...
June 2026
100 pages
South Africa: Ethylene Oxide Market
US$ 1,499.00
... about the ethylene oxide market in South Africa currently available! The purpose of the report is to describe the state of the ethylene oxide market in South Africa, to ... This is the most comprehensive report covering the ethylene oxide market in South Africa currently available! We also offer similar reports, ...
June 2026
100 pages
South Africa: Benzene Market
US$ 1,499.00
... report about the benzene market in South Africa currently available! The purpose of the report is to describe the state of the benzene market in South Africa, to present ... This is the most comprehensive report covering the benzene market in South Africa currently available! We also offer similar reports, ...
June 2026
100 pages
South Africa: Butanal Market
US$ 1,499.00
... report about the butanal market in South Africa currently available! The purpose of the report is to describe the state of the butanal market in South Africa, to present ... This is the most comprehensive report covering the butanal market in South Africa currently available! We also offer similar reports, ...
June 2026
100 pages
South Africa: Aniline Market
US$ 1,499.00
... report about the aniline market in South Africa currently available! The purpose of the report is to describe the state of the aniline market in South Africa, to present ... This is the most comprehensive report covering the aniline market in South Africa currently available! We also offer similar reports, ...
June 2026
100 pages
South Africa: Butyl Acetate Market
US$ 1,499.00
... about the butyl acetate market in South Africa currently available! The purpose of the report is to describe the state of the butyl acetate market in South Africa, to ... This is the most comprehensive report covering the butyl acetate market in South Africa currently available! We also offer similar reports, ...
June 2026
100 pages
South Africa: Xylenes Market
US$ 1,499.00
... report about the xylenes market in South Africa currently available! The purpose of the report is to describe the state of the xylenes market in South Africa, to present ... This is the most comprehensive report covering the xylenes market in South Africa currently available! We also offer similar reports, ...
June 2026
100 pages
South Africa: Phthalic Anhydride Market
US$ 1,499.00
... the phthalic anhydride market in South Africa currently available! The purpose of the report is to describe the state of the phthalic anhydride market in South Africa, to ... is the most comprehensive report covering the phthalic anhydride market in South Africa currently available! We also offer similar reports ...
June 2026
100 pages
South Africa: Toluene Market
US$ 1,499.00
... report about the toluene market in South Africa currently available! The purpose of the report is to describe the state of the toluene market in South Africa, to present ... This is the most comprehensive report covering the toluene market in South Africa currently available! We also offer similar reports, ...
June 2026
100 pages
South Africa: Bisphenol A Market
US$ 1,499.00
... about the bisphenol A market in South Africa currently available! The purpose of the report is to describe the state of the bisphenol A market in South Africa, to present ... This is the most comprehensive report covering the bisphenol A market in South Africa currently available! We also offer similar reports, ...
June 2026
100 pages
South Africa: Phenols Market
US$ 1,499.00
... report about the phenols market in South Africa currently available! The purpose of the report is to describe the state of the phenols market in South Africa, to present ... This is the most comprehensive report covering the phenols market in South Africa currently available! We also offer similar reports, ...
June 2026
100 pages
South Africa: Methyl Methacrylate (MMA) Market
US$ 1,499.00
... capacities for the production of methyl methacrylate in South Africa by their owner and operator companies; Main technologies used for producing methyl methacrylate in South Africa in the main plants of each ...
June 2026
100 pages
South Africa: Vinyl Acetate Market
US$ 1,499.00
... about the vinyl acetate market in South Africa currently available! The purpose of the report is to describe the state of the vinyl acetate market in South Africa, to ... This is the most comprehensive report covering the vinyl acetate market in South Africa currently available! We also offer similar reports, ...
June 2026
100 pages
South Africa: Styrene Market
US$ 1,499.00
... report about the styrene market in South Africa currently available! The purpose of the report is to describe the state of the styrene market in South Africa, to present ... This is the most comprehensive report covering the styrene market in South Africa currently available! We also offer similar reports, ...
June 2026
100 pages
South Africa: Vinyl Chloride Market
US$ 1,499.00
... about the vinyl chloride market in South Africa currently available! The purpose of the report is to describe the state of the vinyl chloride market in South Africa, to ... This is the most comprehensive report covering the vinyl chloride market in South Africa currently available! We also offer similar reports, ...
June 2026
100 pages
South Africa: Acetaldehyde Market
US$ 1,499.00
... about the acetaldehyde market in South Africa currently available! The purpose of the report is to describe the state of the acetaldehyde market in South Africa, to present ... This is the most comprehensive report covering the acetaldehyde market in South Africa currently available! We also offer similar reports, ...
June 2026
100 pages
South Africa: Acrylic Acid Market
US$ 1,499.00
... about the acrylic acid market in South Africa currently available! The purpose of the report is to describe the state of the acrylic acid market in South Africa, to present ... This is the most comprehensive report covering the acrylic acid market in South Africa currently available! We also offer similar reports, ...
June 2026
100 pages
South Africa: Isopropanol Market
US$ 1,499.00
... about the isopropanol market in South Africa currently available! The purpose of the report is to describe the state of the isopropanol market in South Africa, to present ... This is the most comprehensive report covering the isopropanol market in South Africa currently available! We also offer similar reports, ...
June 2026
100 pages
South Africa: Nitrile Butadiene Rubber (NBR) Market
US$ 1,499.00
... of the report is to describe the state of the NBR market in South Africa, to present actual and retrospective information about the volumes, dynamics ... competitive landscape; Profiles of the main companies, producing NBR in South Africa along with their overall production capacities; Value chain analysis ...
June 2026
100 pages
South Africa: Styrene Butadiene Rubber (SBR) Market
US$ 1,499.00
... of the report is to describe the state of the SBR market in South Africa, to present actual and retrospective information about the volumes, dynamics ... competitive landscape; Profiles of the main companies, producing SBR in South Africa along with their overall production capacities; Value chain analysis ...
June 2026
100 pages
South Africa: Polymethyl Methacrylate (PMMA) Market
US$ 1,499.00
... capacities for the production of PMMA in South Africa by their owner and operator companies; Main technologies used for producing PMMA in South Africa in the main plants of each ...
June 2026
100 pages
South Africa: Polycarbonates Market
US$ 1,499.00
... about the polycarbonates market in South Africa currently available! The purpose of the report is to describe the state of the polycarbonates market in South Africa, to ... This is the most comprehensive report covering the polycarbonates market in South Africa currently available! We also offer similar reports, ...
June 2026
100 pages
South Africa: Low Density Polyethylene (LDPE) Market
US$ 1,499.00
... of the report is to describe the state of the LDPE market in South Africa, to present actual and retrospective information about the volumes, dynamics ... competitive landscape; Profiles of the main companies, producing LDPE in South Africa along with their overall production capacities; Value chain analysis ...
June 2026
100 pages
