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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South Africa Creosote Market Outlook 2026
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Iran War Impact Brief on the South African Broad Commodities Market The war in Iran is reshaping global commodity flows, find out what it means for the broad commodities market and whether you may ne...
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South African Chemicals: Iran War Impact Brief
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South African Fertilizers: Iran War Impact Brief
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Iran War Impact Brief on the South African Fertilizers Market The war in Iran is reshaping global commodity flows, find out what it means for the fertilizers market and whether you may need to adjust...
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South African Packaging Materials: Iran War Impact Brief
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Iran War Impact Brief on the South African Packaging Materials Market The war in Iran is reshaping global commodity flows, find out what it means for the packaging materials market and whether you ma...
June 2026
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South African Plastics: Iran War Impact Brief
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Iran War Impact Brief on the South African Plastics Market The war in Iran is reshaping global commodity flows, find out what it means for the plastics market and whether you may need to adjust your...
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South Africa White Cement Market Report by Type (White Portland Cement, White Masonry Cement, and Others), Sector (Residential, Commercial, Industrial), Application (Whitewashing, Skimming, Grouting, Sculptures, and Others) 2026-2034
US$ 3,999.00
The South Africa white cement market size reached 27,517.7 Tons in 2025. Looking forward, IMARC Group expects the market to reach 31,020.6 Tons by 2034, exhibiting a growth rate (CAGR) of 1.27% during...
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Clientele Ltd - Company Profile and SWOT Analysis
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Invicta Holdings Ltd - Company Profile and SWOT Analysis
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OUTsurance Group Ltd - Company Profile and SWOT Analysis
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Absa Bank Ltd - Company Profile and SWOT Analysis
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... of Barclays Africa Group Limited (BAGL), a financial services provider based in Johannesburg, South Africa. BAGL is part of Barclays Plc. Absa Bank is headquartered in Johannesburg, South Africa. SCOPE Detailed information on Absa Bank Limited required ...
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African Rainbow Minerals Ltd - Company Profile and SWOT Analysis
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DRDGOLD Ltd - Company Profile and SWOT Analysis
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Exxaro Resources Ltd - Company Profile and SWOT Analysis
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... SUMMARY Exxaro Resources Limited - Strategy, SWOT and Corporate Finance Report, is a source of comprehensive company data ... . Stay up to date on Exxaro Resources Limited's business structure, strategy and prospects. KEY HIGHLIGHTS Exxaro Resources Limited (Exxaro) is diversified mineral resources company in South Africa. The company holds interests in resources such as coal, titanium ...
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Harmony Gold Mining Co Ltd - Company Profile and SWOT Analysis
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... . The company operates offices in South Africa and in Brisbane, Queensland, Australia. Harmony is headquartered in Randfontein, South Africa. SCOPE Detailed information on Harmony Gold Mining Co Ltd required for business and competitor ...
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Merafe Resources Ltd - Company Profile and SWOT Analysis
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