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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Calgro M3 Holdings Ltd - Company Profile and SWOT Analysis
US$ 175.00
... along with its subsidiaries operates across South Africa region. Calgro is headquartered at Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa. SCOPE Detailed information on Calgro M3 Holdings Ltd required for business and competitor ...
June 2026
29 pages
Famous Brands Ltd - Company Profile and SWOT Analysis
US$ 175.00
... supplying products prepared by third-party manufacturers. Famous Brands is headquartered in Midrand, South Africa. SCOPE Detailed information on Famous Brands Limited (Foodservice) required for business and competitor intelligence needs ...
June 2026
35 pages
Gold One Group Ltd - Company Profile and SWOT Analysis
US$ 175.00
... Gold One International Limited in the form of a SWOT analysis An in-depth view of the business model of Gold One International Limited including a breakdown and examination of key business segments Intelligence on Gold One International Limited ...
June 2026
19 pages
Sun International Ltd - Company Profile and SWOT Analysis
US$ 175.00
... , South Africa. SCOPE Detailed information on Sun International Ltd required for business and competitor intelligence needs A study of the major internal and external factors affecting Sun International Ltd in the ...
June 2026
34 pages
Anglo American South Africa Ltd - Company Profile and SWOT Analysis
US$ 175.00
... affecting Anglo American South Africa Limited in the form of a SWOT analysis An in-depth view of the business model of Anglo American South Africa Limited including a breakdown and examination of key business segments Intelligence on Anglo American South Africa Limited ...
June 2026
21 pages
Mobile Phones in South Africa
US$ 350.00
Mobile Phones in South Africa SUMMARY Mobile Phones in South Africa industry profile provides top-line qualitative and quantitative summary information including: market size (value and volume 2014-18, and forecast ...
June 2026
48 pages
Spirits in South Africa
US$ 350.00
... understanding the future growth prospects of the South Africa spirits market with five year forecasts by both value ... South Africa spirits market by value in 2017? What will be the size of the South Africa spirits market in 2022? What factors are affecting the strength of competition in the South Africa spirits ...
June 2026
44 pages
South Africa Beverage Cans Market Size and Forecast (2021 - 2034), Country Share, Trend, and Growth Opportunity Analysis Report Coverage: By Material Type (Aluminum and Steel), By Beverage Type {Carbonated Soft Drinks (CSDs), Non Carbonated Drinks [Canned Water, Juices, Energy Drinks, and Others], Alcoholic Beverages [Beer and Cider, Ready-to-Drink (RTD) Cocktails, and Others], Milk-Based Beverages [Milkshakes, Yogurt Drinks, and Others], and Others}, By Can Size (Up to 150ml, 150–250 ml, 250–350 ml, 350–450 ml, and 450 ml to 500 ml and Above), and Country
US$ 2,450.00
The South Africa beverage cans market size is projected to reach US$ 891.81 million by 2034 from US$ 516.83 million in 2025. The market is expected to register a CAGR of 6.2% during 2026–2034. South A...
June 2026
149 pages
Hybrid & Electric Cars in South Africa
US$ 350.00
Hybrid & Electric Cars in South Africa industry profile provides top-line qualitative and quantitative summary information including: market share, market size (value and volume 2020-25, and forecas...
June 2026
47 pages
Wine in South Africa
US$ 350.00
... pitches by understanding the future growth prospects of the South Africa wine market with five year forecasts by both value ... South Africa wine market by value in 2017? What will be the size of the South Africa wine market in 2022? What factors are affecting the strength of competition in the South Africa wine ...
June 2026
43 pages
Renewable Energy in South Africa
US$ 350.00
... South Africa renewable energy market by value in 2017? What will be the size of the South Africa renewable energy market in 2022? What factors are affecting the strength of competition in the South Africa renewable energy ...
May 2026
43 pages
Bakery & Cereals in South Africa
US$ 350.00
Bakery & Cereals in South Africa industry profile provides top-line qualitative and quantitative summary information including: market share, market size (value 2020-25, and forecast to 2030). The p...
May 2026
48 pages
Skincare in South Africa
US$ 350.00
... HIGHLIGHTS The skincare market consists of the retail sale of facial care, body care, hand care, depilatories, ... South Africa skincare market by value in 2017? What will be the size of the South Africa skincare market in 2022? What factors are affecting the strength of competition in the South Africa skincare ...
May 2026
48 pages
Nedbank Ltd - Company Profile and SWOT Analysis
US$ 175.00
Nedbank Ltd - Company Profile and SWOT Analysis, is a source of comprehensive company data and information. The report covers the company's structure, operation, SWOT analysis, product and service o...
May 2026
36 pages
Apparel & Non-Apparel Manufacturing in South Africa
US$ 350.00
Apparel & Non-Apparel Manufacturing in South Africa industry profile provides top-line qualitative and quantitative summary information including: market share, market size (value and volume 2020-25,...
May 2026
44 pages
Motorcycles in South Africa
US$ 350.00
... 32.6 thousand units in 2017. South Africa’s motorcycles market experienced strong double digit growth ... South Africa motorcycles market by value in 2017? What will be the size of the South Africa motorcycles market in 2022? What factors are affecting the strength of competition in the South Africa motorcycles ...
May 2026
47 pages
Personal Hygiene in South Africa
US$ 350.00
Personal Hygiene in South Africa SUMMARY Personal Hygiene in South Africa industry profile provides top-line qualitative and quantitative summary ...
May 2026
52 pages
Household Products in South Africa
US$ 350.00
Household Products in South Africa SUMMARY Household Products in South Africa industry profile provides top-line qualitative and quantitative summary ... of 505.2 million units in 2017. Despite socio-economic issues, the consumers' strong inclination towards health and hygiene helped the market ...
May 2026
54 pages
Oral Hygiene in South Africa
US$ 350.00
... issues, consumers' growing preference towards personal care goods helped the oral hygiene market ... South Africa oral hygiene market by value in 2016? What will be the size of the South Africa oral hygiene market in 2021? What factors are affecting the strength of competition in the South Africa oral hygiene ...
May 2026
57 pages
Construction in South Africa
US$ 350.00
... the future growth prospects of the South Africa construction market with five year forecasts REASONS ... South Africa construction market by value in 2017? What will be the size of the South Africa construction market in 2022? What factors are affecting the strength of competition in the South Africa construction ...
May 2026
46 pages
Car Manufacturing in South Africa
US$ 350.00
... new vehicles. SCOPE Save time carrying out entry-level research by identifying the size, growth, and leading players in the car manufacturing market in South Africa ...
April 2026
55 pages
Residential Construction in South Africa
US$ 350.00
... South Africa residential construction market by value in 2017? What will be the size of the South Africa residential construction market in 2022? What factors are affecting the strength of competition in the South Africa residential construction ...
April 2026
37 pages
Banking in South Africa
US$ 350.00
Banks in South Africa SUMMARY Banks in South Africa industry profile provides top-line qualitative and quantitative summary ... savings, loans, mortgages, and related financial services to consumers and businesses. The South African banks industry group had total assets of $354.3bn ...
April 2026
45 pages
Chemicals in South Africa
US$ 350.00
... HIGHLIGHTS The chemicals market consists of speciality chemicals, commodity chemicals, agricultural chemicals, and other chemicals (which includes products such as pharmaceutical chemicals). The South African chemicals market had total ...
April 2026
45 pages
Dog Care in South Africa
US$ 350.00
... South Africa dog care market by value in 2016? What will be the size of the South Africa dog care market in 2021? What factors are affecting the strength of competition in the South Africa dog care ...
April 2026
42 pages
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$ 2,999.00
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...
April 2026
139 pages
Pet Healthcare in South Africa
US$ 350.00
... South Africa pet healthcare market by value in 2017? What will be the size of the South Africa pet healthcare market in 2022? What factors are affecting the strength of competition in the South Africa pet healthcare ...
March 2026
44 pages
Clientele Ltd - Company Profile and SWOT Analysis
US$ 175.00
Clearwater Paper Corporation - Strategy, SWOT and Corporate Finance Report SUMMARY Clearwater Paper Corporation - Strategy, SWOT and Corporate Finance Report, is a source of comprehensive company data and information. The ...
March 2026
30 pages
Invicta Holdings Ltd - Company Profile and SWOT Analysis
US$ 175.00
... SUMMARY inVentiv Health, Inc. - Strategy, SWOT and Corporate Finance Report, is a source of comprehensive company data ... your customers' businesses better. Stay up to date on inVentiv Health, Inc.'s business structure, strategy and prospects. KEY HIGHLIGHTS inVentiv Health (inVentiv or 'the company') is a provider of outsourced services to the ...
March 2026
32 pages
OUTsurance Group Ltd - Company Profile and SWOT Analysis
US$ 175.00
... Rand Merchant Investment Holdings Ltd. in the form of a SWOT analysis An in-depth view of the business model of Rand Merchant Investment Holdings Ltd. including a breakdown and examination of key business segments Intelligence on Rand Merchant Investment Holdings Ltd ...
March 2026
34 pages
Absa Bank Ltd - Company Profile and SWOT Analysis
US$ 175.00
... 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 ...
March 2026
36 pages
African Rainbow Minerals Ltd - Company Profile and SWOT Analysis
US$ 175.00
... African Rainbow Minerals Limited in the form of a SWOT analysis An in-depth view of the business model of African Rainbow Minerals Limited including a breakdown and examination of key business segments Intelligence on African Rainbow Minerals Limited ...
March 2026
42 pages
DRDGOLD Ltd - Company Profile and SWOT Analysis
US$ 175.00
DRDGOLD Ltd - Strategy, SWOT and Corporate Finance Report SUMMARY DRDGOLD Ltd - Strategy, SWOT and Corporate Finance Report, is a source of ... , City Deep and Knights. DRDGOLD is headquartered in Johannesburg, South Africa. SCOPE Detailed information on DRDGOLD Ltd required for business and competitor ...
March 2026
41 pages
Exxaro Resources Ltd - Company Profile and SWOT Analysis
US$ 175.00
... 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 ...
March 2026
42 pages
Harmony Gold Mining Co Ltd - Company Profile and SWOT Analysis
US$ 175.00
... . 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 ...
March 2026
43 pages
Merafe Resources Ltd - Company Profile and SWOT Analysis
US$ 175.00
Meezan Bank Ltd - Strategy, SWOT and Corporate Finance Report SUMMARY Meezan Bank Ltd - Strategy, SWOT and Corporate Finance Report, is a ... its branches and ATMs in Pakistan. Meezan Bank is headquartered in Karachi, Pakistan. SCOPE Detailed information on Meezan Bank Ltd required for business and competitor ...
March 2026
38 pages
Northam Platinum Holdings Ltd - Company Profile and SWOT Analysis
US$ 175.00
Northam Platinum Limited - Strategy, SWOT and Corporate Finance Report SUMMARY Northam Platinum Limited - Strategy, SWOT and Corporate Finance Report, ... is headquartered in Midrand, Gauteng, South Africa. SCOPE Detailed information on Northam Platinum Limited required for business and competitor intelligence ...
March 2026
37 pages
Sappi Ltd - Company Profile and SWOT Analysis
US$ 175.00
... Sappi Limited - Strategy, SWOT and Corporate Finance Report, is a source of comprehensive company data and information. The report covers the company's structure, operation, SWOT ... countries. It also conducts manufacturing operations in three continents. Sappi is headquartered in Johannesburg, South Africa ...
March 2026
43 pages
Momentum Group Ltd - Company Profile and SWOT Analysis
US$ 175.00
MMI Holdings Ltd. - Strategy, SWOT and Corporate Finance Report SUMMARY MMI Holdings Ltd. - Strategy, SWOT and Corporate Finance Report, is a source ... , Namibia, Nigeria, Swaziland, Tanzania and Zambia. MMI is headquartered in Centurion, South Africa. MMI reported net insurance premium of ZAR65.3 billion during ...
March 2026
43 pages
Oceana Group Limited - Company Profile and SWOT Analysis
US$ 175.00
Oceana Group Limited - Company Profile and SWOT Analysis, is a source of comprehensive company data and information. The report covers the company's structure, operation, SWOT analysis, product and...
March 2026
29 pages
Gyms, Health & Fitness Clubs in South Africa
US$ 350.00
... South Africa gyms, health & fitness clubs market by value in 2017? What will be the size of the South Africa gyms, health & fitness clubs market in 2022? What factors are affecting the strength of competition in the South Africa gyms, health & fitness clubs ...
March 2026
34 pages
Cat Care in South Africa
US$ 350.00
... South Africa cat care market by value in 2016? What will be the size of the South Africa cat care market in 2021? What factors are affecting the strength of competition in the South Africa cat care ...
March 2026
49 pages
