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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Aerospace & Defense in South Africa
US$ 350.00
Aerospace & Defense in South Africa industry profile provides top-line qualitative and quantitative summary information including: market share, market size (value 2019-24, and forecast to 2029). Th...
December 2025
38 pages
Non-Life Insurance in South Africa
US$ 350.00
... South Africa non-life insurance market by value in 2017? What will be the size of the South Africa non-life insurance market in 2022? What factors are affecting the strength of competition in the South Africa non-life insurance ...
December 2025
39 pages
Beer & Cider in South Africa
US$ 350.00
... Growing alcohol consumption in South Africa has made the country the largest consumer of alcohol in ... South Africa beer & cider market by value in 2017? What will be the size of the South Africa beer & cider market in 2022? What factors are affecting the strength of competition in the South Africa beer & cider ...
December 2025
44 pages
Meat in South Africa
US$ 350.00
... ambient meat, chilled raw packaged meat - processed, chilled raw packaged meat - whole cuts, cooked meats - counter, cooked meats - packaged, fresh meat (counter) and frozen meat. ... in 2018. Poultry, beef and pork meat products are commonly consumed in South Africa, with poultry accounting for more than 50% ...
December 2025
36 pages
Soft Drinks in South Africa
US$ 350.00
... the future growth prospects of the South Africa soft drinks market with five year forecasts by ... South Africa soft drinks market by value in 2017? What will be the size of the South Africa soft drinks market in 2022? What factors are affecting the strength of competition in the South Africa soft drinks ...
December 2025
42 pages
Movies & Entertainment in South Africa
US$ 350.00
... South Africa movies & entertainment market by value in 2017? What will be the size of the South Africa movies & entertainment market in 2022? What factors are affecting the strength of competition in the South Africa movies & entertainment ...
December 2025
30 pages
Hotels & Motels in South Africa
US$ 350.00
... future growth prospects of the South Africa hotels & motels market with five year forecasts ... South Africa hotels & motels market by value in 2017? What will be the size of the South Africa hotels & motels market in 2022? What factors are affecting the strength of competition in the South Africa hotels & motels ...
November 2025
49 pages
Packaged Water in South Africa
US$ 350.00
... South Africa packaged water market by value in 2017? What will be the size of the South Africa packaged water market in 2022? What factors are affecting the strength of competition in the South Africa packaged water ...
November 2025
38 pages
Functional Drinks in South Africa
US$ 350.00
... South Africa functional drinks market by value in 2017? What will be the size of the South Africa functional drinks market in 2022? What factors are affecting the strength of competition in the South Africa functional drinks ...
November 2025
41 pages
South Africa Air Freight Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Service (Freight, Express, Mail), By Destination (Domestic, International), End Use (Private, Commercial), And Segment Forecasts, 2025 - 2030
US$ 3,250.00
The South Africa air freight market size was estimated at USD 3,223.1 million in 2024, and is projected to reach USD 5,760.4 million by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 8.7% from 2025 to 2030. The growth of...
November 2025
100 pages
Pharmaceuticals in South Africa
US$ 350.00
... healthcare system. SCOPE Save time carrying out entry-level research by identifying the size, growth, and leading players in the pharmaceuticals market in South Africa ...
November 2025
46 pages
Carbonated Soft Drinks in South Africa
US$ 350.00
... Rapid urbanization and changing consumer lifestyles are the primary ... South Africa carbonated soft drinks market by value in 2017? What will be the size of the South Africa carbonated soft drinks market in 2022? What factors are affecting the strength of competition in the South Africa carbonated soft drinks ...
November 2025
37 pages
Assore Ltd - Company Profile and SWOT Analysis
US$ 175.00
Assore Limited - Strategy, SWOT and Corporate Finance Report SUMMARY Assore Limited - Strategy, SWOT and Corporate Finance Report, is a ... Dwarsrivier Mine near Lydenburg. Assore is headquartered in Johannesburg, South Africa. SCOPE Detailed information on Assore Limited required for business and competitor ...
November 2025
25 pages
Cell C Ltd - Company Profile and SWOT Analysis
US$ 175.00
... , providing a 360˚ view of the company. KEY HIGHLIGHTS Cell C (Pty) Ltd. (Cell C), a subsidiary of 3C Telecommunications Pty. Ltd, is a cellular operator in South Africa. The company provides wireless mobile services including ...
November 2025
37 pages
Clarins SA - Company Profile and SWOT Analysis
US$ 175.00
Clarins SA - Strategy, SWOT and Corporate Finance Report SUMMARY Clarins SA - Strategy, SWOT and Corporate Finance Report, is a source of ... Its products are marketed under Clarins brand. Clarins is headquartered in Johannesburg, South Africa. SCOPE Detailed information on Clarins SA required for business and ...
November 2025
20 pages
Cullinan Holdings Ltd - Company Profile and SWOT Analysis
US$ 175.00
Cullinan Holdings Limited - Strategy, SWOT and Corporate Finance Report Summary Cullinan Holdings Limited - Strategy, SWOT and Corporate Finance Report, is a source of comprehensive company data ...
November 2025
20 pages
Gooderson Leisure Corp Ltd - Company Profile and SWOT Analysis
US$ 175.00
... Petersburg, Limpopo, Gaunteng-Lonehill and Dullstroom. Gooderson Leisure is headquartered in Durban, South Africa. SCOPE Detailed information on Gooderson Leisure Corporation Limited required for business and competitor intelligence needs ...
November 2025
18 pages
Kumba Iron Ore Ltd - Company Profile and SWOT Analysis
US$ 175.00
... Kumba is headquartered in Centurion, South Africa. SCOPE Detailed information on Kumba Iron Ore Ltd required ... for business and competitor intelligence needs A study of the major internal and external factors affecting Kumba Iron Ore Ltd ...
November 2025
31 pages
Mr. Price Group Ltd - Company Profile and SWOT Analysis
US$ 175.00
... products online through its e-commerce platform. Mr Price is headquartered in Durban, South Africa. SCOPE Detailed information on Mr. Price Group Ltd. required for business and competitor intelligence needs ...
November 2025
36 pages
Peregrine Capital (Pty) Ltd - Company Profile and SWOT Analysis
US$ 175.00
... SUMMARY Peregrine Holdings Limited - Strategy, SWOT and Corporate Finance Report, is a source of comprehensive company data ... , administrative, financial structuring, advisory, management and investment banking services. Peregrine is headquartered in Sandton, Johannesberg, South Africa.
November 2025
18 pages
Pick n Pay Stores Ltd - Company Profile and SWOT Analysis
US$ 175.00
... , Zambia, Mozambique, Mauritius, Swaziland and Lesotho. Pick n Pay is headquartered in Cape Town, South Africa. SCOPE Detailed information on Pick n Pay Stores Limited required for business and competitor intelligence ...
November 2025
40 pages
Suncare in South Africa
US$ 350.00
Suncare in South Africa SUMMARY Suncare in South Africa industry profile provides top-line qualitative and quantitative summary ...
November 2025
40 pages
Make-Up in South Africa
US$ 350.00
... in 2018. Despite socio-economic issues, consumers' strong attachment to make-up products helped the market to register ... South Africa make-up market by value in 2018? What will be the size of the South Africa make-up market in 2023? What factors are affecting the strength of competition in the South Africa make ...
November 2025
42 pages
BPO Services in South Africa
US$ 350.00
... South Africa bpo services market by value in 2017? What will be the size of the South Africa bpo services market in 2022? What factors are affecting the strength of competition in the South Africa bpo services ...
November 2025
44 pages
Travel & Tourism in South Africa
US$ 350.00
Travel & Tourism in South Africa industry profile provides top-line qualitative and quantitative summary information including: market share, market size (value 2019-24, and forecast to 2029). The p...
November 2025
42 pages
South Africa Liquid Dietary Supplements Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Ingredients (Vitamins, Botanicals, Minerals), By Type, By Application, By End User, By Distribution Channel, And Segment Forecasts, 2025 - 2030
US$ 5,950.00
The South Africa liquid dietary supplements market size was estimated at USD 50.5 million in 2024 and is projected to reach 92.7 million by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 10.5% from 2025 to 2030. Key sect...
November 2025
80 pages
South Africa Whey Protein Market Size, Share & Trend Analysis Report By Type (Whey Protein Concentrates (35%), Whey Protein Concentrates (60%), Whey Protein Concentrates (80%), Whey Protein Isolates (>80%)), By Application (Sports Nutrition, Dairy Products), And Segment Forecasts, 2025 - 2033
US$ 3,950.00
The South Africa whey protein market size was estimated at USD 37.1 million in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 63.4 million in 2033, growing at a CAGR of 6.1% from 2025 to 2033. The market is witne...
November 2025
110 pages
Prepared Meals in South Africa
US$ 350.00
... South Africa prepared meals market by value in 2017? What will be the size of the South Africa prepared meals market in 2022? What factors are affecting the strength of competition in the South Africa prepared meals ...
November 2025
38 pages
Online Retail in South Africa
US$ 350.00
... South Africa online retail market by value in 2018? What will be the size of the South Africa online retail market in 2023? What factors are affecting the strength of competition in the South Africa online retail ...
October 2025
41 pages
Soups in South Africa
US$ 350.00
... in consumer lifestyles have caused a change in their consumption habits and resulted in a higher demand for soups. SCOPE ... South Africa soups market by value in 2017? What will be the size of the South Africa soups market in 2022? What factors are affecting the strength of competition in the South Africa soups ...
October 2025
40 pages
Airlines in South Africa
US$ 350.00
... HIGHLIGHTS The airlines industry comprises passenger air transportation, including both scheduled and chartered, but excludes air freight transport. The South African airlines industry had ...
October 2025
37 pages
IT Services in South Africa
US$ 350.00
IT Services in South Africa SUMMARY IT Services in South Africa industry profile provides top-line qualitative and quantitative summary ...
October 2025
49 pages
Pasta & Noodles in South Africa
US$ 350.00
Pasta & Noodles in Singapore SUMMARY Pasta & Noodles in Singapore industry profile provides top-line qualitative and quantitative summary ... is an increasing trend among Singaporean consumers. Therefore, consumers are creating a demand for organic and gluten free pasta and noodles. SCOPE Save time carrying ...
October 2025
46 pages
Astral Foods Ltd - Company Profile and SWOT Analysis
US$ 175.00
Astral Foods 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 serv...
October 2025
32 pages
Software in South Africa
US$ 350.00
Software in South Africa SUMMARY Software in South Africa industry profile provides top-line qualitative and quantitative summary ... revenues of $0.7bn, equivalent to 28.7% of the market's overall value. In terms of IT software and IT services, 2018 proved to be a difficult year worldwide, largely due to the rise ...
October 2025
46 pages
Savory Snacks in South Africa
US$ 350.00
... South Africa savory snacks market by value in 2017? What will be the size of the South Africa savory snacks market in 2022? What factors are affecting the strength of competition in the South Africa savory snacks ...
October 2025
39 pages
Toys & Games Retail in South Africa
US$ 350.00
... South Africa toys & games market by value in 2017? What will be the size of the South Africa toys & games market in 2022? What factors are affecting the strength of competition in the South Africa toys & games ...
October 2025
30 pages
Travel Intermediaries in South Africa
US$ 350.00
Travel Intermediaries in South Africa industry profile provides top-line qualitative and quantitative summary information including: market share, market size (value and volume 2019-24, and forecast...
October 2025
44 pages
Gold Fields Ltd - Company Profile and SWOT Analysis
US$ 175.00
Gold Fields Limited - Strategy, SWOT and Corporate Finance Report SUMMARY Gold Fields Limited - Strategy, SWOT and Corporate Finance Report, ... ventures of the group. Gold Fields is headquartered in Johannesburg, South Africa. SCOPE Detailed information on Gold Fields Limited required for business and competitor ...
September 2025
48 pages
Impala Platinum Holdings Ltd - Company Profile and SWOT Analysis
US$ 175.00
... , South Africa. SCOPE Detailed information on Impala Platinum Holdings Ltd required for business and competitor intelligence needs A study of the major internal and external factors affecting Impala Platinum Holdings Ltd ...
September 2025
42 pages
Vodacom Group Limited - Company Profile and SWOT Analysis
US$ 175.00
Vodacom Group Limited - Strategy, SWOT and Corporate Finance Report SUMMARY Vodacom Group Limited - Strategy, SWOT and Corporate Finance Report, ... primarily operates in South Africa where it is headquartered in Midrand, South Africa. SCOPE Detailed information on Vodacom Group Limited required for business and ...
September 2025
42 pages
Sibanye Stillwater Ltd - Company Profile and SWOT Analysis
US$ 175.00
Sibanye Gold Ltd - Strategy, SWOT and Corporate Finance Report SUMMARY Sibanye Gold Ltd - Strategy, SWOT and Corporate Finance Report, is a ... States (US) region. Sibanye operates in South Africa, where it is headquartered in Westonaria. SCOPE Detailed information on Sibanye Gold Ltd required for business and ...
September 2025
54 pages
Omnia Holdings Ltd - Company Profile and SWOT Analysis
US$ 175.00
Omnia Holdings 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 se...
September 2025
32 pages
Valterra Platinum Ltd - Company Profile and SWOT Analysis
US$ 175.00
Valterra Platinum 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...
September 2025
49 pages
Feminine Hygiene in South Africa
US$ 350.00
Feminine Hygiene in South Africa SUMMARY Feminine Hygiene in South Africa industry profile provides top-line qualitative and quantitative summary ...
September 2025
42 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 ...
September 2025
36 pages
Metals & Mining in South Africa
US$ 350.00
Metals & Mining in South Africa industry profile provides top-line qualitative and quantitative summary information including: market size (value 2019-24, and forecast to 2029). The profile also conta...
September 2025
50 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 ...
September 2025
35 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 ...
September 2025
35 pages
