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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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
South Africa Tire Market By Vehicle Type (Passenger Car, Light Commercial Vehicle (LCV), Medium & Heavy Commercial Vehicles (M&HCV), Off-the-Road Vehicles (OTR), Two-Wheelers), By Demand Category (OEM vs Replacement), By Tire Construction Type (Radial vs Bias), By Region, Competition, Forecast & Opportunities, 2020-2030F
US$ 3,500.00
Market Overview South Africa Tire Market was valued at USD 1.2 Billion in 2024 and is projected to reach approximately USD 1.78 Billion by 2030, expanding at a CAGR of 6.8% during the forecast period...
August 2025
85 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 ...
August 2025
46 pages
South Africa Animal Health Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Product, By Disease, By Animal (Production Animals, Companion Animal), By Distribution Channel, By End Use, And Segment Forecasts, 2025 - 2033
US$ 5,950.00
South Africa Animal Health Market The South Africa animal health market size was estimated at USD 958.47 million in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 1,808.59 million by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 7....
August 2025
150 pages
Naspers Limited - Company Profile and SWOT Analysis
US$ 175.00
Naspers Limited - Strategy, SWOT and Corporate Finance Report SUMMARY Naspers Limited - Strategy, SWOT and Corporate Finance Report, is a source of ... East. It is headquartered in Cape Town, South Africa. SCOPE Detailed information on Naspers Limited required for business and competitor intelligence needs A ...
August 2025
40 pages
Old Mutual Ltd - Company Profile and SWOT Analysis
US$ 175.00
Old Mutual Plc - Strategy, SWOT and Corporate Finance Report SUMMARY Old Mutual Plc - Strategy, SWOT and Corporate Finance Report, is a source of comprehensive ... services to its clients. It primarily operates in the US, the UK, South Africa, India, China, Mexico and Colombia. The company is headquartered at ...
August 2025
43 pages
Male Toiletries in South Africa
US$ 350.00
Male Toiletries in South Africa SUMMARY Male Toiletries in South Africa industry profile provides top-line qualitative and quantitative summary ...
August 2025
41 pages
Datatec Limited - Company Profile and SWOT Analysis
US$ 175.00
Datatec Limited - Strategy, SWOT and Corporate Finance Report Summary Datatec Limited - Strategy, SWOT and Corporate Finance Report, is a source of comprehensive company data and ...
August 2025
28 pages
Sanlam Ltd - Company Profile and SWOT Analysis
US$ 175.00
Sanlam Limited - Strategy, SWOT and Corporate Finance Report SUMMARY Sanlam Limited - Strategy, SWOT and Corporate Finance Report, is a source of ... are spanned across South Africa, the UK, India, Australia, Malaysia and the US markets. Sanlam is headquartered in Bellville, South Africa. The company reported ...
August 2025
43 pages
Santam Ltd - Company Profile and SWOT Analysis
US$ 175.00
Santam Limited - Strategy, SWOT and Corporate Finance Report SUMMARY Santam Limited - Strategy, SWOT and Corporate Finance Report, is a source of ... , Zambia, Uganda, Botswana, Malaysia, and India. Santam is headquartered in Bellville, South Africa. Santam reported gross written premium (GWP) of ZAR29,720 ...
August 2025
43 pages
Haircare in South Africa
US$ 350.00
... largely based on the informal economy, the South African personal care segment has become attractive and that has ... South Africa haircare market by value in 2018? What will be the size of the South Africa haircare market in 2023? What factors are affecting the strength of competition in the South Africa haircare ...
August 2025
44 pages
Absa Group Ltd - Company Profile and SWOT Analysis
US$ 175.00
Absa Group Limited - Strategy, SWOT and Corporate Finance Report SUMMARY Absa Group Limited - Strategy, SWOT and Corporate Finance Report, is ... Seychelles and Zambia. Barclays Africa is headquartered in Johannesburg, South Africa. SCOPE Detailed information on Absa Group Limited required for business and ...
August 2025
47 pages
Utilities in South Africa
US$ 350.00
... the future growth prospects of the South Africa utilities market with five year forecasts REASONS ... South Africa utilities market by value in 2017? What will be the size of the South Africa utilities market in 2022? What factors are affecting the strength of competition in the South Africa utilities ...
August 2025
36 pages
Atlatsa Resources Corp - Company Profile and SWOT Analysis
US$ 175.00
... SUMMARY Atlatsa Resources Corporation - Strategy, SWOT and Corporate Finance Report, is a source of comprehensive company data and information. The ... up to date on Atlatsa Resources Corporation's business structure, strategy and prospects. KEY HIGHLIGHTS Atlatsa Resources Corporation (Atlatsa), formerly known as Anooraq Resources Corporation, is a platinum group metals producing company, based in Canada. The company ...
July 2025
22 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 ...
July 2025
36 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 ...
July 2025
34 pages
Metorex Ltd - Company Profile and SWOT Analysis
US$ 175.00
Metorex 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...
July 2025
19 pages
Waste Management in South Africa
US$ 350.00
... South Africa waste management market by value in 2017? What will be the size of the South Africa waste management market in 2022? What factors are affecting the strength of competition in the South Africa waste management ...
June 2025
43 pages
Containers & Packaging in South Africa
US$ 350.00
Containers & Packaging 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)....
June 2025
47 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 size (value 2019-24, and forecast to 2029). The profile also co...
June 2025
42 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 2025
19 pages
Foodservice in South Africa
US$ 350.00
... the future growth prospects of the South Africa foodservice market with five year forecasts by ... South Africa foodservice market by value in 2017? What will be the size of the South Africa foodservice market in 2022? What factors are affecting the strength of competition in the South Africa foodservice ...
June 2025
47 pages
Telecommunication Services in South Africa
US$ 350.00
... South Africa telecommunication services market by value in 2017? What will be the size of the South Africa telecommunication services market in 2022? What factors are affecting the strength of competition in the South Africa telecommunication services ...
June 2025
40 pages
Wireless Telecommunication Services in South Africa
US$ 350.00
... South Africa wireless telecommunication services market by value in 2017? What will be the size of the South Africa wireless telecommunication services market in 2022? What factors are affecting the strength of competition in the South Africa wireless telecommunication services ...
June 2025
47 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 2025
44 pages
Internet Access in South Africa
US$ 350.00
... South Africa internet access market by value in 2017? What will be the size of the South Africa internet access market in 2022? What factors are affecting the strength of competition in the South Africa internet access ...
June 2025
48 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 ...
June 2025
48 pages
Hybrid & Electric Cars in South Africa
US$ 350.00
Hybrid & Electric Cars in South Africa Hybrid & Electric Cars in South Africa industry profile provides top-line qualitative and quantitative summary information including: market share, market size...
June 2025
45 pages
Automotive Manufacturing in South Africa
US$ 350.00
... South Africa automotive manufacturing market by value in 2017? What will be the size of the South Africa automotive manufacturing market in 2022? What factors are affecting the strength of competition in the South Africa automotive manufacturing ...
May 2025
53 pages
Power Generation in South Africa
US$ 350.00
... South Africa power generation market by value in 2017? What will be the size of the South Africa power generation market in 2022? What factors are affecting the strength of competition in the South Africa power generation ...
May 2025
41 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 2025
41 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 2025
42 pages
Standard Bank Group Limited - Company Profile and SWOT Analysis
US$ 175.00
... , South Africa. SCOPE Detailed information on Standard Bank Group Limited required for business and competitor intelligence needs A study of the major internal and external factors affecting Standard Bank Group Limited ...
May 2025
46 pages
MTN Group Limited - Company Profile and SWOT Analysis
US$ 175.00
MTN Group Limited - Strategy, SWOT and Corporate Finance Report SUMMARY MTN Group Limited - Strategy, SWOT and ... South Africa. SCOPE Detailed information on MTN Group Limited required for business and competitor intelligence needs A study of the major internal and external factors affecting MTN Group Limited ...
May 2025
40 pages
The SPAR Group Ltd - Company Profile and SWOT Analysis
US$ 175.00
... business presence across Southern Africa, Ireland, and Switzerland. SPAR Group is headquartered in Pinetown, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. SCOPE Detailed information on The SPAR Group Limited required for business ...
May 2025
42 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 ...
May 2025
20 pages
Indequity Group Ltd - Company Profile and SWOT Analysis
US$ 175.00
Indequity Group Limited - Strategy, SWOT and Corporate Finance Report SUMMARY Indequity Group Limited - Strategy, SWOT and Corporate Finance Report, is a source ... . The company also provides claims services. Indequity is headquartered in Johannesburg, South Africa. The company reported gross written premium of ...
May 2025
18 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 ...
May 2025
36 pages
Apparel & Non-Apparel Manufacturing in South Africa
US$ 350.00
Apparel & Non-Apparel Manufacturing in South Africa Apparel & Non-Apparel Manufacturing in South Africa industry profile provides top-line qualitative and quantitative summary information including:...
May 2025
38 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 2025
45 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 2025
45 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 ...
May 2025
39 pages
Government Spending in South Africa
US$ 350.00
... South Africa government spending market by value in 2017? What will be the size of the South Africa government spending market in 2022? What factors are affecting the strength of competition in the South Africa government spending ...
April 2025
36 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 ...
April 2025
47 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 2025
54 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 2025
41 pages
Banks 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 $354.3bn ...
April 2025
45 pages
South Africa In-depth PESTLE Insights
US$ 350.00
Australia: In-depth PESTLE Insights SUMMARY This PESTLE country analysis report on Australia provides a holistic view of the country, with insightful analysis of current ... The political landscape section discusses the evolution of the political scenario in Australia, as well as the country's economic, social, ...
April 2025
70 pages
