Doing business in the republic of South Africa



South Africa is the right place to be right now. We offer a dynamic emerging market, a stable society, and infrastructure on par with the world's best.

Sustained macro-economic reform has boosted competitiveness, growing the economy, creating jobs and opening South Africa up to world markets. South Africa remains one of the lowest-cost places in the world to do business.

Several sectors have been singled out by policy-makers for their outstanding growth potential. These sectors account for over 22% of GDP, employ 23% of the workforce, and contribute over 55% to foreign exchange earnings. High-potential sectors include ICT and telecommunications, business process outsourcing, chemicals, tourism, mining and metals, agro-processing, community and social services, wood and paper production, appliances, and the retail and construction industries.

Considerations for doing business in South Africa:

• A legal and business environment that protects property rights and actively encourages investment and economic growth
• Easy access to the vast African Market
• Liberal trade policies and global market access through trade agreements and preferences
• World-class industrial capability and cutting-edge technology
• A fair and robust competitive environment

General Info

Official name: Republic of South Africa
Capital: Pretoria
Total land area: 1 219 912 square kilometres (471 011 square miles)
Total coastline: 2 798 kilometres (1 739 miles)
Population (2007): 47.9-million
Currency: The rand. R1 = 100 cents
Total GDP (actual, 2006): R1 741-billion
Real GDP growth (2006): 5.4%
Inflation (CPIX, 2006): 4.6%
Official languages: Afrikaans, English, isiNdebele, isiXhosa, isiZulu, Sepedi, Sesotho, Setswana, siSwati, Tshivenda and Xitsonga
Provinces: Eastern Cape, Free State, Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, Limpopo, Mpumalanga, Northern Cape, North West, Western Cape