Doing Business in South Africa

Country overview

South Africa is the most sophisticated and developed economy in Africa and has some high-class companies in finance, real estate and business services, manufacturing and wholesale and retail trade. South Africa is the ‘gateway to Africa’ for investors due to its comparative sophistication, ease of doing business, continental expertise and ability to act as a base for critical services (e.g. auditing) for doing business on the rest of the continent.

South Africa’s business environment is challenging but still one of the best in the developing world, with a well-developed transport infrastructure, sound macro conditions and robust financial and legal frameworks also exist. Challenges are not insurmountable, and many are already being addressed. The development of powerful interventions such as the National Development Plan and the New Growth Path provide a strong blueprint for tackling these issues. The country has also improved in a range of other areas around starting a business, registering property, trading across borders, enforcing contracts and paying taxes.

The UK is a valued trading partner for South Africa, with annual bilateral trade worth just under £10 billion. Many languages and dialects are spoken in South Africa, but English is the most-widely understood, and the common business language.

About this guide

This guide aims to provide a route map of the way ahead, together with signposts to other sources of help.

The main objective of this Doing Business in South Africa Guide is to provide you with basic knowledge about South Africa; an overview of its economy, business culture, potential opportunities and to identify the main issues associated with initial research, market entry, risk management and cultural and language issues.

We do not pretend to provide all the answers in the guide, but novice exporters in particular will find it a useful starting point. Further assistance is available from the Department for International Trade (DIT) team in South Africa. Full contact details are available in this guide.

To help your business succeed in South Africa we have carefully selected a variety of essential service providers as ‘Market Experts’ Click Here.

The guide is available in 4 formats:

• this website

• a ‘free’ downloadable 'mobile device-friendly’ app – available from the iTunes App Store and Google Play store

• a full colour hard-copy brochure (to order your copy please Click Here)

• PDF download/e-flipbook (available to download below)

About IOE&IT

An introduction to the Institute of Export & International Trade

Established in 1935, the Institute of Export & International Trade is the professional membership body representing and supporting the interests of everyone involved in importing, exporting and international trade. Offering a unique range of individual and business membership benefits and a world renowned suite of qualifications and training, the Institute is the leading authority in best practice and competence for businesses trading globally.

To view other videos, please visit the IOE&IT YouTube Channel.

For more information visit: www.export.org.uk