INVESTMENT CLIMATE IN SOUTH AFRICA DISCUSSION PAPER

At the 7th European Union – South Africa (EU-SA) Summit held in November 2018, both parties recognised the EU as “a significant and long-term investor in South Africa”. The EU remains South Africa’s first trading and investment partner, accounting for 25% of South Africa’s trade and 75% of its foreign direct investments (FDI).

According to a study conducted by the Black Management Forum (BMF) in collaboration with the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (DTIC) and the European Union on the ‘Contribution of EU Investments to Inclusive Growth in South Africa,’ it was found that direct jobs dependent on this economic relationship are well in excess of 500 000. As the most advanced, broad-based economy on the continent, South Africa offers EU investors a diverse economy with a mature financial sector and highly developed transport infrastructure.