South Africa

Around the world, fast-moving consumer goods (FMCGs) tend to be more resilient to economic volatility than other manufactured products. This category of low-cost goods, sold quickly, includes a range of consumables like processed and perishable foods, soft drinks, basic toiletries, beer and basic pharmaceuticals. FMCGs are less discretionary...

Among the manufacturing powerhouses of the continent, South Africa has a strong industrial tradition dating back 150 years. The past few decades have been difficult, with external and domestic factors weighing on the sector, but the government and industry leaders have been working to stoke growth and develop value-added industries. In doing...

The retail sector in South Africa has seen mixed fortunes in recent months, with a slowdown in vehicle sales, but encouraging news in luxury goods. New passenger vehicle sales, which constitute just under two-thirds of overall automotive sales, fell 9% yearon-year (y-o-y) in September 2015, on top of a 8.2% y-o-y decline in August, according...

The automotive industry is the biggest contributor to manufacturing GDP and one of the most dynamic parts of the segment. While other industries are struggling, automotive firms have proven resilient, due to the segment’s strong degree of integration, with domestic component suppliers flourishing, a solid policy framework and export...

One of Africa’s largest and most affluent markets, South Africa has a well-developed retail sector, including a number of major domestic players. While recent macroeconomic difficulties have affected parts of the market, it has continued to grow and draw in a number of new international brands looking for a launching-pad to the rest of the...