South Africa

In a strategic position as a driver of economic growth and job creation, the agricultural sector stands as a barometer of a more equitable South Africa. However, the industry faces problems of competitiveness and efficiency, compounded by factors such as soil productivity, input costs, infrastructural impediments and the trade environment. The short...

Far ahead of its continental neighbours, South African media is vibrant, developed, and thriving industry. This means, among other things, that it also shares many of the challenges currently experienced by media outlets around the world. Print is in decline, and publications are working hard to eke out new strategies. At the same time, television...

One of South Africa’s larger agricultural commodities, the sugar industry is now looking to maintain its performance in an increasingly competitive global environment. The segment, which is a key contributor to the economy and labour force, has been grappling with a combination of weakening production, fierce competition and declining global prices...

Over the past five years, as South Africa’s import cover has diminished, the government has continued to look at ways of shifting the trade balance, boosting exports and addressing rising import volumes. There have been a number of policies from the public and private sectors aimed at improving agriculture’s competitiveness and boosting revenues...

Unlike many emerging markets, the cities of South Africa are not littered with the skeletons of half-finished high-rise towers. The 2010 FIFA football World Cup ensured that, despite the global financial crisis, buildings – particularly hotels – were finished on time and put to use. However, while much demand was created by the football tournament,...

Although the country has avoided the worst aspects of the global downturn, business confidence has been hit and many of the key indicators for business growth and subsequent office demand do not look promising.