Despite its challenges, SA received foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows of nearly R100 billion in 2023

Loading player...
GUEST - Christie Viljoen, PwC South Africa Senior Economist

PwC South Africa is pleased to share its fourth South Africa Economic Outlook report for 2024. In this edition, we focus on FDI and what South African companies can do to attract international deal interest.

It would come as a welcome surprise to many South Africans to learn that, despite the country’s many challenges, our economy still attracted almost R100 billion in FDI inflows in 2023 – equal to 1.4% of GDP. In fact, while some might expect South Africa’s investment outflows to be larger than inflows, the country has seen a net FDI inflow (inflows minus outflows) in every year since the global financial crisis.

South Africa has many positive attributes for foreign investors, including world-class financial services and communication industries, a deep capital market, quality tertiary institutions producing graduates with internationally-comparable qualifications, abundant natural resources (including renewables), a strategic geographical location for entry into the rest of Sub-Saharan Africa, a transparent legal system, and a certain degree of political and policy stability, among many other features.
29 Apr 2024 2PM English South Africa Business News · Investing

Other recent episodes

Strong Cash Flow, Softer Profits: Inside Famous Brands' Interim Results

Famous Brands delivered a resilient performance in difficult trading conditions, growing revenue and more than doubling free cash flow while navigating consumer pressure and global uncertainty. CEO Darren Hele discusses cash generation, expansion plans, shareholder returns, challenges in key regional markets and what current trading conditions reveal about South African…
21 Oct 1PM 14 min

Revenue, Reform and Growth: SARS at the Centre of Treasury's Plan

South Africa's latest Medium-Term Budget Policy Statement puts revenue collection at the heart of government's fiscal ambitions. SARS Commissioner Johnstone Makhubu unpacks how revenue collections exceeded expectations despite weaker economic growth, what this means for infrastructure spending, debt sustainability and public services, and why compliance and economic expansion remain critical…
21 Oct 12PM 15 min

SA Outlook: Is Investment Grade Back Within Reach?

Could South Africa regain investment-grade status by 2028? Investec's Osagyefo Mazwai explains why the country's fiscal position, institutional reforms and improving credibility are shifting the ratings conversation. We explore the remaining obstacles, the importance of the MTBPS and what investors should watch next.
20 Oct 1PM 16 min

Borrowing To Survive: South Africa's Money Squeeze

The latest Money & Me survey paints a worrying picture of household finances, with more consumers borrowing before month-end, dipping into retirement savings and turning to side hustles to stay afloat. Sarah Nicholson of JustMoney unpacks what the data reveals about financial stress, debt burdens and economic resilience among South…
20 Oct 1PM 17 min

NBI on Powering Pathways To South Africa's Green Jobs Future

South Africa's green transition could unlock hundreds of thousands of jobs, but only if skills development keeps pace. Gugu McLaren-Ushewokunze from the National Business Initiative discusses the new Skills Development Zones model, the future of green employment, and how South Africa can ensure young people and underserved communities benefit from…
20 Oct 1PM 16 min