Investors are looking for a clear vision of how South Africa planned to move towards its target of inclusive economic development in difficult conditions.
“South Africa currently faces many of the same global challenges as other developing markets, including lower commodity prices and the risk of rising interest rates,” says Andrew Jeffreys, editor-in-chief and CEO of the Oxford Business Group (OBG).
“However, its status as a regional leader, strong trade links and resilient economy have helped the country retain its status as a preferred investment destination. Addressing issues such as power shortages and issues in the labour market through structural reforms will further improve investor sentiment, while also providing the local business community with a welcome boost.”
OBG has produced a new report that charts the country’s two-decade evolution from apartheid to Rainbow Nation, while asking what’s next for the country as it reaches another critical juncture in its development. “The Report: South Africa 2016” looks at what the regional giant can do to resolve its power supply problems and address the shortages that are impacting performance across the economic sectors.
There is wide-ranging coverage of South Africa’s mining sector which, along with the country’s manufacturing industry, is bearing the brunt of disruptions to electricity supplies, at a time when low commodity prices are already weighing on performance. The publication also explores the part that South Africa’s status as the continent’s most connected country, in terms of capital and trade flows, is playing in helping it weather current external storms.
“The Report: South Africa 2016″contains an in-depth interview with President Jacob Zuma, together with a detailed, sector-by-sector guide for investors.
Robert Tashima, OBG’s managing editor for Africa, adds that while investors would be keen to see more progress made under the National Development Plan, South Africa remains one of the continent’s top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI).
”South Africa has had to grapple with a number of challenges in recent years but in spite of that, it still retains some unparalleled competitive advantages, including one of the world’s most sophisticated financial sectors and a diverse range of global heavyweight companies, from telecoms to energy to industry,” he says. “Riding out the uncertain global economy will not be easy and domestic reforms are needed but with programmes such as the strategic infrastructure roll-out and renewable energy initiatives, it is laying the groundwork for an uptick in growth.”
