South Africa stakes its claim as Africa’s digital and investment powerhouse

South Africa is positioning itself as the continent’s digital and investment powerhouse, using its economic resilience and advanced infrastructure to attract global capital and drive Africa’s growth story.

Speaking at the AFSIC – SA Investment Summit held in London, Deputy Minister in the Presidency Kenny Morolong said South Africa is “forging ahead, breaking new ground, and inspiring new ways”, despite persistent global economic headwinds.

“Resilience, reinvention and opportunity are the hallmarks of the South African story.  We continue to reform, diversify, and digitise our economy, while driving investment into sectors that power inclusive and sustainable growth,” Morolong said.

Africa’s most diversified economy

With a gross domestic product (GDP) of about R7 trillion, South Africa remains Africa’s most globally integrated and diversified economy, underpinned by strong governance, modern infrastructure, and a sophisticated financial system.

The country hosts over 180 Fortune Global 500 companies and leads the continent in digital development.  Its digital economy is projected to account for up to 20% of GDP by 2025, almost double its 2020 contribution, driven by rapid growth in fintech, e-commerce, and cloud services.

Exports stand at R2.04 trillion against imports of R1.94 trillion — a balance Morolong said reflects South Africa’s industrial depth and global competitiveness.

Investment opportunities across sectors

The Deputy Minister outlined a series of growth opportunities for global investors across South Africa’s digital and green economies, including data centres and cloud services;  broadband and last-mile connectivity; 5G-enabled smart infrastructure; e-commerce and logistics; fintech and digital payments; digital skills development, and renewable energy for ICT operations.

Morolong said government’s R900 billion infrastructure pipeline to 2027, together with policy certainty and regulatory reform, has strengthened investor confidence and created a “predictable, innovation-ready environment”.

Source: SAnews.gov.za