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

Jetour T2 Makes History: How a Newcomer Won SA Car of the Year

For the first time in 40 years, a Chinese brand has taken South Africa’s top automotive honour. The Jetour T2 beat 55 contenders to win Car of the Year 2026. Vice President for Jetour South Africa Nic Campbell explains what set the T2 apart, why Chinese brands are rising so…
5 Jun 5AM 11 min

Retail Rebound: NIQ Unpacks SA’s Surprising Q1 Consumer Surge

South Africans spent R173.6 billion on FMCG goods in Q1 — with volumes up 9.1%. Snacks, beverages and tobacco surged, while baby food and care declined. NIQ’s Lané Klopper breaks down the drivers behind the rebound, the rise of traditional trade, and why inflation may tighten the screws again in…
5 Jun 5AM 12 min

Canal+ Lists on the JSE: What It Signals for SA’s Capital Markets

JSE Capital Markets Chief Helina Andhee breaks down the significance of Canal+’s new listing and what it reveals about South Africa’s evolving listings environment. We explore liquidity, innovation, delistings vs. new entrants, and the JSE’s strategy to attract global issuers in a competitive capital markets landscape.
3 Jun 3PM 15 min

Beyond the Rate Hike: Fuel Shocks, Credit Stress & SA’s Financial Fragility

TransUnion Africa CEO Lee Naik analyzes how rising rates, fuel spikes, and deepening credit stress are reshaping household finances. We unpack a 14% collapse in fuel buying power, soaring non‑bank loan delinquencies, and why the new withdrawal system may offer less relief than expected. A data‑driven guide to absorb, adapt,…
3 Jun 3PM 13 min

Can BRICS Absorb SA’s Confidence Shock? Advocate Xulu on Trade

BRICS Business Council’s Advocate Mtho Xulu joins us to discuss South Africa’s widening BRICS trade deficit, the urgent need to shift from raw exports to value-added manufacturing, and whether BRICS-Plus markets can help offset domestic demand weakness. A strategic look at SA’s place in a rapidly shifting global trade environment.
3 Jun 2PM 11 min