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

FDI at a Turning Point: What Global Investors Expect in 2026

Kearney’s Global Business Policy Council unveils the 2026 FDI Confidence Index®, revealing the top global and emerging markets expected to attract investment over the next three years. Africa Managing Partner Theo Sibiya breaks down the trends shaping investor sentiment
9 Apr 4PM 13 min

Inside Your Pocket: Why SA’s Cost of Living Keeps Climbing

Electricity inflation has surged 85% since 2020, water is up 68%, and low‑income households now spend nearly 67% of their income on food and utilities. Senior economist Raksha Darji unpacks the Competition Commission’s March 2026 Cost of Living Report — revealing structural failures, pricing behaviour, and what must change to…
9 Apr 4PM 13 min