The NEPAD initiative and the prospects of business opportunities in the rest of Africa for South African firms based in Gauteng

Abstract

This paper discusses business opportunities that may be forthcoming from the New Partnership for Africa's Development (NEPAD) for South African firms based in Gauteng – the economic hub of the country, and indeed of sub-Saharan Africa. Gauteng has significant manufacturing and tertiary-sector capacity that can be used to realise the objectives of NEPAD. Gauteng-based firms can make valid inputs in the fields of construction, finance, telecommunications, mining, retailing and the hospitality industry. Indeed, African involvement of Gauteng-based firms has increased significantly since 1998 and has led to the establishment of many lucrative trade and investment opportunities. Market expansion into East Africa and West Africa has helped to significantly boost the level of exports in the country.