The global agriculture industry is on a strong growth trajectory, expanding from about R252.13 trillion in 2023 to R272.84 trillion in 2024, with projections reaching R366.51 trillion by 2028. Technological innovations like high-yield crop varieties, precision farming, digital marketplaces, and advanced water management systems power this growth.
Global agricultural trade reached about R36.1 trillion in 2023, with soybeans, wheat, maize, and processed foods leading the export charts. Key exporters include the USA, Brazil, Netherlands, Germany, and China, while South Africa contributes about 0.7% of global exports.
South Africa boasts a sophisticated and integrated agro-processing sector, with strong value chains in staple and high-value crops. Anchored in the Agriculture and Agro-processing Master Plan (2030) and National Development Plan 2030, the country is focused on inclusive growth, job creation, and export expansion.
Agrifood exports amounted to about R256 billion, with the top markets being the Netherlands, the UK, Botswana, China, and Namibia. South Africa maintains a trade surplus in agriculture and exports over 900 raw and processed products that comply with global quality standards like Global GAP and traceability systems.
Key exports: Maize, oranges, grapes, wine, wool, and soya beans.
With 6.5 million hectares of farmland and fertile conditions, KwaZulu-Natal is South Africa's leading agricultural province, contributing 27% (R43.8 billion) to the national agricultural GVA. KZN’s production mix includes:
In 2023, KZN exported R8.6 billion worth of agricultural products, primarily to Africa (55.7%), Asia (29.2%), and Europe (10.2%), achieving a trade surplus of R1.4 billion. KZN is well-positioned to capitalize on the AfCFTA and other regional trade agreements.
KZN offers a diverse pipeline of high-potential investment opportunities, including:
The global Customer Relationship Management (CRM) and contact centre market is valued at approximately R6,31 billion, with outsourced services accounting for 30% (around R1,8 trillion). North America leads the sector with a 42% market share, followed by Europe (24%) and the Asia-Pacific region (23.5%), which is gaining ground due to increasing demand and lower operational costs. Trends driving global growth include the adoption of advanced technologies such as AI, data analytics, and automation, as well as a shift toward remote service delivery and personalised customer experiences. As cost-efficiency becomes more critical, developing markets become increasingly attractive BPO destinations.
South Africa’s services sector, including BPO, is the most significant contributor to the national economy, accounting for 8.4 million formal jobs (excluding agriculture) in 2022. The country’s competitive edge lies in its strong English-speaking talent pool, favourable time zone alignment with Europe, and well-developed ICT and financial services subsectors. The BPO industry is backed by consistent growth, particularly in business services such as insurance, banking, and ICT support. In 2023, South Africa’s BPO sector generated over R7.26 billion in export revenue and created more than 19,000 new jobs, reinforcing its role as a top global outsourcing destination.
KwaZulu-Natal is emerging as a critical BPO hub in South Africa. The province accounted for 39% of all new BPO jobs created nationally between October and December 2023, thanks to increased foreign investment and government support. KZN's appeal lies in its large, youthful population and strong education ecosystem, including universities in Durban and Pietermaritzburg that supply graduates for call centres, fintech support, and customer service roles. The region also offers significant cost advantages—BPO services can be delivered at 60–70% of the cost compared to markets like the UK and Australia.
Key areas for investment in KZN’s BPO sector include:
KwaZulu-Natal’s growing BPO industry offers a compelling opportunity for investors looking to tap into a skilled workforce, cost efficiencies, and a supportive ecosystem tailored for business services growth.
The Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) marks a transformative shift driven by the convergence of physical and digital technologies. Key drivers include artificial intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT), robotics, 3D printing, and big data. At the core of 4IR is data, now regarded as the “new oil” in the global economy. According to the World Economic Forum, 4IR technologies are projected to generate up to R53 trillion annually by 2025 through automation, smart systems, and digital transformation. A defining moment in 4IR’s momentum came with the launch of generative AI tools like ChatGPT, which gained 100 million users in just two months, underscoring the global demand for intelligent, scalable tech solutions.
South Africa has taken significant steps to prepare for 4IR through national policies and institutional initiatives. The Presidential Commission on 4IR developed a roadmap to help integrate these technologies to solve key social and economic issues. The Department of Communications and Digital Technologies (DCDT) leads national efforts, including the development of smart cities like Lanseria. The country’s innovation ecosystem continues to grow, with startups such as Aerobotics, which uses AI for pest detection and yield management in agriculture, and Envisionit Deep AI, which improves medical imaging diagnostics, demonstrating the potential of AI-driven enterprise in South Africa.
KwaZulu-Natal is advancing its 4IR readiness through strategic planning and innovation initiatives. In 2023, the province established the KZN 4IR Commission to develop an integrated provincial strategy focused on improving economic competitiveness. Projects like the proposed Mandeni Smart City illustrate the ambition to embed technology into urban infrastructure and services. Through agencies such as the Moses Kotane Institute and Innovate Durban, the province is nurturing a digital innovation culture by hosting summits, hackathons, and setting up innovation hubs across districts.
KwaZulu-Natal is also home to emerging AI-driven startups such as Cattlewatch, which uses AI, GPS, and satellite tech to monitor livestock, and partnerships like that of University of KwaZulu-Natal’s Computer Science Division and SmartXchange, which provide machine learning workshops to support tech talent development and applied AI solutions.
The investment opportunities are to be found on the following platforms:
With a strong policy foundation, academic-industrial collaboration, and an emerging innovation ecosystem, KZN is positioning itself as a vibrant hub for 4IR growth in Africa.
The global clothing and textile sector has faced significant challenges during the economic downturn following the COVID-19 pandemic. Global GDP growth slowed to 2.6% in 2023, down from 3.0% in 2022 and 6.3% in 2021. Global merchandise trade volume declined by 4.6% in 2023, following double-digit growth in the preceding two years. Notably, global textile exports fell by 5.9% in 2023 to $319 billion, making it one of the most affected industrial sectors. This decline was driven by reduced clothing production and consumption, resulting from lower global demand.
South Africa’s clothing and textile sector is well-established and plays a critical role in the country’s labour market. The sector includes clothing, textiles, footwear, and leather (CTFL), which are interconnected through shared operations and input materials. However, economic stagnation is characterized by GDP growth of just 0.7% in 2023, following a contraction of 1.9% in 2022, has created challenges for the sector. Household consumption expenditure declined from 2.5% to 0.7% during the same period (StatsSA GDP Report 2023).
Manufacturers in this industry face rising input costs, including freight, fuel, and wages, while grappling with declining consumer disposable income. In response, local retailers are prioritizing local manufacturing to reduce costs, shorten lead times, and adapt to evolving fashion trends. Recognizing the sector’s strategic importance and potential for job creation, the government has introduced programs to improve domestic textile products, processes, and delivery efficiencies.
KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) and the Western Cape are the primary hubs of South Africa’s clothing and textile industry. KZN’s industry is dominated by large manufacturers catering to the mass market, alongside numerous design firms and Cut, Make, and Trim (CMT) hubs in areas such as Newcastle, Durban Central, and Isithebe. The province also hosts several key textile manufacturers, dyers, and finishers.
The Madadeni Clothing and Textile Hub, launched in October 2023, aims to revitalize the sector, transforming it into a thriving production hub. This initiative is part of a broader economic recovery strategy designed to create sustainable jobs while pursuing the long-term vision of establishing a Clothing and Textile Industrial Hub in the Amajuba District Municipality.
In KZN, the clothing and textile industry accounts for 17% of employment in the manufacturing sector, second only to the food and beverage industry (19%). The KZN Department of Economic Development, Tourism, and Environmental Affairs (EDTEA) is working with provincial economic development agencies to ensure that industrialization drives the creation of quality, sustainable jobs in the sector.
Company Name | Description |
Glodina Towelling (Pty) Ltd | Located in Hammarsdale, Durban; employs approximately 210 people; produces towels for hospitality and daily use. |
Gelvenor Africa (Pty) Ltd | Based in Durban; employs about 250 people; manufactures technical fabrics for workwear, school uniforms, corporate wear, and performance applications. |
Prilla 2000 (Pty) Ltd | Situated in Pietermaritzburg; a cotton yarn manufacturing mill with 269 employees; supplies raw materials for knitting, towelling, and weaving across Africa. |
Beier Group (Pty) Ltd | Specializes in PPE and technical textiles for industries such as automotive, filtration, geotextiles, wound care, and more. |
(Source: Who Owns Whom Report, 2023)
The global healthcare sector is undergoing transformation driven by technology, changing demographics, and increasing chronic disease burdens. Key challenges include a shortage of skilled health professionals, rising healthcare costs, and limited access to care in low- and middle-income countries. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), chronic diseases account for approximately 71% of all global deaths, increasing the urgency for healthcare systems to adopt data-driven solutions. The growing demand for improved patient outcomes is fuelling the healthcare analytics market, with organisations like the American Diabetes Association emphasising the importance of advanced analytics in disease prevention and management. At the same time, innovation through digital health technologies, AI, and telemedicine is reshaping care delivery across the globe.
South Africa operates a dual healthcare system: a publicly funded system serving most of the population and a smaller, more efficient private sector. While the public sector supports 80% of the population, it struggles with limited resources, staffing challenges, and infrastructure deficits. In contrast, the private sector, accessed by roughly 20% of the population—mainly the middle and upper-income groups—offers higher quality care and shorter wait times, although it remains costly. South Africa allocated R272 billion to healthcare in the 2024/25 budget, representing 12.2% of total government expenditure, indicating an ongoing commitment to improving public health services.
KwaZulu-Natal mirrors the national healthcare structure with both public and private systems in operation. The province prioritizes primary healthcare and prevention, while district-level services focus on community health delivery through local clinics. Like other provinces, KZN faces infrastructure backlogs, limited skilled personnel, and the need to modernise healthcare delivery. However, it is also home to strategic research partnerships and academic institutions with the potential to lead innovation in public health and medical technologies.
There is a growing emphasis on improving patient experiences, expanding access, and preparing for the rollout of the National Health Insurance (NHI). Moreover, KZN has the capacity to develop into a medical tourism destination due to its specialised care services and affordability relative to global standards.
KZN presents a range of healthcare investment opportunities:
KwaZulu-Natal’s healthcare landscape offers a foundation for inclusive growth, particularly through innovation, capacity building, and collaboration between the public and private sectors.
The global manufacturing sector continues to face headwinds due to inflationary pressures, energy volatility, geopolitical instability, and ongoing supply chain disruptions. These challenges have reduced demand and shaken consumer confidence. The 2024 UNIDO report highlights that while higher-tech sectors like automotive manufacturing are experiencing difficulties, some low-tech industries such as printing and beverage production have shown modest gains. Despite a generally sluggish global outlook, Africa and East Asia stand out as regions where manufacturing has continued to grow, presenting pockets of resilience in an otherwise uncertain environment.
South Africa boasts a mature and diverse manufacturing industry that remains a crucial component of the national economy. In 2023, the sector contributed 13.0% to South Africa’s GDP and supported over 1.6 million jobs. The largest contributors to manufacturing sales in Q4 2023 were the food and beverage sector (22.3%), followed by iron, steel, and machinery (20.9%), and the petroleum and chemicals sector (20.1%). On a global scale, South Africa ranked 51st out of 153 countries in the UNIDO Competitive Industrial Performance Index in 2022, placing it in the top third of manufacturing economies worldwide and confirming its status as Africa’s most industrialised country.
KwaZulu-Natal hosts the second-largest manufacturing base in the country, after Gauteng. The province is a major export hub, accounting for nearly one-third of South Africa’s manufactured exports. The sector is a key driver of KZN’s economy, supporting 20% of all employment in the province. The strongest subsectors include petroleum refining and food and beverage manufacturing. KZN’s agricultural production also supports a substantial agro-processing industry. The region’s strategic coastal location, world-class transport infrastructure, and skilled workforce make it a compelling base for manufacturing investments.
Recent developments, including large-scale industrial projects and export-led initiatives, signal strong growth potential. With growing population numbers and domestic demand, the need for expanded production capacity across various manufacturing segments is increasing.
KwaZulu-Natal offers strong potential across diverse manufacturing subsectors:
With competitive labour costs, an industrial legacy, and access to global markets via its ports, KZN is positioned as a manufacturing powerhouse ripe for investment.
Tourism is a major contributor to the global economy. According to the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC), the sector contributed 8.2% to South Africa’s GDP in 2023 and is projected to rise to 8.8% in 2024 and 10.4% by 2030. Globally, the United States and China lead in travel and tourism GDP contributions, followed by Germany, the United Kingdom, and Japan. South Africa ranks highest in Africa for travel and tourism competitiveness, placing 55th out of 119 countries in the 2024 Travel and Tourism Development Index (TTDI). This ranking reflects the country’s rich tourism assets, favourable policy environment, and growing travel infrastructure.
South Africa’s tourism industry has evolved significantly over the past three decades, shaped by progressive policy changes and increasing participation from historically underrepresented communities. Emerging niches such as township and rural tourism showcase South Africa’s cultural diversity and offer authentic experiences that appeal to local and international visitors. These shifts have broadened market access, enhanced inclusivity, and reshaped racial and gender dynamics within the industry. Innovative approaches and entrepreneurial ventures continue to redefine South Africa's tourism offering while driving economic empowerment across communities.
KwaZulu-Natal offers a diverse and competitive tourism portfolio, spanning beach resorts, cultural and heritage attractions, wildlife experiences, and mountain adventures. Its coastal hubs, rural heartlands, and iconic sites like the Drakensberg and Midlands provide year-round tourism opportunities. The province's strategic location, accessible infrastructure, and vibrant cultural experiences make it a high-potential destination for further tourism investment.
KwaZulu-Natal has identified several key investment-ready tourism projects, highlighted at the 2025 Tourism Investment Forum Africa during World Travel Market Africa in Cape Town. These opportunities extend from the eThekwini region to Kosi Bay, and from the province’s southern coastline to its inland attractions.
With growing demand and unique natural and cultural assets, KZN offers a dynamic and inclusive tourism landscape for sustainable investment.
Persistent challenges marked the global mining sector in 2023 despite increased production of key commodities. The top 40 global mining companies experienced revenue declines exceeding 7% due to falling commodity prices and rising operational costs. This marks the first instance since 2016 that the industry is expected to see revenue contraction for two consecutive years. As margins narrow, mining firms are encouraged to invest in transformation and growth, driving a renewed focus on innovation, efficiency, and beneficiation as part of long-term resilience strategies.
South Africa’s mining industry remains a pillar of the economy, contributing 8.1% to GDP and 44.2% of total export earnings in 2022. The sector employs approximately 475,000 people and plays a central role in upstream exploration and downstream manufacturing. The Department of Mineral Resources and Energy (DMRE) aims to increase South Africa’s share of global mineral exploration to 5%, translating to around R16 billion in new exploration investment. The country’s established mining ecosystem and strong linkages to fabrication and service industries position South Africa as a significant global player in mineral extraction and value addition.
Despite its abundant resources, KwaZulu-Natal contributes modestly to national mining output. Over the past 30 years, the province’s share of national mining investment has declined from 6.1% in 2000 to 4.8% in 2023. Mining’s contribution to provincial GDP has fallen to just 0.8%, reflecting underinvestment and structural decline, especially in coal mining. The collapse of the northern KZN coalfields (notably in Newcastle, Utrecht, and Hlobane) and reduced exports via the Richards Bay Coal Terminal have contributed to the sector’s decline.
Nevertheless, Richards Bay Minerals (RBM) remains a major player, accounting for nearly half of the province’s mining output, mainly through heavy mineral extraction from coastal sand dunes. KZN’s mineral reserves—particularly titanium, zircon, and anthracite—are valuable inputs for high-tech industries. Despite challenges, the province retains significant beneficiation potential through value-added manufacturing and advanced material processing.
KwaZulu-Natal’s mining and mineral beneficiation sector offers untapped potential across several niche and strategic areas:
KwaZulu-Natal’s mineral reserves, port infrastructure, and industrial base provide a strong platform for investors seeking opportunities in resource beneficiation and industrial expansion aligned with global clean-tech trends.
The global renewable energy sector has experienced unprecedented growth over the past decade. Since 2010, renewables have consistently outpaced coal, oil, and natural gas in new power capacity additions. By 2023, over 30% of global electricity was generated from renewable sources, up from 18.6% in 2000. Cost reductions have been key drivers of adoption: between 2010 and 2023, the cost of solar PV dropped by 88% and onshore wind by 68%, making renewable energy the most affordable electricity source globally.
As a signatory of the Paris Agreement, South Africa has committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and investing in renewable energy. The country aims to generate 17,800 MW of renewable energy by 2030 and 13,225 MW by 2025. South Africa’s vast wind and solar potential presents significant opportunities: over 80% of its landmass is suitable for wind generation, with a 30% average annual load factor. Additionally, renewable energy use helps conserve water, saving 1.2 litres per kilowatt hour, vital for a drought-prone nation. With a renewable energy project pipeline valued at R400 billion and representing 22,500 MW of capacity, South Africa is positioning itself as a clean energy leader on the continent.
KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa’s second-largest provincial economy, is home to energy-intensive industries such as paper, steel, petrochemicals, and automotive manufacturing. With an electricity demand of approximately 6,700 MW, the province must secure reliable, affordable, and sustainable energy to support economic growth and attract new investment.
KwaZulu-Natal's renewable energy landscape is rapidly evolving. The 2024 South African Renewable Energy Grid Survey (SAREGS) highlighted that over 48 GW of wind projects are developing nationwide, with growing activity in KwaZulu-Natal. The province's northern coastal areas offer ideal conditions for wind energy, including flat terrain and consistent wind speeds, especially suited for large-scale development near the industrial hub of Richards Bay. KwaZulu-Natal’s strong manufacturing base also offers an opportunity to localise the production of wind energy components, including turbine towers, transformers, and other infrastructure.
