17 November 2011
The Oxford Business Group, in partnership with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), has launched a nine-month study that is expected to provide unique insight into the workings of South Africa’s economy.
“The Report: South Africa 2012”, to be released next year, will also explore investment opportunities within South Africa’s borders.
Its conclusions would “accurately capture the dynamics of Africa’s most vibrant economy and help to brand South Africa as a destination for investment in business,” DTI chief director for international trade Brendan Vickers said at the launch of the study in Johannesburg on Wednesday.
The DTI noted that although South Africa had made great strides since achieving democracy in 1994, the country was still grappling with poverty and unemployment. Addressing this would require extensive knowledge, not just of the South African market but of other developing countries as well.
“We are pleased to support the launch of the report, based on an appreciation of the role OBG plays in accurately and thoroughly educating both the domestic and international investment communities of both the challenges and opportunities of doing business in emerging markets,” Vickers said.
The study will see dedicated researchers visiting and conducting interviews with key players in the various sectors of South Africa’s economy.
The Oxford Business Group (OBG) is a global publishing, research and consultancy firm that publishes economic intelligence on markets in Africa, Asia and the Middle East, among others.
This will be OBG’s third report on South Africa, which will now be conducted annually. The research will be wholly funded by the OBG.
OBG regional editor Robert Tshima described the South African market as a dynamic market worthy of research, as was evident from the country’s well capitalized banks, among others.
The OBG is hoping to meet with up to five organisations per day to discuss how they perceive the particular sector they are in. Interactions will be both with the public and private sector.