If there is anything the Covid-19 pandemic has taught us, it is to “adapt, become innovative and survive in any environment”. There are plenty of industries that remain unexplored and attractive to investments in South Africa. Business opportunities are investment areas intended to bring short term or long-term profitability to you as an investor. The great thing about South Africa is that it is open for business with favourable government regulations and minimum investment requirements. But you may be wondering where to begin to find the right business opportunity that is right for you and that suits your investment needs? Luckily, I have compiled a list of current business opportunities with links for further information.
Agro-processing
The Agro-processing industry is one of the fastest-growing industries in the world. Business people are increasingly paying more attention to this industry because it not only provides a source of sustainable livelihood but is also a source of survival. The South African Agro-processing sector is divided into food; beverages; paper and paper products; wood and wood products; textiles; wearing apparel; furniture; tobacco; rubber products; footwear; and leather and leather products. While Agro-processing mainly entails value chain actions of primary agricultural products that may be nutritional, technological and economic, it also entails going “green.
Angel investment network provides a list of business opportunities within the South African Agro-processing industry.
The Department of Trade and Industry South Africa also offers a list of investments in biofuel, green economy industries and aquaculture.
Business process outsourcing or IT enabled services
Business Process Outsourcing (BPO’s) or IT enabled services provides businesses with services ranging from call centres, backup processing, shared corporate services like human resources and enterprise solutions like asset management. The city of Cape Town is the hub of BPOs whose services include banking, financial services, insurance, legal process services, healthcare, IT infrastructure and app development.
Invest Cape Town is a company that provides individual BPO business opportunities.
The Department of Trade and Industry South Africa also offers a list of BPO investments.
Automotive Industry
The South African government announced the fourth industrial revolution in 2019, which applies to the automotive industry. Car assembly has formed a dominant part of the automotive industry. Currently, business opportunities lie in the development of e-mobility whereby small to medium enterprises and large corporations are encouraged to provide electric scooters, electric bikes, battery assemblers and software for vehicle telemetry, tracking and monitoring.
The Western Cape Provisional Government’s Department of Economic Development and Tourism developed Market Intelligence Report (EV MIR) document to assist investors with investment opportunities. Click here for more information on the Green Cape EV MIR.
Transport Industry
The transport industry offers a vast array of business opportunities for small to medium entrepreneurs to large corporations. The Covid pandemic has given rise to the need for more courier services in food deliveries, health sectors, to mention just a few.
Angel investment network provides a list of business opportunities within the South African transport industry. Check here for more info.
Global African network also provides extensive business opportunities and investment projects.
Renewable Energy
The failure of electricity supplies has shifted people’s mindset towards renewable energy. In South Africa, renewable energy regulations have become less strict therefore creating business opportunities.
The Department of Trade and Industry South Africa also offers a comprehensive list of green economy business opportunities in South Africa.
Aerospace Industry
It is known that South Africa designs and produces aircraft parts, UAV’s, satellite systems and even a complete aircraft.
Airports Company South Africa provides business opportunities in the form of tenders. Click here for more details on the ACSA Tender Bulletin.
Other Small Business Opportunities
In South Africa, there is always something for everyone. Below are some business opportunities for small to medium business owners to explore:
- https://briefly.co.za/23841-small-business-ideas-south-africa-work-2021.html
- https://themillionair.com/business-opportunities-in-south-africa-2021.html
- https://moneytoday.co.za/top-online-business-opportunities/
Wrap Up on Business Opportunities in South Africa
The bottom line is business opportunities create new areas of extra cash. In this article, I have provided links to critical industries with business opportunities. Having this information does not take away the fact that you must do your homework to gather more information about the business and the industry you are interested in before you invest. To find helpful investment information and to avoid business pitfalls, click here.
