South Africa is a crucially important emerging economy and the gateway to other African countries.

South Africa is regarded as Africa's economic powerhouse, leading the continent in industrial output, mineral production and agricultural production. The country enjoys abundant natural resources, as well as well-developed and world-class financial, legal, communications, energy and transport sectors, a stock exchange which is ranked in the top 20 world-wide and ultra-modern infrastructure capable of supporting the efficient distribution of goods throughout the southern African region and beyond.

South Africa's legal framework is widely acclaimed as being especially progressive, whilst legislation governing commerce, labour and maritime issues is particularly well-developed and laws pertaining to competition policy, copyright, patents, trademarks and disputes conform to international norms and conventions. The country’s financial system is extremely sophisticated and robust.