Opportunities for the UK Construction Sector in South Africa

According to a report released by the UK Trade & Investment, British construction firms are being encouraged to take advantage of the multi billion pound infrastructure opportunities in South Africa.

The report, titled ‘Building South Africa: Opportunities for the UK Construction Sector’, highlights infrastructure opportunities in both the public and private sectors stemming from the Government’s £33billion infrastructure plans and events like the 2010 World Cup.

UK Trade & Investment Chief Executive Officer Andrew Cahn said: “South Africa is a fast growth economy with infrastructure plans to match. With investment opportunities in both private and public sectors, coupled with a severe skills shortage now is the time for UK companies to take advantage of the construction boom.”

“The Government’s infrastructure spending plan is set to accelerate the annual growth of the economy between 4.5 per cent and 6.0 per cent. Its ambitious plans for mass transport, water projects, prisons, hospital and prison upgrades provide plenty of opportunities for UK companies.

“This investment and events like the 2010 Football World Cup are acting as a catalyst for growth in the private construction sector. Opportunities include hotel and residential development as well as urban regeneration projects. By establishing a business in South Africa, UK companies can gain a foothold into sub-Saharan Africa.”

This latest report follows on from recent research by UK Trade & Investment which revealed South Africa to be one of tomorrow’s most exciting investment destinations. In recent research South Africa was ranked as number eight in the top ten list of ‘new wave’ markets. The Tomorrow’s Markets report gives new insights into where companies will go next in emerging markets and why. The results are based on the opinions of global business leaders headquartered all over the world and gives credible insights into their future business plans.

Several UK companies are already actively involved in major infrastructure projects for South Africa, including Bombardier Transportation UK Ltd which is providing the new train fleet for the Gautrain project, and Mott MacDonald which is involved in Transnet’s rail and port expansion programme.

UK Trade & Investment’s presence in South Africa is stronger than ever, with 34 staff based in Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban to support these opportunities and expansions.