In Q4 2024, South Africa’s exports grew 1% quarter-on-quarter, from R515 billion in Q3 2024 to R521 billion in Q4 2024. Quarterly export growth was driven by increased exports to Area Not Elsewhere Specified (NES), Belgium, Germany and Japan, but was stifled by reduced exports to Mozambique, China and the Netherlands, among others. Imports fell by R23 billion quarter-on-quarter, amounting to R456 billion in Q4 2024. As a result, South Africa has maintained a positive trade balance for a seventh consecutive quarter – R65 billion, in Q4 2024.

This brief policy is an analysis of South Africa’ imports between 1995 and 2023. The aim is to provide an understanding of changes in the extent and composition of imports over this period. The analysis classifies imports based on the industry in which they fall, and whether they are intermediate goods for value addition, capital goods for industry, or consumer goods with no value addition.

This policy brief examines the funding gaps for small to medium enterprises in South Africa: the sustainability of SMEs requires better access to formal financial services. It first provides an overview of SMEs in South Africa, comprising information about the size of both the formal and informal small business sectors, their production structure, income contribution to various economic sectors, and employment contribution. This is followed by a look at access to funding for formal small businesses, particularly loans obtained by SMEs. It then examines government-backed financial support options available to SMEs, including credit and loan guarantee schemes. In conclusion, the policy brief outlines findings and recommendations.

For more about small business see: The Real Economy Bulletin – The State of Small Business in South Africa 2024

Keabetswe Moloto joined TIPS in September 2022. Keabetswe earned her Bachelor of Commerce Degree in Economics at Unisa and has experience in project management administration. Her interests are in the development and the implementation of public policy. She provides project management support for the Steel Master Plan, Medical Technologies Master Plan and the National Cannabis Master Plan, under the Project Management Unit. Her experience includes providing administrative support for a policy research and management directorate at the National Department of Social Development and has also worked for African Bank Limited.

Cynthia Olivia Jacobs thrives on leading multiple projects and training programmes. This includes drafting proposals, evaluating bids, drafting project contracts, monitoring projects, and implementing and closing out projects while staying within the project and delivering within time and budget.

She has managed multiple national, international, youth development, training, policy, and events in government and private companies. Before joining TIPS, she was with YFCSA, Umsobomvu Youth Fund, now the National Youth Development Agency, Heartlines, and Volkswagen Group South Africa Training Academy. Her experience in projects stretches across national and international borders in Youth Development, Graduate Development Programmes, National Youth Service, International Volunteer projects, Training in Automotive for South Africa and Africa, and now focusing on the implementation of policy projects in the Master Plans.

Her experience working with cross-functional, international teams has taught her the importance of building trusted relationships and inspiring a shared project, company, and organisational vision.

She is currently doing her master’s degree with a focus on organisational relevance through a project-based approach.

With over 20 years of experience, Lionel is a trusted program and project manager known for delivering high-impact initiatives across engineering, infrastructure, and digital transformation. His work is grounded in disciplined execution, strategic stakeholder alignment, and a commitment to long-term, sustainable outcomes. Lionel combines the strengths of traditional project management with a progressive, future-focused mindset—helping organizations navigate complexity and achieve measurable results. Outside of his professional pursuits, Lionel is passionate about personal growth, wellness, and mentoring the next generation of leaders.

Jeanette Mosia graduated from UCT with an Honours degree in Construction Management and Master’s Degree in Project Management.  She is a certified Project Management Professional (PMP) accredited by the Project Management Institute (PMI) and a Professional Construction Project Manager registered with the South African Council for the Project and Construction Management Professions (SACPCMP). Her background is in implementation of infrastructure projects within the public and private sector. She has transitioned into implantation of Sector Masterplans including the Sugar Industry Masterplan and the Forestry Sector Masterplan. She has just completed her Post Graduate Diploma in Business Administration with the Gordon Institute of Business Science (GIBS).

Lunga Msengana has over 20 years of experience in project environments. He had the opportunity to work in both private and public sectors. started his career as a Professional Engineering Technologist Engineering. He obtained a BSc Hons in Applied Science (with specialization in Electronic Engineering). Years later, his passion for projects led him to formally studying Project Management, which he obtained a Masters of Commerce in Project Management (Cum Laude) with Cranefield College of Project and Programme Management.He then completed his PhD in Commerce and Administration with the same institution in 2017. He is also a Project Management Professional (PMP®) with PMI. Lunga serves as the Head of the Project Management Unit (PMU). The PMU supports the implementation of sector masterplans.

TIPS industry studies provide a comprehensive overview of key trends in leading industries in South Africa. They aim to provide background for policymakers and researchers, and to strengthen our understanding of current challenges and opportunities in each industry as a basis for a more strategic response.

This study examines the carbon intensity across the food processing value chain, identifying where emissions are concentrated — from upstream raw materials to downstream waste. In parallel, it evaluates the policy landscape shaping the sector’s sustainability.