Current Business Issues in African Countries
Supply Chain, Climate Change, Sustainable Development, Entrepreneurship, Health and Wellbeing
South Africa
Below, is a sample of companies that have verified websites. The list is provided for illustrative purposes, is not exhaustive, and does not represent an endorsement of the listed companies. Note: Company descriptions were generated with ChatGPT. Copyright infringement is not intended. Please contact us to obtain a copy of the raw data and references ChatGPT used to generate the company descriptions.
Mining
Impala Platinum Holdings Limited (Implats)
Impala Platinum (Implats) is a leading South African mining company focused on producing platinum group metals (PGMs) such as platinum, palladium, rhodium, as well as nickel, copper and cobalt. It operates several major mines in South Africa’s Bushveld Complex and has significant refining operations.
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Gold Fields Limited
Gold Fields is one of the world’s largest gold producers with a strong base in South Africa and operations abroad. The company focuses on exploration, mining and processing of gold, and is listed on both the Johannesburg and New York stock exchanges.
(1) Automobile Manufacturing and (2) Machinery Manufacturing
(1) AUTOMOBILE MANUFACTURING
Toyota South Africa Motors
Toyota South Africa Motors (TSAM) is a major automobile manufacturer and subsidiary of Toyota Motor Corporation. Based in Prospecton, KwaZulu-Natal, it produces a wide range of Toyota vehicles — including popular models like the Hilux and Corolla — for both the local market and export. TSAM has long been one of the leading automotive producers in the country and contributes significantly to South Africa’s automotive output.
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Ford Motor Company of Southern Africa
Ford Motor Company of Southern Africa (FMCSA) is a wholly owned subsidiary of Ford Motor Company and one of the longest-established automotive manufacturers in South Africa, operating since 1923. FMCSA builds a variety of commercial and passenger vehicles — such as the Ford Ranger pickup and Everest SUV — and manufactures engines and vehicles for domestic use and export.
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(2) MACHINERY MANUFACTURING
Bell Equipment
Bell Equipment is a major South African designer, manufacturer, distributor, and exporter of heavy equipment for industries such as mining, construction, agriculture, and forestry. The company is especially known for its articulated dump trucks (ADTs), wheel loaders, excavators, and other off-highway machines. It operates globally while maintaining strong roots in South Africa’s industrial sector.
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Hydraform International
Hydraform International is a South African manufacturer of brick, paver, and blockmaking machinery used in construction and building industries. Headquartered in Johannesburg, its machines enable the production of stabilised soil cement blocks, interlocking bricks, and related accessories — with a focus on sustainable, cost-effective building technology used both locally and internationally.
Agriculture
AFGRI Group
AFGRI is a leading South African agribusiness group providing integrated agricultural solutions across the value chain. Its services include grain handling and storage, animal feeds, agricultural equipment and mechanisation (including John Deere dealership), retail operations, financial solutions, and farmer development programmes. AFGRI has a long history supporting farmers and rural development locally and in several African countries.
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Westfalia Fruit
https://www.westfaliafruit.com/
Westfalia Fruit (Pty) Ltd is a major South African agricultural and horticultural company specialising in the cultivation, marketing, and export of avocados and other fresh produce. Headquartered in Tzaneen, Limpopo Province, it operates a vertically integrated supply chain — from cultivar development and farming to distribution and marketing — serving global markets.
Finance
FirstRand Limited
FirstRand Limited is one of South Africa’s largest financial services groups and a major player in banking, investment, insurance, and asset management. It operates several well-known subsidiaries including First National Bank (FNB) (personal and commercial banking), Rand Merchant Bank (RMB) (corporate and investment banking), WesBank (vehicle and asset finance), and Ashburton Investments (asset management). FirstRand serves millions of customers locally and across several African countries, and is listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE).
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Standard Bank Group Ltd
Standard Bank Group is South Africa’s largest bank by assets and one of Africa’s leading financial services organisations, with operations in over 20 countries. It provides retail, business, corporate, and investment banking, as well as wealth management and insurance services. Known for strong regional presence and comprehensive financial solutions, Standard Bank supports individuals and businesses across the continent.
Tourism
Tourvest
Tourvest is one of Southern Africa’s leading integrated tourism groups, operating a wide portfolio of travel-related businesses including travel management, destination management, hotels, lodges, restaurants, craft and retail stores, and foreign exchange services. It employs thousands of people and provides travel solutions for both leisure and corporate clients.
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&Beyond
&Beyond is a globally recognised luxury travel and safari company, originating in Southern Africa. It offers tailor-made safaris, tours and lodge stays that combine wildlife adventures with conservation and community-focused tourism. The brand is known for its high-end experiential travel experiences in South Africa and across Africa’s premier wildlife destinations.
Transport and Logistics
Transnet SOC Ltd
Transnet is South Africa’s state-owned transport and logistics giant responsible for managing key national infrastructure including rail-freight, ports, pipelines and related logistics services. Its operations include Transnet Freight Rail (the largest freight hauler in Africa), Transnet Port Terminals, and Transnet National Ports Authority — all vital to the movement of goods domestically and for international trade.
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Imperial Logistics
https://www.imperiallogistics.com/
Imperial Logistics is one of South Africa’s largest integrated supply chain and logistics providers, offering end-to-end solutions such as freight management, contract logistics, warehousing, road transport, and distribution. With an extensive African footprint and international reach, the company serves sectors including automotive, consumer goods, healthcare, and chemicals.
Universities
University of Cape Town (UCT)
The University of Cape Town is widely recognised as South Africa’s highest-ranked university, known for academic excellence, impactful research, and strong global connections. Founded in 1829, it is the oldest university in South Africa and a leading research institution with a diverse range of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes.
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University of the Witwatersrand (Wits University)
Wits University (University of the Witwatersrand) is a top public research university located in Johannesburg, known for its academic strength in engineering, mining sciences, health sciences, and humanities. It has a long history of research innovation, contributes significantly to national development, and maintains strong industry and global partnerships.