An abundance of natural resources, half the world's unfarmed arable land, and a young, growing population of over a billion people are driving Sub-Saharan Africa's demand for premium commodities and services that Victorian businesses are well positioned to provide.
Opportunities for Victorians looking to do business with Africa
Agribusiness and water technology
Demands across the region to improve water and irrigation practices, increase agricultural yields and develop infrastructure provide key opportunities for Victorian businesses to export their world-class expertise and technology in the agribusiness and water sectors.
Tourism & major events
As the host nation for the 2022 Commonwealth Games, South Africa provides opportunities for Victorian businesses to export and supply products and services in tourism, sports infrastructure, construction and major event management.
Infrastructure & mining
Development across the region has generated an increased demand for infrastructure, mining knowledge and expertise. Victorian businesses are in a strong position to deliver high quality, innovative infrastructure solutions and consultancy services in countries such as Kenya and South Africa.
Healthcare services
Victoria's leading healthcare, medical, pharmaceuticals and biotechnology industries are well positioned to help deliver on the objectives of the Africa Health Strategy (2016-2030).
The Strategy aims to strengthen system performance, increase investment in health, improve equity, and address the social determinants of health to reduce the burden of disease by 2030.
International education
Africa's education sector provides opportunities for higher education – specifically with staff exchange and research collaboration. Nigeria and Kenya represent key markets for student recruitment and exchange.
Fast facts
- Victoria's total exports to Sub-Saharan Africa were A$258 million in 2017-18.
- Economic growth in sub-Saharan Africa is predicted by the World Bank to reach 2.7 percent in 2018.
- In the year 2017-18, Victoria exported AU$422 million worth of goods to the African continent – an increase of AU$46 million on the preceding year.
- The World Bank forecasts that between 2014 and 2017 six of the ten fastest-growing economies in the world will be in the region, including:
- Cote d'Ivoire
- The Democratic Republic of Congo
- Ethiopia
- Mozambique
- Rwanda
- Tanzania
- In 2016, Sub-Saharan Africa's combined GDP was estimated at US$1.4 billion, greater than that of Russia.1
- Sub-Saharan Africa has abundant natural resources, including half of the world's unfarmed arable land.2
Source:
- International Monetary Fund, World Economic Outlook Database, October 2016, GDP current prices
- World Bank, Securing Africa's Land for Shared Prosperity, July 2013
Discover how your business can export to Africa
- Our Go Global export-readinesss self-assessment tool will identify your business's gaps in capabilities and recommend next steps to bridge those gaps. Whether you're seeking to enter new markets, or expand into existing markets, Go Global will show you how to get there.
- Victorian Government Trade and Investment (VGTI) office in Dubai provides tailored market intelligence, insights and guidance for your export business. Our VGTI offices can connect you with overseas buyers and industry partners in Africa.
- Austrade Market Profiles provides further detail and facts on many African markets.
- Victorian Government provides support through a range of grants, vouchers and assistance programs.
- International Chamber House (ICH) in Melbourne's city centre is a business networking hub for international bilateral chambers and business associations. It provides members access to meeting rooms with video-conferencing, flexible workspaces and a function space for international business development events.
- Opportunities exist for Victorian businesses to bid for contracts across a wide range of sectors and markets with the World Bank and United Nations. Providing financial support to low and middle-income countries for projects focused on development and change, World Bank's contract award decisions are based on criteria other than lowest price, such as quality and sustainability
- Visit our regional insights page to read updates from our Regional Specialists
