South Africa must diversify into high-value exports, connect to region to boost growth

For South Africa to achieve economic growth that leads to improved wellbeing for its citizens, it needs to convert the primary commodities it produces into high-value exports and develop a stronger relative comparative advantage in more competitive goods than only basic metals. Further, the country needs to connect to the continent and the range of opportunities through the African Continental Free Trade Area. Intra-African regional trade is low, and South Africa has a strong economy that can generate synergies that can contribute to strong regional growth.