South Africa is a Hub for Growth and Regional Integration in Africa

South Africa is a hub for growth and regional integration in Southern Africa. It accounts for 71.5% of regional GDP and is a key player in NEPAD and SADC. About 70% of intra-regional investment flows in the region is conducted by South African firms. South African investment played a large role in neighbouring countries, accounting for between 9% and 20% of GDP in Lesotho, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia and Swaziland.  A number of South African financial institutions are also expanding their reach across the region. This inter alia facilitates production and trade financing, allows for goods purchased in one country to be paid for in another, and provides a common and accessible financial service network. South African telecommunications companies are also contributing to the consolidation of telecommunications networks across the region.