SPECIAL FEATURE of the SDIP were the World Economic Forum (WEF) and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) and other members now include the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, the Senegal Strategic Investment Fund (FONSIS), US Agency for International Development (USAID), the Industrial Development Corporation of South Africa (IDC) and the Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA). The DBSA is concentrating on energy, transport and bulk water projects in its area and has plans to increase its investments to about R20-billion in the short term. The focus of organisations such as the DBSA is on infrastructure, and this will have a positive spin-off for trade of all kinds, through improved ports and roads, and healthier populations in rural and urban areas. China has pledged to support the rehabilitation of the railway line between Zambia and Tanzania while the Industrial and Commercial Bank of China is to invest R20-billion in renewable energy in Africa. Lack of reliable power supply is a constraint to trade so this and other ventures in the power sector will help to foster trade. The South African Department of Trade and Industry (dti) plays a key role in terms of promoting trade between South Africa and the rest of Africa, but also supports regional bodies such as SADC and promotes the kind of integration contained in the plans of the New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD) and the African Union’s Agenda 2063. During 2016 the dti launched the Trade Invest Africa initiative to coordinate and implement South Africa's economic strategy for Africa. By working with the private sector, government hopes to take advantage of export and investment opportunities on the continent. The Export Credit Insurance Corporation of South Africa (ECIC) exists to help trade and investment across borders. The ECIC can provide insurance for bank loans that are taken by investors and South Africans can get insurance for investments and for small and medium enterprises there is a product available (performance bonds) to anyone exporting capital goods and services.
upgrading and standardisation of facilities at ports, railway lines, customs posts and energy projects. South African rail, ports and pipeline operator Transnet is already active in African countries north of the South African border, and is intending to offer its services more widely. This is part of Transnet's Market Demand Strategy (MDS), which seeks to grow the business by responding to the market. Instead of simply making rail wagons for Transnet Freight Rail, the broader strategy looks for new customers (elsewhere in Africa, or in India, China or Australia) where rail wagons can be sold. Transnet Engineering's own TransAfrica Locomotive (for branch lines and shunting yards) is being marketed to other African countries and mining companies. Another strand of the MDS is evident in Transnet Engineering planning to set up Maintenance Repair and Operations (MRO) centres in four African countries. Transnet Ports Authority might similarly offer its expertise in running harbours and logistics to countries in the corridor. The Sustainable Development Investment Partnership (SDIP) comprises 30 institutions that aim to see 16 African infrastructure projects (valued at more than $20-billion) carried out. The founders
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SOUTH AFRICAN BUSINESS 2017