Donnadelliah Maluleke discusses the state of the South African economy during an interview with Kelley MBA student Nick Sterne. Maluleke, Trade Commissioner at South African Consulate Chicago, explains the long-standing trade relation between the United States and South Africa. Many U.S. companies have seen South Africa as an attractive emerging market. The greatest opportunities for U.S. companies in South Africa lie in advanced manufacturing and the defense and aerospace industries. Maluleke explains that South Africa is the “gateway to Africa.” The country has the most organized and biggest economy in Africa. It has a strong and expanding infrastructure, a strong constitution, and a politically stable environment that all facilitate trade into Africa from other outside nations. Maluleke explains that many international companies are attracted to South Africa by its growing markets that still have much room for development. There are cultural differences and potential stumbling blocks to take into account, though: she touches on BEE, or Black Economic Empowerment, for example, and explains how this legislation can affect development. She concludes the discussion by giving some predictions for the future of the crucial South Africa-United States relations. *This video was recorded as a part of the Indiana University CIBER Focus Vodcast Series.
