Industrial Policy in South Africa: From 1994 to now

Policy Paper 38

Abstract

This policy paper critically examines South Africa's industrial policy evolution from 1994 to 2024, assessing its alignment with developmental objectives in a middle-income country context. The Paper explores the transition from apartheid-era policies to post-apartheid frameworks, focusing on the tension between liberalisation and state-led interventions through initiatives, such as the Industrial Policy Action Plans (IPAPs), master plans, and the Black Industrialists Programme. The analysis identifies persistent structural challenges, including stagnant performance on economic complexity and structural change. Through a comparative lens, the Paper situates South Africa's industrial strategy within global best practices, offering policy recommendations to take advantage of new opportunities presented by the green economy and continental integration.