The Inaugural Southern African Steel Summit held at Emperors Palace, Kempton Park, highlighted the significance of the steel industry for South Africa’s industrialization and the challenges faced by the global steel sector. The Deputy Minister of Trade, Industry, and Competition, Fikile Majola, emphasized steel’s importance in various aspects of the economy, from transportation and infrastructure to its role as a vital material in manufacturing.
South Africa, once a global leader in steel production, now accounts for only 0.23% of global output and ranks 34th globally due to industry decline. Majola called for collective efforts to regain South Africa’s position as one of the top steel producers.
The steel value chain, with its backward and forward linkages, is crucial for building a sustainable economy supported by multiple sectors dependent on the steel industry. These sectors include construction, mining, automotive, energy, packaging, and transport. Furthermore, the value chain employs approximately 200,000 workers, while steel-consuming industries contribute R600 billion to the GDP (about 15%) and provide employment for around 8 million workers.
Africa’s growing urbanization demands increased steel production to build mega-cities and address the population’s needs for workspace, accommodation, and public transport infrastructure. Moreover, the expansion of renewable energy sources in Africa relies on steel, which is crucial for solar and wind power grids and pipelines.
The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) aims to create a large free trade area to provide additional markets with preferential access to the development of regional value chains, from iron ore to steel and beyond. The integration of the African continental economy through infrastructure connectivity and expanded intra-African trade in manufactured goods is vital for the steel industry.
The global steel industry is currently facing challenges, including the war in Ukraine, slow economic growth, rising interest rates, and high inflation. Despite these issues, opportunities exist for the local industry to adapt and create a better future.
The Steel and Metal Fabrication Masterplan is a testament to the steel industry’s importance for South Africa’s economy. This action-oriented plan aims to improve the overall competitiveness of firms, address import levels, increase export participation, and make the industry more resilient to global pressures.
It is imperative for the Southern African steel industry to work together to overcome existing challenges and create a more inclusive, sustainable, and resilient sector. The effective implementation of the social compact between government, business, and labor is crucial for the domestic industry to regain its position in the global arena and contribute to the region’s overall growth and development.
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