This 2002 Article IV Consultation highlights that in 2001, the South African economy felt the impact of a slowdown in global economic activity, which interrupted the modest upturn that started late in 1998. Driven mainly by a contraction in overseas demand that lowered export prices and volumes,...

This Selected Issues paper estimates an equilibrium path for South Africa’s real effective exchange rate. The paper briefly describes the dynamics of the real exchange rate and its determinants. It investigates the presence of a long-term relationship between the real exchange rate and certain...

This report provides a summary of the level of observance with the financial assessment task force recommendations and recommendations to strengthen observance. South Africa has developed a comprehensive legal structure to combat money laundering. The financial intelligence unit and other...

Against a backdrop of the dismantling of apartheid and the current government's commitment to negotiating a new constitution based on universal suffrage and protected human rights, discussions are under way on the appropriate economic policies to be pursued in the new political climate. This...

This Selected Issues paper reviews the status and potential impacts of HIV/AIDS in South Africa. It draws on demographic projections and economic studies, and summarizes the official policy response and actions taken by the nongovernmental and business communities. It presents some stylized...

This 2004 Article IV Consultation highlights that economic growth in South Africa slowed in 2003 to 1.9 percent, from 3.6 percent in 2002, despite strong domestic demand. Fuelled by low interest rates, a more expansionary fiscal stance, and the wealth effects from strong commodity and property...

This 2007 Article IV Consultation highlights that real GDP in South Africa grew by 5 percent in 2006 and continued to grow vigorously in early 2007. Growth was driven by strong domestic demand, with private consumption and investment spending supported by continuing robust consumer and business...

The private sector and public authorities both need access to capital for investment, job creation and growth. For a number of reasons, explained in this book, Southern Africa suffers from disproportionately expensive capital and this is denying the region its full growth potential. This is a...