Illicit trade in South Africa

South Africa is one of the largest and most diversified economies in Africa, and it is the only African country represented in the G20 and BRICS economic groupings. However, despite being an important contributor to growth and trade regionally and on the global economic stage, it also faces challenges from illicit trade on multiple fronts. For South Africa to restart and grow its economy, it must formulate policies and implement programs that deter and preclude illicit traders from consolidating roots in the post-pandemic economy. Left unaddressed, illicit trade and its associated criminal activities will continue to rob the government of essential tax revenue and deter investments in the country.

Publications

South Africa's Fight Against Illicit Trade: A Strategic Review (2025) (Coming soon!)

Building on the findings of TRACIT’s 2023 report, "Organized Crime, Corruption, and Illicit Trade: Spotlight on South Africa," this study reviews the state of illicit trade in the country and evaluates South Africa’s performance using findings from the 2025 Illicit Trade Index—a global framework measuring resilience to illicit trade across 158 countries. The original report identified key enablers of illicit trade—corruption, unemployment, weak enforcement, and organized crime—and outlined strategic recommendations to address them. This updated assessment provides policymakers with insights into evolving risks, implementation progress, and areas requiring renewed focus.

Organized Crime, Corruption and Illicit Trade: Spotlight on South Africa (February 2023)

The TRACIT report Organized Crime, Corruption and Illicit Trade: Spotlight on South Africa shows that illicit trade is one of the biggest threats to stability and economic growth in South Africa. In providing an update on longstanding structural challenges, the report underscores how recent inflationary pressures, high levels of unemployment, widespread corruption, sophisticated organized crime networks and lingering effects from the COVID-19 pandemic have turbo charged the illicit economy.

lllicit Trade in South Africa: Challenges and Solutions (October 2019)

South Africa stands as one of the largest and most diverse economies in Africa. With a well-established manufacturing base, it plays a crucial role as a major supplier of goods and services to the continent. Additionally, the country boasts a large consumer base and serves as a regional transport hub. This diversification, however, means that South Africa also faces challenges from illicit trade on multiple fronts.

This publication, lllicit Trade in South Africa: Challenges and Solutions, originally presented at the 2019 International Law Enforcement Intellectual Property Crime Conference in Cape Town, hosted by INTERPOL, delves into South Africa's situation and highlights a number of regulatory and legal mechanisms that the government can implement to better control and combat illicit trade.

lllicit Trade in South Africa: Challenges and Solutions

Featured Events

30 May 2023 - Business Unity South Africa hosted event on “Tackling South Africa’s Illicit Economy – a Threat of National Importance”. This forum gave TRACIT the opportunity to release its report on illicit trade in South Africa among representatives from both the government and the private sector.

Summary of event and outcomes

Media Center

Illicit Trade in South Africa

Publications