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
Organized Crime, Corruption and Illicit Trade: Spotlight on South Africa (February 2023)
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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.
Report: Organized Crime, Corruption and Illicit Trade: Spotlight on South Africa Media Release: TRACIT calls for improved measures to combat illicit trade in South Africa Moneyweb Podcast: Illicit trade is ‘top 5’ risk to SA economy
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lllicit Trade in South Africa: Challenges and Solutions (October 2019)
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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, 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 |