The U.S.-South Africa Business Council (US-SABC) serves as the premier Washington-based organization dedicated to strengthening the economic relationship between the U.S. and South Africa. The council, composed of senior-level executives from the U.S. and South African companies, represents the leading investors doing business in every sector with South Africa and within the Southern African region. The US-SABC’s goals are three tiered: enrich investment and trade between the U.S. and South Africa, serve as a platform for commercial engagement at the most senior levels of business and government, and enhance investment in the Southern African region by U.S. and South African companies.
Policy Priorities
The US-SABC regularly weighs in on trade, investment, and regulatory issues facing U.S. and South African companies thereby highlighting the impact and importance of the U.S.-South African bilateral relationship for influential government stakeholders. The council also serves as a respected industry voice, translating member feedback into real policy changes. The council focuses on the following policy priorities:
- Banking and Finance
- Digital Economy
- Health Systems and Policy
- Intellectual Property and Data Flow
- Infrastructure and Energy Development
- Labor Market Reforms and Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (BBBEE)
- Retail and Supply Chain
- Workforce Development
Country and Regional Focuses
South Africa
The US-SABC facilitates connections between South African industry and government leaders and member companies to shape their in-country investment plans and strategy execution. As a hub in the region and entry point for investors operating across the continent, South Africa is well poised for growth across many sectors, including ICT, energy, infrastructure, banking, finance, and tourism.
Southern Africa
South Africa is a key player on the African continent, particularly in the Southern African region through forward-leaning trade and investment policies and an improving business climate. The US-SABC provides members with a platform by which they can expand investment into and participate in trade in the Southern African region. This includes countries in the Southern African Customs Union – Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Namibia, and South Africa. Examples of activities in this region are as follows:
- Eliminating tariff and nontariff trade barriers
- Addressing rules of origin issues in countries across the region
- Enabling the flow of people across barriers and addressing worker visa issues
Membership Access
Policy Advocacy
The US-SABC enables access to senior-level policymakers in the U.S. Chamber of Commerce focused on Africa and U.S.-South Africa bilateral trade. Through policy submissions, correspondence, white papers, op-eds, and detailed reports, council members shape US-SABC policy priorities, contribute to its advocacy agenda, and provide input into sector-focused work plans.
Convening and Connecting
US-SABC members participate in executive-level briefings and bilateral meetings with South African and U.S. government officials. The council engages with the U.S. and South African governments to promote consensus building on major issues in the bilateral relationship, advance business priorities, and provide networking opportunities for members. The US-SABC facilitates introductions and networking opportunities within its membership, supporting deal flow across industries and markets.
Business Insights
The US-SABC encourages members to participate in monthly task force calls and meetings. The team of experts at the US-SABC supports members by delivering time-sensitive commercial and policy analysis that help inform real-time business decisions. Council experts offer insider knowledge and tailored insights on business trends and market conditions impacting investment, procurement, and business strategy execution.