SOUTH AFRICA

Working together to create a virtuous cycle of growth, jobs and investment.

On 20 August 2026, the Government Business Partnership launched Phase 3 to unlock growth, jobs, and confidence

B4SA’s Purpose

Business for South Africa (B4SA) is a platform for South African business leaders, whose objective is to work alongside and in support of government to help accelerate economic growth and investment, create jobs, and build an evidence-based national growth narrative.

This is achieved by mobilising business resources, skills, and funding within the Government Business Partnership to accelerate the implementation of key interventions.

B4SA serves as BUSA’s implementation arm.  It was established in 2020 in response to the Covid-19 pandemic, and collaborated with the government to design, implement, and expedite the Temporary Employer/Employee Relief Scheme (TERS), ensuring swift financial support for workers and businesses affected by lockdowns. Together with the private healthcare industry, B4SA partnered with government to secure and drive the rollout of the Covid-19 vaccines and expand access across the country.  This programme was a material success, resulting in over 38 million people (64% of the population) receiving access to Covid-19 vaccines.

The Government Business Partnership is based on a clear set of principles, exceptional governance, a well-defined delineation of roles between government and business, and a results-driven approach to achieving meaningful progress. The Partnership provides a compelling case study for many emerging and developed markets, demonstrating how business can leverage its expertise and resources to help implement government’s policy agenda in areas where key reforms are required to foster economic growth.

 

Since 2023, B4SA has worked together with government, under the Government Business Partnership, to tackle the country’s most pressing challenges in four key focal areas:

  • Energy – Adrian Enthoven, Simon Baloyi
  • Transport & Logistics – Mxolisi Mgojo, Andrew Kirby, Mpumi Zikalala 
  • Crime & Corruption – Jannie Durand, Mary Vilakazi, Neal Froneman 
  • Youth Employment – Nolitha Fakude
 

Central to the work of the Partnership is a shared vision to create a virtuous cycle of growth, jobs and improved investment confidence in our country.  The Partnership has an ambition of 3% GDP growth in the short term.

The Government Business Partnership is based on a clear set of principles, exceptional governance, a well-defined delineation of roles between government and business, and a results-driven approach to achieving meaningful progress. The Partnership provides a compelling case study for many emerging and developed markets, demonstrating how business can leverage its expertise and resources to help implement government’s policy agenda in areas where key reforms are required to foster economic growth.

Updated 01 Oct 2026

Phase 1 and 2: The Partnership has made significant progress

Energy

Loadshedding removed, market reform underway

SAWEM internal market launched; system testing underway

Market code submitted
Public consultation underway

16

Traders licensed
to date

Market operator license granted

Transport & Logistics

Transnet stabilisation, foundations laid for structural reforms

R11bn

Unlocked through Durban Gateway Terminal partnership

National Rail Masterplan published for public comment

R14.7bn

BFI funding approved for maintenance backlog

11

Private train operating companies confirmed

3 ports in top 6 most improved ports 1

CCP2 implementation underway to facilitate co-funding

Crime & Corruption

FATF greylist removal, but uneven progress elsewhere

R57m

Raised to support SABRIC digital initiatives

FATF greylist removal

DEU funded & operationalised:

+1,500

devices processed

NPA Amendment Act promulgated

Youth Employment

Systemic unlocks to increase youth labour absorption

Increased

Uptake of SAYouth, YES

Digital skills funding model secured

ETA launched to increase tourist arrivals

1 : 13

1 job per 13 arrivals

GBS incentive backlog resolved

26k

new jobs created in 2025

SAYouth/NPMN3 institutionalisation agreed

Agreement on NCA4 amendments to unlock bank lending

1 World Bank Container Port Performance Index 2025, June 2026; 2 Customer collaboration policy; 3 National Pathway Management Network; 4 National Credit Act.
GOVERNMENT BUSINESS PARTNERSHIP

PHASE 3:

Government and business have entered the next phase of their partnership to accelerate inclusive economic growth, unlock investment, strengthen confidence and create jobs.

THE AMBITION

Sustained economic growth above 3% and one million additional jobs by 2030.

READ THE FULL STORY
GOVERNMENT BUSINESS PARTNERSHIP PHASE 3 LAUNCH