South Africa

Swiss Import Promotion Programme

The Swiss Import Promotion Programme (SIPPO) is a well-established mandate of the State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO) within the framework of its economic development cooperation. The programme has been implemented by Swisscontact since 2017 and is now in phase 2 (2021-2025).

The overall objective of SIPPO is to integrate developing and transition countries into world trade. In a facilitation role, SIPPO advises and supports so-called Business Support Organisations (BSOs) in 12 partner countries. Through innovative and targeted export promotion services, BSOs strengthen the export capabilities of companies intending to export and facilitate market access and exports to Switzerland, the EU, and regional markets.

Learn more

South Africa faces multifaceted development challenges that impact its socio-economic landscape. Persistent issues include high levels of inequality, stemming from historical legacies of apartheid, which have left a significant portion of the population marginalized. Unemployment, particularly among the youth, remains a pressing concern, hindering inclusive growth. Additionally, inadequate access to quality education and healthcare exacerbates social disparities. The country also grapples with governance issues, corruption, and political instability, affecting public trust and hindering effective policy implementation. Environmental concerns, such as water scarcity and climate change, further strain resources. Despite progress, addressing these challenges requires comprehensive and sustained efforts to foster inclusive and sustainable development and create opportunities for all South Africans.