The Free State Province covers 129 825 square kilometres, which is about 10.6% of the South African land mass. Free State’s population is 2.99-million, or 4.9% of the total population of South Africa. The population is projected to grow at an average annual rate of 0.7% from 2.99-million in 2022 to 3.09-million in 2027.
The Free State’s economy grew at an average annual rate of 0.38% over 10 years from R191-billion in 2013 to R342-billion in 2023. The province contributed 4.87% to the South Africa GDP of R7.02-trillion in 2023 and achieved an annual growth rate of 0.15% in the same year, which is lower than the country’s growth rate of 0.70%. It is our considered view that the province must aim to grow the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) at an average annual rate of 1.58%, or higher, from 2025 to 2028.
Strategic location is ideal for trade and investment
The Free State Province lies in the heart of South Africa between the Vaal River in the north and the Orange River in the south. The province is a gateway to the Kingdom of Lesotho which is surrounded by the South African provinces of Free State, KwaZulu-Natal and Eastern Cape.
The Free State is an ideal investment destination as it is blessed with abundant natural resources. The province is ideally located at the confluence of major logistics arterials and corridors such as the R30, N1, N6, N5, N8 and N3. This makes the movement of goods very economically viable.
Various infrastructure renovations and upgrading projects are underway and this will contribute to an improved investment climate.
The province is also an ideal destination for renewable energy projects, including solar PV, hydro and wind projects. In addition, the grid availability in the province presents an opportunity for investments in independent power producer (IPP) projects in the province. The Free State is also referred to as the breadbasket of the country as agriculture is a significant contributor to its GDP.
Investment opportunities
Renewable energy
The province is an ideal destination for renewable energy projects of all kinds. Good grid availability and enthusiastic investment facilitation present particularly attractive opportunities for investments in the province.
Mining and gas extraction
Although the mining sector is no longer dominant, coal, diamond and gold mining still make up an important part of the Free State economy. Natural gas was first discovered in a Virginia gold mine in 1947, and the mine has been producing combustible gas ever since. A massive amount of helium is produced as a byproduct of natural gas production.
The province has potential mining and beneficiation opportunities in commodities such as gold, diamonds, coal and rare earth elements. Sand and aggregate mining in the Free State province have become very attractive as part of supporting the construction ecosystem.
Special Economic Zones and Industrial Parks
The Maluti-A-Phofung Special Economic Zone (MAPSEZ) is strategically located on the key N5 and N3 logistics corridors which makes it an ideal investment destination. The MAPSEZ aims to attract R2-billion in new investments. Sectors prioritised in the zone are logistics, agro-processing, ICT, automotive, pharmaceuticals and manufacturing.
The 1 000ha estate is divided into four zones: agro-processing, light industrial, heavy industrial and a container terminal.
The Free State, working with the National Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic), is upgrading the industrial parks in Botshabelo, Thaba ‘Nchu and Phuthaditjhaba to provide infrastructure to encourage manufacturing in these areas. The manufacturing and retail sectors provide attractive opportunities for investors in these industrial parks.
Agriculture
The Free State is blessed with abundant production of crops such as maize and sunflower, soya, wheat and potatoes. Livestock farming is also a dominant feature of our agricultural activities. This region is one of the biggest producers of these crops and there are agri-processing investment opportunities linked to these primary products.
The annual National Maize Producers Organisation (NAMPO) festival is held just outside the border of the province in Bothaville, which is the headquarters of GrainSA.
It is thus imperative for investments into the agriculture sector to increase in this area as there is sufficient land for this. This will ensure a healthy growth over time so that Free State can reclaim its title of being the breadbasket of the country.
Tourism
The Free State Province is home to several strategic and unique natural and cultural assets that offer significant opportunities for tourism investment through strategic partnerships. This approach, which has shown success in the Kruger National Park, can be replicated in the Free State.
Collaboration between the public sector and private investors has the potential to develop high-end tourism facilities:
Sterkfontein Dam and Gariep Dam: These large dams are not only engineering marvels but also scenic spots perfect for developing luxury resorts, water sports and fishing activities. Private investors can build exclusive lodges and organise guided tours, capitalising on the breathtaking views and serene environment.
Clarens and Vredefort Dome: Known for its artistic community, Clarens in the eastern Free State is situated in the foothills of the Maluti Mountains. The Vredefort Dome near Parys is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a unique geological wonder.
Both sites present opportunities for unique lodging experiences that blend luxury with natural and historical exploration. Boutique hotels and eco-lodges can offer guests a blend of comfort, art and heritage tours.
Mangaung: As the provincial capital, Bloemfontein offers potential for urban tourism. Investing in upscale hotels, conference centres and cultural experiences like museum tours and city heritage walks can attract both leisure and business travelers.
State resorts: Existing state resorts in prime locations present opportunities for upgrades and modernisation. Private-sector players can revitalise these resorts, introducing luxury accommodation, spa services and bespoke adventure activities tailored to discerning travellers.
Message to investors
Investments do not happen in a vacuum: a conducive environment has to be created to ensure that investors find a home in our province. As part of encouraging inward investments, the province commits to reducing red tape and improving the ease of doing business.
Our message to investors across the world is this: Invest in the Free State, the province at the centre of it all.
Contact
Interested parties who wish to look deeper into any of the above mentioned opportunities are encouraged to send a brief message of introduction to the Free State DESTEA team:
