Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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IDA Ireland has welcomed investments from South African companies across a number of key sectors, including Technology, Financial Services and Life Sciences. In that regard, there are currently 11 South African companies with FDI operations in Ireland, employing 202 people, including Investec, Aspen and OUTsurance.

IDA Ireland has engaged with a number of South African companies and has hosted several itineraries for technology and fintech firms interested in investing in Ireland during 2021 and 2022. The Dublin based IDA team members have also participated in various South Africa focused events and speaking opportunities both in-market and in Ireland. However, my officials have been informed by IDA Ireland that specific details of individual engagement information is confidential.

A key component of IDA’s strategy is to broaden the geographic profile of investment. To that end, a ‘Pioneering Markets’ team was established within the Growth Markets Division of IDA in 2019 to focus on extending IDA Ireland’s global footprint. This approach has been supported by a number of in-market Pathfinders or part time consultants located across multiple geographies including South Africa. Since appointment in 2019, the IDA Ireland’s South African pathfinder has been instrumental in promoting Ireland as an inward investment location.

South Africa will continue to be a key target market for IDA Ireland’s Growth Markets Division and IDA is committed to proactively positioning Ireland as an attractive location for South African companies to base their European operation. IDA Ireland is confident of more investments from Africa during 2023 and beyond, leading to further job creation in the coming years.