ABOUT US
The beginning of an idea.
Recent research uncovered the South African Outdoor Recreation Industry (SA ORI) to contribute R173-billion (directly) and R 346 billion (indirectly) to the South African GDP and to provide 7% directly (10% indirectly) of all formal jobs in South Africa (Nel, 2019).
The research also highlighted the universal academic acceptance of the impressive list of benefits outdoor recreation offers for human development and well-being. Despite the socio-economic significance of the ORI, several institutional voids were identified that have thus far prevented this industry from reaching its potential and deserved prominence.
Our focus areas
Institutions play a major role in economic growth in emerging markets where according to the IMF World Economic Outlook (2019) approximately 86% of the world’s population lives. Less than 8% of the South African population are active participants in outdoor recreation.
The following sub-sectors will be our main focus areas:
- Wildlife viewing
- Hunting
- Recreational fishing
- Adventure tourism
- Wheel sports
- Recreational vehicle industry
- Water sports
- Trail sports
- Off-trail/wilderness
- Enviro education
- SA AIA
The SA OIA was formed with the aim of:
Connecting a fragmented and divided industry.
Promoting continued research where currently less than 1,2% of global outdoor studies emanate from the African continent.
Facilitating inclusions and transformation through grassroots development and exposure of the majority of the SA population currently excluded from participation.
Promoting and assisting in the development of safety standards and dedicated outdoor training initiatives to ensure effective job creation and entrepreneurship.
Engaging constructively with regulators and policymakers is critical to the industry’s success.
Liaising with global outdoor industry associations on best practices, innovation and global trends.
Promoting regional (SADC) cooperation and development of the ORI.
Marketing Southern Africa as the premier outdoor recreation destination in the world.
Behind SA OIA
Francois Nel
Founder & Executive Director
Francois’s career spanning 30 years includes positions held in listed and unlisted companies, government departments, statutory organisations, as well as corporations both locally and internationally. Francois has worked in finance, accounting, financial and general management while also founding new entrepreneurial ventures in the outdoor and adventure industry. He is currently dedicated to unlocking the socio-economic benefits of the outdoor recreation industry by promoting entrepreneurship in Southern Africa.
Master of Philosophy – MPhil focused in International Business/Trade/Commerce from Gordon Institute of Business Science.
PARTNER