Market Report: Fitness, Wellness, Sports, and Longevity Industry in South Africa
Introduction to Market Report Series: South Africa
We are excited to launch our new series of market reports, starting with South Africa, a country showcasing promising growth prospects across various industries. As the governing body for fitness, health, wellness, beauty, creative arts, sports, and longevity industries in Africa and the diaspora, FIT Africa is committed to providing comprehensive insights into Africa’s dynamic markets.
Led by Chairman Akinola Maja, CEO Patricia Maja, and Managing Director Oumar Camara, along with our esteemed Board of Directors, FIT Africa aims to promote excellence, innovation, and growth in these industries. Our market report series will cover key sectors in South Africa, providing in-depth analysis, trends, and insights to help businesses and investors navigate the country’s vast opportunities.
With this series, we aim to shed light on the latest developments, opportunities, and challenges in South Africa’s key industries, empowering stakeholders to make informed decisions and drive growth. Stay tuned for more insights into the country’s vibrant economy and emerging markets.
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The fitness, wellness, sports, and longevity industry in South Africa is a rapidly growing market, driven by increasing awareness of health and wellness, a growing middle class, and a rising prevalence of lifestyle diseases.
Segment 1: Fitness Industry
Market Size and Growth
– The South African gyms, health, and fitness clubs market had total revenues of $400 million in 2022, representing a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 1.8% between 2017 and 2022.
– The fitness market in South Africa is anticipated to add more than USD 170.1 million by 2024-2029, taking the estitmates to around $600m by 2030 driven by a growing middle-class population and increasing health awareness
Notable Companies
New Entrants:
– Aquivio: Hydration company showcasing its innovative products and services. The bottleless, automated, healthy beverage dispenser. Alkaline Antioxidant Water & Personalized Nutritional Beverages.
– XBody World: Global player in the fitness industry, highlighting its latest EMS technologies and trends along with its new Ultima Beauty product.
– Sentinel Fitness / Scope Software: Leading provider of fitness management software, demonstrating its solutions for gyms and fitness centers.
– African Wellness Premium: Company promoting premium wellness products and services tailored to African markets.
– FitnessForce: Software company driving growth and innovation in the fitness industry.
– Safari® Fitness: Unique African inspired fitness program. The rhythms include Afrobeats, Amapiano, Calypso & Soca. Licensed Instructors in different countries worldwide.
Established Players:
– Virgin Active: Prominent fitness club chain offering a range of fitness and wellness services.
– HYROX South Africa: Fitness brand promoting functional strength and endurance training.
– Technogym: Global fitness technology leader providing innovative solutions for gyms and fitness centers.
– F45 Training: Global fitness franchise offering high-intensity group training sessions.
– Edge Fitness Clubs: Leading fitness club chain setting standards for the industry.
– Planet Fitness: Global fitness brand with a presence in South Africa.
– Zone Fitness: Fitness brand offering group training sessions and personalized fitness programs.
– Bodytec: Company providing electrical muscle stimulation (EMS) training solutions.
Market Trends
– Increasing Demand for Personalized Fitness Experiences: Consumers are seeking personalized fitness experiences, including customized workout plans and nutrition programs.
– Growing Adoption of Digital Fitness Solutions: Technology is playing an increasingly important role in the fitness industry, with wearable devices, fitness apps, and online training platforms becoming more popular.
– Rising Prevalence of Wellness Tourism: Wellness tourism is experiencing growth, driven by increasing demand for unique experiences like detox retreats and spa therapies.
– Recovery Integration: Recovery services such as hydrotherapy and physiotherapy are being marketed to members who use weight loss medications, ensuring that they maintain muscle tone and joint health during weight loss.
– Strategic Alliances: Partnerships between fitness brands and wellness or mindfulness companies are on the rise.
Growth Prospects
The fitness, wellness, sports, and longevity industry in South Africa is expected to continue growing, driven by increasing awareness of health and wellness, a growing middle class, and a rising prevalence of lifestyle diseases. The industry is expected to benefit from trends such as increasing demand for personalized fitness experiences, growing adoption of digital fitness solutions, and rising prevalence of wellness tourism.
Segment 2: Sports Industry
The sports industry in South Africa is a significant contributor to the country’s economy and culture, with the recent Thrive By WHX Trade Show in Cape Town showcasing the industry’s potential. WHX is lead by Tom Coleman, Portofolio Director of Informa Market along with his team members Daniel Green and Rubina Carol DSouza.
Notable Athletes and Influencers
– Top Athletes:
– Dricus du Plessis: SA Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) champion and UFC Middleweight Champion.
– Bryan Habana: Former SA Rugby Springbok and sports influencer.
– Juandré Kruger: Former SA Rugby Springbok and sports influencer.
– Kevin Lerena: SA professional boxer.
– Tatjana Smith: South African swimmer and World Champion.
– Rayno Nel: World’s strongest man.
– Sibusiso Kotelo: Professional Bodybuilder and IFBB Pro.
– Rene Naylor: Former South African Springbok Physiotherapist.
Market Trends and Growth Prospects
– Growing Investment in Sports Infrastructure: Investment in sports facilities and infrastructure is on the rise, enhancing South Africa’s ability to host international events.
– Increased Focus on Sports Development: Initiatives to develop sports talent and promote participation are gaining momentum.
– Wellness Tourism Growth: Africa’s wellness tourism market is estimated at $94.04 billion in 2025, expected to reach $120.02 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of over 5%.
Segment 3: Beauty and Creative Arts Industry
The beauty and creative arts industry in South Africa is a vibrant and diverse sector, contributing significantly to the country’s economy and cultural heritage.
Beauty Industry
– Market Size: The South Africa cosmetics and personal care market size currently stands at approximately $225.73 million (R3.97 billion) in 2025 and is projected to reach $300.99 million (R5.29 billion) by 2030, achieving a CAGR of 5.91%.
– Product Trends: Natural and organic products are advancing at a 7.04% CAGR, driven by growing awareness of potential health and environmental impacts of synthetic chemicals.
– Distribution Channels: Online retail is growing at an 8.34% CAGR, expected to account for about 10% of national beauty retail turnover by 2025.
Creative Arts Industry
– Contribution to GDP: The creative economy accounted for 6% of all jobs in South Africa, translating to just under 1 million jobs, and contributed approximately $9.17 billion (R161 billion) to the country’s GDP in 2020.
– Domains: The largest domains in terms of contribution to output are:
– Design and Creative Services: Approximately $2.9 billion (R51 billion) in 2020, 32% of the contribution to GDP
– Audio-visual and Interactive Media: Approximately $2.75 billion (R48.4 billion) in 2020, 30% of the contribution to GDP
– Visual Arts and Crafts: Approximately $1.33 billion (R23.4 billion) in 2020, 15% of the contribution to GDP
– Books and Press: Approximately $1.22 billion (R21.5 billion) in 2020, 13% of the contribution to GDP
Thrive By WHX Concert Highlights
A unique VIP concert was held at Thrive By WHX, a Health and Wellness Trade Show, featuring performances by:
– Lerato Moipone Molapo (Lira): South Africa’s multi-platinum artist and global music icon, who shared insights into her recovery journey after suffering a stroke in 2022. It was a powerful moment for Lira to headline the concert, showcasing her resilience and determination.
– Sivuyile Ngesi: Chief Hype Officer at Thrive by WHX.
– Qaqamba Ntshinka: Afro Jazz singer, songwriter, poet, and model.
– Jason Goliath: South African comedian, actor, MC, facilitator, and TV presenter known for his larger-than-life personality and infectious energy.
Lira’s Health Journey
– Stroke and Recovery: Lira suffered a stroke in March 2022 that left her unable to speak, read, or write, but she has made significant progress in her recovery.
– Aphasia Diagnosis: She was diagnosed with aphasia, a language disorder resulting from damage to specific brain regions responsible for language.
– Recovery Milestones: Lira has celebrated every milestone in her recovery, including learning to speak again and practicing her singing abilities, which were not affected by the stroke. She marked her return to the stage with a performance in May 2024, celebrating one year of singing again after her stroke.¹
The event showcased South Africa’s rich cultural heritage and vibrant arts scene, highlighting the country’s potential for creative expression and innovation. With Jason Goliath’s comedic talent, Lira’s powerful performance, and Qaqamba Ntshinka’s soulful music, the event was a testament to the country’s diverse artistic talent.
Segment 4: Health and Longevity Industry
The health and longevity industry in South Africa is a rapidly growing sector, driven by increasing demand for wellness services and products. Africa’s wellness tourism market is estimated at $94.04 billion in 2025 and is expected to reach $120.02 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of over 5%.
Market Size
– Global Longevity Market: The global longevity market size was estimated at $19.29 billion in 2023 and is expected to grow to $63 billion by 2035, at a CAGR of 10.37%.
– Complementary and Alternative Medicine Market: The global complementary and alternative medicine market size for anti-aging and longevity was estimated at $63.60 billion in 2023 and is projected to reach $247.9 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 21.5%.
Segments
– Service Type:
– Health and Wellness Services: Includes fitness programs, genetic testing, and life extension therapies.
– Nutraceuticals: Valued at $5.0 billion in 2024 and anticipated to rise to $15.0 billion by 2035.
– Product Category:
– Dietary Supplements: Growing demand for health-enhancing supplements.
– Anti-aging Skin Care Products: Increasing interest in youthful appearance.
Key Trends
– Increased Focus on Healthy Aging: Driving demand for preventive healthcare solutions.
– Technological Advancements: AI-powered health diagnostics and regenerative medicine.
– Growing Awareness: Rising interest in wellness and anti-aging products.
Thrive By WHX
A dynamic event that brought together the health and wellness ecosystem.
– Event Highlights:
– Expert Insights: Keynote speakers and workshops on policy, digital health, nutrition, longevity, and sports.
– Wellness Experiences: Immersive wellness experiences and recovery zones.
– Networking Opportunities: Dedicated networking areas for attendees.
– Speakers and Influencers:
– Dr. Janesh Ganda: Longevity and human optimization specialist.
– Dr. Phathokuhle Zondi: Sports medicine physician.
– Gisèle Wertheim Aymés: Founder of Longevity.
– Dr. Joshua Awesome: Executive Coach / Mental Performance Expert.
Industry Impact
Trade Shows showcase innovative products and services in health and longevity, driving growth and adoption in the industry. With a focus on personalized medicine, genomics, and longevity strategies, these events shape the future of health and wellness.
Conclusion
South Africa’s diverse economy showcases promising growth prospects across various industries.
– Beauty and Creative Arts: The beauty industry is projected to reach $300.99 million by 2030, driven by demand for natural and organic products. The creative arts sector contributes significantly to GDP, with design and creative services accounting for 32% of the contribution.
– Technology and Innovation: The tech ecosystem is thriving, with Cape Town and Johannesburg emerging as key hubs. The software market is expected to reach $5.7 billion by 2025, growing at a CAGR of 10.3%.
– Retail and Consumer: The retail sector is adapting to changing consumer behavior, with online retail growing at an 8.34% CAGR. The food retail market is expected to reach $14.1 billion by 2025.
– Health and Longevity: The health and longevity industry is growing rapidly, driven by increasing demand for wellness services and products. The global longevity market is expected to reach $63 billion by 2035.
These industries present opportunities for growth, innovation, and investment in South Africa. The country’s vibrant tech ecosystem demonstrate its potential for creative expression, innovation, and entrepreneurship