Southern African Security Systems and Services Markets

Market Overview

Integrated Security Solutions Gain Prominence

The security systems and services market in Southern Africa is a growing market and is strongly focused on guard services. While Botswana, Namibia and Zambia are all considered to be in the growth stage, Botswana is considered to have the most developed security industry and has experienced a greater shift towards the use of electronic security. Namibia and Zambia are expected to follow this trend.

“Southern Africa is displaying a trend towards the integration of security equipment and services to create an effective and reliable security solution,” notes the analyst of this research. “The dominant guard services sector is projected to experience slower rates of growth while the security systems and services sectors are poised to display increased rates of growth.” Heightened user awareness of the medium-to-long term advantages of using electronic security, coupled with technology innovation and reduced system costs, will boost the security systems and service markets. Companies involved in all aspects of the security industry will be able to offer end users a ‘complete solution’ to their security needs, thereby making strong competitive gains. These companies are able to supply, install and maintain security systems as well as offer guard services and various other end-user services. They are able to supply integrated security solutions and are far more successful than companies that specialise in specific areas of the market.

Demonstrated Long-term Benefits of Electronic Security Systems to Boost Adoption Rates

Despite optimistic projections, there remains a definite resistance towards the adoption of new security technologies across Southern Africa. A majority of customers still prefer to use manned guard services instead of deploying electronic security systems. “Many end users prefer to use the tried and tested, traditional forms of security,” says the analyst of this research. “However, this situation is gradually changing as technology suppliers are able to demonstrate the benefits of these new technologies.”

Low labour costs have traditionally made guard services a very attractive form of security in the short term. However, end users are realising the medium-to-long term cost benefits associated with the use of electronic security. This includes a more effective and efficient form of security, even as it eliminates the many hassles associated with the use of large numbers of manned guards. “Security companies focusing on electronic security sales need to ensure that they constantly promote and market the benefits of electronic security,” advises the analyst of this research. “This includes highlighting the medium-to-long term cost saving benefits of investing in electronic security.”

Market Sectors

Expert Frost & Sullivan analysts thoroughly examine the following market sectors in this research:

• Electronic security systems
• Security services
• Guard services sectors

By Geography:

• Namibia
• Botswana
• Zambia
• Technologies

The following technologies are covered in this research:

CCTV, access control, intrusion alarms, fire detection and others Consulting and design, installation, maintenance and repair, monitoring and remote alarm Manned guarding, armed response, surveillance, cash management and others Frost & Sullivan Growth Partnership Services

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