MPUMALANGA’S growth rate is expected to beat the national average for the next two years, according to a research paper by the Independent Development Corporation on provincial sectoral prospects. Mpumalanga’s average growth rate is predicted to be 3,4% until 2001 because of its representation in fast-growing sectors like chemicals, stainless steel and electricity. Mpumalanga accounts for only 8% of South Africa’s Gross Domestic Product and the IDC’s projections depend on the progress with the Maputo Development Corridor, the impact of development in Mozambique and chemical and stainless steel cluster developments.