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BASF South Africa company profile
BASF South Africa is the local subsidiary of BASF SE — the world's largest chemical company, headquartered in Ludwigshafen, Germany — operating commercial, technical, and distribution activities for BASF's chemical portfolio across South Africa and Southern Africa. BASF's product range spans agricultural solutions (herbicides, fungicides, insecticides and seeds), performance chemicals (coatings, adhesives, construction chemicals), care chemicals (ingredients for personal care and detergents), and industrial solutions.
700+Team
1920Founded
Johannesburg (Head Office)South Africa
Company profile
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Evidence-led company research
What BASF South Africa company profile research shows
BASF South Africa is the local subsidiary of BASF SE — the world's largest chemical company, headquartered in Ludwigshafen, Germany — operating commercial, technical, and distribution activities for BASF's chemical portfolio across South Africa and Southern Africa. BASF's product range spans agricultural solutions (herbicides, fungicides, insecticides and seeds), performance chemicals (coatings, adhesives, construction chemicals), care chemicals (ingredients for personal care and detergents), and industrial solutions.
Locations
Johannesburg (Head Office), Cape Town, Durban
Company size
700+
Role areas
Agronomist, Crop Protection Sales Specialist, Performance Chemicals Sales Engineer
Typical pay
R13,000–R100,000/month
Head office
Ludwigshafen
Founded
1920
What the work may be like
BASF SA's commercial environment rewards technical expertise — agricultural solutions agronomists spend significant time in farming areas advising on crop protection, while performance chemicals specialists work with industrial clients on application engineering. German corporate culture brings thoroughness, structured processes, and a strong safety and compliance emphasis.
The global parent's sustainability agenda creates genuine environmental purpose alongside commercial objectives.
Hiring and application process
Applications for BASF South Africa are submitted via the company’s global careers portal or local postings on South African job platforms. Sc in Agriculture or Agronomy for agricultural solutions positions and a chemistry or chemical engineering degree for industrial and performance chemicals roles, with a valid driver’s licence essential for field-based work.
The screening process typically includes CV review, online technical assessments, panel interviews with hiring managers and HR, and background checks, with the full timeline from application to offer usually spanning six to ten weeks. Prepare by aligning your experience with BASF’s sustainability focus in Southern Africa and practising technical questions on chemical processes or crop solutions.
Who may be a good fit
- Agricultural science and chemistry graduates who want technical commercial careers with the world's largest chemical company, and agronomists seeking a global employer with farming sector expertise and genuine sustainability credentials
- World's largest chemical company — BASF experience is globally respected across agricultural, industrial, and specialty chemical sectors
- Technical application focus means deep domain expertise is built and valued — agricultural and chemistry specialist credentials are enhanced at BASF
- Global BASF network across 90+ countries creates international career mobility for high-performing South African employees
What candidates should verify
- • Agricultural solutions field roles involve significant travel into farming regions — not suitable for candidates needing urban, fixed-location work
- • Smaller SA team relative to global BASF scale — domestic management progression is limited; international assignment often required for senior roles
- • Confirm salary, shift, location and campaign details in the live vacancy.
- • Use the employer's official application channel and never pay to apply.
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The company
Inside BASF South Africa.
BASF South Africa is the local subsidiary of BASF SE — the world's largest chemical company, headquartered in Ludwigshafen, Germany — operating commercial, technical, and distribution activities for BASF's chemical portfolio across South Africa and Southern Africa. BASF's product range spans agricultural solutions (herbicides, fungicides, insecticides and seeds), performance chemicals (coatings, adhesives, construction chemicals), care chemicals (ingredients for personal care and detergents), and industrial solutions.
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Where is the team based?
BASF South Africa lists Johannesburg (Head Office) on this public profile.
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