South African exporters are expected to benefit from expanded access to the Chinese market after China introduced a temporary zero-tariff policy covering a number of African countries, including South Africa. The new trade arrangement officially came into effect on May 1, 2026, and will remain valid until April 30, 2028. Under the policy, qualifying South…
India-based automaker Mahindra is evaluating plans to significantly expand its manufacturing footprint in South Africa, as demand for affordable vehicles continues to grow across the country. The move could mark a shift from basic assembly operations to more advanced local production, potentially strengthening both the company’s market position and South Africa’s automotive sector. Shift toward…
South Africa is positioning itself to become a major global pistachio producer, with plans to build a multibillion-rand industry centred in the Northern Cape. The long-term target is ambitious: annual production of up to 60,000 tonnes and a 5% to 8% share of the global market within the next decade. If achieved, the country could…
South Africa’s banking sector could soon welcome a major new player, with retail giant Pepkor preparing to launch a low-cost digital bank as early as 2027. The planned lender, currently referred to as plusb, is expected to focus on everyday consumers, particularly customers earning below R15,000 a month. Unlike traditional banks that rely heavily on…
South Africa has placed digital transformation at the core of its long-term economic recovery strategy, with President Cyril Ramaphosa outlining an ambitious vision for the country to become Africa’s leading digital economy. Speaking at the 6th South Africa Investment Conference held at the Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg on Tuesday, Ramaphosa told global executives, investors…
South Africa has placed digital transformation at the core of its long-term economic recovery strategy, with President Cyril Ramaphosa outlining an ambitious vision for the country to become Africa’s leading digital economy. Speaking at the 6th South Africa Investment Conference held at the Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg on Tuesday, Ramaphosa told global executives, investors…
South Africa is preparing to launch its most ambitious investment mobilisation drive yet, with President Cyril Ramaphosa setting a new target of R2 trillion in private-sector commitments by 2028. The announcement comes ahead of the sixth South Africa Investment Conference in Sandton, where government officials and business leaders are expected to outline new opportunities across…
South African Airways (SAA) is facing renewed scrutiny after its latest financial results revealed that much of its reported profitability may not stem from core airline operations. The state-owned carrier declared a net profit of R155 million for the 2024–25 financial year, alongside an operating profit of R336 million and revenue of R9.266 billion. The…
South Africa’s monetary policy outlook has undergone a dramatic shift, with markets now bracing for potential interest rate hikes instead of the previously expected easing cycle. In recent months, expectations had leaned toward multiple rate cuts by the South African Reserve Bank (SARB), supported by relatively stable inflation. However, escalating geopolitical tensions in the Middle…
Global financial markets have entered a period of heightened uncertainty, with South Africa’s currency coming under sustained pressure as geopolitical tensions disrupt energy supply expectations. The rand has weakened notably over recent weeks, reflecting a broader shift toward safer assets. By Monday, 23 March, the currency had fallen to around R17.25 against the US dollar,…
