Linda Saunders | Director | Solutions Engineering Africa | Salesforce | mail me |
As South Africa moves into 2025, key sectors, including energy, finance, technology and manufacturing are experiencing significant shifts. These sectors will continue to evolve in response to economic, social, and global trends.
Global events, innovation and the drive for sustainability will drive developments across industries. At the same time, ongoing challenges such as policy shifts, infrastructure demands and economic pressures will require flexibility and adaptability. Navigating global events means businesses will need to embrace and manage these dynamics. They must also seize the opportunities that these changes present.
How AI will transform business
Generative Artificial Intelligence (Gen AI) has the power to transform the way we live and work. However, we must explore these technologies inclusively and responsibly. Like all AI innovations, we’re building trusted AI capabilities with embedded guardrails. These guardrails will help catch potential problems before they occur.
We operate within the world’s largest companies. Through sales, service, marketing, commerce and IT technology, we reach billions of people. It serves industries that impact every facet of society. Everything we deploy, no matter how revolutionary, must also offer mission-critical reliability.
Generative AI introduces new and big ideas. The complexity lurking beneath the surface will likely challenge the most innovative companies for years to come. But there’s a simple idea connecting them all and it’s a core our value: trust.
The world must trust these models at every level. Trusting the content they create, trusting the things they say, and trusting the platforms on which they run. If we approach generative AI responsibly, there’s no doubt that these technologies can change the world.
A brighter South African retirement future
Wealthtech is a subset of fintech. It can best be understood as technologies that focus on wealth management and investment services. Wealthtech aims to make these services more accessible, affordable and efficient.
As with any emerging technological field, wealthtech brings both opportunity and risk. Wealthtech is making investing easier and more convenient. Both individuals and providers benefit from these enhancements, which are critical in today’s customer-centric environment.
As wealthtech continues to evolve, it will become more powerful and useful. Robo and quant advisors will become more common. As AI and machine learning improve, trends such as micro-investing and social investing will help make the investment space more personal and tangible. These could prove vital in improving the retirement investment landscape.
– Tobie van Heerden CEO at 10X Investments
While it may be difficult to imagine now, given the widespread economic uncertainty, continuing advances like these will change the South African retirement picture.
Despite South Africa’s challenges, the number of wealthy people in the country keeps growing. As the tools and products that made them wealthy become more accessible, many more South Africans will have a good shot at a comfortable retirement.
A year of opportunity for the mining sector
The mining sector in South Africa finds itself at a crucial juncture. Navigating global events indicates that global demand for minerals must be balanced with the increasing demand for sustainable practices. The need for closer collaboration between the mining industry and government is highlighted. This collaboration will enhance the sector’s contribution to the national economy. Reducing regulatory barriers is essential to unlock investments that are stalled due to red tape.
Integrating renewable energy solutions like solar and wind into mining operations is vita. It reduces reliance on Eskom, improves efficiency, and ensures compliance with ESG standards. The global push for renewable energy is increasing demand for minerals like lithium, platinum, and cobalt. This presents opportunities for South Africa. However, challenges such as infrastructure limitations and the need for technological advancements remain. Embracing automation and AI-driven exploration can enhance productivity. But significant investment in workforce skills is required.
– Yushanta Rungasammy, Director and Co-Head of Corporate and Commercial at CMS South Africa
The future of mining in South Africa depends on strong investment in green technologies and renewable energy. Experts have emphasised the importance of embracing these innovations, not only for environmental reasons but also to secure future growth.
The role of green technologies is key to unlocking long-term sustainable growth for the mining sector in Africa. We need more investment in renewable energy infrastructure. This will improve energy security and reduce the carbon footprint of the industry.
– Muzi Kubeka, Director, Banking & Finance and Project Finance: Energy & Infrastructure at CMS South Africa
Additionally, the need for cross-border collaboration in Africa’s energy and mining sectors is critical. With interconnected regional supply chains, companies can better address shared challenges such as energy access, infrastructure and investment. Strengthening these collaborations will help unlock Africa’s mineral wealth. It will position the continent as a leader in both mining and renewable energy.
By working together, mining companies and governments can create a more sustainable, prosperous future for South Africa and the broader region.
Transformation of payments
The global payments landscape is undergoing a rapid transformation. New technologies, coupled with the rising demand for seamless, secure, and efficient transactions, are driving an exciting era of innovation and growth.
Until recently, real-time payments in Africa were used for cross-border mobile money payments, but less so for traditional payments. Companies like Mastercard are now investing in this area. Central banks in Africa are also focusing on this.
In 2025, we will see the continued acceleration of cashless payments across Africa. B2B payments, in particular, will increase. Digital payments, which began between individuals, are now becoming commonplace for corporate transactions.
– Luke Kyohere, Group Chief Product and Innovation Officer at Onafriq
In payments, AI will continue to improve user experience and increase security. AI is used to track patterns and payment flows in real-time to detect fraud. If unusual activity is detected, the technology can flag or even block potentially fraudulent payments.
AI will also improve the interface design of payment platforms. Additionally, the technology will be increasingly used for translation on international payment platforms.
A year of continuous growth
In 2025, the bond origination sector in South Africa is expected to grow. An improving economy will drive this growth. As consumer confidence rises, demand for home loans, particularly from first-time buyers, is likely to increase. Alongside this, refinancing and debt consolidation may rise, as homeowners look to take advantage of favourable financial conditions.
There will be a growing focus on affordable housing. The government and private sector will invest in underserved areas. This requires bond originators to offer tailored solutions. Technology will play a key role, streamlining applications and improving the loan approval process. Green home loans will also gain traction as more buyers seek energy-efficient properties.
– Bradd Bendall, National Head of Sales at BetterBond
In conclusion
Successfully navigating global events means that there is hope for increased financial literacy. This will empower more informed homebuyers. Additionally, greater access to financing for low-income households is a priority. More inclusive loan products are expected.
Faster, more efficient approval processes will improve the customer experience. A supportive regulatory environment will ensure the sector’s stability. Overall, 2025 holds great potential for the bond origination sector. There will be opportunities for growth, innovation and greater inclusivity in the property market.
