Tag: economic development

‘When one door closes, another one opens,’ as the saying goes, and this is particularly true when it comes to investments. Economic recovery is on the horizon, and while it is expected and somewhat priced in by present market activity, investors are more interested in looking at what lies ahead. And here there may be some opportunities.

Intellectual property (IP) created at universities can contribute to economic and social development and can support entrepreneurs in generating income through innovative business ideas. Innovation arising out of university research constitutes a rich source of IP.

As we reflect on Women’s Month in South Africa, it is essential to acknowledge women’s contribution to society, the economy and unpaid care work – raising children, families and communities. Despite their massive contribution, women continue to face considerable challenges.

Africa is currently the world’s second-fastest growing region in terms of economic development and Gross Domestic Product (GDP), according to the World Bank, meaning that there is endless potential and opportunity for organisations to grow and transform on the continent.

In markets there is inequality of wealth because there is inequality of production. Some people produce more than other people. Not all labour is equally valuable. Structural inequality relies on politics. The state may put roadblocks in front of some people in order to benefit others. This sort of economic inequality relies more on political pull than on productivity.

Hindsight, they say, is 20/20 vision. This being the year 2020, it turned out to be truer than ever before. For investors, and all of us really, there was so much about this year that was unpredictable, surprising and shocking.  With 11 months of the year now past, and in our penultimate note for 2020, we can look back at what investors might have known and could have done.

With only a few weeks till the Brexit transition and having initiated discussions years ago, UK ministers are considering formally doing away with non-compete clauses sooner rather than later. Essentially, removing non-compete clauses allows employees to start their own businesses without having to sit out a waiting period.

If you are reading this, you are well on your way towards surviving one of the most cataclysmic events of our lifetime; one that is forever going to reshape the way we view the world and drive home the importance of prioritising sustainability and all it entails during the years ahead.

Address by President Cyril Ramaphosa to the Joint Sitting of Parliament on South Africa's Economic Reconstruction and Recovery Plan.

Some attempts have been made by the government and NGOs to advocate for more equal rights for women. Few months ago, President Ramaphosa announced his new cabinet in which half of all ministers are women. However, the private sector has been slower on the uptake. The world of business is still very much dominated by men.