Tag: economic growth

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is everywhere, but understanding is scarce. The challenge lies in a lack of context, capacity and people who know how to use AI not just to create content, but to create impact. This is central to supporting Africa’s creative boom.

In our current economic climate, many Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) are facing a harsh reality. Although the market is awash with money, access to traditional credit remains limited. This is largely due to regulations like Basel III, which require banks to hold more capital and tighten their risk assessments.

Meet the inspiring kasipreneurs of the informal economy, from bakers to backroom rental barons, coffee innovators to goat breeders, kasi delivery people to spaza innovators, mattress makers, backroom builders, vetkoek fryers and chicken dust queens, kota franchises and backyard auto mechanics. These kasipreneurs not only sustain their communities but also drive considerable economic growth and social improvement.

The South African Reserve Bank (SARB) recently signalled its intention to target the lower band of the 3% to 6% inflation range. Previously, the Bank adopted the mid-point of 4.5% as its formal objective in 2019. This shift shows a deliberate effort to anchor investor expectations closer to 3%. It may also reshape long-term assumptions about South African inflation as SARB focuses on targeting the lower inflation band.

Almost 80% of multinational and large corporations in South Africa experience ongoing difficulty recruiting critically skilled individuals. This highlights the severity of the talent shortage and its impact on business development. The situation underscores the persistent critical skills shortages affecting multiple sectors.

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are the backbone of South Africa's economy. They contribute more than R5 trillion in turnover and account for roughly 34% of the country's GDP. SMEs also employ 11.4 million people. These vital economic engines drive innovation, create jobs and fuel growth across the nation.

Doing business in Africa is challenging for companies in any industry sector. The continent offers immense opportunities, yet the diversity of demographics and geography demands tailored approaches to management and strategy. Over the past decades, Africa has experienced vast changes.

Supporting female entrepreneurs isn’t just a moral imperative, it’s also a business opportunity. Numerous studies show that women-led businesses are often more capital-efficient, demonstrate higher returns on investment and foster inclusive team cultures.

In a video clip that has gone viral on social media, a South African TikToker by the name of "Voice of RSA" (the Voice hereafter) aims at what he calls the dominance of "trickle-down economics". The TikToker argues that economic growth during the presidencies of Nelson Mandela and Thabo Mbeki was essentially jobless

We welcome the positive changes announced by National Treasury on 23 July 2025. These changes should assist the country in creating a budget and budget process that is efficient and effective. They aim to address the needs of South Africa, its people and the unique challenges and trade-offs we face.