Tag: geopolitics

The possible extension of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) comes at a moment of extraordinary geopolitical strain. Traditional allies are openly divided. Global trade is increasingly weaponised. Countries now face growing pressure to choose sides. At the same time, the United States has adopted a more protectionist posture. Its strategic rivalry with China, Russia, South America and Iran continues to intensify.

The operating environment during the first half of the year was challenging. Uncertainty around US policies, especially tariffs and ongoing geopolitical conflicts, caused significant volatility in financial markets. These factors also reduced business confidence.

We have announced the release of our latest report, ‘CEO Agenda 2025’. This comprehensive study offers critical insights into the complex challenges facing global CEOs. It also presents strategic priorities for leaders as a roadmap for navigating a rapidly evolving world.

Gold's long-term fundamentals were already looking positive. By effectively rejecting the US role as reserve currency issuer, President Trump is super-charging these trends. We have long maintained the view that long-run global geopolitical and fiscal trends have the potential to drive a very powerful bull market in gold.

Artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping global power dynamics, economic frameworks, and security considerations. While it offers immense opportunities, it also raises significant concerns. These include governance, ethical standards, and its potential use in both civilian and military contexts.

Businesses have ranked political risks and violence as a top 10 global risk for the past three years, according to our Risk Barometer 2025. This demonstrates that soaring civil unrest and protest activity has become a key concern for companies of all sizes.

Forecasting economic and market variables is inherently difficult. Forecasting is tough. Research suggests that only 23% of professional forecasts prove accurate. Add in US policy uncertainty - President Trump signed a flurry of executive orders on his first day in office. As a result, predicting the outlook for the global economy becomes even more challenging than usual.

As the new year unfolds, many business leaders across Africa are assessing the 2023 year to chart an increasing resilient path ahead. Last year, major key events unfolded that had global repercussions on supply chains, businesses and the leaders of those businesses.

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are the beating heart of Africa’s economies. According to the World Economic Forum, as engines of growth, SMEs are responsible for around 80% of the continent’s employment, ultimately helping to reduce poverty and income inequality, enabling the establishment of a new middle class and driving demand for new goods and services.

At the end of last year, the world’s leading 40 mining companies had a combined revenue of approximately $925 billion. In fact, the net profits of these organisations grew by 127% on the back of high commodity prices and prudent cost management.