Tag: infrastructure

South Africa has entered a new phase of monetary policy. The repo rate has been cut to 6.75%. Year-on-year inflation sits at 3.6%, and the inflation target has been revised down to 3%, with a one percentage point tolerance band. The downward revision of the inflation target was implemented to align the country with other emerging economies.

Despite global economic uncertainty and geopolitical tensions, African CEOs are optimistic about their own organisations’ growth prospects. This is according to the our 2025 Africa CEO Outlook Survey, which captures the perspectives of 130 CEOs across Southern, East and West Africa.

South Africa's construction industry is in a tough spot. Output shrank by 4.2% in 2024, capping a decade-long slide that began around 2009, with the sector's GDP contribution down over 30% since then. Like the broader economy, it is battling low growth and inflation. But as one of the nation's top carbon emitters, buildings and construction alone risk doubling emissions by 2050 without action.

Africa sits at a crossroads. The continent is rich in natural resources, faces growing energy demand and urgently needs modern infrastructure. Yet translating this potential into sustainable, long-term development is rarely straightforward. For developers, oil and gas operators, governments and financiers, success depends on more than mere resource availability.

Each year, thousands of people lose their lives on South Africa’s roads. National Transport Month, traditionally recognised in October, provided an opportunity to reflect on road safety statistics, infrastructure challenges and the urgent need to reduce the devastating human and economic cost of accidents.

Africa today stands at a watershed moment. Our continent is not destined to lag behind. It has the potential to leap forward. To achieve this, we must re-prioritise quality infrastructure projects built not merely for the bottom line but for resilience, inclusion and long-term impact.

Earlier this month, a bus caught fire inside Africa's longest road tunnel, the Huguenot Tunnel. The flames were sorted out “chop chop”. The traffic, not so much. Like a braai without firelighters, everything smoked for about two weeks. For most drivers, it meant longer trips and irritation. Still, we are South Africans. We do not sit still. We find another road, dodge a few potholes and carry on.

South African companies are stepping up as global procurement increasingly pivots toward environmental, social and governance (ESG) priorities. Procurement goes green as several firms set the pace for eco-conscious sourcing and operations.

Mining, until now, has been the sector in South Africa where social and labour plans are a legal requirement. These plans are designed to ensure that while companies take value out of the ground, as is the case for miners, they also leave something of value behind.

On 6 August 2025, the cabinet approved the National Water Amendment Act to be tabled at Parliament. This will mark the third amendment to the National Water Act, 1998. The first amendment was in 1999, and the second in 2014. Across South Africa, the government is keenly aware of the issues facing the water sector and is taking decisive action.