SEPTEMBER SPARKLE : From China to US, SA’s EV mission ignites
In May 2024, just weeks before the pivotal elections that led to the establishment of the Government of National Unity, President Cyril Ramaphosa highlighted the achievements of South Africa’s automotive sector in his weekly column. He noted that the industry celebrated a significant milestone with the production of its six millionth vehicle, alongside reaching an…
END FUEL SUBSIDIES: Dangote Urges Nigeria
Nigerian tycoon Aliko Dangote, president and Chief Executive of Dangote Group, has urged the Nigerian government to completely remove fuel subsidies, arguing that this will help determine the country’s actual fuel consumption and ease the burden on the economy. Speaking on Bloomberg Television in New York, Dangote stressed that subsidies have cost Nigeria trillions of…
BHP Throws Weight Behind Cobre’s Kalahari Copper Quest
Australia’s copper explorer Cobre Ltd has secured significant backing and endorsement from global mining giant BHP for its copper and silver potential in Botswana’s Kalahari Copper Belt (KCB). The two companies have executed a letter of intent (LoI) to form a joint venture (JV) focused on exploring copper and silver resources, specifically at Cobre’s Kitlanya West and East projects. The JV follows Cobre’s…
CR TO USA BUSINESS: Colonial Extraction is Over, Critical Minerals to drive SA Industrialisation
Riding on the success of South Africa’s GNU and the tailwinds of his successful mission to China, President Cyril Ramaphosa addressed the Business Council for International Understanding (BCIU) that the new wave of energy transition minerals, referred to as critical minerals, will not be allowed to take the colonial patterns where raw ore was exported…
THE CHINA FACTOR: Ramaphosa’s Legacy Hinges on Beijing Ties
South Africa’s Pivot to China: A Defining Feature of President Ramaphosa’s Legacy There is growing consensus amongst political economy observers that China-South Africa relations could define President Cyril Ramaphosa’s economic legacy. Building on the massively successful state visit ahead of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), President Ramaphosa’s delegations crafted multiple bilateral trade agreements with…
ESG IN THE VINEYARDS: Sustainable Initiatives to redress a bitter past
As you sip on a delightfully crisp Chardonnay this summer, you might find yourself wondering if the South African wine industry has finally traded in its outdated practices for a more equitable and sustainable approach—like swapping out a rusty old corkscrew for a shiny new one! Or even wonder if the dop system has finally…
LONG-AWAITED CRITICAL MINERALS STRATEGY Still Under Development: Mantashe
South Africa’s mining industry is increasingly diversifying from an era that was associated with gold mining to an industry with a diverse range of mineral resources such as platinum group metals (PGMs), coal, gold, copper, manganese, vanadium, and other natural resources that are considered critical for the just transition. Gwede Mantashe, South Africa’s Minister of Mines, delivered these remarks at the…
AFRICA’S GREEN REVOLUTION: China Pledges $51 Billion in Support
In a major announcement at the 2024 Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) Summit in Beijing, Chinese President Xi Jinping committed nearly $51 billion in new funding to support Africa’s development over the next three years. This financial package will be used to carry out 30 infrastructure projects across the continent and create at least 1…
APPETITE FOR BATTERY METALS Puts Zimbabwe’s Lithium Potential in the Spotlight
Indonesia has announced its plans to explore lithium mining opportunities in Zimbabwe as part of a broader strategy to strengthen economic cooperation between the two countries. This move aligns with Zimbabwe’s ambitious goal of expanding its economy to $12 billion by 2030, primarily through its mining sector. The country’s battery assets have garnered attention at both…
POSITIVE VIBES: South Africa’s Economy Shifts into Gear
After a sluggish start to the year, South Africa’s economy has finally shown signs of life. The latest GDP figures from Statistics SA reveal a 0.4% growth in the second quarter of 2024, meeting economists’ expectations and hinting at a broader recovery. The spark behind this uptick? A combination of improved electricity supply, increased consumer…
