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…
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Chardonnay this summer, you might find yourself wondering if the South African wine industry has finally traded in its outdated practices for a more equitable and sustainable approach—like swapping out a rusty old corkscrew for a shiny new one!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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
PGM miner Sibanye Stillwater, a leading precious metals mining company, announced on Monday that it expects to report a half-year loss due to a significant writedown on its US assets. The company attributed the loss to the declining price of palladium, a key metal used in vehicle exhaust systems to reduce emissions. The writedown, valued…
INDONESIA will seek to sign US$3.5 billion of trade and investment agreements with Africa as global trade battles spur a hunt for new markets outside Asia, according to a senior diplomat. The deals will be announced at the ongoing Indonesia-Africa Forum, which will be held until Tuesday (Sep 3) in Bali, Vice Foreign Affairs Minister…
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa’s state visit to China is expected to open and strengthen economic ties and attract investment to the country. During his visit, Ramaphosa will on Tuesday travel to Shenzhen, a major economic and technology hub in Guangdong Province, where he will engage with industry leaders and tour the headquarters of leading…
Navigating sluggish demand In the first half of 2023, South African auto manufacturers reported modest sales of battery electric vehicles (BEVs), with only 800 units sold nationwide. Volvo and BMW/Mini led the sales charts, with 374 and 283 units sold, respectively. Despite having over 12 million vehicles on the road, South Africa’s electric vehicle fleet…
