Author: Likho Mbuka, The SA Trade Desk South Africa’s growth forecast has been cut to 1.2% for 2026, highlighting the challenge facing businesses as government seeks to strengthen […]

Author: Khuleko Siwele, The SA Trade Desk The Competition Commission has filed an application with the Competition Tribunal seeking the revocation of the Tribunal’s decision to conditionally approve the merger between Premier Group […]

Author: Siya Hlebani, The SA Trade Desk South Africa, Kenya, Morocco and Egypt are investing in skills and digital infrastructure, while Nigeria has moved up a readiness tier, […]

Author: Siya Hlebani, The SA Trade Desk Reserve Bank Governor Lesetja Kganyago has warned that regulation could force industry cooperation as South Africa seeks to modernise its payments […]

Author: Siya Hlebani, The SA Trade Desk A proposed study will assess whether reducing red iron ore dust could help attract investment, diversify industrial activity and strengthen Saldanha […]

Amina Ebrahim, United Nations University; Ada Jansen, Stellenbosch University; Adrienne Lees, Institute of Development Studies, and Maria Jouste, United Nations University Completing value-added tax (VAT) returns takes time, […]

Author: Likho Mbuka, SA Trade Desk South Africa’s economy is not growing fast enough to absorb the number of people entering the labour market with the economy creating […]

Author: Siya Hlebani, The SA Trade Desk South Africa’s chicken import debate raises a question that extends beyond farmers and importers: how can the country protect local production […]

Documentation, border processing, road conditions and vehicle availability can all affect cross-border lead times. Good planning starts long before the truck reaches the border. For retailers moving goods […]

Lyal White, University of Pretoria Economic reform is usually judged by its numbers: inflation, deficits, and growth. Less attention goes to the beliefs and habits that decide whether […]

Author: Khuleko Siwele, The SA Trade Desk South African equities are facing a more challenging outlook after a stellar 2025, with the retreat in precious metals prices exposing […]

The VICTAM Foundation is inviting researchers, organisations, innovators and eligible commercial companies to apply for funding for projects that support the development of the animal feed and flour […]

Ministers Mantashe, Ramokgopa and Mgcina join Mintek and the Council for Geoscience in opening Steenkampskraal plant as South Africa moves from laboratory breakthrough to commercial rare earth concentrate […]

The launch of the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research’s (CSIR) FuturePHARMA facility in Pretoria strengthens South Africa’s capacity to develop and manufacture essential pharmaceutical products locally, helping […]

The Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the DTIC) reported significant achievements in investment and export targets while addressing various operational bottlenecks and audit challenges. This announcement was […]

Richard Kunz, University of KwaZulu-Natal and Tafadzwanashe Mabhaudhi, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine Across Africa, wheat, maize and rice are the most consumed cereal crops. When […]

Technology companies developing solutions to improve the health and well-being of women and girls can apply for funding through UNICEF Femtech Ventures 2026. The initiative is offering up […]

Mohamed Zahir Alimohamed, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences Much of what scientists know about how genetic differences affect health comes from studying populations outside Africa. This […]

Author: Khuleko Siwele, The SA Trade Desk South Africa can achieve economic growth of 3% if key industries begin to perform better, Discovery Ltd. Chief Executive Officer Adrian […]

By Renai Moothilal,  CEO of the National Association of Automotive Component and Allied Manufacturers (NAACAM), is a recognised expert in the field of industrial policy and automotive sector […]

The SA Trade Desk Podcast—Episode 4 South Africa’s water problems are usually told as a story about ratepayers and municipalities. For Dawid Bredenkamp, co-founder and director of Damsak […]

Daniel Cash, United Nations University; Aston University The formal launch of the Africa Credit Rating Agency (AfCRA) has required considerable institutional commitment. It brings to fruition an effort […]

Misheck Mutize, University of Cape Town The new Africa Credit Rating Agency (AfCRA) has already generated an important debate. Some analysts have portrayed it as a rival to […]

Author: DTIC  South Africa is open for business, and is ready to work with French businesses to convert opportunities into productive investment, jobs, exports, and stronger local value […]

Gideon Ndubuisi, Delft University of Technology; Elvis Korku Avenyo, University of Johannesburg; Solomon Owusu, Boston University, and Woubet Kassa, American University Green technologies are mineral-intensive: electric vehicles, batteries, […]

The International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) Centre of Entrepreneurship has officially unveiled the ICC TradeRoots Africa Programme, a targeted export development initiative designed to help African small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) […]

Transnet has issued a Request for Qualification (RFQ) to commence the selection process for a strategic partner for the Ngqura Manganese Export Corridor (NMEC) Private Sector Participation (PSP) […]

Authors:  Matebe Chisiza-Asukile and Natasha Mboyisa – Tshikululu Social Investments  In 1956, more than 20 000 women marched to the Union Buildings to protest the extension of pass […]

South Africa’s Global Business Services (GBS) sector is growing well beyond the contact centre operations that have traditionally characterised its offering. According to a recent report commissioned by […]

South Africa’s construction sector delivered a welcome economic bright spot in the second quarter of 2026, with the latest Afrimat Construction Index (ACI) recording a 5% quarter-on-quarter increase. The […]

For Ryno Richter, Human Resources cannot operate separately from the commercial realities of the business it serves. It is a personal philosophy shaped by more than a decade […]

By Rowan de Klerk, CEO of the CFO Centre South Africa For South African businesses involved in international trade, currency risk is often treated as something for the […]

Written by: Thapelo Tlailana, Social Investment Analyst, Tshikululu Social Investments Fund Management South African tourism is often viewed through an international lens: a foreign visitor on a game […]

Author: Lebina Ditha, Global Advisors South Africa’s logistics sector has faced progressive challenges in the last decade, with the last four years seeing the national government declare this […]

London, Dubai, New York City, Washington, DC, and Amsterdam top the rankings of the world’s most intelligent cities according to new research from Boston Consulting Group (BCG). Yet […]

Rehana Cassim, University of South Africa AI is beginning to influence how boards of directors make decisions in South African companies. Directors use it to do things like […]

By SA Trade Desk Diplomatic and commercial tensions between Pretoria and Washington have reached a critical flashpoint following a series of escalatory announcements by the US State Department […]

Two Team Europe Global Gateway projects worth more than R1 billion (EUR 57.8 million) were launched at the African Green Hydrogen Summit in Cape Town today. The projects […]

The Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Mr Parks Tau says government views green hydrogen as part of a broader industrialisation agenda and that green hydrogen is not […]

Arthur Shirichena, University of Manchester When conflict erupted in the Middle East in 2026, the consequences were felt far beyond the region. One was the disruption to Gulf […]

Author: Trevor Versfeld, partner, Chandni Gopal, partner and Katy Hindle, consultant at Webber Wentzel It is tempting to think of sanctions primarily as instruments of foreign policy, or measures […]

Ralph Hamann, University of Cape Town; Amelia Clarke, University of Waterloo; Domenico Dentoni, Montpellier Business School; Frank de Bakker, IÉSEG School of Management, and Martina Linnenluecke, University of […]

Author: Olebogeng Manhe, Group Chairman and Co-Founder of the Gap Infrastructure Corporation (GIC) Infrastructure built in support of tourism should always be designed to deliver lasting benefits to surrounding […]

Author: Dr Chris Blair, Group Director: Corporate Support, 21st Century  Cryptocurrency still walks into a South African boardroom wearing a balaclava. Mention bitcoin and someone reaches for ransomware, sanctions evasion […]

The Minister of Agriculture, Mr Willie Aucamp, has announced a breakthrough in export negotiations with Egypt that is set to deliver a significant boost to South Africa’s red meat industry. Minister Aucamp made the announcement at the Agri North West Congress on […]

Carlos Lopes, University of Cape Town African countries have committed themselves to cutting greenhouse gas emissions and protecting their people from the worsening effects of climate change. These […]

The publication of the Block Exemption for Promotion of Exports, enabling South African exporters to collaborate in pursuing international markets, will not benefit them unless they make full […]

Wandile Sihlobo, Stellenbosch University The focus on agricultural development at the Southern African Development Community’s 46th summit in August 2026 reflected a clear understanding that the sector can […]

Author: Olebogeng Manhe, Group Chairman and Co-Founder of the Gap Infrastructure Corporation (GIC) South Africa’s new National Water Action Plan, released in July this year, has put greater infrastructure […]

South African businesses looking to expand their global footprint now have a direct line into some of the world’s most important trade corridors. The SA Trade Desk connects […]

South Africa’s global business services (GBS) sector presents significant opportunities for economic growth, job creation and youth skills development. This is according to the Deputy Minister of Trade, […]

Author: Busi Mavuso, Business Leadership South Africa Last week’s announcement that South Africa had reaffirmed its strategic partnership with Brazil, with ambitions to deepen economic ties, was presented […]

Author: Albert Oosthuysen, CEO of Evotel and Net Nine Nine Despite being regarded as Africa’s most advanced economy, South Africa is failing to position itself asa future-ready nation. […]

In a step aimed to continue uninterrupted red meat exports and safe key agricultural trade, the Minister of Agriculture, Willie Aucamp, announced an extension of the registration deadline […]

The Agridex Foundation has announced a new commitment to provide qualifying charitable and development organisations with zero platform and transaction fees when moving money into Africa. The initiative […]

Authors: Lerato Lamola, partner at Webber Wentzel (South Africa), in collaboration with Emmanuel Muragijimana, partner and Tamara Munya Burunga, associate at K-Solutions & Partners (Rwanda) and Nellie Tiyago, partner […]

Africa’s carbon markets are moving into a new phase, with governments strengthening policy, investors looking for credible projects and growing attention on how the continent can unlock more […]

This Tourism Month, Verified Impact – the sustainability standard behind a Southern African pilot programme helping tourism properties get a clear picture of their carbon footprint – is […]

By SA Trade Desk Amid a continuous stream of challenging headline news, an unmistakable shift in momentum is taking hold across South Africa’s economic landscape. Beyond the daily […]

By SA Trade Desk As South Africa accelerates its Just Energy Transition, green hydrogen and its derivatives have emerged as key pillars for sustainable industrial growth, export diversification, […]

Ikechukwu Opara, Stellenbosch University and Frederic Isingizwe, University of the Western Cape South Africa can produce enough food for its population, according to official statistics. But millions face […]

Authors: Karen Miller, Carryn Alexander – Webber Wentzel SARS has released final additional guidance on the Advanced Pricing Agreement (APA) programme in its guide dated 7 August 2026. The guidance updates […]

The National Energy Regulator of South Africa (NERSA) has registered 124 renewable energy generation facilities during the first quarter of the 2026/27 financial year.  The solar and wind […]

The South African Rand has briefly broken through the psychologically important R16-to-the-US-dollar barrier, reaching its strongest levels in months as a weaker greenback and rising gold prices provided […]

By SA Trade Desk Editorial The SA Trade Desk has recorded a landmark month in audience growth and engagement. With just under a week remaining in the month, the publication […]

Freight operators in the Western Cape are being invited to take advantage of a fully funded Road Transport Management System (RTMS) digital toolkit pilot designed to help businesses […]

Amid persistent economic headwinds and elevated national unemployment rates, South Africa’s agricultural sector has continuously proven itself as an unsung hero of the economy. The sector’s resilience on […]

By SA Trade Desk At SA Trade Desk, we continuously monitor strategic commercial and service opportunities across the continent for our community. A significant consultancy opportunity has arisen to […]

Economic cooperation between the United Arab Emirates and South Africa is accelerating, with UAE investments in South Africa exceeding USD 2.5 billion during the first half of 2026, […]

By SA Trade Desk At the SA Trade Desk, we are constantly tracking high-value opportunities that deliver tangible growth, capacity, and operational support to our business community. We are […]

Craig McGregor, Stellenbosch University South Africa’s coal-fired power stations are retiring. The country must replace a huge amount of electricity over the next two decades. Currently, coal still […]

Author: naamsa | The Automotive Business Council  The extension of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) through to 31 December 2028 provides important strategic breathing room for […]

By SA Trade Desk Editorial At SA Trade Desk, our mission is to identify, track, and amplify high-impact economic opportunities between South Africa and key global trading partners. The […]

Michael Oluwatosin Bodunrin, University of the Witwatersrand; Abdalrhaman Koko, National Physical Laboratory, and Nihad Omer, Sudan University of Science and Technology For centuries, useful metals have been developed […]

By SA Trade Desk Editorial South African EdTech trailblazer BluLever Education has officially advanced to the semi-final stage of the prestigious 2026 Africa’s Business Heroes (ABH) Prize Competition, flying the flag […]

Amanda Bisong, European University Institute In 2024, 25.1 million Africans were living in other countries on the continent. Labour migration has long been a defining feature of Africa’s […]

Lars Buur, Roskilde University Private investment in clean energy projects is growing: in sub-Saharan Africa, it’s approaching US$40 billion a year. These “green transition” investments in solar and […]

Jonathan Munemo, Salisbury University The prolonged disruption of shipping through the Strait of Hormuz has exposed how vulnerable Africa’s economies are to geopolitical shocks. Fuel prices have remained […]

Seven South African high school learners from the Western Cape have made history by helping win the prestigious International Space Settlement Design Competition at the international finals held […]

South African higher education institutions, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), research bodies, and government agencies have been invited to apply to host high-level American professionals through the Fulbright Specialist Program. The […]

As South Africa accelerates its industrial export drive, the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic)has issued a call to action for local entrepreneurs and manufacturers in the machinery, […]

The Western Cape Department of Economic Development and Tourism (DEDAT), in partnership with the International Trade Institute of Southern Africa (ITISA), has launched a free Online Export Course […]

Fifteen unemployed young South Africans will soon have the opportunity to gain an accredited qualification, practical workplace experience and a pathway into the automotive retail industry through a […]

The SA Trade Desk Podcast – Episode 3 The SA Trade Desk continues its series in interviewing South African green economy entrepreneurs participating in the UK-backed Climate Finance […]

Early optimism for economic recovery in 2026 is giving way to renewed pressure, as rising energy costs, freight disruptions and geopolitical tensions weigh on global and South African […]

The SA Trade Desk Podcast – Episode 2 The green economy is opening up exciting new markets for South African businesses – and biogas is one area with […]

Hafte Gebreselassie Gebrihet, University of Oslo; University of Cape Town and Dan Banik, University of Oslo All United Nations member states adopted the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) […]

Author: Olubukola Miriam Agemo Almost every foreign investor I speak with eventually asks the same question: Do you think AfCFTA would actually work? It is a fair question but it […]

The South African Rand has remained relatively resilient over the past three months, outperforming expectations despite heightened global uncertainty and a more challenging inflation environment. For South African […]

On Saturday the  European Union and  South Africa held the first government-to-government dialogue at senior-official level to advance on the implementation of their Clean Trade and Investment Partnership (CTIP). The […]

Author: SAFLA Communications The South African Bureau of Standards (SABS) has announced that the development of a programme to halt the importation of substandard goods into South Africa […]

The SA Trade Desk Podcast — Episode 1 The SA Trade Desk Podcast sits down with the executives and entrepreneurs making it happen – unpacking clean energy, industrial […]

Africa’s AI choices are becoming geopolitical choices. As the US and China accelerate the development of increasingly distinct and incompatible AI technology stacks, African governments and companies can move quickly […]

As the SA Trade Desk, we’re always looking for insightful commentary around the SA trade environment, and we came across this interview with Wandile Sihlobo explaining The Southern […]

Every electric vehicle market tracked by OLX Group (“OLX”) is still growing at double- or triple-digit rates, and Chinese automotive brands are capturing a growing share of that […]

Author: Raindren Moodley, Ariston Global, Executive: Advisory Services “South African firms lead Africa’s quiet expansion into the UK as foreign ownership of British companies hits record high.” As a […]

Author: Esme Arendse, CEO Aprio Group  An algorithm can now translate a trade agreement into forty languages in under a second. It cannot translate trust. That distinction matters […]

Author: Busisiwe Mavuso, CEO of Business Leadership South Africa (BLSA) The BLSA Reform Tracker released its quarterly update last week, and I find the picture it paints genuinely worrying. There are […]

The African Development Bank Group has finalised a loan of up to $15 million to the Biologicals and Vaccines Institute of South Africa Ltd (Biovac) to support a […]

As e-commerce rapidly transforms retail corridors across Southern Africa, integrating township-based producers, manufacturers, and retailers into digital supply chains has become a priority for inclusive economic growth. To […]

As South Africa seeks to expand its export footprint and accelerate economic growth, overcoming technical non-tariff barriers to trade remains a top priority for emerging and established exporters […]

Sappi, a global leader in woodfibre-based renewable resources, today announced that it has joined the ZDHC Foundation Roadmap to Zero Programme, reinforcing its commitment to responsible chemical management […]

As bilateral trade and commercial ties between South Africa and China continue to deepen, regulatory compliance, fair labor practices, and worker protection have taken center stage in trade […]

South Africa’s financial technology ecosystem – widely recognised as one of the most sophisticated and resilient across emerging markets – is gearing up to assert its presence on […]

Author: Ginen Moodley, Moodley Attorneys Inc.  What makes an economy competitive? This was a question asked by Arturo Bris, director of the IMD World Competitiveness Center as part […]

As artificial intelligence and digital technologies compress decades of economic evolution into months, Africa faces a critical turning point. A new report released today by Boston Consulting Group (BCG), titled “Advancing […]

As international trade increasingly transitions into the digital realm, foreign direct investment (FDI) from global technology giants has become a key driver of economic resilience, job creation, and […]

In an increasingly data-driven global economy, space technology and Earth Observation (EO) data have evolved from domain-specific scientific pursuits into essential infrastructure for international trade, industrial modernization, and […]

The United Arab Emirates and members of the diplomatic corps in South Africa have reaffirmed the importance of international cooperation on water security as preparations gather pace for […]

Author: Mignon Fishburn, Automotive Vertical Lead at C Steinweg The South African Automotive Masterplan (SAAM 2035) sets ambitious targets for production growth, localisation, competitiveness and exports. Ports will play a […]

Davies Tsikayi, University of the Witwatersrand South Africans are getting used to the term “gas cliff” as pressure ramps up for action to be taken ahead of expected […]

In a major development for corporate South Africa and international investors, the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) has officially launched Phase II of the Trusted Employer Scheme (TES). The move […]

Author: Energy Capital & Power. As demand for critical minerals accelerates and governments push to capture more value from their resources, African banks and investors are stepping into larger […]

Badri Zolfaghari, University of Cape Town; Mikael Samuelsson, University of Cape Town, and Susanne Nilsson When people talk about entrepreneurship in Africa, the conversation usually starts with everything […]

BASF South Africa is marking its 60th anniversary by investing in the future of local communities through impactful initiatives that honour Nelson Mandela’s legacy of service, dignity and […]

The Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic), in partnership with the Southern African Essential Oil Producers’ Association (SAEOPA), the Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO) […]

The Nelson Mandela Bay Business Chamber’s Trade and Investment Desk has tracked nearly 50 investment and expansion opportunities, forged strategic international partnerships and positioned Nelson Mandela Bay before […]

Local cable manufacturing industry asks why were they not consulted South Ocean Electric Wire (SOEW), the JSE-listed manufacturer of compliant low-voltage electrical cables, has expressed deep concern over […]

Photo caption: Ndu Chala, Chief Operations Officer at NAACAM (left); with Alexio Musindo, ILO Director for Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho and South Africa and leader of the Decent Work Team […]

Welcome to the latest trade trends update from The South Africa Trade Desk, your gateway to commercial insights connecting South Africa with key global and regional markets. As global […]

South Africa’s efforts to modernize critical infrastructure and unlock job creation by tackling long-standing bottlenecks in electricity, freight transport, and water and sanitation services, got a boost with […]

Adrino Mazenda, University of Pretoria China has become one of Africa’s largest development financiers. Since 2000, Chinese and other state-backed institutions have committed more than US$180 billion in […]

Adrino Mazenda, University of Pretoria Climate change discussions in southern Africa often focus on farming, where the effects of environmental shocks are most visible. The debate frequently centres […]

Martin Magidi, University of Cape Town and Tariro Chivige Running a business in South Africa has become increasingly difficult. The challenges range from the economic after-effects of the […]

As interest in new energy mobility continues to grow in South Africa, BYD Auto South Africa and Absa have elevated their collaboration through BYD Finance, a product of […]

Rod Crompton, University of the Witwatersrand South Africa is moving away from coal-fired electricity, which currently supplies 74% of the country’s power, to wind and solar energy. But […]

In a sharply worded rebuttal that marks an escalation in the public debate over South Africa’s industrial policy, naamsa (The Automotive Business Council) has slammed recent criticisms of […]

South Africa is facing a projected 17% water deficit by 2030, with several key economic hubs and metropolitan areas already experiencing acute supply constraints. In response to this mounting […]

Changan Automobile recently hosted its Africa Media China Tour, welcoming 10 key South African media representatives and dealers to its global R&D and intelligent manufacturing facilities in China. […]

Misheck Mutize, University of Cape Town The three major credit rating agencies – Moody’s, S&P Global and Fitch – have often differed among themselves when rating African institutions […]

Author:  Russell Eastaugh, Head of Africa Advisory Across Africa, tax administration is undergoing one of its most significant transformations in decades. For many years, tax authorities have relied […]

Africa’s financial services sector is entering a new growth phase, despite a robust performance in 2025. Financial services groups on the African continent have kept pace with global performance […]

At the SA Trade Desk, we’re always on the lookout for initiatives that help unlock investment opportunities across South Africa. One such opportunity has just been announced by […]

As the SA Trade Desk, we are constantly analysing the macroeconomic forces that shape global trade lanes and influence commercial enterprise. One of the most critical gauges of […]

Are you a South African business looking to break into new markets – specifically Asia? At the SA Trade Desk, we are constantly on the lookout for opportunities […]

The Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Mr Parks Tau has been encouraged by the findings of a comprehensive study conducted by the World Bank on the country’s […]

South Africa and Poland are well positioned to deepen their economic partnership in ways that promote inclusive growth, stimulate investment, create employment opportunities, and foster shared prosperity for […]

Tafadzwanashe Mabhaudhi, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine and Mendy Ndlovu, University of KwaZulu-Natal Climate prediction scientists announced in June 2026 that El Niño, a cycle that […]

Timothy Krupnik, CGIAR The world’s food systems face real and urgent challenges. These include climate change, nutrition insecurity, food safety, and unequal access to markets. Research has produced […]

As the SA Trade Desk, we are constantly tracking strategic gateways that allow South African enterprises to scale globally, diversify their export footprints, and establish powerful bilateral networks. […]

Afrigen Biologics has secured Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) certification from the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA) for its mRNA facility in Cape Town, marking a major […]

Diversified mining global heavyweight South32 has formally announced its exit from primary aluminium production in South Africa, signing a binding conditional agreement to divest its entire global aluminium value chain […]

The Embassies Business Fair & Conference will return for its 3rd Annual Edition from 8 to 9 September 2026 at the CSIR International Convention Centre in Pretoria, with […]

Organisers of the 31st Commonwealth Agriculture Conference have released the preliminary programme for the event, which will be hosted in Cape Town, South Africa, for the first time. […]

As the SA Trade Desk, we are always on the lookout for high-impact opportunities that help South African entrepreneurs connect with new international markets and establish relationships with […]

African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) and the Government of the Republic of South Africa, through the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (“the dtic”) have signed a memorandum of […]

Authors: Carlyn Frittelli Davies, Sonam Mansingh and France Richia – ENS On 19 May 2026, the Natural Resources and Environment team visited Madam Waste, a company that is quietly […]

Paul Matthew, CEO of the Association of Meat Importers and Exporters of Southern Africa, joins Chris Hattingh from the Centre For Risk Analysis to unpack restrictions on SA meat […]

African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) has launched the 2026 edition of its flagship African Trade Report themed “Leveraging Geopolitics for Trade and Industrialisation in Global Africa.” The report presents a […]

Transnet has reached a significant milestone in South Africa’s rail reform journey with the issuance of a Request for Proposals (RFP) to the two shortlisted bidders. This follows […]

Hafte Gebreselassie Gebrihet, University of Oslo; University of Cape Town and Dan Banik, University of Oslo Africa faces declining aid, rising debt, climate pressure and a weakening global […]

Wesgro is the official tourism, trade, and investment promotion agency for the Western Cape, operating on behalf of the Western Cape Government and the City of Cape Town. Its primary role is to […]

Cape Town Port stakeholders have raised concerns about the methodology behind a global port index report that ranks Cape Town as the world’s worst-performing container port. The latest […]

Kevin Naidoo, University of Cape Town In the intricate biology of the human body, organs such as the breast, the colon and the lungs are lined with a […]

Africa Finance Corporation (AFC) , the continent’s leading infrastructure solutions provider, today signed a series of strategic cooperation agreements with leading Italian partners at the AFC–Italy Business Forum […]

The long-term trajectory of South Africa’s trade balance and macroeconomic stability relies heavily on one undeniable reality: Gauteng is the undisputed economic hub of South Africa. Accounting for roughly one-third […]

African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) has released Volume 10, Issue 1 of its Trade and Development Finance Brief, titled “Africa’s Trade and Investment Landscape”, which examines the structural challenges shaping […]

Tania Prinsloo, University of Johannesburg Foot and mouth disease is common in South Africa’s wildlife reserves. There are constant efforts to make sure it doesn’t spread to farmed […]

Phelan Green Hydrogen has announced it has licensed technologies from Johnson Matthey Catalyst Technologies (JM CT) for its planned electro sustainable aviation fuel (eSAF ) facility in the […]

Author: Chandni Gopal, Webber Wentzel  On 19 February 2023, African Union Heads of State adopted the Protocol on Investment to the African Continental Free Trade Area Agreement (AfCFTA), a […]

Henkel South Africa has made significant progress in advancing sustainable manufacturing, achieving a substantial reduction in carbon emissions at its Alrode production facility through a series of targeted […]

The World Health Organizsation (WHO) has officially designated the CSIR as the regional training centre for biomanufacturing for the African Region during a meeting at its Geneva headquarters […]

The Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) has signed an agreement with the Chinese International Education Foundation (CIEF) and Beijing University of Posts and Telecommunications (BUPT) to establish Tshwane’s […]

The Nelson Mandela Bay Business Chamber has welcomed the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between Flourchemicals South Africa (Pty) Ltd, the Technology Innovation Agency (TIA) and […]

Author: Mary Gounder, Senior Trade and Regional Integration Expert Over the past few years, we have been hearing so much about the AfCFTA and the opportunities that would be available […]

Asure Resources will officially open Asure Colliery in Kriel, Mpumalanga on 17 June 2026, marking the restart of a strategically significant coal asset and the return of previously […]

Author: Gregory Norris, Corporate Finance Specialist Here’s a story for today.  Back in 2023, around this time of the year in fact, a pension fund in Nairobi began the […]

South Africa will host the official launch of the U.S.-Africa Trade Commission (USATC) South Africa Chapter on 18 June 2026 at the Durban International Convention Centre (ICC), in […]

12 June 2026: Italy’s interest in South African beef – raised during recent trade discussions at the SA-Italy Agriculture Business Forum in Cape Town – should be a positive […]

Africa’s Business Heroes (ABH), the flagship philanthropic initiative of the Jack Ma Foundation and Alibaba Philanthropy, has unveiled its 2026 Top 100 entrepreneurs, selected from more than 24,000 […]

The Nelson Mandela Bay Business Chamber has welcomed the selection of its geographic cluster, the Perseverance Eco-Industrial Park, as one of only five industrial spaces in South Africa […]

The ABS Compliant Biotrade in South(ern) Africa (ABioSA) phase III is implemented by Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) in close partnership with the Department of Forestry, Fisheries […]

A stark trend towards structural de-beneficiation is unfolding in South Africa’s metals sector, according to data from the latest TIPS Export Tracker for the fourth quarter of 2025. […]

Kinfe Yilma, University of Leeds and Grace Mutung’u, Strathmore University Mauritius set out its national AI strategy in 2018, the first by an African country. Since then over […]

Author: Olivier Bustin, Projects and Finance Partner, Pinsent Masons Francophone Africa is emerging as a critical pillar of global mineral supply chains. The DRC supplies 70% of global […]

The European Commission has officially opened applications for a massive €12 million (approximately R240 million) Horizon Europe funding call, presenting a rare and lucrative opportunity for African scientists, […]

South Africa’s automotive manufacturing sector is executing a major transition into advanced vehicle technologies, as evidenced by a remarkable surge in Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) exports. According […]

As South Africa accelerates efforts to strengthen energy security, drive industrial decarbonisation and build a more inclusive and resilient economy, climate-focused businesses are playing an increasingly important role in shaping the […]

One of the largest privately held conservation properties in the Eastern Cape has been put up for sale. Tyityaba Nature Reserve, a proclaimed reserve covering roughly 13,000 hectares […]

Dubai Chamber of Commerce, one of the three chambers operating under the umbrella of Dubai Chambers, has successfully concluded a series of trade missions to Africa, organising a […]

The UAE is a pivotal strategic partner for Africa, Lester Bouah, Chief Director for Investment Mobilisation at South Africa’s Department of Trade, Industry and Competition, said, highlighting that […]

Jonathan Munemo, Salisbury University “Today, everyone recognises that trade is as much a security issue as an economic one.” European Central Bank president Christine Lagarde made this comment […]

In a move that marks an important step in supporting the development of electric mobility infrastructure and sustainable transport solutions in South Africa, the Development Bank of Southern […]

Africa Finance Corporation, the continent’s leading infrastructure solutions provider, has successfully raised a record US$2 billion syndicated loan, underscoring strong global investor support for AFC’s rapid buildout of […]

As healthcare organizations, pharmaceutical companies, and governments race to build the infrastructure powering AI-driven medicine, access to diverse, high-quality clinico-genomic data is emerging as one of the defining […]

In a definitive nod to the global competitiveness of South African-developed technology, local venture capital firm Knife Capital has announced the successful exit of its stake in VoxCroft […]

The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat, in partnership with the Korea-Africa Foundation, has officially launched the Startup Partnership Programme 2026, a continental initiative aimed at accelerating […]

Kroll, the leading independent provider of global financial and risk advisory solutions, has today announced the expansion of its advisory team in South Africa, enhancing both its restructuring […]

SoftwareOne has announced a strengthened leadership team for South Africa and the broader African region as the company enters its next phase of growth following the integration of […]

Amina Ebrahim, United Nations University and Patricia Justino, United Nations University Bilateral aid to Africa fell by nearly a quarter in 2025, the largest annual decline in the […]

Ecobank Group has launched the world’s first ICMA commercial bank-issued Nature Bond on the London Stock Exchange, creating a new route for international and African capital to protect […]

In a decisive move to transform bilateral trade from high-level corporate agreements into grassroots economic growth, South Africa and India are set to launch a formalized SA-India SMME […]

Brazil’s participation in NAMPO Show 2026 generated US$3.39 million in confirmed and projected business, reinforcing the South African trade fair’s role as a strategic gateway for Brazilian manufacturers […]

Africa holds about one‑fifth of the world’s cattle, yet contributes only a small share of global milk production. This contrast has often led policymakers and experts to focus […]

The African Development Bank Group’s five-day Annual Meetings in Brazzaville, concluded on Friday 29 May 2026 with the Board of Governors strongly endorsing President Dr Sidi Ould Tah’s […]

The South African Revenue Service (SARS) has released its preliminary trade statistics for April 2026, revealing a trade balance surplus of R15.2 billion. This positive balance was driven […]

Nicole Goldin, United Nations University and Daniel Cash, United Nations University; Aston University A recent development in the credit rating space could signal important progress in one of […]

Africa’s economies are projected to grow at 4.2% in 2026, moderating slightly from 4.4 percent in 2025, before rebounding to 4.4% in 2027. The findings of the 2026 […]

The Southern Africa Alliance on Carbon Markets and Climate Finance (SAA) was established to strengthen regional coordination and technical capacity to engage with Article 6 and global carbon markets. Through […]

Author: Hannah Abrahams  Truck hijackings, which were once considered to be a risk confined to specific routes or specific hours late at night, are now larger crime operations […]

Private-sector organisations with strong commercial networks and market reach are invited to apply for Wesgro’s Trade Promotion Joint Marketing Agreement (JMA) Partnerships, closing on 12 June 2026 at […]

The Minerals Council South Africa has delivered a stark reminder that geological endowment alone is no longer enough to attract and retain investment. Presenting its 2025 Integrated Annual […]

The South African Medical Technology Industry Association (SAMED) has issued an urgent call for measurable action to resolve the escalating supplier debt crisis within Gauteng’s public health system. […]

On Wednesday, 27/05/2026, a delegation of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the European Parliament visited the Bio2Watt Energy Holdings biogas plant in Bronkhorstspruit. The project is a flagship […]

In international trade and industrial development, change is the only constant. For South African businesses, policy makers, and stakeholders, keeping a finger on the pulse of shifting market […]

As trade routes shift and intra-African commerce grows, businesses are confronting new currency risks across borders. Global trade is entering a new era of uncertainty. From shifting tariff […]

the dtic invites interested companies to apply to participate in an Outward Selling Mission (OSM) to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, from 11 to 14 August 2026. This OSM aimsto promote South […]

Trade & Industrial Policy Strategies (TIPS) NPC has announced the appointment of Nokwanda Maseko as its new Deputy Executive Director. This newly created executive position is aimed at […]

In recent months, a significant shift in international trade has captured the attention of the South African business community: China has officially opened up its markets further by […]

Author: Adam Furlan, Portfolio Manager at Ninety One South Africa’s inflation story has taken a turn. After months of steady decline, supported by a firmer rand and the disinflationary […]

As South Africa’s ICT skills shortage doubles in two years, sustained Level 1 B-BBEE status signals a long-term commitment to building the talent pipeline the sector needs. Johannesburg, […]

The Chief Director of Space Affairs at the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic) and Africa Regional Coordinator for the Manfred Lachs Space Law Moot Court […]

Lisette IJssel de Schepper, Stellenbosch University It is forgivable to think that an oil shock mainly hurts at the petrol pump. After all, that is where households feel […]

Author: Reginald Pillay, Group Chief Executive, Ariston Global As one of the tightest title races in English football history draws to a close, it provides us with a […]

In an increasingly fragmented global trade environment, South African agriculture must navigate shifting tariffs, geopolitical tensions, ongoing regional conflicts and changing market access conditions. This panel examines how […]

The Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Mr Parks Tau has designated the Fetakgomo Tubatse Special Economic Zone (FTSEZ) in terms of sec 24(1) of the Special Economic Zones […]

For many South African businesses, paying a supplier in Lagos still involves more friction, delays and administrative complexity than settling a payment in London — a paradox that […]

Author: Abiodun Dada, Co-CEO of Access Bank South Africa For many South African corporates, the African growth story is visible in customer demand, supply chains, infrastructure plans, mining corridors, […]

Global professional services firm Alvarez & Marsal (A&M) has launched its first African office in Cape Town. The opening is marked at a time when organisations across South […]

South Africa’s vibrant start-up ecosystem has just received a major boost. If your business has moved past the proof-of-concept phase, is already generating revenue, and is actively driving […]

PayPal  today announced it is making PayPal USD (PYUSD) available in 70 markets worldwide in the PayPal account. This dollar-backed stablecoin enables users to send funds globally, with […]

Nedbank Corporate and Investment Banking has approved a $700 million loan to support Ivanhoe Mines’ expansion of the Platreef platinum group metals (PGM) project in South Africa. The […]

Misheck Mutize, University of Cape Town Africa is providing cheap liquidity to wealthy nations. In return it is paying huge interest rates to external institutional investors at the […]

Africa Finance Corporation (AFC), the continent’s leading infrastructure solutions provider, today announced that its Board has approved a commitment of up to US$100 million to invest in Africa-focused […]

Energy security has long been identified as the single greatest bottleneck to South Africa’s economic growth, export potential, and industrial renewal. However, a significant revolution is taking place […]

Danny Bradlow, University of Pretoria and David Hunter, American University The World Bank made history in 1994 by creating the Inspection Panel, the first independent accountability mechanism at […]

The World Bank Group, through its private sector arm, the International Finance Corporation (IFC), today announced the signing of its inaugural Trade Finance Synthetic Securitization (TFSS), a first […]

Thirty-six African film projects have been selected for the 17th Durban FilmMart, Africa’s leading film finance and co-production market that will now take place from 9 to 12 […]

Stephen Koseff is one of the original founders of multinational investment banking group Investec and despite his retirement from the bank, he remains one of the most influential […]

Aifani Confidence Tahulela, Durban University of Technology and Fulufhelo Netswera, University of Venda The global economy still largely follows a simple pattern: extract natural resources, manufacture products, use […]

Pape Abdoulaye Seck, Académie nationale des sciences et techniques du Sénégal (ANSTS) Agriculture is the lifeblood of Africa. More than 60% of African households depend directly or indirectly […]

By Ginen Moodley, Moodley Attorneys Inc.  Cross-border trade has become part of the everyday reality for South African businesses. Whether it’s sourcing goods, expanding into new markets, or […]

The Department of Trade Industry & Competition (the dtic) invites interested companies to participate in an Outward Selling Mission (OSM) to Saskatchewan, Canada on the margins of AG […]

In what is being hailed as a pivotal shift for South African logistics, the Transnet Rail Infrastructure Manager (TRIM) has successfully concluded Rail Access Agreements (RAAs) with 11 […]

As South Africa continues to deepen trade, investment, and innovation partnerships with key global allies, the growing relationship between South Africa and Norway is increasingly extending beyond traditional […]

Focused on expanding business with agribusiness companies across the African continent, Brazil’s agricultural machinery and equipment industry will showcase its innovations at NAMPO Show 2026, held in Bothaville, […]

Michele Ramsay, University of the Witwatersrand and Ananyo Choudhury, University of the Witwatersrand Throughout history, most of the world’s genomic research has relied on DNA data from people […]

The South African medical technology (MedTech) sector stands at a crossroads. While the national agenda is focused on industrialisation, localisation, and building a resilient healthcare system, a fundamental […]

As the global economy undergoes a fundamental shift toward a multipolar landscape, a recent report from Boston Consulting Group (BCG) has highlighted the strategic need to revitalise the […]

Africa’s next energy expansion cycle will be defined less by discovery and more by execution as governments and operators race to convert reserves into infrastructure, export capacity and […]

Telecoming, a global technology company specialising in the monetisation of digital services, announces the launch of DCB Software South Africa , its new local subsidiary. The move reinforces […]

The rapid expansion of artificial intelligence is fundamentally reshaping global energy demand, with implications that extend well beyond traditional power planning. Nowhere is this more apparent than in […]

The Hinrich Foundation is inviting researchers, scholars, universities, think tanks, and policy institutions to submit proposals for its 2026 International Trade Research Program. The programme supports high-quality research projects that […]

As one of the most liquid currencies in the world, South African importers and exporters keep a close eye on the Rand. Despite a volatile geopolitical environment, the […]

Author: Wongani Msiska, XA Global Trade Advisors On 29 April 2026, the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) issued a formal request for comments on the “modernisation” of […]

A 2026 Xero report found that 84% of South African small businesses (including tech consultancies) have shifted their strategy to prioritize “stability and steady growth” over aggressive expansion due to […]

ITAC has taken a decisive step to bolster domestic manufacturing by recommending an increase in customs duty on specific polymer-based pipes and hoses. At the heart of this […]

In a welcome boost for local ship repair, two large vessels meant to drydock in the troubled Middle East have relocated to Cape Town’s Sturrock drydock. Transnet National […]

In a constrained economic environment, businesses are required to strike a careful balance between sustaining growth and managing heightened credit risk. Slower economic activity, tightening liquidity and rising […]

The narrative around South Africa’s economy is shifting. As we move through the second quarter of 2026, the global investment community is looking past the “polycrisis” of previous years […]

At a time when escalating geopolitical tensions, disrupted shipping lanes and rising instability across key maritime corridors are reshaping global trade, South Africa’s maritime leaders will gather in […]

Transnet SOC Limited (“Transnet”) and France, through the Agence française de développement (AFD), have signed a EUR 300M (approximately ZAR5,8bn) loan agreement to enhance Transnet’s contribution to a more […]

Nadia Rawjee, Director of Uzenzele Holdings  There is no overstating the fact that, worldwide, businesses are operating in an unpredictable and highly volatile market. Geopolitical tension, inflation, energy uncertainty […]

While there has been much excitement around the “Zero-Tariff” policy on South African goods heading into China, this optimism should be tempered.  This is the view of researchers […]

Author: Busiswe Mavuso, CEO of Business Leadership South Africa (BLSA)  Any aspiration that South Africa has to rebuild its industrial base is disappearing before our eyes. The Department of […]

Federico Donelli, University of Trieste; Chiara Boldrini, Università di Bologna, and Riccardo Gasco, Università di Bologna India’s engagement in the Horn of Africa and Red Sea basin was, […]

Jaron Porciello, Cornell University Conflict in the Persian Gulf is disrupting fertiliser supplies, and Africa’s food systems stand to lose. Agrifood systems (the activities that connect the people, […]

The 4th edition of the SUSONG Cup Competition – BRICS Track is officially open for applications. More than just a competition, this is a high-octane launchpad designed to take bold, […]

Stephanie Allais, University of the Witwatersrand South Africa’s 50 public technical and vocational education and training (TVET) colleges are, in the main, struggling institutions. In many, throughput rates […]

The World Bank Group, through its private sector arm – the International Finance Corporation (IFC) – and Standard Chartered today announced a new risk sharing facility aimed at […]

South Africa’s tourism sector continues to show strong and sustained growth with consecutive month-to-month increases in international tourist arrivals. In March 2026 911 962 visitors chose South Africa. […]

The Canada–Africa Chamber of Business will convene investors, financiers, policymakers, and industry leaders in Cape Town on May 14, 2026 for the Canada–Africa Financing Forum—a high-level platform focused […]

Implementation of a WTO initiative to strengthen use of the ePing SPS & TBT Platform is now under way, helping governments, exporters and other stakeholders better track and […]

Empowerdex, a highly respected Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (B-BBEE) verification agency, has shared a hard-hitting review of proposed amendments related to the establishment of the Transformation Fund.  This […]

Where will the Rand head over the next quarter?  As an importer or exporter in South African, this is a question which is occupying the minds of many […]

The second quarter of 2026 has opened with a definitive shift in the South African trade narrative. While the 2026 National Budget provided a much-needed boost to domestic business […]

The third BLSA Reform Tracker Quarterly Review, covering January to March 2026, shows South Africa’s overall reforms completion index at 71.75 – up 27% from the March 2024 baseline. […]

Ana M. Camelo Vega, Columbia University In African countries, there’s a gap between the financing available for renewable energy and the projects its meant to reach. Funds are […]

STUDIOCANAL, the in-house studio of CANAL+ , in partnership with Flora Films, is proud to announce the production of feature film The Road Home. The film brings a uniquely […]

Defy Appliances (Pty) Ltd made an application to ITAC alleging that fully automatic top load machines, of a dry linen capacity exceeding 10 kg but less than 17 […]

Secha Capital, the pioneer of “Execution Capital” in Southern Africa, has reached a second close of its US$40 million growth fund, Secha Capital Impact (Fund II). Joining the […]

The Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), SAVax programme supports South Africa’s vaccine manufacturing capabilities through local production and the entire vaccine value chain, is looking for a […]

Author: Alude Xuba, Xuba & Associates Attorneys The ruling in Standard bank of South Africa ltd v South African Reserve Bank and others (047643/2023) [2025] ZAGPPHC 481; 2025 […]

Africa has officially emerged as the fastest-growing FinTech market globally, with revenues projected to expand 13-fold to approximately US$65 billion by 2030. While the continent already accounts for […]

Riversands I-Hub, South Africa’s leading business incubation ecosystem, has officially opened applications for its NOVA Space Startup Programme. The initiative is designed to identify and accelerate high-potential entrepreneurs within […]

Obert Matarirano, Walter Sisulu University and Trust Chireka, University of Fort Hare Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) make up 98% of all businesses in South Africa. There are […]

The Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic) has unveiled plans to facilitate the creation of over 100 000 employment opportunities through various projects and programmes in […]

Written by: By Natasha Mboyisa (Social Investment Specialist, Tshikululu Social Investments) and Mashudu Mashamba-Dibakwane (M&E Specialist, Tshikululu Social Investments)  The theme of this year’s World Health Day is “Together […]

The global economy could follow markedly different paths over the next 25 years. For business leaders, the challenge is how to make decisions today while preparing for a […]

While the world debates a path towards reducing carbon emissions and addressing the climate crisis, Africa continues to face one of its most consequential challenges yet: energy poverty. […]

As global uncertainty and local challenges reshape commodity markets, maintaining consistent and reliable logistics has become a defining factor for mining companies navigating this increasingly volatile environment. According […]

South Africa’s property development sector is entering 2026 on firmer ground than it has in several years. However, meaningful growth will depend on decisive government action. According to […]

Transnet Rail Infrastructure Manager (TRIM) has issued Sidings Lease Requests for Proposals (RFPs), covering nine rail siding facilities located across the Eastern and Central Regions. This marks another […]

The European Investment Bank (EIB) Group, the European Commission and the International Finance Corporation (IFC) are partnering to support Biovac’s development of Africa’s first end to end multi-vaccine […]

The crisis in the Middle East is impacting global economies, with growth in African countries forecast to decline by up to 0.2%. This is according to a joint […]

WESGRO, the official tourism, trade and investment promotion agency for Cape Town and the Western Cape, has partnered with Enlit Africa 2026 as a provincial partner, reinforcing the […]

For decades, the Northern Cape has been whispered about in investment circles as a “land of potential”—vast, sun-drenched, and rich in minerals, yet often overshadowed by the industrial […]

Outsourced CFO (OCFO), a global financial consulting and accounting firm, has opened applications for its 2026 Capital Connect programme, a focused investor readiness initiative designed to connect high-growth […]

The South African Local Government Association (SALGA) and The Global Trust Project (TGTP – part of VUKA Group)have entered into a memorandum of understanding to pilot the Trust […]

Lauren Johnston, University of Sydney The global geoeconomic volatility wrought by the second Donald Trump US presidency and hostilities in the Middle East make the shift in China’s […]

The World Bank Group, through its private-sector arm the International Finance Corporation (IFC), and Citi have signed a new 1.6 billion South African rand borrowing facility that will […]

Tax and other considerations for multinationals navigating Zimbabwe’s shift from export to industrialisation Zimbabwe’s recent tightening of export restrictions on lithium has placed the country at the centre of a […]

The Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Mr Parks Tau has described the Northern Cape as strategically placed to be South Africa’s next growth region. He was addressing […]

Author: Ninety One  The era of “easy globalisation” is over. Investors and policymakers now face a more fragmented, volatile and politically charged global system, in which long-standing assumptions […]

A research report into South Africa’s junior and emerging mining sector demonstrates the growing importance of smaller companies but that the sector is severely hamstrung and unable to […]

April 2026: Nigeria’s recent equity market rebound pre-Middle East crisis is highlighting a structural problem in how African markets are measured by global benchmark providers. According to global […]

Outsourced CFO (OCFO), a global financial consulting and accounting firm, will participate in and support the upcoming African Incubator Value Creation (AIVC) Series, a cross-continental initiative bringing together […]

Mokgadi Miranda Hlongwane, Tshwane University of Technology The growing use of toxic agricultural chemicals including fertilisers is also driving a scaling up of sustainable agrochemical alternatives. In South […]

Africa Sports Unified (ASU) , the world’s leading Pan-African sports business hub, has launched the Africa Sports Deals Tracker, a new data intelligence product designed to bring greater visibility, […]

The rapid rise of climate litigation is reshaping how energy policy is defined and enforced worldwide, with courts increasingly setting the parameters of climate action. Advisory proceedings at […]

The Department of Agriculture (DoA) and the Citrus Growers’ Association of Southern Africa (CGA) welcomes the successful amendment of the plant health protocol governing the export of South […]

Business Leadership South Africa (BLSA) has commissioned an empirically grounded research paper on South Africa’s sovereign credit rating. The commissioning of the research paper was inspired by BLSA’s […]

BevZero, a global leader in beverage services, equipment, expertise, and innovative solutions, is advancing a corporate sustainability strategy across its operations in the United States, Spain, and South […]

Author: Ross Booth, Senior Associate, Cox Yeats The interrogation of a target business in a merger typically requires the merging parties to conduct a thorough due diligence investigation. Due […]

African multilateral financial institutions, policymakers, development partners, and private sector leaders have called for more coordinated, innovative, and better-structured financing approaches to support Africa’s digital and technological transformation. […]

French South African Tech Labs (FSATLabs) today announced the launch of TerraFoundry, a pioneering climate-tech accelerator programme delivered with the support of the Western Cape Department of Economic […]

Misheck Mutize, University of Cape Town The rating agency S&P Global’s Africa Credit Rating Trends 2025 reviews the past year’s rating activities and analyses the continent’s prospects for […]

Rowan O. Martin, University of Cape Town; Astrid A. Andersson, University of Hong Kong, and Caroline Dingle, Capilano University Birds have, for centuries, been captured from the wild […]

Elliot Doornbos, Nottingham Trent University Last year Kenya Wildlife Service warned of a growing demand for garden ants in Europe and Asia, where some people view them as […]

Do you operate a tourism or hospitality project in the Free State or Mpumalanga?  One of the SA Trade Desk partners have an opportunity for the placement of […]

Author: Mandla Mpangase, Tshwane Automotive Special Economic Zone South Africa’s investment agenda is entering a new phase, with infrastructure development emerging as central to converting pledges into visible economic […]

The global economic environment has become increasingly volatile with rising frequency of major shocks worldwide. Amid spikes in energy, food and fertilizer prices caused by the ongoing conflict […]

Author: Guy Addison, AC Corporate Transaction Services  Now that international investors are once more warming to Africa, many local business owners are wondering whether it’s a good time to […]

The Centre for Development and Enterprise (CDE) regards the achievement of the goals of broad-based black economic empowerment (B-BBEE) as vital to the country’s future. We understand these goals […]

If you’ve glanced at a news ticker lately, you’d be forgiven for thinking the South African Rand was on a rollercoaster without a brake lever. Between military escalations […]

Danny Bradlow, University of Pretoria By Easter 2026 it was still not clear when – or how – the war initiated by Israel and the US against Iran […]

According to Statistics South Africa’s Tourism Satellite Account for South Africa report, in 2024 the tourism sector accounted for 953 981 in direct jobs, constituting 5,7% of the […]

Ding Fei, Cornell University As African cities experience some of the fastest urban growth rates in the world, China has become a major bilateral financier for urban infrastructure. […]

The Coca-Cola system in South Africa, comprised of Coca-Cola and its authorized bottlers – Coca-Cola Beverages South Africa and Coca-Cola Peninsula Beverages – today announced a planned R17.6 […]

MJ (Thinus) Booysen, Stellenbosch University Across much of Africa, motorcycles are not leisure vehicles. They are workhorses. They carry commuters, schoolchildren, goods, medicines and deliveries. For millions of […]

The South Africa Trade Desk continues to cement its position as a credible digital gateway for commerce, announcing a sixth consecutive month of audience growth. This sustained trajectory […]

The AfCFTA African Agribusiness SME Matchmaking Program 2026 is inviting export-ready agribusiness SMEs across Africa to apply for a market access and business growth support programme. The initiative […]

Olabisi D. Akinkugbe, Dalhousie University and Janet Macharia, Strathmore University African countries face many trade barriers today. Wealthier countries subsidise their farmers, making African agricultural exports less competitive. […]

The Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA), in partnership with the National Planning Commission (NPC), has completed South Africa’s Digital Connectivity Investment Roadmap to 2035, a comprehensive assessment […]

Author: Marc Ashton While there are still a lot of concerns around the proposed amendments to the B-BBEE legislation in South Africa, Equity Equivalent Investment Programmes (EEIPs) are […]

Over the past 12 to 18 months there has been a lot of discussion around the future of African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) – particularly in the context of […]

The annual BizNews investor conference is highly regarded for bringing together some of the most respected industry minds in South Africa. This includes political figures, asset and wealth managers and […]

Florian Léon, Université Clermont Auvergne (UCA) Africa holds abundant private savings, but much of it remains informal. As a result, its contribution to development financing is limited. Researcher […]

Ali Bhagat, Simon Fraser University and Genevieve LeBaron, Simon Fraser University In recent years, western nations have been sending asylum seekers who arrive at their borders to other […]

The Parliamentary Outcome document, adopted on 25 March at the Parliamentary Conference on the WTO, was presented by Martin Chungong, Secretary General of the Inter-Parliamentary Union, together with Jörgen […]

The Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH in collaboration with the Just Energy Transition Project Management Unit (JET PMU) in the Presidency of South Africa is seeking […]

In a move set to bolster South Africa’s position as a premier global trade and tourism hub, the Department of Home Affairs has officially launched the Meetings, Exhibitions, Events, […]

As global geopolitical volatility and fluctuating energy prices continue to stress African macroeconomics, a new report suggests the continent is shifting from a reactive recipient of aid to […]

The 14th China Round Table on WTO Accessions, held on 25 March on the margins of the 14th Ministerial Conference, highlighted the role of WTO accession in fostering […]

Cox Yeats has once again been recognised in the Legal 500 Europe, Middle East & Africa 2026 edition, reaffirming its position as a leading South African law firm […]

In the fast-paced world of international trade, South African importers and exporters are often hampered by the very thing meant to facilitate their growth: currency management. High transaction fees, opaque […]

Image attached – Luis Avellar, President of the Africa Operating Unit of The Coca Cola Company The Coca-Cola  system in South Africa today announced the results of a […]

Olabisi D. Akinkugbe, Dalhousie University and Janet Macharia, Strathmore University African countries face many trade barriers today. Wealthier countries subsidise their farmers, making African agricultural exports less competitive. […]

Anna Taylor, University of Cape Town South Africa needs investments worth R250 billion (US$15.64 billion) over the next 10 years to adapt to climate change. This amount would […]

Sue Farran, Newcastle University and Colin Murray, Newcastle University More than a year ago, the UK agreed to grant Mauritius sovereignty over the Chagos Archipelago, which Britain has […]

Transnet SOC Ltd has officially launched a dedicated Enterprise and Supplier Development (ESD) Fund, committing R100 million to bolster small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) within its vast operational ecosystem. While the […]

Strait Access Technologies (SAT), a pioneering medical technology company based at the University of Cape Town, has announced the successful first human use of its CenterFlow® balloon catheter […]

Author: João Gaspar Marques — Executive Director, Strategic Advisory, APO Group There is a cost that does not appear on any balance sheet and yet is one of […]

Howard Stein, University of Michigan and Michael Olabisi, Michigan State University Climate change is a profound challenge to the livelihoods of many people in African countries who have […]

The Portfolio Committee on Trade, Industry and Competition concluded its oversight visit to the Eastern Cape province’s industrial zones, that contribute to industrial growth and job creation. On […]

Pictured above: Deputy Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Ms Alexandra Abrahams addressing delegates at the Buy Local Summit and Expo at the Sandton Convention Centre. The Deputy […]

The tourism sector is a key contributor to the South African economy – contributing more than both agriculture and manufacturing to our overall Gross Domestic Product (GDP). ​The Market […]

Author: Matthew Larkins, Manager, Airfreight, C. Steinweg It’s still early in 2026, but the headlines suggest a much longer year. Current global circumstances have seen trade shifting dramatically. De […]

Africa Finance Corporation (AFC) , the continent’s leading infrastructure solutions provider, today announced that the Bank of Tanzania (BOT) has made an equity investment in the Corporation, becoming […]

British International Investment (BII), the UK’s development finance institution and impact investor, has entered into its first partnership with Deutsche Bank and announced a $150 million risk sharing […]

Author: Soji Akinlabi,  On 14 February 2026, Chinese President Xi Jinping announced that from 1 May 2026, all 53 African countries that maintain diplomatic relations with Beijing will receive […]

Lisa Sachs, Columbia University The effects of climate change are no longer a future risk for Africa. They are a present crisis. Floods are destroying infrastructure that took […]

Craig McGregor, Stellenbosch University South Africa is about to have a gas supply crisis. Hundreds of South African factories, making everything from steel and glass to beer and […]

The Director-General of the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Maritime Affairs and Fisheries (DG MARE), Charlina Vitcheva, will deliver the keynote address and participate in a high-level panel at […]

The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Access Bank Plc , Mr. Roosevelt Ogbonna, has called for stronger collaboration among policymakers, financiers and businesses to accelerate trade within […]

Trusted by hundreds of readers in the South African trade ecosystem, the SA Trade Desk aims to be a reliable source of industry insights that ultimately helps our […]

Lauren Johnston, University of Sydney China’s President Xi Jinping announced in February 2026 that from 1 May China would be granting zero-tariff treatment to 53 African countries. (That […]

By Tobias Maier, CEO Middle East and Africa, DHL Global Forwarding Sub-Saharan Africa recorded the fastest trade value growth globally in 2025, with trade expanding by around 10 […]

Freeport Saldanha is pleased to announce that an agreement has been signed with a new investor to establish a fully funded, technologically advanced metal processing and fabrication facility […]

As digital transformation accelerates, business banking in South Africa is quietly undergoing a structural shift. Where finance teams once worked in isolation, moving between bank portals, spreadsheets and […]

The Commissioner of the Companies and Intellectual Property Commission (CIPC), Advocate Rory Voller, has emphasised that protecting innovation is essential for South Africa’s economic development, competitiveness and job […]

Globalization remains at a historically high level – despite escalating geopolitical tensions, rising U.S. tariffs, and unprecedented uncertainty about future trade policies. This is one of the key […]

Author: Guy Addison, AC Corporate Transaction Services  The last time Africa was riding high as a hotspot for global investment, I spent many of my evenings on the […]

In his first public address since arriving in South Africa, new US Ambassador Brent Bozell delivered a candid keynote that mixed optimism about the country’s economic potential with […]

The Department of Trade, Industry & Competition (the dtic) invites interested companies to participate in an Outward Selling Mission (OSM) to Lagos, Nigeria, from 22 – 26 April 2026. […]

The 2026 Hotel Chain Development Pipelines in Africa report by W Hospitality Group reveals a record 123,846 rooms across 675 hotels and resorts. This represents year-on-year growth of […]

The Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA) has been mandated by National Treasury to host a ring-fenced Project Implementation Unit to support the establishment of South Africa’s Credit […]

Vincent Tawiah, Dublin City University China’s economic footprint in Africa has grown fast over the last two decades. Across the continent, Chinese-backed mines, oilfields, railways and industrial zones […]

Jessika Bohlmann, University of Pretoria; Getrude Njokwe, University of Pretoria; Kehinde Oluwaseun Omotoso, and Margaret Chitiga-Mabugu, University of Pretoria South Africa’s green transition is creating jobs. But not […]

The Deputy Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Ms Alexandra Abrahams, has called for stronger collaboration between government, academia, business and innovators to ensure that South Africa’s intellectual […]

Francois Vreÿ, Stellenbosch University Events in the Middle East during February and March 2026 again disrupted the flows of shipping trade to the eastern and western spheres of […]

With Africa poised to become the world’s fastest-growing aviation market, policymakers and industry leaders are focused on a central challenge: how to translate rising demand into sustainable connectivity, […]

Western Union and Sasai Fintech, a business of Cassava Technologies, today announced the launch of a new international money transfer mobile app tailored for South Africa’s consumers. The […]

By Nadia Rawjee (Uzenzele) and Marc Ashton (Decusatio)  As we move into 2026, the South African regulatory landscape is reaching a critical inflection point. For multinational corporations (MNCs) […]

Cover image by Clare Louise Jackson/Shutterstock Maryam Lotfi, Cardiff University The escalating conflict between Iran, the US and Israel has taken a critical turn. The strait of Hormuz […]

South Africa’s agricultural sector has once again proven to be the bedrock of the nation’s export economy. New data for 2025 reveals that agricultural exports hit a staggering […]

On Tuesday 3rd March 2026, South Africa and the EU organised the first Business-to-Government dialogue under the Clean Trade and Investment Partnership (CTIP) to gather business views and priorities […]

Andrew Robert Donaldson, University of Cape Town In presenting the 2026 national budget to South Africa’s parliament on 25 February, finance minister Enoch Godongwana characterised this as the […]

André Wessels, University of the Free State A naval exercise off the South African coast in January 2026, dubbed Will for Peace and involving the warships of South […]

Author: Sahil Mahtani, Investment Institute Director at Ninety One. Two outsized geopolitical risks have been on the market’s radar for years, though not always with equal prominence. The […]

Africa’s Business Heroes (ABH), the flagship philanthropic initiative of Alibaba Philanthropy and the Jack Ma Foundation, has opened applications for its 8th edition, calling on African entrepreneurs who […]

Author: John Kettlewell, Executive: Agriculture & Mining, Unitrans The 2026 Investing in African Mining Indaba carried a familiar public narrative: policy reform, geopolitical positioning and capital mobilisation under […]

Author: Tristan Peel, Alize Capital The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) represents Africa’s strategic pathway to transform its abundant critical minerals into engines of industrial growth, higher incomes, […]

While the SA Trade Desk is primarily focused on trade, investment and industrial development within South Africa, we remain acutely aware of the opportunities presented by the African Continental […]

Access Bank Plc is proud to announce the distinguished line-up of speakers for the second edition of the Africa Trade Conference (ATC 2026), scheduled to take place on […]

Vantage Capital, Africa’s largest mezzanine debt fund manager, announced that it has made a R635m investment into Commercial Energy South Africa (“CESA”), a subsidiary of SolarAfrica Energy , […]

South Africa’s push to revitalise rail infrastructure across the continent received a significant boost recently, as the Export Credit Insurance Corporation of South Africa (ECIC) announced a targeted incentive aimed […]

Author: World Bank  Millions of young people across Eastern and Southern Africa stand to gain skills they need to thrive through a new regional program that is designed […]

India remains one of South Africa’s most critical trading partners. This is a key takeaway from the latest edition of the “India-South Africa Trade Monitor” for the period […]

Tim Vogel, German Institute of Development and Sustainability (IDOS) and Zoryana Olekseyuk, German Institute of Development and Sustainability (IDOS) The African Growth and Opportunity Act (Agoa) was introduced […]

Nate Allen, National Defense University and Joel Amegboh, National Defense University Africa’s militaries are built on imported power. Foreign countries such as China, Russia, the United States, Turkey […]

Britta Rennkamp, University of Cape Town; Andrew Marquard, University of Cape Town; Gina Ziervogel, University of Cape Town; Harald Winkler, University of Cape Town; Mark New, University of […]

Dear members and wine exporters to the United States, Following an announcement by U.S. President Donald Trump on 20 February 2026, it is our interpretation that a temporary […]

Government has developed a Spatial Industrial Development (SID) Strategy to accelerate the rollout of major catalytic industrialist projects which will benefit small businesses and communities, across the country’s […]

Author Raindren Moodley, Executive: Advisory Services at Ariston Global South Africa entered 2026 with renewed confidence in the commodity cycle. Stronger platinum and gold prices, together with rising […]

Transnet SOC Ltd (“Transnet”) has issued a Request for Qualification (RFQ) to commence the selection process for a partner in the Private Sector Participation (PSP) project at the […]

Author: Natalie Cooper, senior marine and aviation broker at Aon South Africa. South Africa’s transport and logistics sector is a cornerstone of the economy, contributing an estimated 9–10% to […]

Few aspects of South Africa’s policy landscape generate as much debate among international investors considering South Africa – as an investment destination – as Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment […]

Author: Deborah Carmichael, Executive, Banking and Finance, ENS Africa  The collapse of the proposed Bidvest Bank-Access Bank transaction underscores a blunt truth: cross-border acquisitions of South African banks live or die […]

Author: Pearl Kwamboka Nyaosi There is a persistent myth that Africa’s growth story is unpredictable or overly dependent on macro cycles. But when you spend time with operators, lenders, […]

Tinashe Sithole, University of Johannesburg Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022, South Africa’s foreign policy has been under sustained international scrutiny. Its stance on the war in […]

In a modest but symbolically important boost for South Africa’s capital markets, Canadian-listed investment holding company Aimia Inc. is set to take a secondary listing on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE) on 24 […]

Sandeep Pai, Duke University and Jennifer Lee Broadhurst, University of Cape Town Globally, nearly 7,000 coal mines, more than 2,400 coal-fired power plants and hundreds of coal rail […]

By James Booth, Head of Revenue at Verto South Africa’s record-breaking $15.1bn agricultural export milestone is an extraordinary achievement, but beneath the headline figure lies a growing financial […]

As China enters the Year of the Horse, investors are again asking whether the animal’s attributes of powerful, dynamic energy are a fair reflection of how Chinese assets […]

As global supply chains realign and emerging markets compete more aggressively for capital, South Africa continues to occupy a strategic position as a gateway to the African continent. […]

Chidi Anselm Odinkalu, Tufts University In a rapidly fracturing world, regional integration could be a source of resilience for the African continent. The African Union agreed in 2019 […]

RS Group plc, a high-service global product and service solutions provider for industrial customers, today announces a new three-year partnership with international development charity SolarAid. Together, RS Group […]

South Africa’s automotive sector – anchored by global Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) – remains one of the country’s most strategically important industries for trade, industrialisation and employment. In response […]

The African Export‑Import Bank (Afreximbank) and the Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA) today signed a Master Risk Participation Agreement (MRPA) that will rapidly expand trade finance capacity […]

12 February 2026 – South Africa’s consumer landscape is shifting, but according to Dr Greg Cline, Head of Portfolio Management at Investec Commercial Banking, this change isn’t being […]

ADEC Innovations, a global business process outsourcing provider, has expanded its African footprint with the launch of a new BPO delivery center in Durban. The expansion strengthens the company’s South […]

Africa hosts an estimated US$29.5 trillion in mine-site mineral value, representing about 20% of global mineral wealth, yet captures only a fraction of the economic value embedded in […]

South Africa’s trade environment is at a strategic inflection point. While the country remains one of the world’s most resource-endowed economies – particularly in critical minerals essential for the […]

WinField United South Africa (WUSA) has renewed its partnership with Stellenbosch University’s Chair in Plant Health for a third consecutive three-year term. The multi-year investment of more than […]

Author: Dr Bheka Zulu – Tshwane Automotive Special Economic Zone  As South Africa prepares for the 2026 State of the Nation Address by President Cyril Ramaphosa on 12 […]

Africa and India aren’t the future of AI. They’re the present. Google for Startups Accelerator is an equity-free, three-month accelerator for AI-first startups ready to scale. Inside the […]

Abel Gwaindepi, Danish Institute for International Studies Changes in the development finance world – especially the sharp drop in foreign aid and fewer cheap loans for low-income countries […]

David Richard Walwyn, University of Pretoria South Africa has committed to reaching phasing out human-caused carbon pollution by 2050. To get there, it needs to push as much […]

Author: Nelson Mandela Bay Business Chamber The Nelson Mandela Bay Business Chamber has expressed concerns of a growing risk of de-industrialisation unless urgent, coordinated action is taken to stabilise […]

Author: African Energy Chamber The high‑profile exit of global energy major TotalEnergies from deepwater Blocks 11B/12B and 5/6/7 – home to the Brulpadda and Luiperd gas discoveries – […]

Economic slowdown ranks as the number one risk for South Africa. Amid trade tensions, inflation and geopolitical instability, organisations must strengthen liquidity, enhance workforce agility and rethink capital […]

Author: Ray Langa Africa doesn’t have a capital problem: it has a collaboration problem. For decades, we’ve convinced ourselves that more investment is the answer, but Ray Langa, […]

By Guy Addison | AC Corporate Transaction Services Why more African businesses are choosing Joburg over London for their nextdeal. If you want to understand where capital is […]

Author: Zeph Nhleko The world order messy middle has traditionally been understood to be the transitional period between global empires or large-scale systemic changes, such as decolonisation. It is […]

Author: President Cyril Ramaphosa  Dear Fellow South African,  Our country’s reputation as a premier global tourism destination has been buoyed by a major milestone.  Between January and December […]

South African manufacturing SMEs continue to operate in an increasingly competitive environment, facing intensified pressure from global competitors and low-cost imports. Many businesses experience challenges including high reliance […]

With South Africa looking to enhance trade ties with key partners, Special Economic Zones (SEZ) inSouth Africa are expected to play an increasingly important role in creating an […]

The African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) has announced the selection of the top eight finalists for the inaugural cohort of its Afreximbank Accelerator Program, a new initiative aimed at supporting startups that […]

The recently announced transaction which will see Chinese auto group Chery purchase the Rosslyn manufacturing operations of Nissan South Africa isn’t just a factory handover. – it’s the stress […]

South Africa’s consumer and home technology market has welcomed a major new global entrant, with Haier, the world’s largest major home appliances brand by retail sales volume, formally launching […]

Author: Lance Branquinho Why is Government considering a 50% Chinese tariff increase? Especially when there is an achievable tariff reduction that could make Chinese- or Indian-built budget cars […]

Author: Busiswe Mavuso (BLSA)  There are life and death decisions that government must make about our vehicle industry, one of the most important parts of our industrial base. It […]

Eskom, the Government of the Netherlands and the Mpumalanga provincial government officially launched the Grootvlei Climate Smart Horticulture Centre at the Grootvlei Power Station on Tuesday, marking a […]

Caroline Southey, The Conversation and Lyrr Thurston, The Conversation How much we pay for the debt that we incur determines a great deal in our lives. This is […]

Author: Wikus Kruger Wikus Kruger, University of Cape Town A South African solar manufacturer, ARTsolar, is taking the government and several renewable energy developers to court. The case […]

After several years of subdued growth and cautious capital flows, South Africa is beginning to show early but encouraging signs of renewed economic momentum. A combination of long-awaited […]

Author: Alan Hirsch Alan Hirsch, University of Cape Town South Africa has a new draft white paper on immigration, citizenship and refugees. This, the fourth in three decades, […]

Proposed regulations for international carriers operating in South Africa could weaken air connectivity and pose risks to the South African travel and tourism sectors, industry experts have warned.  […]

As South Africa recalibrates its place in an increasingly polarised global economy, the arrival of a new United States ambassador in Pretoria comes at a particularly sensitive moment. […]

Six years ago, Mercy Awuniyi left her studies and hospital work in Ekiti State, Nigeria, with dreams of advancing her education and career in South Africa. What she […]

As Africa’s climate ambitions collide with tightening fiscal realities, attention is shifting from commitments to delivery. While governments across the continent have adopted climate and development strategies, turning […]

Authors: Glen Nwaila , Grant Bybee Africa’s critical minerals are a huge economic opportunity: G20 framework sets out ways to seize it Glen Nwaila, University of the Witwatersrand and […]

 By Dr Andile Sangqu  The recent Transnet interim financial results released in December 2025 for the six months ended 30 September 2025 signified a pivotal shift in momentum […]

Johan Fourie, Stellenbosch University In 1825, a tax collector compiling a census in South Africa’s Cape Colony paused to write a poem in the margin of his work. […]

Author: Ninety One  Commodities enter 2026 on a solid footing, with gold and copper underpinned by robust structural drivers and the potential for recovery building in parts of […]

Author: Zandrie Rademeyer, SchoemanLaw Inc. Contract certainty will be a key part of attracting foreign investment and unlocking future infrastructure projects.  The General Conditions of Contract (GCC) are a […]

Are you a South African business looking to access the China market?  A recent interview on the SA Trade Desk highlighted the importance of South African businesses looking beyond our […]

– Eskom and the Government of the Netherlands and key provincial partners will officially launch the Grootvlei Climate Smart Horticulture Centre on Tuesday, 27 January 2026 at Grootvlei Power […]

What are the major issues impacting South Africa and its major trading partners?  This is a question that we at the South Africa Trade Desk are constantly interrogating […]

What is the outlook for the South African agriculture sector in 2026?  After a solid showing in 2025, the year has kicked off a weak footing as the […]

Are there reasons to feel optimistic about the South African economy?  This is one of the common questions asked by many of our key trade partners who are […]

The Arab Coordination Group (ACG) and the African Development Bank Group (AfDB) (www.AfDB.org) launched a new phase of their partnership aimed at scaling co-financing, mobilising private capital, and accelerating […]

Author: Olasunkanmi Habeeb Okunola Olasunkanmi Habeeb Okunola, United Nations University At the 2025 global climate summit, COP30, held in Belém, Brazil, one decision stood out with major consequences […]

Author: Jacquelene Coetzer At the South Africa Trade Desk, we are passionate about working with entrepreneurs looking to access new markets. This article is part of a series […]

South Africa’s medical technology sector has raised fresh concerns about the sustainability of healthcare delivery and the country’s investment credibility, after the South African Medical Technology Industry Association […]

Author: Ninety One  The past year marked a turning point for EM debt. It has increasingly been recognised for its portfolio diversification benefits at a time when developed […]

Exports to the US down by 23% compared to pre-tariff levels Small South African exporters await the ruling of the US Supreme Court of Appeals on tariffs, widely expected […]

Author: Busi Mavuso, BLSA  South Africa enters 2026 with high commodity prices, reliable electricity, stable finances and lower interest rates, creating the strongest foundation for growth in over […]

Nick Riley, pictured above Investec Group announced a strategic move to unlock growth in its South African and UK banking operations. The leading international bank and wealth manager […]

Author: Paola D’Orazio, Associate Professor, IÉSEG School of Management Climate change is no longer just about melting ice or hotter summers. It is also a financial problem. Droughts, floods, […]

Just 20 countries produce 80% of the world’s oil, gas and coal. Since 2019, researchers have released regular reports analysing how these governments plan to continue drilling and […]

Trade & Industrial Policy Strategies (TIPS) will host its Annual Forum on Tuesday and Wednesday, 4 and 5 August 2026, in Johannesburg. The theme is: New directions in […]

The SA Trade Desk is pleased to report on a significant development in South Africa’s advanced manufacturing landscape, as the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) has officially unveiled a state-of-the-art Hot […]

Applications have officially opened for the 2026 BRICS+ Science and Technology Park Training Program, a China-hosted initiative aimed at strengthening science, technology and innovation (STI) park governance and accelerating […]

Global trade could prove to be more resilient than many expected in the face of economic nationalism and increasing tariffs, under a new scenario analysis from Boston Consulting […]

By Rowan de Klerk | CEO of The CFO Centre As we move into the final quarter of the year, there are early signs of renewed confidence in […]

Dube TradePort is a Special Economic Zone (SEZ) and comprises a precinct purpose-planned to drive industrial development in South Africa through the promotion and attraction of both domestic […]

The Consulate General of India in Johannesburg has announced that the engagement of VFS Global as its authorised Consular Outsourcing Service Provider will conclude on 31 January 2026.  This […]

The Foreign Commonwealth Development Office (FCDO) invites proposals for accountable grant funding from qualified financial service providers or fund managers to design and operate a not-for-profit intervention to […]

A dynamic new “consumer class” emerging from Africa is attracting international attention. With the prospect of rising incomes and a young population, international consulting firms see the continent as the […]

By Eshmael Mpabanga, Country Head, Intellect Design Arena South Africa The recent G20 summit in Johannesburg confirmed a tectonic shift that economists have been tracking for two decades. […]

South Africa’s mining sector looks set to enjoy significant economic and social benefits following a historic spike in precious metal prices at the end of 2025, with gold and […]

Anne Fitchett, University of the Witwatersrand Every year, millions of tonnes of food end up in South Africa’s landfills. This is a wasted resource that deepens environmental damage, […]

2025 has been a pivotal year for discussions around trade relationships with South Africa’s keytrading partners.From shifting global supply chains to renewed strategic dialogues with major economies acrossAfrica, […]

Eben Proos, Central University of Technology Astro-tourism is a niche form of tourism where visitors explore the night sky through stargazing events, guided tours, educational presentations and digital […]

In a future imagined by Boston Consulting Group managing director and partner Tolu Oyekan, the Africa of 2035 looks radically different from the continent today. Pan-African trade, he […]

 South Africa’s efforts to overhaul its logistics and port operations took a major step forward today as Transnet SOC Ltd and global port operator International Container Terminal Services, […]

According to AgriView with Wandile Siholobo in a recent Youtube video on South Africa’s agricultural export, the story continues to shine in 2025. From Africa, Asia and the […]

The Climate Finance Accelerator helps make climate projects more bankable and attractive to investors by providing tailored support. Selected businesses will benefit from group workshops and one-to-one guidance […]

 Africa’s trade and investment landscape is being redrawn higher tariffs (up to +$5bn on exports), increased sovereign debt, decreasing foreign aid, etc. Yet, key fundamentals remain strong, and the African […]

Afreximbank has highlighted the critical importance of factoring and supply chain finance (SCF) in narrowing Africa’s Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) financing gap and building resilient value chains […]

Al Baraka Bank has announced the launch of Vivere, a groundbreaking Shari’ah compliant foreign currency account that empowers South Africans to transact globally with confidence. Vivere allows customers […]

The Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH, through the Just Transition to a Decarbonised Economy for South Africa (JUST SA), in partnership with the Department of Forestry, […]

New US tariffs killed the Black Friday peak small South African exporters would normally expect in November, the SME Export Index* shows. Says Craig Lowman, CEO and co-founder of […]

Fifteen filmmakers from around the globe, who have a focus on African film and television content have gathered for the fifth edition of Creative Producer Indaba, the prestigious […]

Zambia wants to cut its national greenhouse gas emissions almost in half by 2030. But its 8th National Development Plan aims to transform the country into a “prosperous middle-income nation by 2030” […]

Sanlam’s Youth4Tourism initiative has been named the winner of the 2025 Trialogue Strategic CSI Award, recognising its innovative approach to tackling youth unemployment while revitalising South Africa’s tourism […]

The findings of the Afrimat Construction Index (ACI) for the third quarter of 2025 have been released, with an impressive double-digit quarter-on-quarter increase, representing a significant improvement over […]

Neil D’Cruze, University of Oxford; Angie Elwin, Manchester Metropolitan University, and Stephanie-Emmy Klarmann, University of Johannesburg The quantity and complexity of commercial wildlife trade laws has grown globally […]

South Africa is strengthening one of its most strategically important international partnerships this week, as Deputy Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation Dr Nomalungelo Gina leads a high-level […]

Transnet has officially opened registrations for Northern Cape–based iron ore miners to participate in a new Capacity Allocation Process that will shape the future of South Africa’s iron […]

BASF in South Africa proudly announces its achievement of a Level 1 Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (B-BBEE) rating, marking a historic milestone as the first non-South African multinational chemical company […]

The Department of Tourism has opened applications for South African tourism enterprises seeking to exhibit at Internationale Tourismus Börse (ITB) Berlin 2026, one of the world’s largest and most […]

Written by Moodley’s AttorneysIndia and South Africa have a long, textured relationship that goes far beyond trade. From theearly Indian community in KZN, to the modern BRICS partnership, […]

South Africa used its presence at the Rail Live 2025 Expo in Madrid this past week to strengthen economic ties with one of its fastest-growing European partners, with […]

South Africa’s chrome ore producers and ferrochrome smelters have issued a united rejection of proposals for a chrome ore export tax, arguing that the country’s struggling smelter sector […]

The Wine Arc is a beacon of the South African wine industry’s transformation initiative, offering a brand home and launch platform for black-owned wine brands and entrepreneurs. While […]

CI Photos/Shutterstock Rowan Martin-Hughes, Burnet Institute; Debra ten Brink, Burnet Institute, and Nick Scott, Burnet Institute In January, the Trump administration ordered a broad pause on all US […]

Marc Wegerif, University of Pretoria South Africa’s food system is a complex landscape where high levels of production coexist with severe food insecurity. In a 2024 survey, 63.5% […]

Candi Solar, a fast-growing clean energy provider serving commercial and industrial (C&I) clients across India and South Africa, has secured $58.5 million in fresh funding from the International […]

South Africa recorded a preliminary trade surplus of R15.6 billion in October 2025, according to the latest trade statistics released by the South African Revenue Service (SARS). The surplus […]

Tourism remains one of South Africa’s most strategically important sectors, serving as both a major employer and a vital driver of inclusive economic growth. Contributing roughly 7% to […]

The Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH, through the Climate Support Programme Phase IV (CSP IV), in partnership with the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment […]

Vodacom Tanzania, the country’s leading telco company, is revolutionizing cross-border trade and digital financial inclusion with the launch of M-Pesa Global Payment. In partnership with VISA, Alipay, Network […]

Global design platform Canva has officially opened its South African office, marking a major vote of confidence in the country’s digital economy and reinforcing South Africa’s position as the preferred […]

International law firm Spencer West has formally launched its South Africa office, signalling renewed confidence in the country as a strategic hub for global professional services and a gateway to […]

Trade, Industry and Competition Minister Parks Tau says South Africa continues to benefit from a wide network of preferential and non-preferential trade agreements covering 90 countries, representing 28% […]

Nothreat™, a UK-based AI cybersecurity company, today announced the opening of its new regional representative office in South Africa. This strategic expansion marks the company’s commitment to supporting […]

Climate change, of which Africa has been the principal victim, is aggravating severe and rising security threats across the continent — including terrorism, armed confrontations, and inter-community conflicts […]

South Africa’s automotive landscape has shifted in recent years as new Chinese brands enter the market, sparking both curiosity and scepticism as each promises better value and a […]

BPESA recently announced the official launch of the GBS Skills Strategy 2025–2030, unveiled at the National GBS Conference in Durban, marking a major milestone for South Africa’s global […]

South Africa’s state-owned logistics company, Transnet, has announced a major partnership with the French Development Agency (AFD), backed by the European Union (EU), to advance its decarbonisation strategy […]

A new independent evaluation has found that the New Development Bank (NDB) – commonly known as “The BRICS bank” –  has played a significant role in expanding South Africa’s […]

Craig McGregor, Stellenbosch University and Varun Pratap Singh, Stellenbosch University India and South Africa are both navigating one of the toughest challenges of the 21st century: shifting their […]

South Africa’s removal from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) grey list has injected a much-needed dose of optimism into the economy, with the commercial property sector anticipated […]

South Africa’s top CEOs stand out for their depth of experience and strong institutional knowledge – but they trail far behind their global peers in international mobility and […]

Lilac Nachum, Strathmore University Africa is the world’s most endowed continent in agricultural potential, yet it remains a marginal player in global agribusiness. This paradox lies at the […]

As world leaders gather for the G20 Summit, the Gauteng Growth and Development Agency (GGDA) is calling on local entrepreneurs to strengthen their export readiness by meeting international […]

The South African business delegation has hailed the China International Import Expo (CIIE) a success after they generated good leads and business transactions that will enable most of […]

The Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA), Mr. Velenkosini Hlabisa, delivered a stimulating keynote address at today’s strategic Pre-Investment Summit engagement on the Eastern Seaboard Development […]

Two thirds of citrus production is exported as fresh fruit, generating 95% of total citrus earnings per annum and supporting substantial employment creation.

South Africa is entering a new era of energy reliability, with reforms, private-sector participation, and accelerated generation projects reshaping the country’s power landscape. For multinational companies weighing investment, […]

What are the issues that are keeping South African businesses and entrepreneurs awake in November 2025?  As a business we look to analyse a variety of data sources […]

New funding opportunity for South African start-ups – the second develoPPP Ventures call for applications is open until 31 December 2025. Your start-up has an innovative business idea […]

As the G20 gathers in South Africa this week, the ONE Campaign is issuing a direct challenge to world leaders: stop making Africa pay more because the world […]

Daniel Cash, Aston University For governments, a credit rating is more than a financial signal. It is a verdict that can influence the cost of borrowing, access to […]

The Citrus Growers’ Association of Southern Africa (CGA) welcomes the new US tariff exemptions, which includes oranges as citrus variety. In the past season South Africa shipped 4.3 […]

The GIZ has released a new invitation to tender for a supplier for a project in the energy sector. Call for Proposals: 83503580Invitation to Tender: Cost of Supply […]

The Department of Home Affairs is proud to announce the gazetting of the pathbreaking new Screen Talent and Global Entertainment Scheme (STAGES), a catalytic visa reform to boost […]

The Competition Commission has released its long-awaited report examining the dominance of global technology giants — including Meta, Google and YouTube — and their impact on South Africa’s […]

How can you enhance your export potential and open up new markets? This is a common question from South African entrepreneurs looking to grow their markets. The challenge […]

Are you looking for business innovation funding to take your business to a new level? Young South African entrepreneurs have an opportunity to transform their businesses and take […]

South Africa’s Global Business Services (GBS) sector is on track to deliver transformative job creation and export revenue, with government in discussions to offer more substantial incentives to […]

Wandile Sihlobo, Stellenbosch University The Sustainable Food and Agricultural Systems work stream of the Business 20, a G20 engagement group, has endorsed three principles that it argues will […]

China is becoming an increasingly important trading partner for South African agriculture products.  Minister of Agriculture John Steenhuisen recently signed an historic stone fruit trade protocol. In this latest […]

Global Citizen, the world’s largest movement to end extreme poverty, today announced the Global Citizen NOW action summit is coming to South Africa. Taking place on November 21 at the Sandton Convention Centre […]

“Importantly, there is good reason to believe that trade and investment are superior to development aid at generating long-term prosperity. Historical evidence suggests that no country has ever […]

Bedassa Tadesse, University of Minnesota Duluth The US-Africa preferential trade deal – in place for a quarter century – expired on 30 September 2025. It’s far from certain […]

How do we kick-start South Africa’s industrial economy in such a way that we become globally competitive in the face of changing trade relationships? Can we create an industrial […]

As global trade shifts under new tariff regimes, South Africa’s steel sector faces mounting uncertainty. Scott Clarke, Head of Industrials at C. Steinweg Group explains why resilience and agility — […]

Luxury tourism is a risky strategy for African economies – new study of Botswana, Mauritius, Rwanda Mauritius led the luxury tourism trend in Africa with all-inclusive resorts. Heritage Awali/yourgolftravel.com, […]

The Board of Directors of the African Development Bank Group has approved $75 million in financing to support South Africa-based Nyanza Light Metals Pty Ltd (Nyanza) to boost […]

Author: Marc Ashton  One of South Africa’s most strategically important sectors continues to rebound according to recent data released by Statistics South Africa (StatsSA). In September 2025, 2 […]

FirstRand Limited today announced an agreement to acquire 20.1% of Optasia, one of the world’s largest AI-powered fintech platforms providing financial access to people across emerging markets. The […]

How does South Africa align its policies in such a way that it can align with sustainability-linked finance and unlock investment capital? The JSE recently hosted its annual […]

An opportunity for South African and UK businesses to collaborate on market access opportunities

Faster processing of cargo at our terminals directly supports South Africa’s export-led growth strategy, boosting global trade competitiveness and economic prosperity

The Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic) has concluded a successful Export Symposium and Expo that took place from 14-16 October 2025, in Midrand, Gauteng. The […]

Five youth-owned enterprises participating in the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition’s Next Gen Exporter Incubation Programme are amongst the 130 South African exporters from various key sectors […]

CAPE TOWN, SA – Africa’s vast natural resources hold enormous potential to drive climate action and sustainable growth, but turning that potential into investment requires collaboration, integrity and […]

Common perceptions about Chinese engagement in Africa are that it is one-dimensional and sometimes biased. One common problem with this perception is the seeming acceptance of what’s called […]

Exports to the United States have dropped 46% since April 2025, with small direct-to-consumer (D2C) businesses hit hardest. This is according to the SME Export Index, launched today by South African international shipping platform TUNL.

While much of the focus has been on the enhancement of South African energy infrastructure, it is clear that we are seeing marginal gains in the fields of logistics, ports and rail infrastructure.

What are the structural reforms needed to drive economic growth and unlock South Africa’s potential with key trading partners? This is a question which has been interrogated by […]

At the South African Trade Desk, one of our goals is to identify industry trends and highlight high-performing industries and opportunities within them. The agriculture sector in South […]

Caffenu’s rise from startup to exporter Founded in 2013, Caffenu began as a bootstrapped business in the local coffee rental market. A practical challenge, the lack of suitable […]

Emphasis is placed on ‘last mile’ support to companies that are advanced in their innovation and technological journey

The Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH, through the Climate Support Programme Phase IV (CSP IV), in partnership with the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment […]

Under the agreement, Growthpoint will assume long-term property and asset management responsibilities, including the logistics, commercial and hospitality components.

At a time when South Africa’s trade policy – and its relationships with key trading partners – faced heightened uncertainty, why did the “store window” see its number […]

The agreement opens the Chinese market for the first time to five types of South African stone fruit, namely apricots, peaches, nectarines, plums, and prunes

The partnership will see the United Kingdom provide expertise and capacity support worth nearly R10 million across three focus areas

Rowan de Klerk from the CFO Centre South Africa shares why he views the tourism sector is strategic to SA

For African SMEs, entering the Chinese market offers opportunities for both scale and long-term sustainability. As Africa’s largest trading partner, China accounted for an estimated $295.6bn in bilateral […]

Suran Moodley from Ariston Global debates whether it is time to reconsider the role of ownership on the B-BBEE scorecard

Arno J. van Niekerk, University of the Free State Over the past two decades, economic strength, trade flows, technological leadership and even consumer demand have been moving steadily […]

As South Africa seeks to become more competitive in the global trade environment, there is an increased focus on the role of industrial incentives.

The Anuga Food and Beverage Trade Fair in Germany was a great opportunity for SA exporters says DTIC

The Public Investment Corporation (PIC) has announced a landmark commitment of R1.35bn to support early-stage mining projects in South Africa

Over the next quarter century, Sub-Saharan Africa’s working-age population will grow by more than 600 million – the challenge will be matching this growing population with better jobs

In the context of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), it is worth taking some learnings from the Southern African Customs Union (SACU).

Elisa Gambino, University of Manchester and Costanza Franceschini, Leiden University For most of the past 25 years, Chinese construction companies operating in Africa could count on generous financial […]

TIA is calling on South African researchers, innovators, SMMEs, and universities to collaborate with innovators in other BRICS countries on high-impact R&D projects

The visit will consolidate the long-standing and strong relationship between South Africa and Ireland, particularly in science and innovation, higher education and skills development, and trade and investmen

05/10/2025 | By Busiswe Mavuso The expiry of the African Growth and Opportunity Act at the end of September marks a watershed moment in the US-South Africa relationship. […]

This podcast unpacks two key markets for South Africa to focus its efforts on as part of its global trade

Borrowing costs for African countries are being driven up by unfair ratings by agencies.

28/09/2025 | By Busiswe Mavuso The global economy thrives on predictability. When that certainty evaporates, businesses have to adapt or perish. South Africa is aiming to do two […]

AMW 2025 will provide a platform for dialogue on best practices and innovative solutions to ensure a resilient energy supply for Africa’s mining sector

MoU underscores the commitment of Afreximbank and AAAM to strengthen Africa’s industrialisation goals through strategic partnerships

Logistics infrastructure and global trade go hand-in-hand and as South Africa begins to deal with its energy crisis, attention is now turning to enhancing ports and rail.

At BNIC#2 in Hermanus, political scientist Frans Cronje delivered a stark but data-driven forecast for South Africa’s future

India is one of the fastest-growing consumer markets in the world, and a strategic partner for the Western Cape.

Our reasons for feeling optimistic about the economic outlook for South Africa

The Equiano cable alone is expected to boost South Africa’s GDP by an estimated $5.8bn (R107bn) this year.