Environmental lobby groups highlighted as major challenge to South Africa’s petroleum sector

As the Southern Africa Oil and Gas Conference draws to a close, South Africa’s Deputy Minister of Mineral and Petroleum Resources, Phumzile Mgcina, says one of the biggest challenges facing the country’s petroleum sector is persistent opposition from environmental lobby groups, which she argues con…

Dangote Refinery ramps up production to avert fuel shortages caused by Israel/US–Iran conflict

The ongoing conflict in the Middle East has triggered a sharp energy crisis in Nigeria, with fuel prices surging by approximately 47% over just six weeks as global oil prices climbed above $100 per barrel. In response, the Dangote Refinery, with a production capacity of around 650 000 barrels per …

Transport systems recognised as key drivers of economic growth, job creation and social inclusion

Transport systems are increasingly being recognised as a key driver of economic growth, job creation and social inclusion, particularly in developing economies. At the inaugural National Transport Conference, underway at the Gallagher Convention Centre in Midrand, north of Johannesburg, industry l…

Shipping disruptions through the Strait of Hormuz and Bab el‑Mandeb impact South Africa’s fruit exports

Hortgro says severe shipping disruptions through the Strait of Hormuz and Bab el‑Mandeb have significantly affected South Africa’s fruit exports, particularly to markets in the Middle East. According to Jacques du Preez, Hortgro’s Trade and Markets General Manager, approximately 675 000 cartons of…

Localisation seen as key to unlocking opportunities for South Africans at the Buy Local Summit & Expo

South Africa’s Deputy Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Alexandra Abrahams, says localisation must become a national commitment to rebuild productive capacity, deepen value chains and ensure sustained economic growth, while creating real opportunities for South Africans. Speaking at the…

Buy Local Summit & Expo aims to push for the support of local brands

This week on our markets feature, we continue our discussion from last week on South Africa’s Buy Local Summit & Expo, taking place at the Sandton Convention Centre, north of Johannesburg. The two‑day event, which ends today, encourages consumers and businesses to support local brands and strength…

World Bank approves $45 million for Zambia under Second Climate and Economic Resilience Programme

The World Bank has approved $45 million for Zambia under the Second Zambia Climate and Economic Resilience Programmatic Development Policy Financing. Finance and National Planning Minister Situmbeko Musokotwane says the approval signals renewed international confidence in the country’s economic‑ref…

South Africa's Minister of Mineral and Petroleum Resources warns motorists to prepare for increased fuel costs

South Africa’s (SA) Minister of Mineral and Petroleum Resources, Gwede Mantashe, says the ongoing United States–Israel war could push fuel prices even higher, warning motorists to prepare for increased costs at the pump. Speaking at the Southern Africa Oil and Gas Conference currently underway in…

Ramaphosa calls for stronger collaboration and investment in transport infrastructure to support economic growth across the continent

South Africa’s (SA) President, Cyril Ramaphosa, has called for stronger collaboration and increased investment in transport infrastructure to support economic growth in SA and across the African continent. Delivering the keynote address at the inaugural National Transport Conference at the Gallagh…

Private transport users to face the most severe impact of rising transport‑cost inflation due to higher petrol prices

As the US–Israeli conflict with Iran enters its third week, global oil prices remain elevated, with Brent crude trading above $103 per barrel. Independent economist John Loos says that in South Africa, private transport users are likely to face the most severe direct impact of transport‑cost inflat…