A South African purchasing managers' index (PMI) survey showed that conditions in the manufacturing sector remained depressed in March, but there was a slight improvement in sentiment thanks to better demand. Absa's PMI rose to 48.7 points in March from 44.7 in February, but it remained below the 50-point mark that separates expansion from contraction. Thami Ngubeni spoke to Andiswa Nondudule, an Economist at Absa Corporate and Investment Banking..

A South African purchasing managers' index (PMI) survey showed that conditions in the manufacturing sector remained depressed in March, but there was a slight improvement in sentiment thanks to better demand. Absa's PMI rose to 48.7 points in March from 44.7 in February, but it remained below the 50-point mark that separates expansion from contraction. Thami Ngubeni spoke to Andiswa Nondudule, an Economist at Absa Corporate and Investment Banking..

In-depth financial issues, profiling of African businesses doing well internationally, stocks & market updates.

In-depth financial issues, profiling of African businesses doing well internationally, stocks &amp; market updates.

Business Africa

Africa in Business

 Absa PMI has increased by four points to 48.7 in March

Victor Kgomoeswana, Author of Africa Is Open for Business, Africa Bounces Back, and Executive Director for Marketing and Communication at the University of Limpopo, unpacks the business news that made headlines this week.

Victor Kgomoeswana, Author of Africa Is Open for Business, Africa Bounces Back, and Executive Director for Marketing and Communication at the University of Limpopo, unpacks the business news that made headlines this week.

Business round‑up with Victor Kgomoeswana, Author and Executive Director for Marketing and Communication at the University of Limpopo

South African farmers are coming under growing pressure as global fertiliser prices climb amid escalating tensions in the Middle East, raising concerns about rising production costs, potential impacts on crop yields and the knock‑on effect on food prices.


Wandile Sihlobo, Presidential Envoy on Agriculture and Land and Chief Economist at the Agricultural Business Chamber of South Africa (Agbiz), says the country does not currently face immediate fertiliser supply constraints. However, he warns that prices are rising due to fears of global supply disruptions as the conflict continues to unsettle international commodity markets.


Thami Ngubeni spoke to Wandile Sihlobo, Presidential Envoy on Agriculture and Land and Chief Economist at Agbiz.

South African farmers are coming under growing pressure as global fertiliser prices climb amid escalating tensions in the Middle East, raising concerns about rising production costs, potential impacts on crop yields and the knock‑on effect on food prices.
 Wandile Sihlobo, Presidential Envoy on Agriculture and Land and Chief Economist at the Agricultural Business Chamber of South Africa (Agbiz), says the country does not currently face immediate fertiliser supply constraints. However, he warns that prices are rising due to fears of global supply disruptions as the conflict continues to unsettle international commodity markets.
 Thami Ngubeni spoke to Wandile Sihlobo, Presidential Envoy on Agriculture and Land and Chief Economist at Agbiz.

Fertiliser prices surge amid escalating tensions in the Middle East

The 11th Annual Forbes Woman Africa Leading Women Summit, held on March 18 2026 in celebration of International Women’s Day, focused on leadership in times of uncertainty and the transformative role of technology, innovation and sustainability in shaping the continent’s future.


The summit also highlighted the increasing influence of women across Africa who are driving progress in business, public service, science, the creative industries and social impact sectors.


Thami Ngubeni spoke to Renuka Methil, Managing Editor of Forbes and Forbes Woman Africa.

The 11th Annual Forbes Woman Africa Leading Women Summit, held on March 18 2026 in celebration of International Women&rsquo;s Day, focused on leadership in times of uncertainty and the transformative role of technology, innovation and sustainability in shaping the continent&rsquo;s future.
 The summit also highlighted the increasing influence of women across Africa who are driving progress in business, public service, science, the creative industries and social impact sectors.
 Thami Ngubeni spoke to Renuka Methil, Managing Editor of Forbes and Forbes Woman Africa.

Absa PMI has increased by four points to 48.7 in March

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