Standard Bank reaffirms its commitment to empowering SMEs through the Proudly South African Buy Local Summit & Expo

In this week’s Standard Bank slot, we turn our attention to the Proudly South African Buy Local Summit & Expo, taking place on the 16th and 17th in Johannesburg, South Africa. Standard Bank is the headline sponsor of this annual event, reaffirming the bank’s commitment to strengthening the domestic…

SME Feature: Icebolethu Foundation’s eKasi Business Fair and Supplier Development Programme

The Icebolethu Foundation has, over the past seven years, actively empowered Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) through targeted initiatives, including its signature eKasi Business Fair and Supplier Development Programme. These programmes aim to integrate township and rural businesses into the bro…

South Africa's economy records modest growth in the final quarter of 2025

South Africa’s economy recorded modest growth in the final quarter of 2025. Figures released by Statistics South Africa show that Gross Domestic Product grew by 0.4%, up slightly from 0.3% in the third quarter. Channel Africa’s Economics Reporter, Innocent Semosa, reports.

Burkina Faso unveils $64 billion National Development Plan for 2026–2030 aimed at transforming its economy

Burkina Faso has unveiled a $64‑billion National Development Plan (PND) for the period 2026–2030, aimed at transforming its economy and promoting inclusive, sustainable growth. The plan focuses on four strategic priorities, including enhancing security and strengthening social cohesion, viewed as e…

South Africa's trade unions to meet with the Government Employees Medical Scheme over medical‑aid premium increases

It is reported that South Africa’s Government Employees Medical Scheme (GEMS) is set to hold talks with major trade‑union federations in an effort to halt ongoing protests, demonstrations and marches at its offices by public‑service workers. The workers say they are “united and outraged” by the rec…

Ramaphosa says South Africa could serve as Brazil’s entry point into African markets under the AfCFTA

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has urged stronger economic ties between South Africa and Brazil, telling investors that the two countries should position themselves as strategic gateways to each other’s regional markets. Speaking at the Brazil–South Africa Business Forum during his state…

Latest market developments with Thanda Sithole, Senior Economist at FNB

Thanda Sithole, Senior Economist at FNB, unpacks South Africa’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) as well as the latest mining and manufacturing data.

Bank of Namibia and SARB sign revised MoU to strengthen institutional cooperation

Money laundering and the financing of terrorism remain pressing concerns in the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region, prompting member states to intensify efforts to safeguard financial systems. Central banks across the region have responded by establishing bilateral and multilatera…

SA President Cyril Ramaphosa in Brazil for state visit to boost economic, commercial relations

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa is in Brazil for a state visit, where he will meet his counterpart, President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. The visit aims to strengthen diplomatic and political ties while boosting economic and commercial relations. Brazil, Latin America’s largest economy, rema…

Global oil prices surge past $100 per barrel as Iran–US–Israel conflict escalates

Global oil prices have surged past $100 per barrel for the first time since 2022, driven by the escalating war involving Iran, the United States and Israel. Analysts warn that the spike in energy costs is fuelling global inflation and could stall economic recovery in Europe and Asia, where energy‑i…