Economy

Track the pulse of African markets, trade agreements, and emerging economic trends. We cover GDP growth, inflation challenges, infrastructure investment, and the strategic developments driving the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

Close-up of a United States one-hundred-dollar bill featuring Benjamin Franklin

BRICS Energy Dynamics 2026: From Hormuz Solidarity to De-Dollarisation – How the Bloc Is Reshaping Global Oil Power

Iran’s safe-passage deal with South Africa, Russia’s sanctions-defying exports and China-India’s voracious demand show BRICS is no longer just a talking shop – it is becoming a real force in energy security and alternative trade systems.

...7 MIN READ
Strait of Hormuz seen from google map

Access Granted: Iran Opens Strait of Hormuz to South African Ships in Major Diplomatic Win

Tehran confirms safe passage for South African cargo vessels and oil tankers amid the ongoing Middle East conflict, rewarding Pretoria’s refusal to sever ties and delivering immediate relief on fuel prices and supply chains.

...6 MIN READ
Symbolic South African ten-rand note with SARS branding, representing revenue collection milestone

SARS Crosses Historic R2 Trillion Revenue Mark in 2025/26 – A Milestone for South Africa’s Fiscal Resilience

Net collections hit R2.01 trillion despite COVID scars, load-shedding and a sluggish economy, delivering R24.7 billion more than budgeted and sparing taxpayers an extra VAT hike.

...5 MIN READ
Pretoria Church Squarel.

Pretoria Petrol Prices Set to Surge Ahead of April 2026 Hike

Record increases in fuel costs could push inland prices above R25/l, hitting Gauteng motorists hardest.

...4 MIN READ
 Oil on the ground.

Fuel, Freight and Food: How Global Shocks Reach the South African Checkout Counter

Why international oil moves, shipping costs and a weaker rand can quickly turn into more pressure on transport, groceries and household budgets in South Africa.

...6 MIN READ
A black man at at petrol station pumping filling petrol.

Why South Africa’s Fuel Shock Could Hit More Than Motorists

Rising oil prices and a weaker rand threaten to squeeze transport, food costs, airlines and the wider economy far beyond the petrol pump.

...7 MIN READ
Australians calling on the government to consider reducing or placing limits on large-scale immigration

Fastest-Growing Cities in the West Revealed: Australia and Canada Dominate Rankings

New demographic study highlights migration and affordability as key drivers of urban growth

...2 MIN READ
South African Electricity Minister Kgosientsho Ramokgopa speaking during a public address.

Ramokgopa Acknowledges Electricity Costs Are 'Expensive'

Electricity minister responds to public frustration over tariff hikes and persistent fears of load-shedding.

...2 MIN READ
Oil refinery and fuel infrastructure representing global fuel markets.

Fuel Price Outlook Turns Catastrophic as Brent Surges Past $100 and Rand Weakens

Middle East tensions push oil markets higher, raising fears of steep petrol and diesel increases in South Africa.

...3 MIN READ
Market paper graph with calculator and specs on the desk

Africa’s $3.4 Trillion Opportunity: Why Global Investors Are Turning to the Continent

From a rapidly expanding consumer market to vast natural resources and digital innovation, Africa is increasingly attracting global investors seeking the next major growth frontier.

...4 MIN READ
Aerial view of open-pit copper mine with trucks and workers

The New Scramble for African Minerals: Who Really Controls the Resources?

Global powers and multinational corporations are racing to secure Africa’s critical minerals, raising urgent questions about sovereignty, economic value, and who ultimately benefits from the continent’s vast natural wealth.

...4 MIN READ
Power Lines

South Africa’s Energy Crisis: Can the Country Fix Its Power Problem Before 2030?

Years of load shedding, aging infrastructure, and policy delays have strained the country’s electricity system, raising urgent questions about whether meaningful reform can stabilize power supply before the end of the decade.

...5 MIN READ
2 men doing their work.

South Africa Youth Unemployment Crisis in 2026: What the Latest Data Shows

Millions of young South Africans remain without work as new labour statistics highlight structural economic challenges and a growing generation at risk of long-term exclusion.

...4 MIN READ
Wide aerial of protesters lining road beside industrial buildings and BMW facility

Youth Employment Crisis: Evaluating the Presidential Stimulus Effectiveness

Protests by unemployed youth and persistent joblessness are raising questions about whether South Africa’s flagship employment programmes can deliver lasting economic opportunities.

...4 MIN READ
Cape Town skyline and city landscape

Digital Nomad Visa Impact: How South Africa’s Remote Work Policy Is Transforming Cape Town and Johannesburg

South Africa’s digital nomad visa is drawing global remote workers to cities like Cape Town and Johannesburg — boosting tourism and tech communities while intensifying debates about housing costs and urban inequality.

...6 MIN READ
Close-up of petrol pump nozzle at a gas station representing rising fuel prices.

Petrol Prices Rise in South Africa Today (Wednesday): What It Means for Households and Businesses

Fuel adjustments take effect as global oil volatility and currency pressures push costs higher at the pump.

...2 MIN READ
Silver passenger car overturned on dirt mound amid debris in desert under blue sky

Two Dead After Rovos Rail Derailment Near Keetmanshoop, Namibia

Luxury train tragedy raises questions about infrastructure safety and emergency preparedness in Namibia

...2 MIN READ
Collage of a woman in black dress and checkered headscarf walking atop tall coin stacks, carrying a coal sack overflowing with bottles, soaps, and groceries. Rope links her to a labeled oil pumpjack under sunset sky with more rigs and green % arrows

Inflation Fears Resurface as Oil and Gold Surge

Rising commodity prices spark concerns over household costs and economic stability

...2 MIN READ
Large group of uniformed students seated in assembly hall listening

Kenya’s Schools Collapse Under Inflation: Students Struggle as Fees Soar 40%

Families face impossible choices as education costs spike; teachers warn of learning loss crisis.

...2 MIN READ
Interior view of Eskom Kusile Power Station with staff in PPE, South Africa – representing the embattled national electricity infrastructure.

Eskom Stage 4 Load Shedding Returns as Winter Looms – Solar Investors Panic After Procurement Delay

Generation breakdowns and delayed renewable procurement reignite fears of a prolonged winter power crisis in South Africa.

...3 MIN READ
IMF graphic highlighting South Africa’s new 3% inflation target and reform roadmap

IMF Roadmap to Unlock SA’s Economic Potential as 3% Inflation Target Takes Effect

As South Africa shifts to a firmer 3% inflation anchor, the IMF outlines structural reforms that could reshape growth, investor confidence, and Budget 2026 priorities.

...2 MIN READ
South African shopper pushing a trolley through a supermarket aisle.

South Africa’s Inflation Falls to 3.5% — Confidence Slips After Strong Year

Cooling price pressures raise expectations of future rate cuts, but softer business sentiment signals a delicate transition for Africa’s most industrialised economy.

...2 MIN READ
Migrant worker sending money home from South Africa

Billions Sent Home by SA Migrants: Economic Lifeline for Neighbours or Symptom of Local Brain Drain?

Remittances flowing from South Africa are propping up households across the region — but the money trail also reveals deeper strains inside Africa’s most industrialised economy.

...3 MIN READ
South African economy and employment trends visualization

Unemployment Dips Slightly to 31.4% — Stats SA Reports Cautious Optimism

Q4 2025 shows a 0.5% decline in unemployment, offering hope amid ongoing economic pressures and structural challenges.

...2 MIN READ
U.S. inflation report charts showing dip to 2.4%

U.S. Inflation Dips to 2.4%: Navigating the Post-Tariff Landscape and Its Effects on Everyday Americans

Lower consumer prices signal relief, but the road ahead remains complex for households and businesses adjusting to new trade realities.

...2 MIN READ
South African and Chinese officials during bilateral trade talks in Beijing

South Africa, China Push for Expanded Trade and Investment

Minister Parks Tau leads high-level delegation to Beijing for talks aimed at boosting market access and industrial cooperation.

...2 MIN READ
Trees swept by the floods

Limpopo estimates R10bn needed for flood recovery

Provincial government says widespread damage to infrastructure, homes and services will take years to repair.

...3 MIN READ
South Africa’s Economy Enters 2026 With Fragile Recovery

South Africa’s Economy Enters 2026 With Fragile Recovery

Cooling inflation and limited reforms bring relief, but deep structural problems still constrain growth.

...3 MIN READ
A man filling gas at a fuel station

Fuel Price Relief Continues for South African Motorists

Petrol and diesel prices fall for a second consecutive month as rand strengthens.

...2 MIN READ
President Cyril Ramaphosa witnesses the signing of South Africa’s Instrument of Accession to Afreximbank alongside Dr George Elombi.

South Africa Becomes Class A Shareholder in Afreximbank

Move deepens Pretoria’s role in Africa’s trade finance architecture and signals renewed push for industrial growth.

...2 MIN READ
President Cyril Ramaphosa witnesses the signing of South Africa’s Instrument of Accession to Afreximbank alongside Dr George Elombi.

South Africa Becomes Class A Shareholder in Afreximbank

Move deepens Pretoria’s role in Africa’s trade finance architecture and signals renewed push for industrial growth.

...2 MIN READ
South African Rand Bank Notes

South Africa Raises National Minimum Wage to R30.23

Hourly minimum wage will rise by about 5% from March 1, 2026, the labour department says.

...2 MIN READ
Top Story

Japan Signs 27-Year LNG Supply Deal With Qatar

Long-term agreement underscores Tokyo’s push for energy security amid global market volatility.

...3 MIN READ
Data centre facility in India

India Proposes Tax Holiday Until 2047 to Attract Global Cloud Data Centres

Budget 2026 offers zero tax on global cloud services from Indian data centres to lure tech giants'

...3 MIN READ
US and China Banknote

Xi Urges Greater Global Role for Chinese Yuan

China’s president says expanding the yuan’s use could reshape the global financial system and reduce reliance on the U.S. dollar.

...2 MIN READ
South African Reserve Bank Lesetja Kganyago

SARB Holds Repo Rate at 6.75% Amid Inflation and Global Risks

Monetary Policy Committee votes to maintain benchmark interest rate, balancing inflation outlook and economic uncertainties.

...3 MIN READ
Zimbabwean ten trillion dollar banknote

Why Zimbabwe Is Turning to Gold to Fight Inflation

After years of currency collapse and public distrust, authorities are betting on gold-backed instruments to stabilize prices.

...3 MIN READ
US dollar note placed over South African rand banknotes

Why the South African Rand Is Gaining Ground Against the Dollar

Easing global rate pressures, firmer commodities and steadier domestic signals have lifted the rand after years of volatility.

...3 MIN READ
Oil

Egypt Pays $5 Billion to Foreign Oil Partners to Cut Arrears

Cairo moves to stabilise energy output and rebuild investor confidence after years of delayed payments.

...2 MIN READ