IN October 2013. the yuan reportedly overtook the euro to become the most used currency in trade finance. It is also the fifth most used currency in global transactions, ChinEs central bank, the People＇s Bank of Chi...IN October 2013. the yuan reportedly overtook the euro to become the most used currency in trade finance. It is also the fifth most used currency in global transactions, ChinEs central bank, the People＇s Bank of China （PBC）, maintains currency swap arrangements with about 30 countries or regions. More than 60 central banks already hold yuan assets as part of their reserve pools. This. in particular, is set to unlock op- portunities for other nations to attract manufacturing investment through both offshoring and re-shoring and could have far-reaching implications for the African region.展开更多
SOUTH Africa＇s acute incidence of HIV/AI DS is well-known globally. According to the United Nations, about 6.1 million South Africans were living with HIV/ AIDS in 2012. This means that one in every six South African...SOUTH Africa＇s acute incidence of HIV/AI DS is well-known globally. According to the United Nations, about 6.1 million South Africans were living with HIV/ AIDS in 2012. This means that one in every six South Africans is infected and of these, 17.9 percent of indi- viduals between the ages of 15 and 49 - considered to be the most economically productive age group - are infected with HIV/AIDS. According to the World Bank, this high infection rate among the economically active population could, in the most undesirable of scenarios, result in South Africa＇s per-capita income halving by 2100. While still a few decades away, the projected adverse impact of HIV/AIDS on the South African economy has seen government embarking on the largest anti-retroviral treatment （ART） access cam- paign in the world.展开更多
IN a long overdue exercise, the National Bureau of Statistics of Nigeria recalculated the country＇s GDE dethroning South Africa as Africa＇s largest economy earlier this year. While the rebasing of economic output is...IN a long overdue exercise, the National Bureau of Statistics of Nigeria recalculated the country＇s GDE dethroning South Africa as Africa＇s largest economy earlier this year. While the rebasing of economic output is a standard procedure usually done quite regularly by countries, Nigeria has not recalculated its GDP in more than 20 years. With a population of at least three times the size of the incumbent number one economy in Africa Nigeria＇s claim of the economic pole position in Africa did not come as a surprise. Its rise to the top was inevitable and arguably the only surprise may have been that it took the West African giant of 170 million people so long to do so.展开更多
SOUTH Africa＇s invitation to the BRICS club back in December 2010- arguably President Jacob Zuma＇s greatest foreign policy success - has by association positioned the country as a ＂leading＂ emerging market economy...SOUTH Africa＇s invitation to the BRICS club back in December 2010- arguably President Jacob Zuma＇s greatest foreign policy success - has by association positioned the country as a ＂leading＂ emerging market economy~ While some still question the inclusion based on economic merit, South Africa has become an active member looking to shape the grouping. South Africa is looking to leverage the advantages of this association with particular focus on collaboration opportunities for Africa＇s development.展开更多
Africa is often touted as the last continent still to industrialize. Overall. the continent has struggled to translate its resource wealth into greater prosperity and higher living stand ards for its people. With the ...Africa is often touted as the last continent still to industrialize. Overall. the continent has struggled to translate its resource wealth into greater prosperity and higher living stand ards for its people. With the United Nations expecting that there will be more Africans than Chinese by 2025, the need for economic transformation is clear.展开更多
A lot of changes have transpired in the global economy, in China, as well as in South Africa since the bilateral relations between South Africa, Africa＇s most industrialized country, and China, Asia＇s powerhouse, we...A lot of changes have transpired in the global economy, in China, as well as in South Africa since the bilateral relations between South Africa, Africa＇s most industrialized country, and China, Asia＇s powerhouse, were established on January 1, 1998. As the global economy finds its feet 10 years after the global financial crisis, China is now in its ＂new normal＂ featuring medium and low economic growth and South Africa is preoccupied with various political and economic challenges in a subdued African growth environment. What then has transpired in this commercial corridor over the past two decades？展开更多
CHINA’s supercharged days of double-digit growth are over.The world’s second largest economy is now rebalancing.Instead of overinvestment,it is to be driven by consumers and services.
ALTHOUGH it has been nearly a decade sincethe onset of the global financial crisis, a lack of con- fidence and general uncertainty are still sweeping the world economy. The recovery of world growth has been sluggish a...ALTHOUGH it has been nearly a decade sincethe onset of the global financial crisis, a lack of con- fidence and general uncertainty are still sweeping the world economy. The recovery of world growth has been sluggish at best. World demand remains depressed. Trade growth has been stagnating as protectionism has increased. Tighter financial condi tions persist, and coupled with lackluster capital flows, M＆A activities have declined.展开更多
Unsatisfactory reforms of institutions such as the World Bank （WB）. the International Monetary Fund （IMF） and the Asian Development Bank （ADB）, despite the rising contribution of new players in the global econom...Unsatisfactory reforms of institutions such as the World Bank （WB）. the International Monetary Fund （IMF） and the Asian Development Bank （ADB）, despite the rising contribution of new players in the global economy and financial architecture, have led to China taking matters into its own hands, Hannah Edinller, a director at Frontier Advisory, a South Africa-based investment advi- sor. looks at the operationalization of two multilateral development banks, the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank （AIIB） and New Development Bank （NDB）, and the benefits they may have for Africa. Her thoughts follow：展开更多
THE term ＂Smart City＂ brings about different images to different people： it could be a city where litter does not exist： a city where there is absolute order and security： or a city where everything works…on tim...THE term ＂Smart City＂ brings about different images to different people： it could be a city where litter does not exist： a city where there is absolute order and security： or a city where everything works…on time! It could be a city composed of academic wizards, com- plicated gadgets and gizmos and all inventions never imagined before.展开更多
IN December 2012, as corporate South Africa closed down for the holiday season, more than 4,500 members of the ruling African National Congress （ANC） descended on the city of Mangaung to elect their leadership for t...IN December 2012, as corporate South Africa closed down for the holiday season, more than 4,500 members of the ruling African National Congress （ANC） descended on the city of Mangaung to elect their leadership for the next five years, and ultimately determine the future of South Africa＇s development.展开更多
SINCE the turn of the century, China has become Africa＇s largest trading partner. While Sino- African relations are often touted as ＂win-win＂ by Chinese and African leaders, trade relations have been criticized for...SINCE the turn of the century, China has become Africa＇s largest trading partner. While Sino- African relations are often touted as ＂win-win＂ by Chinese and African leaders, trade relations have been criticized for being unbalanced as Africa＇s natural resources are traded for Chinese-manufactured consumer goods. This relatively unequal trade structure has led many to suggest that China＇s manufactured exports are cutting into opportunities for African industrialization.展开更多
OVER the past 15 years, China＇s commercial engagement with Africa has seen rapid growth in the trade. aid and investment sectors. Overshadowed by the constant focus on these sectors, tourism trade between the Asian n...OVER the past 15 years, China＇s commercial engagement with Africa has seen rapid growth in the trade. aid and investment sectors. Overshadowed by the constant focus on these sectors, tourism trade between the Asian nation and Africa has been quietly expanding,展开更多
LAST year served as an important year todeepen China＇s relationship with Africa. Politically, the relations are at their highest level ever. So are the commercial ones, spurred by continued financing commitments, div...LAST year served as an important year todeepen China＇s relationship with Africa. Politically, the relations are at their highest level ever. So are the commercial ones, spurred by continued financing commitments, diversifying investment portfolios and bilateral merchandise trade,展开更多
The African growth narrative has over the last few years captured the imagination of many businesses and governments. Following an uncertain economic outlook post the global financial crisis （GFC）, the continent was...The African growth narrative has over the last few years captured the imagination of many businesses and governments. Following an uncertain economic outlook post the global financial crisis （GFC）, the continent was seen as the last growth frontier for investors and the second- fastest growth region after Asia. But a new World Bank report forecasts a Sub- Saharan Africa GDP growth drop in 2015.展开更多
The foundations of the ＂Africa rising＂ narrative may have increasingly been tested in recent months. Security concerns, the Ebola crisis in West Africa and conflict in Libya have been some of the stumbling blocks th...The foundations of the ＂Africa rising＂ narrative may have increasingly been tested in recent months. Security concerns, the Ebola crisis in West Africa and conflict in Libya have been some of the stumbling blocks the continent has had to face. These have continuously challenged its ability to respond to events that could derail the past years＇ economic growth. The impact of lower oil prices particularly could be a major shock to the region, especially for oilexporting countries.展开更多
THE thunderous roar of water falling over Victoria Falls had to compete with a swarm of politicians who descended on Zimbabwe＇s tourist haven in mid-August 2014. Heads of state and leaders from Southern African Devel...THE thunderous roar of water falling over Victoria Falls had to compete with a swarm of politicians who descended on Zimbabwe＇s tourist haven in mid-August 2014. Heads of state and leaders from Southern African Development Community （SADC） countries were there to attend the 34th SADC Heads of State and Government Summit. Under the theme “SADC Strategy for Economic Transformation： Leveraging the Region＇s Diverse Resources for Sustainable Economic and Social Development through Beneficiation and Value Addition.” the summit was opened by newly appointed chairman of SADC. Zimbabwe＇s President Robert Mugabe.展开更多
文摘IN October 2013. the yuan reportedly overtook the euro to become the most used currency in trade finance. It is also the fifth most used currency in global transactions, ChinEs central bank, the People＇s Bank of China （PBC）, maintains currency swap arrangements with about 30 countries or regions. More than 60 central banks already hold yuan assets as part of their reserve pools. This. in particular, is set to unlock op- portunities for other nations to attract manufacturing investment through both offshoring and re-shoring and could have far-reaching implications for the African region.
文摘SOUTH Africa＇s acute incidence of HIV/AI DS is well-known globally. According to the United Nations, about 6.1 million South Africans were living with HIV/ AIDS in 2012. This means that one in every six South Africans is infected and of these, 17.9 percent of indi- viduals between the ages of 15 and 49 - considered to be the most economically productive age group - are infected with HIV/AIDS. According to the World Bank, this high infection rate among the economically active population could, in the most undesirable of scenarios, result in South Africa＇s per-capita income halving by 2100. While still a few decades away, the projected adverse impact of HIV/AIDS on the South African economy has seen government embarking on the largest anti-retroviral treatment （ART） access cam- paign in the world.
文摘IN a long overdue exercise, the National Bureau of Statistics of Nigeria recalculated the country＇s GDE dethroning South Africa as Africa＇s largest economy earlier this year. While the rebasing of economic output is a standard procedure usually done quite regularly by countries, Nigeria has not recalculated its GDP in more than 20 years. With a population of at least three times the size of the incumbent number one economy in Africa Nigeria＇s claim of the economic pole position in Africa did not come as a surprise. Its rise to the top was inevitable and arguably the only surprise may have been that it took the West African giant of 170 million people so long to do so.
文摘SOUTH Africa＇s invitation to the BRICS club back in December 2010- arguably President Jacob Zuma＇s greatest foreign policy success - has by association positioned the country as a ＂leading＂ emerging market economy~ While some still question the inclusion based on economic merit, South Africa has become an active member looking to shape the grouping. South Africa is looking to leverage the advantages of this association with particular focus on collaboration opportunities for Africa＇s development.
文摘Africa is often touted as the last continent still to industrialize. Overall. the continent has struggled to translate its resource wealth into greater prosperity and higher living stand ards for its people. With the United Nations expecting that there will be more Africans than Chinese by 2025, the need for economic transformation is clear.
文摘A lot of changes have transpired in the global economy, in China, as well as in South Africa since the bilateral relations between South Africa, Africa＇s most industrialized country, and China, Asia＇s powerhouse, were established on January 1, 1998. As the global economy finds its feet 10 years after the global financial crisis, China is now in its ＂new normal＂ featuring medium and low economic growth and South Africa is preoccupied with various political and economic challenges in a subdued African growth environment. What then has transpired in this commercial corridor over the past two decades？
文摘CHINA’s supercharged days of double-digit growth are over.The world’s second largest economy is now rebalancing.Instead of overinvestment,it is to be driven by consumers and services.
文摘ALTHOUGH it has been nearly a decade sincethe onset of the global financial crisis, a lack of con- fidence and general uncertainty are still sweeping the world economy. The recovery of world growth has been sluggish at best. World demand remains depressed. Trade growth has been stagnating as protectionism has increased. Tighter financial condi tions persist, and coupled with lackluster capital flows, M＆A activities have declined.
文摘Unsatisfactory reforms of institutions such as the World Bank （WB）. the International Monetary Fund （IMF） and the Asian Development Bank （ADB）, despite the rising contribution of new players in the global economy and financial architecture, have led to China taking matters into its own hands, Hannah Edinller, a director at Frontier Advisory, a South Africa-based investment advi- sor. looks at the operationalization of two multilateral development banks, the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank （AIIB） and New Development Bank （NDB）, and the benefits they may have for Africa. Her thoughts follow：
文摘THE term ＂Smart City＂ brings about different images to different people： it could be a city where litter does not exist： a city where there is absolute order and security： or a city where everything works…on time! It could be a city composed of academic wizards, com- plicated gadgets and gizmos and all inventions never imagined before.
文摘IN December 2012, as corporate South Africa closed down for the holiday season, more than 4,500 members of the ruling African National Congress （ANC） descended on the city of Mangaung to elect their leadership for the next five years, and ultimately determine the future of South Africa＇s development.
文摘SINCE the turn of the century, China has become Africa＇s largest trading partner. While Sino- African relations are often touted as ＂win-win＂ by Chinese and African leaders, trade relations have been criticized for being unbalanced as Africa＇s natural resources are traded for Chinese-manufactured consumer goods. This relatively unequal trade structure has led many to suggest that China＇s manufactured exports are cutting into opportunities for African industrialization.
文摘OVER the past 15 years, China＇s commercial engagement with Africa has seen rapid growth in the trade. aid and investment sectors. Overshadowed by the constant focus on these sectors, tourism trade between the Asian nation and Africa has been quietly expanding,
文摘LAST year served as an important year todeepen China＇s relationship with Africa. Politically, the relations are at their highest level ever. So are the commercial ones, spurred by continued financing commitments, diversifying investment portfolios and bilateral merchandise trade,
文摘The African growth narrative has over the last few years captured the imagination of many businesses and governments. Following an uncertain economic outlook post the global financial crisis （GFC）, the continent was seen as the last growth frontier for investors and the second- fastest growth region after Asia. But a new World Bank report forecasts a Sub- Saharan Africa GDP growth drop in 2015.
文摘The foundations of the ＂Africa rising＂ narrative may have increasingly been tested in recent months. Security concerns, the Ebola crisis in West Africa and conflict in Libya have been some of the stumbling blocks the continent has had to face. These have continuously challenged its ability to respond to events that could derail the past years＇ economic growth. The impact of lower oil prices particularly could be a major shock to the region, especially for oilexporting countries.
文摘THE thunderous roar of water falling over Victoria Falls had to compete with a swarm of politicians who descended on Zimbabwe＇s tourist haven in mid-August 2014. Heads of state and leaders from Southern African Development Community （SADC） countries were there to attend the 34th SADC Heads of State and Government Summit. Under the theme “SADC Strategy for Economic Transformation： Leveraging the Region＇s Diverse Resources for Sustainable Economic and Social Development through Beneficiation and Value Addition.” the summit was opened by newly appointed chairman of SADC. Zimbabwe＇s President Robert Mugabe.
