Ubuntunomics Podcast: Recent Episodes
Ubuntunomics
Ubuntunomics Podcast is a regular roundup and discussion of the most important economic and political developments from Africa.
Resurging Sudanese Conflict and Rocky Economic Recovery Ubuntunomics Siya BinizaResurging Sudanese Conflict and Rocky Economic RecoveryEpisode TimelineSelect the specific part if you don’t want to listen to the whole episode.
00:15Introductions03:18South Africa Investment Conference: Fresh or Empty Air?38:28Sudanese Conflict Resurges53:332023 World Bank Group-IMF Spring Meetings70:13The Numbers GameSA UpdateRead more about the top SA Update story this month.
South Africa Investment Conference: Fresh or Empty Air? The 2023 South Africa Investment Conference (SAIC) took place in Johannesburg and received a total of ZAR 1.5 trillion in investment pledges, overshooting the initial target of ZAR 1.2 trillion. Some of the notable investment projects include:
•ZAR 105.0 billion green hydrogen production facility by Hive Hydrogen in Eastern Cape;
•ZAR 4.5 billion wind energy project by Seriti Group in Mpumalanga;
•ZAR 1.0 billion thermal coal mine by Turkish Menar Group in Mpumalanga; and
•ZAR 284.0 million e-logistics technology by US-based Moove. See more here: https://www.presidency.gov.za/.
Africa Regional UpdateRead more about the top Africa Regional Update story this month.
Sudanese Conflict Resurges During discussions of the plan for a transition to civilian rule, power struggles grew between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) commander and de facto national leader, Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, and his deputy, Mohamed Hamdan Daglo, who heads the heavily-armed paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF). The central disagreement and tensions were on how to integrate the RSF into the SAF and who would be exercising ultimate control over them. On 15 April 2023, tensions erupted into conflict and clashes between the SAF and the RSF in Khartoum. By 18 April, at least 200 people were dead, including 2 World Food Programme (WFP) staff, and 1,800 were injured including 2 WFP staff. As a result of the fighting between the rival military groups, the WFP has temporarily halted all its operations in Sudan.See more here: https://reliefweb.int/; https://news.un.org/ and https://au.int/.
Global Geopolitics UpdateRead more about the top Global Geopolitics Update story this month.
2023 World Bank Group-IMF Spring Meetings The 2023 Spring Meetings of the World Bank Group (WBG) and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) took place in Washington D.C. The Spring Meetings bring together central bankers, ministers of finance and development, parliamentarians, private sector executives, representatives from civil society organisations and academics to discuss issues of global concern, including the world economic outlook, poverty eradication, economic development, and aid effectiveness. Member countries endorsed measures that can add up to USD 50.0 billion in WBG lending capacity over the next 10 years. Those steps include a revision of the Bank’s minimum equity-to-loan ratio to 19%, a hybrid capital pilot, and a scaled-up bilateral guarantee program.See more here: https://www.worldbank.org/ and https://meetings.imf.org/.
The Numbers GameRead more about the Number Game story this month.
Inflation Increased to 7.1% y/y in March 2023 Consumer price inflation increased to 7.1% in March 2023 (Feb 2023: 7.0%). The main contributors to were food and non-alcoholic beverages (14.0% y/y; +2.4% pts); transport (8.9% y/y; +1.3% pts); housing and utilities (4.0% y/y; +1.0% pts); and miscellaneous goods and services (5.9% y/y; +0.9% pts). This puts the average annual inflation at 7.0% for 1Q2023 which well above the South African Reserve Bank target of 3.0-6.0%.See more here: https://www.statssa.gov.za/.
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Stagflation, Voter Apathy and the Multipolar World Order Ubuntunomics Siya BinizaEpisode TimelineSelect the specific part if you don’t want to listen to the whole episode.
00:15Introductions07:36Risk of Stagflation and Coming Rates Hike38:05New President Elected in Nigeria58:01China and Russia Push for Multipolar World74:19The Numbers GameSA UpdateRead more about the top SA Update story this month.
Risk of Stagflation and Coming Rates Hike The IMF concluded its 2023 Article IV Consultations and made the following findings: “South Africa’s economic and social challenges are mounting, risking stagnation amid an unprecedented energy crisis, increasingly binding infrastructure and logistics bottlenecks, a less favourable external environment, and climate shocks. A recovery in the services sector supported job creation in 2022; however, employment remains below pre-pandemic levels and unemployment close to record highs, on the back of already high poverty and inequality.” Meanwhile, consumer price inflation was 7.0% in February 2023 (January 2023: 6.9%) mainly due to rising cost of food and non-alcoholic beverages; housing and utilities; transport; and miscellaneous goods and services.See more here: https://www.treasury.gov.za/ and https://www.statssa.gov.za/.
Africa Regional UpdateRead more about the top Africa Regional Update story this month.
New President Elected in Nigeria H.E. Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu from the All-Progressives Congress (APC) party won the 2023 presidential elections held on 25 February 2023 in Nigeria with 36.6% of the votes from a 26.7% voter turnout. The opposing Atiku Abubakar from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and Peter Gregory Obi from the Labour Party (LP) respectively received 29.1% and 25.4% of the votes. Nigeria has a total of 93.5 million registered voters from its total population of 225.1 million people. In the legislative elections the APC won 192 seats in the 360-member House of Representatives and 63 seats in the 109-member Senate. This gives the APC a clear majority in both legislatures compared to the PDP which won 126 seats in the House and 44 seats in Senate.See more here: https://www.electionguide.org/; https://www.electionguide.org/ and https://www.electionguide.org/.
Global Geopolitics UpdateRead more about the top Global Geopolitics Update story this month.
China and Russia Push for Multipolar World Russian Federation President H.E. Vladimir Putin met with President of the People’s Republic of China H.E. Xi Jinping at the Kremlin in Moscow to discuss bilateral and international matters of mutual-interest. China is Russia’s main trading partner and trade increased by 30.0% to exceeding USD 185.0 billion in 2022. Currently 65.0% of total trade between China and Russia is conducted in domestic currencies, as opposed to the USD, and China has become the main importer of Russian oil. The two heads of state signed 14 agreements between the two countries to usher in a new era of deeper comprehensive partnerships and strategic cooperation and targeting specific areas of cooperation until 2030.See more here: http://en.kremlin.ru/ and http://english.www.gov.cn/.
The Numbers GameRead more about the Number Game story this month.
SOE Bailouts Reach ZAR 396.1 Billion (approx. USD 21.9 Billion) in 2023/24 National Treasury appeared before the Standing Committee on Public Accounts (SCOPA) to account for the feasibility of the new preconditions for financial bailouts aimed at turning around the financial misfortunes of state-owned enterprises (SOEs). The National Treasury reported that multiple SOE bailouts have created a high fiscal burden. SOE bailouts are set to increase to ZAR 396.1 billion (approx. USD 21.9 billion) in FY2023/24 (FY2022/23: ZAR 384.7 billion; USD 21.2 billion). The recent bailouts issued to SOCs had come with very strict preconditions. Some of these conditions included selling non-core assets, strengthening partnerships, dealing with procurement and other challenges, and conditions pertaining to reporting and oversight etc. National Treasury did present on these conditions in Parliament when it tabled the Budget.See more here: https://www.parliament.gov.za/ and https://static.pmg.org.za/.
The post Stagflation, Voter Apathy and the Multipolar World Order appeared first on Ubuntunomics.
South African Budget, AU Summit and Russia-Ukraine Conflict Ubuntunomics Siya BinizaEpisode TimelineSelect the specific part if you don’t want to listen to the whole episode.
00:15Introduction01:152023 South African National Budget25:3436th African Union Summit72:38Russia-Ukraine Conflict a Year LaterSA UpdateRead more about the top SA Update stories this month.
2023 South African National Budget Review The Minister of Finance, Mr Enoch Godongwana delivered the 2023 National Budget Review which explains the policy considerations underlying the numbers presented in the budget. The Budget Review describes three frameworks. The fiscal framework sets out government’s revenue and spending projections – taking into account the economic outlook – and forecasts the budget balance for the next three years. If spending exceeds revenue, government has a budget deficit, which must be financed by borrowing. When government borrows money it issues a bond, which entitles the holder to interest payments, referred to in the Budget Review as debt-service costs. The division of revenue shows how taxes and other resources raised by national government will be shared between national, provincial and local government. The medium-term expenditure framework provides details of government’s three-year spending plans.See more here: https://www.treasury.gov.za/.
Africa Regional UpdateRead more about the top Africa Regional Update stories this month.
36th African Union Summit The 36th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the African Union was convened 16th January 2023 to the 19th February 2023. The Assembly is the African Union’s supreme policy and decision-making organ. It comprises all Member State Heads of State and Government. The Assembly determines the African Union’s policies, establishes its priorities, adopts its annual programme and monitors the implementation of its policies and decisions. The Summit was held at the African Union Headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, under the theme: “The Year of AfCFTA: Acceleration of the African Continental Free Trade Area Implementation.”See more here: https://au.int/.
Global Geopolitics UpdateRead more about the top Global Geopolitics Update stories this month.
Russia-Ukraine Conflict In March 2021, a new Military Strategy was adopted in Ukraine which was largely dedicated to confrontation with Russia and set a goal of involving foreign states in the conflict. The strategy stipulates the organisation of underground movements in Russia’s Crimea and in Donbass. Russia felt that the United States and NATO were developing Ukraine as a theatre of potential military operations. According to Russia, regular joint exercises between the United State and NATO involved 23,000 troops and more than a thousand units of hardware in 2022. On 22 February 2023, Russian President Vladimir Putin proposed a resolution authorising the use of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation abroad on the basis of the generally accepted principles and norms of international law. On 23 February 2022, the United Nations General Assembly called for ending the war in Ukraine and demanded Russia’s immediate withdrawal from the country, in line with the United Nations Charter.See more here: http://en.kremlin.ru/; http://en.kremlin.ru/; and https://unric.org/.
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Throwback 2022 – The Best and the Worst of the Year that Was Ubuntunomics adminEpisode TimelineSelect the specific part if you don’t want to listen to the whole episode.
00:15Introduction01:45SA Update in Brief03:28Siya’s Worst of 202209:30Siya’s Best of 202218:12Sbu’s Best of 202223:54Sbu’s Worst of 202233:31National Energy Plan Update41:15Africa Regional Update in Brief43:36Siya’s Worst of 202250:48Siya’s Best of 202254:20Sbu’s Best of 202260:04Sbu’s Worst of 202265:49ECOWAS Briefs UNSC on Worsening Insecurity in West Africa and the Sahel71:10Global Geopolitics Update in Brief74:42Siya’s Worst of 202280:44Siya’s Best of 202283:15Sbu’s Best and Worst of 202295:08Chinese Exports Continue Recovering in 202299:37Ubuntunomics Outlook 2023SA UpdateRead more about the top SA Update stories this month.
Siya's Worst of 2022: Joint Committee on Ethics Clear Dr Zweli MkhizeThe Joint Committee on Ethics and Members’ Interests finalised deliberations on the complaints lodged against Dr Zwelithini Mkhize for allegedly not disclosing that his son received ZAR 460,000.0 in benefits from Digital Vibes. The committee found that Dr Mkhize did not breach the Code of Ethical Conduct and Disclosures of Members Interests because his son doesn’t fall within the confines of immediate family member as per the code.See more here: https://ubuntunomics.co.za/.
Siya's Best of 2022: REIPPPP BW5 Signing and BW6 BidsThe Department of Mineral Resources and Energy (DMRE) Minister, Mr Gwede Mantashe (MP), announced the first three projects to sign project agreements under the 5th Bid Window (BW5) of the Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Procurement Programme (REIPPPP) on 22 September 2022. EDF Renewables is the investor in the three wind power projects that are going to contribute 420MW renewable capacity to the national grid after the 24-month construction period. The three projects are: Coleskop Wind Power (140MW) near Middleburg in the Eastern Cape; and San Kraal Wind Power (140MW) and Phezukomoya Wind Power (140MW) near Noupoort in the Northern Cape. The DMRE is currently negotiating with the remaining 22 Preferred Bidders to meet the total of 2 600MW energy, consisting of 1 600 MW onshore wind and 1000MW solar PV plants. The DMRE has since received bids under the 6th Bid Window (BW6) of the REIPPPP and published a list of 12 Preferred Bidders for the 3200MW wind energy resource and 13 Preferred Bidders for the 1000MW from solar photovoltaic energy sources.See more here: https://ubuntunomics.co.za/.
Sbu's Best of 2022: South Africa Stance on Russia-Ukraine ConflictH.E. President Cyril Matamela Ramaphosa clarified the South African stance on the Russia-Ukraine Conflict which emphasises the principle that members should refrain from the threat or use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of other states. South Africa is committed to the articles of the United Nations Charter, including the principle that all members shall settle their international disputes by peaceful means.See more here: https://ubuntunomics.co.za/.
Sbu's Worst of 2022: South Africa’s JETP-IPSouth Africa’s Cabinet endorsed the Just Energy Transition Partnership Investment Plan (JETP-IP) and expressed its appreciation of the detailed work undertaken to develop it. According to the JETP-IP, South Africa will need approximately USD 98.0 billion over the next five years to enable a just transition and achieve the targets set out in the Nationally Determined Contribution. The JETP-IP includes a portfolio of investments across the electricity sector, green hydrogen and new energy vehicles. Particularly, the JETP-IP focuses on investing in electricity transmission and distribution networks and expanding renewable energy sources. At COP27 South Africa, France and Germany signed loan agreements for EUR 600.0 million in concessional financing to support the JETP-IP.See more here: https://ubuntunomics.co.za/.
National Energy Plan UpdatePresident Ramaphosa remains seized with finding a sustainable solution to the current energy crisis through regular briefings on the situation at Eskom and rolling out of the National Energy Plan. The National Energy Plan includes interventions such as removing the previous licensing threshold of 1000MW. In addition, Eskom has identified up to 1000MW of additional power to be imported from Mozambique and other countries in the SADC region. The plan is also exploring a net billing framework, and later a feed-in tariff, to credit residential and industrial customers for any surplus energy they are able to feed into the grid. The implementation of the National Energy Plan has also completed exclusion of transmission infrastructure from environmental approval in areas of low and medium environmental sensitivity through the country. Meanwhile, the National Energy Regulator of South Africa (NERSA) has approved Eskom’s application for a tariff increase of 18.65% for FY2023/24 and a further 12.74% increase for FY2024/25. Eskom had initially applied for annual increases of 32.17% and 22.52% for the respective financial years.See more here: https://www.presidency.gov.za/ and https://www.nersa.org.za/.
Africa Regional UpdateRead more about the top Africa Regional Update stories this month.
Siya's Worst of 2022: ECOWAS Challenges in Burkina Faso, Guinea and MaliThe Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Summit of Heads of State and Government convened an Extraordinary Session in New York, on the side-lines of the UN General Assembly to review the situation in Guinea and Mali. At the 61st ECOWAS Ordinary Summit on 3 July 2022 in Accra, Summit requested the Mediator for Guinea to continue engagement with the Transition Authorities to arrive at an acceptable transition timetable by August 2022. Summit noted that not much progress has been made in arriving at an acceptable transition timetable and decided to impose diplomatic, economic, and financial sanctions against Guinea. Summit also condemned the continued detention of 46 Ivorian soldiers in Mali, and called for their unconditional release. On 30 September 2022, ECOWAS issued a statement condemning the most recent coup in Burkina Faso. Burkina Faso was plunged into renewed political turmoil when Colonel Paul-Henri Sandaogo Damiba (who seized power in a coup in January 2022) was toppled in coup by the army Captain Ibrahim Traore. Traore pronounced that Damiba was removed due to his inability to deal with armed uprising in the country which has worsened the past months.See more here: https://ubuntunomics.co.za/.
Siya's Best of 2022: The Government of the FDRE Reach a Peace Agreement with the TPLFThe Government of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia (FDRE) and the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) signed the Cessation of Hostilities Agreement which signals a commitment to end the use of force to settle differences and disputes. The Secretary-General of the United Nations has welcomed the signing of the agreement. The peace talks were facilitated by former Nigerian President H.E. Olusegun Obasanjo, the AU High Representative for the Horn of Africa, former Kenyan President H.E. Uhuru Kenyatta, and former South African Deputy President Dr Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka. The peace agreement is the first crucial step towards ending the two-year conflict which has led to loss of lives and livelihoods for many Ethiopians.See more here: https://ubuntunomics.co.za/.
Sbu's Best of 2022: SADC PPDF Approved USD 20.2 Million in Project Preparation FundingThe Southern African Development Community Project Preparation Development Facility (SADC PPDF) approved a total of USD 20.2 million for the preparation of 12 regional projects covering funded by the European Union (EU) and KfW Bank of Germany. The projects are expected to generate at least USD 3.0 billion in infrastructure investment in energy, transport and water sectors. The projects being prepared include the Second Alaska-Sherwood powerline in Zimbabwe; the Angola-Namibia transmission interconnector; Kasemeno-Mwenda toll road and Luapula hydro power development both between the DRC and Zambia, Mulembo Leyla Hydro in Zambia; and the North South Rail Corridor involving Botswana, DRC, South Africa, Zambia and Zimbabwe. In addition, the projects also include the Mauritius Wastewater Pumping Station and Wastewater Treatment Plant; the MOZISA power interconnector project between Mozambique, South Africa and Zimbabwe; the Africa Green Co projects in all SADC Member States; the Kazungula Water Supply and Sanitation Project in Zambia; the Lomahasha Namaacha Crossing between Eswatini and Mozambique; and the Development of Guidelines and Standards for Renewable Energy Projects including a funding and Incentive strategy in Mauritius. The transmission projects approved by the PPDF are expected to remove bottlenecks on the Southern African Power Pool (SAPP) transmission system and to increase the capacity to wheel power and thereby enhance trade among SADC Member States.See more here: https://ubuntunomics.co.za/.
Sbu's Worst of 2022: ECOWARN to Collaborate with NATO on Climate Change and SecurityThe Directorate of Early Warning of the ECOWAS Commission held a Working Session with the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) Strategic Direction South Hub at the ECOWAS Headquarters in Abuja, Nigeria. The session aimed to explore potential collaboration and mutual interest, focusing on climate change, fighting against terrorism and piracy in the Gulf of Guinea, and capacity building. The Director of ECOWARN welcomed the NATO delegation and emphasised that the collaboration is important as the ECOWARN prepares to finalise and implement its strategic plan for 2022 to 2026.See more here: https://ubuntunomics.co.za/.
ECOWAS Briefs UNSC on Worsening Insecurity in West Africa and the SahelOn the invitation of the Permanent Representative of Japan at the United Nations and President of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), ECOWAS briefed the UNSC on the political and security development in West Africa and the Sahel region. ECOWAS also debrief the UNSC on its work with the United Nations Office for West Africa and the Sahel (UNOWAS). The ECOWAS debrief highlighted some of the challenges confronting the region, such as terrorism, violent extremism and unconstitutional changes of government and their impact on socioeconomic development of the region. ECOWAS reiterated its commitment to tackling these challenges, strengthening the zero-tolerance policy towards power obtained or maintained by unconstitutional means, and activating the ECOWAS Standby Force to fight terrorism and address challenges to constitutional order in the region. The UNOWAS activities in the past 6 months included promoting political consensus and ensuring a level playing field ahead of elections in countries such as Nigeria; and promoting conflict-sensitive best practices on climate change adaptation with youth and women’s groups.See more here: https://ecowas.int/ and https://news.un.org/.
Global Geopolitics UpdateRead more about the top Global Geopolitics Update stories this month.
Siya's Worst of 2022: US Fed Raises Rates by 50bpsThe United States (US) Federal Reserve Monetary Policy Committee decided to raise its policy interest rate by 50 basis points (bps) increasing the target range for the federal funds rate to 4.25%-4.5%. The Committee anticipates that ongoing increases in the target range will be appropriate in order to attain a stance of monetary policy that is sufficiently restrictive to return inflation to 2.0% over time. Currently, US inflation remains elevated at 6.2% in September 2022 (August 2022: 6.2%) against the target of below 2.0% inflation. See more here: https://ubuntunomics.co.za/.
Siya's Best of 2022: EU DSA Entered into ForceThe European Union (EU) Digital Services Act (DSA) which includes rules for a safer and more accountable online environment entered into force. The DSA applies to all digital services that connect consumers to goods, services, or content. The DSA key goals are to be proportionate, foster innovation, growth and competitiveness, and facilitate the scaling up of smaller platforms, SMEs and start-ups. The DSA introduces a comprehensive new set of rules for online intermediary services on how they have to design their services and procedures. The new rules include new responsibilities to limit the spread of illegal content and illegal products online, increase the protection of minors, give users more choice and better information. Online platforms now have 3 months to report the number of active end users on their websites before 23 February 2023. After being designated according to size, online platforms will have 4 months to comply with the obligations under the DSA, including carrying out and providing to the Commission the first annual risk assessment exercise. See more here: https://ubuntunomics.co.za/.
Sbu's Best and Worst of 2022: COP27 Held in EgyptThe United Nations Climate Change Conference for 2022, commonly known as the Twenty-Seventh Conference of Parties (COP 27), was held in Sharm el-Sheik in Egypt from 6 to 18 November. Countries came together to take action towards achieving the world’s collective climate goals as agreed under the Paris Agreement and the Convention. Heads of State and Government attended the Sharm el-Sheikh Climate Implementation Summit on 7 and 8 November and a high-level segment primarily attended by Ministers took place from 15-18 November.See more here: https://ubuntunomics.co.za/.
Chinese Exports Continue Recovering in 2022China’s total exports increased by 10.5% to CNY 24.0 trillion (approx. USD 3.6 trillion) compared to imports which grew by 4.3%. Consequently, China’s trade surplus increased to CNY 5.9 trillion (approx. USD 871.7 billion). Meanwhile, China trade with the Association of South-East Asian Nations (ASEAN), the European Union and the United States increased by 15.0%, 5.6% and 3.7% respectively. Meanwhile, China’s trade with Belt and Road countries increased to 32.9% of its total foreign trade in 2022. China recorded mild inflation in 2022, with the consumer price index (CPI) increasing by 2.0 year-on-year earlier compared to the government’s annual target of 3.0%. China’s producer price index (PPI) increased by 4.1% year-on-year in 2022.See more here: https://english.news.cn/ and https://english.news.cn/.
The post Throwback 2022 – The Best and the Worst of the Year that Was appeared first on Ubuntunomics.
Ramaphosa Re-election, Rising Rates and Further Tensions Ubuntunomics adminEpisode TimelineSelect the specific part if you don’t want to listen to the whole episode.
00:16Introduction01:51SA Update in Brief04:35National Assembly Votes Against Ramaphosa’s Impeachment13:44Eskom CEO Resigns Amidst Worsening Loadshedding19:46President Suspends Judge Hlophe24:04Africa Regional Update in Brief26:19ECOWAS 62nd Ordinary Summit39:39Milestone Agreement towards Civilian Rule in Sudan44:27More Action Needed for Africa to Reach SDG Target48:57Global Geopolitics Update in Brief49:27China-Latin America Defence Forum54:36US Fed Raises Rates by 50bps59:56US-Africa Leaders’ Summit70:28Current Account Deficit Narrowed to -ZAR 18.1 Billion in 3Q2022SA UpdateRead more about the top SA Update stories this month.
National Assembly Votes Against Ramaphosa’s ImpeachmentThe National Assembly debated the report of the Independent Panel established to investigate whether there is prima facie evidence to institute an impeachment inquest against President Cyril Ramaphosa, in terms of Section 89 of the South African Constitution. Political parties represented in the National Assembly expressed mixed views on the report’s recommendations that the President has a case to answer following the controversial robbery at the President’s farm involving large amounts of money in foreign currency. However, only 149 members of the National Assembly (including 5 members of the ruling party) voted to adopt the report and establishing impeachment proceedings against President Ramaphosa versus 214 votes against this.See more here: https://www.parliament.gov.za/ and https://www.parliament.gov.za/.
Eskom CEO Resigns Amidst Worsening LoadsheddingEskom Group Chief Executive, André de Ruyter, tendered his resignation amidst a deepening energy crisis and worsening loadshedding. Mr de Ruyter has agreed to remain at Eskom until 31 March 2023 to smoothen the transition and his replacement. Meanwhile, loadshedding has returned to stage 6 () with due to breakdowns and planned maintenance. Eskom reported that 8,023 MW of its generating capacity is on planned maintenance and another 16,672 MW is unavailable due to breakdowns. Also, the breakdowns have led to excessive use of diesel turbines resulting diesel shortages. Eskom’s ad hoc request for assistance to make a large-scale purchase of diesel was rejected for procedural reasons by National Treasury. See more here: https://www.eskom.co.za/, https://www.eskom.co.za/ and http://www.treasury.gov.za/.
President Suspends Judge HlophePresident Cyril Ramaphosa has, on the advice of the Judicial Services Commission (JSC) on 27 July 2022, decided to suspend Judge President Mandlakayise John Hlophe from his duties pending a decision of the National Assembly. The Judicial Conduct Tribunal (JCT) concluded that Judge President Hlophe’s conduct breached the Constitution by improperly attempting to influence the two Justices of the Constitutional Court to violate their oaths of office. In May 2008, 11 Justices of the Constitutional Court lodged a complaint with the JSC against Judge President Hlophe for his improper attempt to influence the outcome of certain cases pending before the Constitutional Court in favour of former President Jacob Zuma. The JCT established that Judge Hlophe’s behavior seriously threatened and interfered with the independence, impartiality, dignity and effectiveness of the Constitutional Court and further undermined public confidence in the judicial system. The JSC has referred the matter to Parliament for the National Assembly to institute impeachment proceedings against Judge President Hlophe.See more here: https://www.presidency.gov.za/.
SA UpdateAfrica Regional UpdateRead more about the top Africa Regional Update stories this month.
ECOWAS 62nd Ordinary SummitThe 62nd Ordinary Session of the Authority of Heads of State and Government of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) was held in Abuja to consider reports from the Council of Ministers meeting. The Summit also held a Foundation Laying Ceremony at the New ECOWAS Headquarters building funded by the Government of the People’s Republic of China. Summit considered reports on the transition to civil rule and political developments in Mali, Guinea and Burkina Faso. Summit noted the commitments from transitional authorities to respect the 24-month transition timetables in Burkina Faso and Guinea; and expressed concern over the worsening insecurity in Burkina Faso, proposed a gradual lifting of economic and financial sanctions against transitional authorities in Guinea. Summit noted the progress of establishing a multi-stakeholder Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Mechanism of the transition timetable in Mali. Summit also extended the implementation plan for establishing the ECOWAS customs union by five years and instructed the Ministerial Committee on the Single Currency Program of ECOWAS to find consensus on the outstanding matters towards establishing a conducive environment for the launch of the ECO currency by 2027.
See more here: https://ecowas.int/ and https://ecowas.int/.
Milestone Agreement towards Civilian Rule in SudanThe Sudanese Sovereign Council and some of the civilian political parties signed a Framework Agreement towards civilian rule. This framework agreement outlines the structures for a return to a civilian-led transition towards democracy and the military’s commitment to withdraw from politics. The African Union supported calls on the Trilateral Mechanism to continue to support Sudanese stakeholders in the next phase of the consultations by fostering broad-based consultations and dialogue between parties. This is expected to lay the groundwork for a final agreement and to address critical issues that the signatories of the political agreement agreed to further discuss: Security Sector Reform, Transitional Justice, the Juba Peace Agreement, the Dismantling Committee, the East and the economy.
See more here: https://au.int/ and https://www.eeas.europa.eu/.
More Action Needed for Africa to Reach SDG TargetThe coronavirus pandemic, the war in Ukraine, and climate change have all hindered progress toward meeting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Africa. The latest status report on the SDGs presented during the African Economic Conference 2022 shows that, without renewed efforts, nearly 492 million African citizens will be left in extreme poverty by 2030 (2050: approx. 350 million). To get back on track, African countries need to foster domestic resource mobilisation and savings, as well as boost Information and Communication Technology infrastructure to drive achievement of the SDGs and the Agenda 2063.
See more here: https://www.afdb.org//a>.
SA UpdateGlobal Geopolitics UpdateRead more about the top Global Geopolitics Update stories this month.
China-Latin America Defence ForumThe Peoples’ Republic of China hosted a virtual defense forum with officers of national defense departments from 24 Latin American and Caribbean (LAC) countries on 13 December 2022. The Chinese Defence Minister, Wei Fenghe, called on LAC countries to strengthen unity, cooperate to combat risks and challenges, and contribute more to peace and stability in the region and around the world. The cooperation between China and Latin American countries focuses on the economy and trade. Defence cooperation is characterised mainly by military and technical support that excludes any Chinese military interference in Latin American affairs.See more here: http://english.www.gov.cn/.
US Fed Raises Rates by 50bpsThe United States (US) Federal Reserve Monetary Policy Committee decided to raise its policy interest rate by 50 basis points (bps) increasing the target range for the federal funds rate to 4.25%-4.5%. The Committee anticipates that ongoing increases in the target range will be appropriate in order to attain a stance of monetary policy that is sufficiently restrictive to return inflation to 2.0% over time. Currently, US inflation remains elevated at 6.2% in September 2022 (August 2022: 6.2%) against the target of below 2.0% inflation.See more here: https://www.federalreserve.gov/ and https://www.bea.gov/.
US-Africa Leaders’ SummitThe United States hosted a three-day US-African partnership summit with leaders from across the African continent in Washington, D.C. from 13 to 15 December 2022. The Summit aimed to demonstrate the United States’ commitment to Africa and underscore the importance of U.S.-Africa relations and increased cooperation on shared global priorities. Delegations from all 49 invited African countries and the African Union, alongside members of civil society and the private sector attended the summit. See more here: https://www.state.gov/.
SA UpdateThe Numbers GameRead more about the Number Game story this month.
Current Account Deficit Narrowed to -ZAR 18.1 Billion in 3Q2022The current account balance improved to a narrower deficit of -ZAR 18.1 billion (approx. -0.3% of GDP) in 3Q2022, from -ZAR 107.0 billion (approx. -1.6% of GDP) in 2Q2022. South Africa’s trade surplus narrowed to ZAR 233.0 billion in 3Q2022 (2Q2022: ZAR 252.0 billion) due to the cost of imports increased beyond export growth. The higher value of exports of goods and services reflected an increase in volumes while that of imports of goods and services mainly reflected higher prices.See more here: https://www.resbank.co.za/.
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Empty Promises, Cautious Optimism and Total Uncertainty Ubuntunomics Siya BinizaUbuntunomics Podcast, a roundup and discussion of the most important economic and political developments from Africa. For the South Africa Update this month we look at the Commission for Gender Equality report on President Ramaphosa's 2020 public pronouncement that government would allocate 40% of public procurement expenditure towards women-owned enterprises, the 2022 MTBPS, and the Just Energy Transition Partnership Investment Plan. In the Africa Regional Update we look at the inauguration of Lesotho's new Prime Minister, the Ethiopian peace agreement between the Federal Government and TPLF, and the concerns over the peace process in Eastern DRC. In the Global Geopolitics Update we look at the EU Digital Services Act, the US Fed raising rates, and COP27.
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Escaping the Energy Crisis and Decolonising Climate Finance Ubuntunomics Siya BinizaUbuntunomics Podcast, a roundup and discussion of the most important economic and political developments from Africa. This month we look at: the President's signing of the Local Government Amendment Act, the latest unemployment data, and the GDP growth rate in 2Q2022; and the EAC interventions in the DRC, the ECOWAS New Energy Policy, and the SADC approval of USD 20.2 million in project preparation funding.
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Taming Inflation, Extending Plans, and Making Recommitments Ubuntunomics Siya BinizaUbuntunomics Podcast, a roundup and discussion of the most important economic and political developments from Africa. This month we look at: SARB increasing interest rates by 75 bps, National Treasury's update on Operation Vulindlela, and the Agriculture Minister stopping all movement of cattle due to FMD; and the plans to return to civilian rule in South Sudan, the 42nd SADC Summit, and the EAC recommitting to the AU Declaration on Land.
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Loadshedding, Shebeen Killings and Fighting Terrorism in Africa Ubuntunomics Siya BinizaUbuntunomics Podcast, a roundup and discussion of the most important economic and political developments from Africa. This month we look at: Eskom implementing Stage 6 loadshedding, amendments to Regulation 28, and shebeen killings in the Eastern Cape and Gauteng provinces; and the 61st ECOWAS Summit, DRC declaring the end of the Ebola outbreak, and SADC Mission in Mozambique and Cabo Delgado Recovery Plan.
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Temporary Fuel Levy Relief in SA and Permanent Crisis in the Kivus Ubuntunomics Siya BinizaUbuntunomics Podcast, a roundup and discussion of the most important economic and political developments from Africa. This month we look at: the Minister of Finance's application to extend the temporary fuel levy relief, the World Bank approval of USD 480 million to boost SA's COVID-19 response, and the Minister of Foreign Affairs' Nordic roadshow; and the worsening security crisis between the DRC and Rwanda, slow progress on ECOWAS reforms after coups in West Africa, and the Heads of regional communities meeting in Tanzania.
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Scrap Metal Export Ban, NPA Promises, and a New Dawn in the West Ubuntunomics Siya BinizaUbuntunomics Podcast, a roundup and discussion of the most important economic and political developments from Africa. This month we look at: the Minister of Transport's call for a scrap metals export ban, the NPA's promise to sharpen its focus on corruption in the next semester, and the cabinet's approval of the LPG Rollout Strategy; and the start of Ebola vaccinations in the DRC, Madagascar joining the SADC fisheries crimes prevention body, and ECOWAS collaborating with NATO on climate change and regional security.
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Ethical Loophole, Floods and Slowly Resolving Conflicts in Africa Ubuntunomics Siya BinizaUbuntunomics Podcast, a roundup and discussion of the most important economic and political developments from Africa. This month we look at: the Ethics Committee absolving Dr Zweli Mkhize, the foot and mouth disease Outbreak, and the rising death toll from the KZN floods; and the ECOWAS Summit on Burkina Faso, Guinea and Mali, the DRC joining the EAC and the indefinite truce in Tigray.
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Cold War, Spectrum Auctions and African Political Stability Ubuntunomics Siya BinizaUbuntunomics Podcast, a roundup and discussion of the most important economic and political developments from Africa. This month we look at: the SA national budget and economic recovery in 2022, the SA stance on the Russia-Ukraine conflict, and the high-demand frequency spectrum auction; and the ECOWAS missions to Burkina Faso, Guinea and Mali, Morocco signing the SAATM MOI and the SADC post-election reviews in Angola and the DRC.
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Free Data, West African Coups and Less Violence in South Sudan Ubuntunomics Siya BinizaUbuntunomics Podcast, a roundup and discussion of the most important economic and political developments from Africa. This month we look at: the free data plan for South Africa, the Hydrogen Society Roadmap and local vaccine production; and the ECOWAS Summit on coups in the region, the 6th Africa-EU South Summit and lessening violence against Sudanese civilians.
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West Africa, SADC, and Reflections Since Death and Taxes Ubuntunomics Siya BinizaThe Season 1 finale of Ubuntunomics Podcast, a roundup and discussion of the most important economic and political developments from Africa. This week we look at: Presidential visits to West Africa and top SA Update stories from this season; and the SADC SIPS programme and the top Africa Regional Update stories from this season.
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Conferences, State Visits and Rebuilding Regional Communities Ubuntunomics Siya BinizaUbuntunomics Podcast, a roundup and discussion of the most important economic and political developments from Africa. This week we look at: SAHPRA assessment of the Pfizer booster vaccine, the SAA-KQ strategic partnership, SA-Kenya bilateral relations, and the 2021 IATF outcomes; and the 5th SADC Industrialisation Week, EAC Council approval of the DRC verification report, ECOWAS regional security reform, and SADC commemoration of 16 days against GBV.
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Intra-Africa Trade, Water Inequality and the Tigrayan Crisis Ubuntunomics Siya BinizaUbuntunomics Podcast, a roundup and discussion of the most important economic and political developments from Africa. This week we look at: the set-top box roll out programme, the 2021 Intra-African Trade Fair, water inequality, and tax proposals for the 2022 budget; and slow progress in Sudan, the SADC joint meeting on HIV/AIDS, the impact of the CAR conflict on children, and Ethiopia's deepening crisis.
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More Energy Insecurity, Diverging Conflicts, and AMA Treaty Ubuntunomics Siya BinizaUbuntunomics Podcast, a roundup and discussion of the most important economic and political developments from Africa. This week we look at: the Infrastructure-Led Growth Plan versus fiscal austerity, development of a green hydrogen export SEZ, relaunching of Coega Technologies and Consulting, and Eskom's escalating load-shedding; and the worsening Tigrayan conflict in Ethiopia, thousands fleeing the DRC, the AMA Treaty entering into force, and the SAMIM update from SADC.
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COP26 Commitments, Mixed Priorities, and Climate Scepticism Ubuntunomics Siya BinizaUbuntunomics Podcast, a roundup and discussion of the most important economic and political developments from Africa. This week we look at: Regulation 28 of the Pension Funds Act, President Ramaphosa's working visit to Eswatini, the US and European pledge to finance climate just transition in South Africa, and record high fuel prices; and the SADC SIPS programme, the ECOWAS-AU collaboration on peace and security, UN peacekeepers killed in the CAR, and the climate famine in Southern Madagascar.
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Eskom Promises, Toyota Investments, and Fragile Democracies Ubuntunomics Siya BinizaUbuntunomics Podcast, a roundup and discussion of the most important economic and political developments from Africa. This week we look at: NSFAS 2022 Online Applications, Eskom's Transmission Development Plan, Toyota's investment in EVs, and the most contested election in SA history; and the SADC statement on Eswatini, the Sudanese coup, calls to end sanctions against Zimbabwe, and peace and dialogue in the Gambia.
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Climate Resilience, Eskom Tariff Fight, and Eswatini Crisis Ubuntunomics Siya BinizaUbuntunomics Podcast, a roundup and discussion of the most important economic and political developments from Africa. This week we look at: Treasury mainstreaming climate change, Eskom taking NERSA to court over tariffs, the inaugural SA-Côte d'Ivoire JCC, and China's donation to the DSD; and Total supporting resumption of government services in Cabo Delgado, Eswatini protests and school closures, aerial attacks in Tigray, and the CAR ceasefire.
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SA Standing Still, SADC Just Transition and ECOWAS at Work Ubuntunomics Siya BinizaUbuntunomics Podcast, a roundup and discussion of the most important economic and political developments from Africa. This week we look at: Mpumalanga MEC arrested for murder, SAA cabin crew protest, PIC financial results, and SA vaccination progress; and SADC energy sub-committee meeting, ECOWAS and WAEMU meeting with the EU, ECOWAS regional strategy against GBV, and persecution of migrants in Libya.
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Vaccination Passports, Internal Displacement and Cabo Delgado Ubuntunomics Siya BinizaUbuntunomics Podcast, a roundup and discussion of the most important economic and political developments from Africa. This week we look at: Sasria claims payouts, provincial COGTA investigations of maladministration, testing digital vaccination certificates, and asessment of wastewater treatment plants; and ECOWAS campaign on IDPs, the SADC Extraordinary Summit, Mozambican child soldiers, and the African film industry.
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Education Ploy, Spent Airlines and Environmental Restoration Ubuntunomics Siya BinizaUbuntunomics Podcast, a roundup and discussion of the most important economic and political developments from Africa. This week we look at: the Basic Education Employment Initiative II, the SAA-KQ partnership, the TRIPS waiver and vaccinations, and the SIU Report on Digital Vibes; and Professor Kiprona vs Attorney General of Kenya, women’s political participation in Somalia, the Review of Forest and Landscape Restoration in Africa 2021 report, and the Eastern Regional Co-ordination Center in Kenya.
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Economic Justice, COVID Recovery and the Dawn of Divergence Ubuntunomics Siya BinizaUbuntunomics Podcast, a roundup and discussion of the most important economic and political developments from Africa. This week we look at: the National Minimum Wage FY2021/22 review, contradictory UK travel restrictions, SRD grant reforms, and the President's visit to Msikaba Bridge; and the First Meeting of Heads of RECs, the AUC's response to the failed coup in Sudan and terrorist attacks in Burundi, and the African health gap.
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Business Registry, Rescue, Recovery, and Slow Transitions Ubuntunomics Siya BinizaUbuntunomics Podcast, a roundup and discussion of the most important economic and political developments from Africa. This week we look at: the National Treasury registry for businesses affected by looting, SAA plans to take off, SIU plans to set aside shack tender, and FSCA warning about Globaltech Investment; and the AU 6th Pan African Forum on Migration, the evolving needs in Sudan, only 2.0% global vaccines administered in Africa, and the COMESA Youth Advisory Panel.
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Local Elections, Economic Recovery, Fashion and Coups d’États Ubuntunomics Siya BinizaUbuntunomics Podcast, a roundup and discussion of the most important economic and political developments from Africa. This week we look at: IEC preparations for local government elections, slow economic recovery, local fashion police competition, and ICASA plans for spectrum auction; and the latest Guinean coup, the ECOWAS envoy to Mali, meningitis in the DRC, and the funding gap facing the humanitarian response in Ethiopia.
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Corruption Recovery, Development Policy and Women Empowerment Ubuntunomics Siya BinizaUbuntunomics Podcast, a roundup and discussion of the most important economic and political developments from Africa. This week we look at: the Special Tribunal judgement against Mr Msagala, misappropriation of SRD grants, withdrawal of the National Social Security Fund, and economic policy training for civil servants; and East African women participation in the AfCFTA, the SADC Meeting on Gender and Women Affairs, human rights violations in Mali, and the first oxygen plant in South Sudan.
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Plight of Women and Youth: Unemployment, GBV and Displacement Ubuntunomics Siya BinizaUbuntunomics Podcast, a roundup and discussion of the most important economic and political developments from Africa. This week we look at: 2021 local election candidates, rising unemployment, gender-based violence, and IP summer school; and youth involvement, bubonic plague in the DRC and displacement in Sudan and South Sudan.
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Ports, NSFAS, Equity Equivalent Schemes and the HH Landslide Ubuntunomics Siya BinizaUbuntunomics Podcast, a roundup and discussion of the most important economic and political developments from Africa. This week we look at: SA's port master plan, the NSFAS funding window, the J.P. Morgan EEIP fund and the Afghan crisis; and the Zambian 2021 general election, Ebola in Côte d’Ivoire and the 41st SADC Summit.
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Medupi, Cooperation, Retirement Savings and Ethiopian Crisis Ubuntunomics Siya BinizaUbuntunomics Podcast, a roundup and discussion of the most important economic and political developments from Africa. This week we look at: explosion at Medupi Unit 4, SA-Kenya JCC, access to retirement savings and DTIC opening applications for recovery support; and Tanzania signing the AMA Treaty, worsening conflict in Tigray, WHO helping Guinea with the Marburg Virus and the Sixth Assessment Report of the IPCC.
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Tax Relief, Taxi Violence and Devastating Conflict in Africa Ubuntunomics Siya BinizaUbuntunomics Podcast, a roundup and discussion of the most important economic and political developments from Africa. This week we look at: SARS emergency tax relief, mediation of Cape Town taxi violence, gazetted local elections date and SA vaccination progress; and mercenaries in Libya, slow regional industrialisation in SADC, ECOWAS youth for peace and devastation in Tigray.
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Austerity Tightrope, Violence, Drought and Mixed Performance Ubuntunomics Siya BinizaUbuntunomics Podcast, a roundup and discussion of the most important economic and political developments from Africa. This week we look at: SA's Adjust Alert Level 3, the economic support package and government's wage bargain agreement; and increased Jihadist attacks in Burkina Faso, the SADC regional economic report, child malnutrition in Madagascar, and the UN-AU mission in Darfur.
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Picking Up the Pieces and Fighting Persistent Adversaries Ubuntunomics Siya BinizaUbuntunomics Podcast, a roundup and discussion of the most important economic and political developments from Africa. This week we look at: TERS benefits applications reopening, carbon offset regulations amendment, the Moseneke inquiry recommendation to postpone local government elections, and plans to "rebuild" the SA economy; and the SADC standby force deployment to Mozambique, gender based violence in Sudan, rising attacks on "slaves" in Mali, and aquaculture saving Cameroonians who have been displaced by violence.
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Inequality, Riots to Looting, and Deferred Economic Recovery Ubuntunomics Siya BinizaUbuntunomics Podcast, a roundup and discussion of the most important economic and political developments from Africa. This week we look at: TERS benefits to sectors hardest hit by the COVID-19 restrictions, 2021 riots and looting, the state of emergency, and the IEC online registrations; and 2021 Ethiopia general elections, passage to Tigray, the state of hunger in Africa, and the impact of global unrest on the recovery from the pandemic.
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CoronaVac, SIU’s Digital Vibes Report and Destitute Children Ubuntunomics Siya BinizaUbuntunomics Podcast, a roundup and discussion of the most important economic and political developments from Africa. This week we look at: SAHPRA approval of the CoronaVac vaccine, SIU report on Digital Vibes, SARS and IRS cooperation, and the public service wage negotiations; and protests in Eswatini, student abductions in Nigeria, children in crisis in South Sudan, and the GCF support for the AfDB's Leveraging Energy Access Finance Framework programme.
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SA Restrictions, IEC Inquiry, ConCourt Ruling and Ethiopia Ubuntunomics Siya BinizaUbuntunomics Podcast, a roundup and discussion of the most important economic and political developments from Africa. This week we look at: SA in Adjusted Alert Level 4, the IEC inquiry on free and fair local government elections, liquidations and insolvencies in May 2021 and the ConCourt judgement against J.G. Zuma; and the killing of 3 MSF humanitarians in Tigray, the ceasefire in Ethiopia, SADC 40th anniversary publication, and the first meeting of the ECOWAS committee on the return of cultural properties.
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Economic Recovery, Vaccines and the Deepening Regional Integration Ubuntunomics Siya BinizaUbuntunomics Podcast, a roundup and discussion of the most important economic and political developments from Africa. This week we look at: IEC municipal elections deposit amounts, partial privatisation of Transnet and CPI rising to a 30-month high; and ECOWAS and SADC summits, South Sudan's 10-year anniversary of independence, and the IMF roadmap for Africa.
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Regulating Crypto Assets and Vaccines at Work as Conflicts Continue Ubuntunomics Siya BinizaUbuntunomics Podcast, a roundup and discussion of the most important economic and political developments from Africa. This week we look at: regulation of crypto asstes, vaccination in workplace and the response to the third wave of COVID-19 infections in South Africa; and continuing violence in Mozambique, Libyan refugees, and the AU commission of inquiry on the Tigray region in Ethiopia.
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Third Wave Hits SA and Fragile Stability Slows Progress in Africa Ubuntunomics Siya BinizaUbuntunomics Podcast, a roundup and discussion of the most important economic and political developments from Africa. This week we look at: Health Minister's special leave, IEC campaign for 2021 municipal elections and the Ministry of Finance update on preferential procurement regulations 2017; and calls for protection if civilians in Burkina Faso, restoration of water in Goma, and the 33rd Tripartite Task Force meeting.
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Basic Income Grant, Eskom Debt, Somali Hopes and the Mali Crisis Ubuntunomics Siya BinizaUbuntunomics Podcast, a roundup and discussion of the most important economic and political developments from Africa. This week we look at: basic income grant, Eskom's reduced debt and the pollution of the Vaal river system in South Africa; and the Libyan ceasefire, eruption of Mt Nyiragongo, the Somali summit and the Mali political crisis.
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Finance for Development and Conflict Impede COVID-19 Recovery in Africa Ubuntunomics Siya BinizaUbuntunomics Podcast, a roundup and discussion of the most important economic and political developments from Africa. This week we look at: IFC funding student housing, the Green Paper on Electric Vehicle Production and the South African latest inflation data; and the African Economies Funding Summit in Paris and worsening conflicts across Africa.
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Economic Planning, IFC Money, and Regional Infrastructure in SADC Ubuntunomics Siya BinizaUbuntunomics Podcast, a roundup and discussion of the most important economic and political developments from Africa. This week we look at: industrial procurement, IFC private sector investment and the South African mining sector; and the commissioning of the Kazungula Bridge and one-stop border post enabling regional integration in SADC.
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Politics of Conflict and Integration Ubuntunomics Siya BinizaUbuntunomics Podcast, a roundup and discussion of the most important economic and political developments from Africa. This week we look at: traditional leadership, ANC step-aside politics and questioning of public energy procurement in South Africa; and terrorist attacks in the Sahel and Great Lakes region, the EAC integration process and dominance of the USD in global transactions.
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Wealth Destroyed in South Africa and Total Leaves Mozambique Ubuntunomics Siya BinizaUbuntunomics Podcast, a roundup and discussion of the most important economic and political developments from Africa. This week we look at: Freedom Day, President Ramaphosa's testimony at the Zondo Commission, slow growth and socioeconomic transformation in South Africa; and the EAC proposals for a Political Confederation, Total's declaration of force majeure on the Mozambique LNG project.
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Welfare, Racism, Austerity and Lasting Peace in Africa Ubuntunomics Siya BinizaUbuntunomics Podcast, a roundup and discussion of the most important economic and political developments from Africa. This week we look at: the end of SRD grants, rising racial tensions, the public sector wage freeze in South Africa; and the death of President Idriss Déby Itno, regional cooperation in SADC, Libyan peace and the role of France in the 1994 Rwandan Genocide.
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COVID Recovery, Elections and Violence in the Great Lakes Region Ubuntunomics Siya BinizaUbuntunomics Podcast, a roundup and discussion of the most important economic and political developments from Africa. This week we look at: slow economic recovery in South Africa, recent election results and rising concerns about violence and stability in the Great Lakes and East Africa region.
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Death and Taxes Ubuntunomics Siya BinizaUbuntunomics Podcast, a roundup and discussion of the most important economic and political developments from Africa. This week we look at: energy price increases in South Africa and rising concerns about violence and terrorism across the continent.
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