We are entering a world of structural change, not cyclical correction. The world is on the cusp of a historic transformation. Rising debt, geopolitical rivalry, and domestic unrest across leading economies signal not just another cycle but a profound shift in the global order. Scholars from Paul Kennedy and Ray Dalio to Fareed Zakaria and Graham Allison have long argued that global systems follow predictable arcs.
This is not chaos – it is a coherent, ambitious plan for national renewal. US President Donald Trump’s economic agenda is taking shape around bold, executive-led reforms aimed at reindustrialising the United States, restoring fiscal strength, and reasserting national sovereignty in global trade. While critics call it chaotic or protectionist, Trump’s strategy is better understood as a deliberate reset, using tools of disruption to catalyse long-term economic renewal.
Escalating trade tensions, fluctuating commodity prices, and pivotal policy shifts. March 2025 has come and gone, and it is imperative to reflect on the significant economic events that have shaped both the global landscape and South Africa’s economic environment. The month was marked by escalating trade tensions, fluctuating commodity prices, and pivotal policy shifts, all of which bear profound implications for consumers and markets alike.
Estate planning is a crucial step to ensure that your assets are distributed according to your wishes and that your loved ones are taken care of. However, many people unknowingly make mistakes when drafting their Wills, leading to unintended consequences and potential legal disputes.
South Africa remains one of the most unequal countries in the world, with its Gini coefficient (a measure of income inequality) worsening since 1994. Despite efforts to redistribute wealth and improve economic inclusion, inequality has deepened, owing to persistent unemployment, policy failures, and slow economic growth. However, targeted reforms in labour markets, governance, education, and entrepreneurship could help reverse this trend.
Government debt is approaching 75% of GDP, with interest payments consuming nearly 20% of state revenue. South Africa’s economy is at a critical juncture. While many signs point to ongoing structural decline, recent policy shifts and economic activity indicate a possible slow recovery. The key question remains: Will SA continue its downward spiral, or can it stabilise and grow?
Economic development is often examined through the lenses of policy, technology, and finance, but the influence of cultural norms and values cannot be overlooked.
Cultural attitudes shape how markets operate, businesses function, and individuals engage in economic activity.
Recent articles in major outlets have debated the implications of Elon Musk stepping in as President Donald Trump’s second-in-command. Some worry that this development signals a backdoor coup, a private-sector takeover of democracy, or a power play designed to boost Musk’s fortune.
Yet a close examination of Musk’s track record paints a different picture. An exploration of the most common criticisms surrounding the Musk/Trump partnership illustrates why it could usher in a more innovative and robust economy, both at home and abroad.
Worldwide, economic powerhouses and emerging markets are reinventing themselves by adapting to new trade patterns, fostering tech innovation, and leveraging financial liberalisation.
South Africa, in contrast, often appears caught up in an older paradigm, struggling to enact policies that spur job creation or attract robust foreign investment.
The World Bank projects that the global economy will maintain a steady growth rate of 2.7% in 2025 and 2026, consistent with the previous two years.
While this stability is noteworthy, the growth rate remains insufficient to significantly alleviate global poverty, particularly in developing economies where sluggish investment, high debt levels, and the escalating costs associated with climate change present formidable obstacles.
