Star 2025-07-02

The ongoing evolution of trade relationships between the United States and sub-Saharan Africa has entered a critical phase as the USA moves towards establishing a new trade-matters template. This template will guide its future engagements with African nations, a development revealed by Deputy Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Zuko Godlimpi, following discussions last week with the US Assistant Trade Representative for Africa, Connie Hamilton. On the heels of South Africa's submission for a proposed Framework Deal aimed at bolstering trade and investment relations with the US, the government has urged local businesses to brace themselves for potential changes poised to emerge from this new framework. Godlimpi's dialogue with Hamilton occurred during the recent US-Africa Summit in Luanda, Angola, where pertinent issues surrounding reciprocal tariffs were also addressed. While the…

The African Development Bank (AfDB) Group has approved a $474.6 million (around R8.4 billion) loan earmarked for South Africa's Infrastructure Governance and Green Growth Programme (IGGGP). This funding, designed to bolster the country's transition to a low-carbon economy, is a vital component of South Africa’s ongoing efforts to enhance its energy landscape amidst pressing challenges. The IGGGP represents the second phase of the bank's strategic backing for a Just Energy Transition in South Africa, following the success of the earlier $300 million Energy Governance and Climate Resilience Programme, approved in 2023. This prior initiative succeeded in reinforcing financial stability whilst expanding renewable energy capacity throughout the nation. Structured around three crucial pillars—transforming energy security through power sector restructuring, promoting a low-carbon and just transition, and enhancing transport efficiency—the IGGGP is…

In Boxer’s first annual report since its listing on the JSE, the retailer revealed its ambitious plans for the 2026 financial year. The company aims to open 60 new stores (25 Superstores and 35 liquor stores), invest R1.2 billion in capital expenditure, and further expand and enhance the infrastructure that supports its growth and efficiency. As South Africa’s fastest-growing discount supermarket chain, Boxer acknowledged the emerging challenges ahead, including low price inflation, rising cost inflation, annual listing-related expenses, and increased competition within the market. Board chairperson James Formby reflected on the milestone, stating, "The listing of Boxer Retail Limited on the JSE and A2X in November 2024 was a defining moment for the Boxer Group. It marked a point of pride, purpose, and the culmination of decades of hard work,…

South African made vehicles and components are exported to 155 international markets. South Africa’s automotive industry has expressed anxiety about the potential impact of the impending export tariffs from the United States after vehicle exports rose by 7.9% in June, despite the growing toll of geopolitical and trade-related disruptions. The Automobile Business Council (Naamsa) on Tuesday said vehicle exports increased by 2 647 units year-on-year to 36 343 units exported in June from the 33 696 units exported during the same month last year. The automotive industry contributes 5.2% to South Africa’s gross domestic product (GDP), 3.2% in manufacturing and 2.01% retail. In 2024, the export of vehicles and automotive components reached a record amount of R268.8 billion, equating to 14.7% of South Africa’s total exports. Vehicles and components are…

I quite like reading through policy documents, which I know is a little odd, but we are about to publish our third scrap metal report in July, and I got stuck into some of the documents which preceded the implementation of the Price Preference System (PPS) in 2013. The goals were so noble, yet the outcomes have been so perverse. It reminds me that once the government opens that free money tap, it is very hard to ever close. A reason South Africa’s industrial policy has yielded such poor economic returns since the first Industrial Policy Action Plan (IPAP) was published in 2007, is that no one wants to think about trade-offs. There is an assumption that once we identify a problem, whatever is implemented will solve the problem (PPS…

The 2025 citrus export season has now reached its peak. The estimates suggest that, should all go well, a record amount of 171.1 million 15kg cartons of citrus will be exported by the end of the season. As South Africa's largest agricultural export industry, the value of smooth and improved logistics is widely recognised by the sector. Port logistics have been receiving more attention in general, but the role improved rail usage can play in bolstering the sector should be more widely acknowledged. Just over a week ago, the first train carrying dozens of refrigerated containers of citrus departed from City Deep in Johannesburg to the port of Durban. 2025 is expected to be a bumper year for this route and its success is largely made possible by the organisational…