Selvan Kistnasamy, Head of Trading at Standard Bank CIB joins Godfrey Mutizwa to discuss recent market volatility, which mirrors broader trends observed over the past few years. He reflects on the challenges posed by the pandemic and identifies a key theme that has driven the markets. He also unpacks the comprehensive toolkit deployed on quantitative easing, fiscal spending, and fiscally backed bank lending, as well as the political or policy driven incentives needed at this time.

As global markets wobble under the weight of US policy shifts and economic uncertainty, South Africa may be entering a moment of unexpected strength. Standard Bank’s Head of Foreign Exchange Tom Anderson joins Mamokete Lijane, Trading Strategist to unpack dollar dynamics, recession risks, and the SARB’s next big decision—and why a bold move now could unlock long-awaited growth.

The world today is increasingly multipolar, with the US and China competing for influence, Europe redefining its economic relationships, and new financial hubs emerging in the Gulf and Asia. Where does Africa fit in this evolving global order and what are the deliverables that demonstrate the change in the relationship with Western powers. Is this a geopolitical moment where Africa can redefine its role, and which economies or regions are best placed to seize the opportunities.

In a brief but encouraging conversation from the sidelines of the recent African Markets Conference 2025, our host, Godfrey Mutizwa hears from Honorable David Masondo MP, Deputy Minister of Finance for South Africa about some of the innovative measures the country is taking to address its own debt to GDP ratio, attract investors through improved private-public partnership and ultimately drive the continental economy toward greater and greater self-reliance.

The world is undergoing a shake-up of global geopolitics and economics under U.S. President Donald Trump’s second term at a pace and scale not seen since the end of the Second World War. It’s a perilous time for Africa as President Trump pursues his “America First” trade policies, at a time when the continent is trying to renew the Africa Growth and Opportunity Act. For South Africa – in President Trump’s crosshairs for a variety of reasons – it’s a test of endurance for the Government of National Unity and its fight to re-ignite growth in Africa’s largest economy.

Africa's funding infrastructure gap is well documented. The continent collectively only invests four percent of its Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in infrastructure development, costing it as much as two percent of potential GDP growth every year. In comparison, China spends some 14 percent. What strategies and partnerships does the continent need to tackle its infrastructure backlog? From Davos, Switzerland, Godfrey Mutizwa has Standard Bank Corporate and Investment Banking CEO, Luvuyo Masinda and Andrew DeLeone, Alstom Region President for Africa, Middle East and Central Asia.

Following the inauguration of Donald Trump as the 47th president of the United States on 20 January 2025, markets sighed a breath of relief as he did not immediately announce feared tariffs that could negatively impact South African exports. In this latest episode, Mamokete Lijane and Tom Anderson provide in-market insights on how to navigate markets in the new Trump era. It further delves on how Trump’s political ideology and economic strategy impact global market dynamics.

As AfCFTA heads into its sixth year, what plans are in place to ensure its success, and what innovations can be expected from banks to help realise maximum gains for both SMEs and big business? Sim Tshabalala and Wamkele Mene offer insights from the WEF Davos 2025.

Jeremy Stevens and Simon Freemantle delve into China's geopolitics and the potential impact on Africa.

Inflation and disinflation trends regionally have not been homogeneous. East Africa is on a disinflation trajectory, while the West African region is seeing stubbornly high numbers. Currency devaluation and resource constraints have attributed to this. However, economic reform, as well as infrastructure investment shows a positive story for the continent, as we navigate our way back to being the second fastest growing region. In this episode of In-Market Insights, we delve into how different corporates have adopted various strategies to address these challenges and embrace new opportunities.

The formation of the South African Government of National Unity, saw equities, bonds and the rand rally. With South Africa’s seminal national elections behind us, we look at Operation Vulindlela, as well as various interventions by the GNU to boost investor confidence. We also hone in to see how the markets are responding. Listen to episode 2 of the In-Market Insights podcast as we talk to South African experts, Rudi Dicks, from the office of Presidency, and Deanne Gordon, Strategist at Standard Bank Equity Research. They’ll offer invaluable perspectives on navigating South Africa’s post-election economy. The In-Market insights podcast. Brought to you by Standard Bank Global Markets.

On November 5, U.S. voters re-elected President Donald Trump for a second and final term. They also elected Republican majorities in the United States Senate and in the House of Representatives. The composition of the US Congress is of particular interest for Africa as multilateral deals such as the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) heads for renewal in its 25th year. Over and above this, the tone and policies that Congress adopts can have ripple effects across the continent and the broader geopolitical landscape. This episode of In-Market Insights, explores themes and developments you can expect following the election.