South African market: 05 August 2024

Prof. Sampson Mamphweli, the Head of the Energy Secretariat at the South African National Energy Development Institute (SANEDI), joins us for his view on South Africa's future. He unpacks policy and project-based initiatives that came to the fore on the agenda at this week's Africa Energy Forum.

From Uganda’s first independent transmission project to South Africa’s R440bn grid expansion plan, AEF 2026 showcased a continent shifting toward private‑sector participation and distributed energy. Absa CIB's Nikhil Kasiram breaks down the biggest trends shaping Africa’s power future.

BrightRock celebrates 15 years of disrupting the life insurance industry with its needs‑matched model. CEO Suzanne Stevens reflects on her leadership journey, the company’s growth to over 12% market share, and the future of life insurance in a rapidly changing consumer landscape.

Youth Month shines a spotlight on the financial pressures facing young South Africans. Investec's Johan Loubser explores how unemployment, decision fatigue and uncertainty delay key financial decisions — and why postponing saving or investing can be the most expensive mistake a young person makes.

The US–Iran peace agreement has eased oil prices and reopened the Strait of Hormuz — but global shipping remains far from normal. Dr Ernst van Biljon from IMM Graduate School explains why vessel backlogs, insurer caution and Africa’s own structural constraints mean supply chain pressures are far from over.