Colin Coleman on South Africa’s current realities and how we can triumph through our 3 main challenges

Leading commentator and influencer on African affairs, Colin Coleman recently presented a speech at the University of Cape Town’s Vice-Chancellor’s Open Lecture. The speech was titled “From a Two-Speed Society to one that Works for All” and centred on a ten-point action plan to grow an inclusive South African economy and escape a socio-economic crisis. Colin opened his speech by stating that South Africa is in trouble. However, this is just a prefix to the rest of his speech in which he lays out an action plan to right all the wrongs we are currently facing. As one of South Africa’s most prominent investment bankers and an expert on the economic development challenges and opportunities across Africa, Colin is forward-thinking, action-oriented and deeply passionate about South African economics and current affairs.

On this week’s Business Unusual podcast, Topco Media CEO, Ralf Fletcher, sits down with Colin for a dynamic and informative discussion ranging from how we can address South Africa’s current challenges to what’s needed to drive a culture of entrepreneurship. Colin’s insights are equally optimistic and realistic as he dives into the three main challenges which South Africa is facing at this point and how we can combat them. Among other topics, Colin and Ralf discuss the notion of debt spiral, how we can make the most of our dynamic economy and the problem with rigid ideological boundaries (To view Colin’s full speech, visit the link below).

Colin Coleman is a South African banker and public figure. He currently holds a position as a Senior Fellow and Lecturer at Yale University's Jackson Institute for Global Affairs. A former partner of Goldman Sachs, Colin was Chief Executive Officer of Goldman Sachs for Sub-Saharan Africa. He was head of the Goldman Sachs South Africa office from 2000. In 2008, he was named head of the Investment Banking Division for Sub-Saharan Africa.