Africa’s G20 Presidency: A Defining Moment for Trade, Investment and Inclusion

Loading player...
GUEST: Thanda Sithole – Senior Economist, FNB and WesBank; Member of the B20 Trade and Investment Taskforce

As Africa takes on the G20 Presidency, a pivotal opportunity emerges to redefine the continent’s place in global trade and investment. The B20 Trade and Investment Taskforce, representing business leaders from 43 countries, has set out three bold priorities for the world’s major economies: restore stability in global trade, create a new trade and investment deal for Africa, and build a climate-responsive trade system.

In this conversation, FNB Senior Economist and B20 Taskforce Member, Thanda Sithole, joins Gugulethu Mfuphi to unpack what these recommendations mean for Africa’s growth, competitiveness, and economic inclusion. From structural reforms to private sector collaboration, Sithole explores how financial institutions like FNB can help ensure that Africa not only participates but helps shape the future of global trade.
30 Oct 2025 3PM English South Africa Business News · Investing

Other recent episodes

Hulamin swings to a loss, plans core refocus

Hulamin slipped into a full-year loss in 2025, as the aluminium producer faced price pressures and operational challenges due to an extended plant shutdown during the period. Hulamin’s CEO Mark Gounder joins us now to unpack the way forward for 2026.
24 Mar 3PM 16 min

New UJ Study Shows SA Can Dramatically Improve STEM Outcomes

A groundbreaking study by the University of Johannesburg (UJ) and Michigan State University has found that South African schools — including those in disadvantaged communities — can achieve substantially better STEM subject outcomes through a simple, scalable teaching model that blends teacher guidance with computer‑based simulations.
24 Mar 3PM 10 min

South Africa’s Two-Pot System Boosts Consumer Confidence

South Africa’s consumer sentiment edged higher for a second consecutive quarter, with the FNB/BER Consumer Confidence Index rising from –9 to –7 in the first quarter of 2026. FNB Chief Economist Mamello Matikinca‑Ngwenya joins us to unpack what this means for consumers, retailers, and the broader economy.
24 Mar 3PM 19 min

Sappi Pushes for 5% Tariff to Protect SA’s Last Newsprint Mill

South Africa’s only remaining newsprint producer, Sappi Southern Africa, has formally applied for a 5% customs duty on imported newsprint to protect the domestic industry from what it describes as a flood of low‑priced imports. Joining us for more is Graeme Wild, CEO, Sappi Southern Africa
24 Mar 3PM 14 min