Recovery or further stagnation, which way next for the South African economy?

To help frame the discussion and set the stage for this engagement, Jeff’s talk will focus on several key questions. With regard US / SA relations, just where are the most significant economic linkages and just how the new US administration’s policies towards the country might be felt?

Considering February’s unprecedented decision to first delay the national budget reading by several weeks and then to push forward without broad political support, what are the key takeaways about the state of public finance, and also what might these events say about the health of the government of National Unity? 

Can the boost to business confidence witnessed in H2 2024 continue through 2025, thus setting the stage for the boost to investment that the country needs if economic growth is to make a step-change higher? 
With just 75bp of cuts delivered thus far this interest rate cycle, are we at an end in terms of monetary easing?  And how should we assess the financial health of the SA consumer?
And as a final broad avenue for discussion, where to for the rand in this highly uncertain environment?

All of these are critical elements of the South African macroeconomic outlook, so please be sure to set aside this hour in your diary and join the conversation.

This event is free, but booking is essential. Zoom links will be sent out in the 24 hours prior to the event.

Jeff Gable, Absa Bank, Chief Economist
Jeff is Absa Bank’s Chief Economist and heads the firm’s FIC Research team. Voted Best Research House at the JSE/Spire Awards for the last seven years, the South African-based team covers macroeconomics, foreign exchange, interest rates and credit for South Africa and more than a dozen markets across the continent. Jeff brings 30+ years of experience covering emerging markets to his role, having joined Absa in early 2007.  Prior to that, Jeff spent nearly a decade working in the banking industry in London, before which his early career saw him at the International Monetary Fund and the Bank of Canada.

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