Search

A country report for South African countries incluidng Zimbabwe, Angola, and Namibia is presented from Fitch Solutions Group Ltd., with topics including economic conditions, political structure, and competitive landscape.

A country report for South Africa is presented from publisher BMI Research, with topics including economic condition, agricultural Productivity, and business environment.

The report on the political risk and macroeconomics of South Africa as of December 2016 is presented, which includes the economic outlook, fiscal recovery and political reforms of the country.

The report presents economic, business, macroeconomic and political performance and forecasts for South Africa from 2014 until 2016. It features the operational, economic and political summary of the different South African countries. Moreover, charts showing the economic performance and forecasts of the region from 2010 to 2016 are also mentioned.

A report is presented on the macroeconomic and political risk prospects in Southern Africa as of June 2014. Topics include South Africa's gross domestic product, loan and asset growth in the banking sector in the region, limits to interest rate reduction due to inflationary pressures in Angola, and the 2014 election in Mozambique. Other topics include investment and private consumption, the Zimbabwean economy's lack of liquidity, and Africa's agricultural sector.

The article offers information on the economic and political condition in South Africa. Topics include the budget report of the South African National Treasury which found that the fiscal deficit has reined in, the decline of the Zambian banking sector's asset growth due to tight monetary policy, and the increase of the country's retail sales in January 2014 by 6.8%.

The article presents updates on political risk and macroeconomic prospects for South Africa as of November 2013. It expects the economy to grow by just 2.5% in 2013 due to slowdown in China and retrenchment in the gold mining sector. The forecast for Zambia's gross domestic product (GDP) growth has been downgraded because of sluggishness in the economy and the impact of policy reforms. Outlook for government spending, investments and net exports is also provided.

The article offers news briefs related to socio-economic risks. Risk to social cohesion and political stability will remain to the down-size in South Africa despite improvements in security situation. Finance Minister Trevor Manuel announces his claim to maintain the 2008 real Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth forecast in South Africa. South Africa's MTN Group Ltd. announces its plans to invest ZARI and build a 5,000km fibre-optic network across the country.

The economy slowed further in Q2, after a relatively poor Q1 in South Africa and the manufacturing sector is now officially in recession, as of October 1, 2003. Despite being buffeted by a strong rand and tight monetary policy in the first half of the year, the economy has, contrary to the widely perceived view, held up relatively well and should be set for a return to trend growth in 2004. Indeed, while domestic demand has held up, exports have fallen precipitously due to the rand's strength and, with only limited currency depreciation anticipated, this latter trend will continue for the remainder of the year.

Reports on the Black Economic Empowerment (BEE) strategy of African National Congress to address the economic injustices of apartheid. Possible increase in business with black economic empowerment; Increase in deficit; Factors influencing the performance of currency rand.

Focuses on South African finance minister Trevor Manuel's Medium-term Budget Policy Statement to parliament on October 2002. Government's response to the findings of the official enquiry into a collapse in the nation's currency rand in 2001; Economic conditions of the country under which the statement was presented; Policy of the government towards exchange controls and inflation targeting.

The article presents the economic forecast for South Africa for 2011. It portends the gradual gross domestic product (GDP) growth by 3.5% and 4.0% in 2011 and 2012 respectively. It foretells the acceleration of the country's sectors including mining, agriculture, and retail industries. The slumping of the South African infrastructure is also reported.

The article reports that the upward revised forecast for 2010 real gross domestic product growth in South Africa from 2.9% to 3.0% is because of the lower interest rate environment as well as signs that the recovery is gaining traction. It states that although the consumer sector remains under pressure, exports are rebounding strongly and a range of monthly data points released recently suggests that economic activity is expanding, even though at a somewhat subdued pace.

The article focuses on the views of Business Monitor International Ltd. (BMI) on the political condition and macroeconomic prospects of South Africa in the wake of the threatening full-year recession. The BMI is expecting that the country's real gross domestic product (GDP) will remain immense in 2009. Besides the positive forecast, it also believes that the risks of the country's economy will remain to be negative and that the negative forecast will continue through the coming year.

The article provides information on the economic performance of business industries in South Africa. Analysts foresee an increasing risks to economic growth in the country in 2009. Research firms also present a downgrading mark on the country's external credit rating outlook, displaying a negative performance from stable. Largest financial institutions further reflect a negative market behavior.

The article reports on the recent monetary data which confirmed the tenacity of inflationary pressures in the South African economy. The July 2007 reading of the targeted commodity price index measure came in at a swift 6.5 percent year-on-year, from 6.4 percent in June. On the monthly basis, producer price index edged up by 1.6 percent, a mild decline from 2.1 percent in June.

The article reports on the economic performance in South Africa during the 2006 second quarter in South Africa. It has mentioned that the country has gained 4.9 in seasonally adjusted annualized terms. Consumers continue to borrow and spend freely, with private sector credit growth of 25 percent y-o-y in July 2006.

This article focuses on the political and economic conditions prevailing in South Africa, as of January 1, 2005. Problems such as the too-high level of crime remain, but progress is being made, and it needs to be recognized that, for example, lawlessness is in no small way driven by the influx of millions of illegal immigrants from neighboring countries — in particular, Zimbabwe. Nevertheless, while South Africa's political and economic successes are notable, unemployment, inequalities in wealth distribution, and widespread poverty remain unhealed scars on South Africa's success story. Real state expenditure on social services has risen by an average 4% annually over the past decade and the literacy rate amongst the young has been raised from 83% to 96% — a crucial factor in future economic growth potential.

The article offers information on the decision of South African Reserve Bank (SARB) to keep the repo rate on hold at 5.50% on July 21, 2011. It mentions that the central bank will hold the repo rate until early 2012 as concerns over inflation diminish and worries over the economic recovery grow. Moreover, SARB Governor Gill Marcus warned that the recovery is fragile and the central bank predicts a 3.6% growth in real gross domestic product (GDP) in 2011.

The article discusses the speculation of Business Monitor International Ltd. (BMI) that the consumer sector in South Africa will drive the growth in the country's real gross domestic product (GDP) in 2011, which to stand at 3.5%. It says that private consumption will increase for up to 3.3% y-o-y in 2011, boosted by the alleged lower interest rate environment, salary increases, and emerging asset prices. However, it states that the outlook may be affected if China's economy maintains its growth.

The article presents an outlook on the economic condition of South Africa for 2009. The research firm Business Monitor International Ltd. expects the 1.9% of full year real gross domestic product (GDP) recession for the country due to decline in consumer spending and a considerable slump in export expansion. It mentions that the ongoing high debt levels and inflation will significantly affect consumer spending despite of aggressive interest cuts by the South African Reserve Bank.

The article reports on the forecast concerning the equity market in South Africa. It is predicted that the South African equities will become a relatively risky investment due to uncertainties in commodity prices, domestic demand, and electricity crises. On the other hand, the Johannesburg All-Share Index (JALSH) is predicted to experience a recovery during the second half 2009 and 2010, which will present more attractive opportunities to buy South African equities.

The article presents a forecast on the South African economic condition. It states that the country's economic growth will decelerate in 2008 due to the increase domestic borrowing costs, deterioration in the external demand and ongoing uncertainty on electricity supplies. The increase of inflationary pressures affects its social and economic instability that push risks in the tourism industry and its aim of hosting the 2010 FIFA World Cup.

The article offers information on the economic condition in South Africa. The country's economy continue to perform well, but trade deficit will affect its growth in 2007 and 2008. The quarterly bulletin from the South African Reserve Bank revealed a change in the trends and dynamics of the economy. On the other hand, the declining rate of household consumption is discussed.

The article reports on the development regarding the economic conditions of South Africa for 2007. With the data from the South African Reserve Bank, the repo rate country is expected to remain on hold until the end of 2007. The country's trade balance in March 2007 were encouraging with the deficit coming in at $389.2 million.

The article reports on the economic conditions in South Africa. A combination of the South African Reserve Bank's loosening bias and the gradual rise of the U.S. Federal Funds rate have narrowed the gap in interest rate differential of rand over other currencies to 225 basis points. The Johannesburg All Share Index increased further, highlighting continued investor interest. The global commodity outlook is biased towards producers of commodities.

The article presents information on the economic and political risk ratings of South Africa. The short-term economic rating has risen to 64.0 from 56.0 in January 2006, its highest level since October 2004. Overall, with trend growth rates edging up and inflationary pressures well-contained, the risks to the ratings are marginally to the upside in the present scenario. The country's short-term political rating slipped from 83.0 to 81.0 in H205. The African National Congress will remain politically dominant over the medium term.

The article presents an insight into the economic and political developments in South Africa. The latest release from Statistics South Africa indicates that economic growth fell in the third quarter of 2005 primarily due to fairly poor manufacturing performance in the wake of high oil prices. Although short-term political risk remains among the best in the continent, principally due to the African National Congress' (ANC) political dominance, there are two medium-term risks. The first surrounds the emerging splits between the ANC's left-wing and its economic liberals. The other serious, though less predictable, problem remains the political, economic and social implosion in Zimbabwe.

The article focuses on the economic conditions in South Africa. There are significant inflationary pressures confronting the economy, of which energy costs and higher prices for public services are the most important. After 1990s, inflation was initially largely driven by pressure on the rand caused by uncertainties about the economic policies the new black government would follow. Although these fears were allayed during the late 1990s, the rand became an attractive market play for traders who believed it to be a oneway bet because the South African Reserve Bank was carrying a large open exposure to foreign exchange that limited its ability to intervene.

The article presents information about the economic conditions in South Africa in 2005. The economy remains robust, but there is still much to be done in areas such as fiscal management and structural reforms. Despite the fact that the government missed several targets relating to the pace of structural reform and fiscal performance, in its most recent review of the country's Poverty Reduction and Growth Facility, the International Monetary Fund concluded that the programme remains broadly on track and therefore should proceed.

Comments on the impact of a sustained oil price spike on inflation which would eventually lead to slower domestic growth in South Africa. Consequence of low oil price in the late 1990; Reason why inflation increases rapidly while growth is not significantly affected; Analogy of the economic impact of an oil price shock.

The article focuses on the economy of South Africa. The rand has stabilized since its sell-off in April 2005 and it is believed that it is likely to remain so over the short term. The key dynamic likely to affect its value would be further euro weakness, as the rand's movements have correlated strongly with this currency in recent times. It is possible that the rand could strengthen, especially as economic fundamentals remain solid at present. The Zimbabwean dollar continues to plummet on the black market, a situation that is expected to worsen over the medium term, unless the government can increase foreign exchange earnings significantly, which appears unlikely although mining sector output has improved in recent months.

The article presents a regional outlook of South Africa. While recent developments in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Botswana are all important, the long-term consequences of each are likely to be muted. As noted elsewhere in this report, the sharp sell-off in the rand was prompted by political noise and unanticipated US dollar strength, rather than any alteration in economic fundamentals. Sentiment remains strong in South Africa at present, with all sectors in the bourse buoyant at present. The mining sector will benefit from the large increase in output in Q105, as well as the recent rand depreciation. The oil price forecast of US$41/b in 2005 is now under increasing risk given the recent rally that pushed most crudes above US$50/b again in May and early-June.

The article reports that the South African Reserve Bank (SARB) has reduced its repo rate by 50 bps to 7 percent on April 14, 2005. This decision of SARB has been taken as surprise by the economists. The main reasons for the cut appears to have been worries over South Africa's economic growth outlook, particularly the export-oriented manufacturing sector, which has suffered as a result of Rand strength over the past year. In conjunction with a fairly benign inflation backdrop, annual growth in private sector credit slowed to 16.2 percent in March, against 17 percent reflected the previous month.

This article focuses on the economic conditions in South Africa. The rand has continued to firm. Worryingly for exporters, it is increasingly difficult to forecast any substantial depreciation any time soon. Geopolitical risks and a weak American dollar are likely to support gold prices over the medium term. Furthermore, assuming the core interest rate scenario the differentials between the rates on offer for investments in South Africa compared to those of other investment grade states will remain substantial, which will keep investment flows coming in. Equity prices in South Africa continue their upward trend, supported by buoyant international and domestic factors.

This article focuses on the economic conditions in South Africa. A key problem facing the governments of Southern Africa is their patchy record on economic policy making. Indeed, bad planning as much as bad luck and inequitable global trade policies lie behind the region's under-development. Positively, this problem is broadly recognised across the region, and multilateral and bilateral assistance now explicitly aims to improve economic governance and institutional competence. South Africa's share of GDP is roughly equivalent to France, Germany and Italy combined in the eurozone.

This article focuses on the political and economic conditions in South Africa. The country's economy is undergoing a period of fundamental change, and the ruling party seems to be one step ahead of the game, although dangers exist. South African President Thabo Mbeki is in his second and final term, which ends in 2008. There is already plenty of speculation as to who will succeed him, but that is not an issue of consequence for the time being. For a start, it is clear that Mbeki is losing patience with corruption, either within the party or on the broader official stage. Mbeki also seems determined to put to rest the blot on the country's reputation caused by past high levels of crime.

This article presets statistics related to exchange rates, stock market, and regional outlook of South Africa, as of March 1, 2005. The rand slipped back in early-February 2005. The main reason was the fall in gold prices, which declined from over 455/ounce on December 3, 2004 to just over $410/ounce on February 8, 2005. South African stocks continue to perform extremely strongly. Companies oriented towards domestic demand look well supported. Indeed, not only are retail firms experiencing strong profits, but the banking sector continues to enjoy the benefits of rapid lending growth, buoyed to a large extent by house price inflation.

This article presents information on economic conditions in South Africa, as of march 1, 2005. South Africa continues to pursue overseas trade liberalization, but talks with the U.S. are struggling. Clearly, South Africa cannot ignore the U.S. market, and in order to improve the trade relationship, talks have been taking place since June 2004 on a Free Trade Agreement between the U.S. and the five members of the Southern African Customs Union. Apparently, some U.S. firms feel that the quotas reserved for black businesses in terms of government procurement arc anti-competitive and against free trade.

This article presents information on economic conditions prevailing in South Africa and neighboring countries, as of January 1, 2005. Exchange rate appreciation reflects the recent surge in gold prices and the weakness of the U.S. dollar. Against a backdrop of low inflation, a softening in oil prices, and a firm Rand, the South African Reserve Bank has scope to cut the repo rate by 50bps to 7.00% at its next Monetary Policy Committee meeting, which is due later this month. In the short term, the strength of the exchange rate will dampen the tendency for a rally on the Johannesburg All Share Index.

This article presents latest economic data from the South African Reserve Bank, which indicate that South African economy enjoyed a solid growth in 2004. Overall, domestic demand continued to benefit from the easier monetary policy environment and the fiscal stimulus, although the Rand's strength affected the export sector, thereby dampening overall growth. Growth reached its nadir in the current cycle in fourth quarter of 2003, when it expanded by a mere 1.0% year-on-year. However, solid gross domestic expenditure of 4.0% year-on-year suggested that the underlying conditions were strong, and the overall rate was only dragged down by the poorly performing export sector.

The article offers information on the impact of industrial action on economic growth and investment in South Africa. It mentions that strikes poses downside risk to economic growth in which sectors involved comprise a significant proportion of South African economy. It says that mining sector accounts for almost 10.0% of nominal gross domestic product (GDP) while the manufacturing sector is a key contributor to economic growth.

The article offers an outlook on the condition of interest rate easing cycle in South Africa, in connection with South African Reserve Bank's (SARB) 50bps rate cut on November 18, 2010. It suggests that the November rate cut, which amounts to 5.50%, likely indicates the end of the cutting cycle throughout 2011. However, it states the risk of cut in early 2011, in case domestic demands fail to bounce back. Meanwhile, it provides a table showing the economic trends and forecasts from 2008 to 2012.

The article presents the economic outlook of South Africa for 2009. The research firm Business Monitor International Ltd. expects that the deteriorating domestic finances will affect the long term creditworthiness of the nation. The ratings agency Moody's has raised the foreign currency credit of the country from "Baa1" to "A3" and changed its outlook to "positive" from "stable."

The article presents a risk summary of the political, economic and the business environment in South Africa. The State of the Nation address of President Jacob Zuma mentions the attempt of the government to create thousands of additional jobs. The Business Monitor International Ltd. (BMI) forecast a contraction and an increased activity by trade unions. BMI sees that the 1.9 percent contraction affect import growth. BMI gives a risk rating of 58.8 percent to South Africa's business environment.

The article presents an economic outlook for 2009 in South Africa. The forecast by the Business Monitor International Ltd. (BMI) believes that the increase in public debt and inflationary pressures keep yield level elevated. The government is expected to be forced to grant additional domestic debt to support the fiscal deficit. The BMI predicts a continuous disinflation trend in 2009 due to the weak economy and its base effects.

The article presents an economic outlook for 2009 and 2010 in the South African region. The Business Monitor International Ltd. states that countries in the region is dependent on base metals and diamonds. Agricultural commodity exporters foresee a decline in trade deficits. The BMI forecast an improvement in commodity prices while trade deficits will show signs of improvement during the outlook period.

The article presents political and economic forecasts for South Africa for 2009. It relates that the dismissal of the corruption case against African National Congress (ANC) leader Jacob Zuma will reduce the political risk. It also states that the declining oil and food prices will continue to be the key factor of the region's inflation rate depreciation. The plan of German automaker Volkswagenwerk to cut 400 jobs is expected to have a significant impact on the region's business environment.

The article discusses the forecast concerning the South African currency. It is predicted that the rand will remain weak in 2008 and 2009. It is believed that the uncertainty surrounding South African domestic politics and the ongoing capital outflows will remain as the key factors of currency risks.

The article provides information related to the political and economic conditions in South Africa in 2008. The early resignation of President Thabo Mbeki is expected to elevate the threat of snap elections and a break-up of the African National Congress into two parties. The preparations for the 2010 Federation Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) football world cup is believed to be a propellant of economic growth. The Automotive Production and Development Programme has been implemented.