Observations By Tshepo Magagane Unfortunately, China has cornered most of the global market. And Friedland, who has been connected to China since the ‘90s, says it’s about 30 years ahead of us. And for processing of some minerals, there may be no catching up, given the small and specialized quantities involved. Friedland is building a […]
Zambia & SADC – Economic Freedom Index 2025
Opinion and Observations By Ceaser Siwale The Economic Freedom Index (EFI) is an annual ranking published by The Heritage Foundation that assesses the economic freedom of countries worldwide. The index measures the degree to which individuals and businesses can freely operate without undue restraint. Countries are scored across 12 indicators grouped into four broad pillars: Rule of Law, Government Size, Regulatory Efficiency, […]
Getting Ahead of Itself
By Tshepo Magagane Gold – is it getting ahead of itself? Inflation adjusted all time high is USD3,800/oz – as QE started, you had Swiss based wealth managers going USD4,000-5,000/oz (the purported relationship with interest rates) 15yrs back post GFC when Central Banks raced to hold interests rates at zero, this is what we were […]
Long-Term Shifts in Global Partnerships and U.S.-Africa Relations
Observations By Ceaser Siwale The USAID pullback is not just a funding issue – it also signals a shift in geopolitical relationships. U.S.-Africa relations are poised to change. For decades, foreign aid was a pillar of American “soft power” in Africa, a way to project influence and goodwill. Now that pillar is crumbling. African governments and […]
Rich Men’s Jokes Are NOT That Funny!
…. but how will you feed your family if youdon’t laugh? Have you seen how men behave around a rich man? Think Freedom Sikazwe-style laughter and worse, having nothing to offer in return. Because we do it. Prostitute our self worth and decency to a man with money in the bank in exchange for maybe […]
Friends With Benefits
These modern kids call it “friends with benefits”. In essence, you get to enjoy the benefit of a woman’s companionship without months long due diligence or extortionate KYC. You see each other when you can, don’t owe each other birthday gifts or good morning texts. Quite a fascinating concept, this. One that men these days […]
Humanitarian and Economic Fallout of USAID Cuts
Observations By Ceaser Siwale, Executive USAID’s abrupt funding halt has delivered a shock to health and welfare programs across Africa. In early 2025, the U.S. government terminated roughly 90% of its foreign aid contracts, effectively ending some 10,000 USAID-supported projects worldwide. Termination letters went out to organizations fighting hunger and disease, informing them their life-saving programs […]
2 Copper Stories: Article on Financing and FQM Head Geo Interview2 Copper Stories:
Written By Tshepo Magagane 1. Copper Industry needs to invest USD2.1trn to meet demand My Transition obsession – as I have said, “Africa missed out on Chinese Steel Production demand driven commodities rally while Australia fully capitalised on this to not only build at a national level but to create local capital pools”. 1. There […]
The Paradox of People Management in High Finance: Balancing Autonomy, Efficiency, and Institutionalization
Thoughts & Insights from Ceaser Siwale Having spent the past 27 years in financial markets—24 of them in investment banking—I have witnessed firsthand the paradox that exists within our industry. While we excel at navigating mergers, deciphering complex financial models, and trying to anticipate market trends, many of us struggle when it comes to managing […]
Political & Country Risk – Why I Dont Listen To Credit Agencies!
Written By Tshepo Magagane When someone talks about it, ask them a simple question “when last were you there, how long were you there for, what business are you doing there”! I have this oversimplification of risk and totally mischaracterization! If Friedland had listen to any of these “quantitative measures, he would not have build […]