Insights

BY DEAN N ONYAMBU Beneath the vast skies of Africa lies a land rich with promise. Its soil holds the potential for abundance, but its fate rests in the hands of those who nurture or neglect it. Progress does not arrive by chance; it emerges from within, shaped by its people’s choices, values, and actions. While […]

By Savior Mwambwa, A recent article by the Economist entitled The capitalist revolution Africa needs made for an interesting reading. The Economist’s analysis of “The Africa Gap” correctly identifies critical challenges facing the continent but prescribes solutions that risk repeating past policy mistakes. While market dynamism is crucial, evidence from successful development experiences shows that transformative growth requires […]

Thoughts By Tshepo Magagane I wrote this a year back about SA’s Northern Cape: remember the existing car industry in Pretoria and Gqeberha – I criticise SA a lot but they get things such as localisation, industrialisation right (think Mintek, CSIR, IDC). NB: 2/3 of light vehicle production are exported from the country (EU top […]

Opinion Authored By: Samuel Maimbo // Dr. Samuel Maimbo is the vice president for budget, performance review, and strategic planning at the World Bank, and a leading development finance expert. He is a candidate for the presidency of the African Development Bank. Why is the development model set in the wake of World War II not working in […]

By Savior Mwambwa Thanks to the Christmas holidays, I’ve finished reading the World Bank’s latest Country Private Sector Diagnostic for Zambia in-depth, and I have some thoughts to share.  While the report offers valuable insights into Zambia’s investment landscape, its fundamental approach concerns me. Let me explain why. What the World Bank Gets Right First, […]

By Savior Mwambwa Thanks to the Christmas holidays, I’ve just finished reading the World Bank’s latest Country Private Sector Diagnostic for Zambia in depth, and I have some thoughts to share.  While the report offers valuable insights into Zambia’s investment landscape, its fundamental approach concerns me. Let me explain why. What the World Bank Gets […]

Written By Ceaser Siwale The RussiaUkraine War The war between Russia and Ukraine is reshaping global energy and mineral markets. Ukraine, home to significant lithium reserves, has seen its mining sector stalled due to the conflict. This delays its potential as a key supplier of EV batteries and exacerbates Europe’s reliance on imports from geopolitically […]

Thoughts from Ceaser Siwale Aging Populations vs. Young Populations Prediction: Aging populations in developed economies will strain social systems, while youthful demographics in regions like Africa will drive innovation and economic growth. Reality: Aging populations in Europe, Japan, and parts of North America are creating labour shortages and increasing healthcare and pension burdens. Governments in these regions […]

Thoughts by Ceaser Siwale The Impact of AI Prediction: Artificial intelligence is predicted to revolutionise industries, enhance productivity, and create global economic opportunities. Reality: While AI has delivered breakthroughs in automation, healthcare, and finance, its implementation has highlighted stark inequalities. Advanced economies are reaping the benefits while developing nations face infrastructure, talent acquisition, and data access challenges. […]

Thoughts from Ceaser Siwale Food Security: A Global Challenge Prediction: Technological innovations, including AI-driven agricultural systems, are expected to increase food production and reduce waste significantly, ensuring global food security. Reality: While AI transforms agriculture with precision farming and improved crop monitoring, the impacts are unevenly distributed. Regions like Sub-Saharan Africa, where agriculture remains largely subsistence-based, struggle […]