economic developmentlatest news & developments
Saco executive director Unathi Lutshaba

SACO’s 2025 Conference explores the future of africa’s creative economy

SACO’s conference tackles pressing questions: who owns creativity, how can creatives thrive and what does an African-led creative economy look like?

South Africa could channel sustained, coordinated support into fields such as green energy, agro-processing, tourism and mineral beneficiation by developing skills pipelines, investment in infrastructure and policy consistency.

South Africa: What’s best – a developmental state or a capable state?

We need to focus on effective governance, accountability and targeted growth sectors within a democratic framework

The Durban Aerotropolis Master Plan includes the Durban Aerotropolis at the Dube TradePort Special Economic Zone near King Shaka International Airport.

Aerotropolis: A redefined urban development model for economic growth

Airports can be integrated into urban planning, taking them beyond transport hubs to centres of prosperity, innovation and industrial expansion

A view of crowded streets in the Kigali city center during the afternoon rush hour on April 05, 2024 in Kigali, Rwanda.  (Photo by J. Countess/Getty Images)

The algorithm of love: Reimagining development leadership

Where algorithms see risk, we must see potential; where systems see statistics, we must recognise humanity

Vusi Dlamini, head of operations at the Renergen Tetra4 Virginia Gas Project. Photo: Motlatsi Mofokeng
Video

Free State’s helium gamble: A new energy frontier?

The province is home to the biggest gas and helium project in the country. Will it speed up the shift towards renewable energy sources, or could it potentially hinder progress? Refilwe Mochoari investigates

The promise of $300 billion by 2035 is not only insufficient; it’s a betrayal of the principles of climate justice. (Guillem Sartorio/Getty Images)

Renewable energy sector doesn’t provide long-term job security

Most jobs are for the installation period only, and are therefore temporary

Niice Foods co-founder Tarryn Muller with Trade and Investment KZN CEO Sihle Ngcamu before heading to China to exhibit her locally produced macadamia nut cooking oil. (TIKZN)

KZN entrepreneurs off to China to boost exports, expand markets

Small business owners are also hoping to get advice on adding value from ‘the factory of the world’

Business leaders questioned the relevance of the National Economic Development and Labour Council at its 29th annual summit in Johannesburg on Friday.

Business questions relevance of Nedlac

The council must review how it will remain relevant in an economy characterised by artificial intelligence, digitalisation and hybrid ways of working, business partners say

SM Slader’s 1824 engraving
Sale of a Negro Family, of a slave auction in Cape
Town. Photo: Hulton Archive/Getty Images

The truth about Cape slavery and historical misrepresentations

This is an edited extract from Patric Tariq Mellet’s The Truth About Cape Slavery

Ithala’s provisional liquidation may result in the closure of 257 000 depositors’ accounts while legal proceedings are under way.  (Photo: Ithala)

Ithala’s chief executive wants policy intervention for the ‘financially sound’ institution

KwaZulu-Natal economic development MEC Musa Zondi said the ‘crisis’ at the finance institution, which had its licence suspended last week, was being addressed with urgency

Sources have alleged that the removal of Nhlakanipho  Nkontwana was part of Siboniso Duma’s political goal to “insert his own people” in key positions of power in the economic development and tourism portfolio to maintain control, despite his exit from the department.
(Darren Stewart/Gallo Images via Getty Images)

Struggle for purse strings in KZN economic department

Concerns have been raised that a head of department described as a ‘clean professional’ has been ousted for political reasons