As South Africa prepares for the 2025 National Budget Speech, businesses, particularly Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) will be keenly watching for signals on economic growth, investment, and policy support.

As we reflect on 2024 and look toward 2025, one thing is clear: despite global and local challenges, South African investors have reason to be optimistic. Adriaan Pask, CIO at PSG Wealth, explores how 2024’s market milestones are likely to impact the year ahead for investors

Private investors have been excluded from infrastructure investment in the past. But renewable energy now offers new opportunities both in terms of return and risk management.

Experts react to SONA, analysing youth employment, education, finance, and energy. They call for clear execution plans, sustainable job creation, financial stability, and accelerated infrastructure reform. While progress is noted, they stress the need for measurable action over promises.

Rashaad Tayob, Portfolio Manager at Foord Asset Management, notes that while Trump's "America First" approach has boosted US markets, the broader implications could negatively impact both US and global economic growth, particularly if tariff wars escalate

South Africa remains a country blighted by poverty and inequality. Sadly, the economic stagnation of the past decade halted progress in addressing these ills. It left the government with an unsustainable debt burden, while local and global investors became disillusioned by lacklustre returns. I