Global Scans · South Africa · Weekly Summary

WHAT'S NEXT?: Local elections in South Africa this year could see the ruling African National Congress lose control of key cities like Johannesburg and Pretoria for the first time. South Africa's economy is at risk of falling into recession and public confidence in the ANC is falling.

• [New] Most important is South Africa's rare earth extraction and processing facility, which could fulfill about one-fifth of European demand (including for heavy rare earths). Carnegie Endowment for International Peace
• [New] Countries such as Egypt and South Africa remain structurally important emerging markets where penetration still lags behind underlying investment potential. Mordor Intelligence
• [New] South African law allows for the appointment of a rescue practitioner when it is unlikely that a business will be able to pay its debts over the next six months. Forbes
• [New] South African elites are aware, too, of the risks and potential crises of a world in transition. Stiftung Wissenschaft und Politik (SWP)
• Corruption feels most acute where it shapes daily life: Very high concern in countries such as South Africa, Colombia, Peru, Brazil, and Kenya reflects contexts where corruption is experienced as a direct barrier to services, security, and opportunity. GlobeScan | Know your world. Lead the future.
• The specific countries to back are India, Mexico, Nigeria, South Africa, Brazil and Ethiopia that are all predicted to add the most total beverage alcohol volumes between 2024 and 2029, with India leading the way. The Buyer
• The AfCFTA's 40% African content threshold will disproportionately benefit countries with mature automotive ecosystems, with South Africa and Morocco positioned as the primary near-term winners. Fitch Solutions

Last updated: 14 July 2026