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        <title>Engineering News | Statistical Releases</title>
        <description><![CDATA[Latest news on economy, including budget, competition policy, labour & skills development, legislative environment, state companies, tourism and macro and micro industry.]]></description>
        <link>https://newsletter-en.creamermedia.com/page/statistical-releases</link>
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            <title>All sectors and companies need software skills as AI's impact grows – BCG</title>
            <link>https://newsletter-en.creamermedia.com/article/all-sectors-and-companies-need-software-skills-as-ais-impact-grows-bcg-2026-09-30</link>
            <description><![CDATA[AI is having an impact across all sectors and companies are realising that they need software capabilities to manage AI deployments, as these are not available in every company or business function. This is according to management consulting firm Boston Consulting Group's (BCG’s) 'Applied AI Index 2026' report, which shows that 48.5% of respondents are now delivering some or significant value through the use of AI.]]></description>
            <author>Schalk Burger</author>
            <category>AI IMPACT</category>
            <pubDate>Wed, 30 Sep 2026 15:45:00 +0200</pubDate>
        <a_id>731256</a_id>
        <updated>1790777612</updated>
        <published>1790775900</published>
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        <editor>Chanel de Bruyn</editor>
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            <title>South Africa's central bank raises main interest rate to 7.25%</title>
            <link>https://newsletter-en.creamermedia.com/article/south-africas-central-bank-raises-main-interest-rate-to-725-2026-09-23</link>
            <description><![CDATA[South Africa's central bank raised its key interest rate by 25 basis points (bps) to 7.25% on Wednesday, saying it wanted to steer inflation towards its 3% target. The decision by policymakers at the South African Reserve Bank (SARB) was unanimous.]]></description>
            <author>  Reuters</author>
            <category>Statistical Releases</category>
            <pubDate>Wed, 23 Sep 2026 15:18:00 +0200</pubDate>
        <a_id>730907</a_id>
        <updated>1790173454</updated>
        <published>1790169480</published>
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        <editor>  Reuters</editor>
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        <image_title>SARB governor Lesetja Kganyago</image_title>
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            <title>South Africa's headline inflation rate inches higher in August</title>
            <link>https://newsletter-en.creamermedia.com/article/south-africas-headline-inflation-rate-inches-higher-in-august-2026-09-23</link>
            <description><![CDATA[South African inflation picked up slightly in August, but analysts said the smaller-than-expected uptick was unlikely to influence the central bank's interest-rate announcement later in the day. Headline inflation was at 4.4% year-on-year, up from 4.3% in July but below the average forecast of 4.5% in a Reuters poll of economists, Statistics South Africa data showed on Wednesday.]]></description>
            <author>  Reuters</author>
            <category>Statistical Releases</category>
            <pubDate>Wed, 23 Sep 2026 11:16:00 +0200</pubDate>
        <a_id>730862</a_id>
        <updated>1790160365</updated>
        <published>1790154960</published>
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        <editor>  Reuters</editor>
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            <title>Trade conditions firmed further in August – Sacci</title>
            <link>https://newsletter-en.creamermedia.com/article/trade-conditions-firmed-further-in-august-sacci-2026-09-16</link>
            <description><![CDATA[The South African Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s (Sacci’s) Trade Conditions Survey for August shows that trade conditions improved marginally in July and August and appear to have stabilised, although it remains in negative terrain. The effect of the war in the Middle East on fuel prices in April had a disrupting impact on trade conditions. Trade conditions appear to be recovering slowly, with the index, after reaching a low of 35 in June, having recovered somewhat to 42 in August.]]></description>
            <author>Schalk Burger</author>
            <category>TRADE CONDITIONS</category>
            <pubDate>Wed, 16 Sep 2026 11:30:00 +0200</pubDate>
        <a_id>730275</a_id>
        <updated>1789554107</updated>
        <published>1789551000</published>
        <expires>99999999999</expires>
        <editor>Chanel de Bruyn</editor>
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        <image_title>The effect of the war in the Middle East on fuel prices in April had a disrupting impact on trade conditions</image_title>
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            <title>Ekurhuleni murders: Busa says ‘all-in response’ needed as it offers support</title>
            <link>https://newsletter-en.creamermedia.com/article/ekurhuleni-murders-busa-says-all-in-response-needed-as-it-offers-support-2026-09-16</link>
            <description><![CDATA[Business Unity South Africa has lent its voice to the recent outrage expressed by all sectors of South Africa’s society, following the discovery of eight women’s bodies, in murder cases being tracked by police across Ekurhuleni. On Tuesday, President Cyril Ramaphosa issued assurances to the public that the recent spate of murders of women in the East Rand area, in Gauteng, will be prioritised. Busa, on Wednesday, said the murders are a national crisis that is an assault on constitutional rights and human dignity, as it relayed its condolences to the families of the victims. “No woman should live in fear or be denied the freedom to move, work and participate fully in society. Violence against women is not a private or marginal issue; it is a national crisis that harms communities, weakens our economy and diminishes us all,” Busa stated.]]></description>
            <author>Sashnee Moodley</author>
            <category>Statistical Releases</category>
            <pubDate>Wed, 16 Sep 2026 11:02:00 +0200</pubDate>
        <a_id>730279</a_id>
        <updated>1789567048</updated>
        <published>1789549320</published>
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        <editor>Creamer Media Reporter  </editor>
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            <title>Venture capital sector maturing, says Savca</title>
            <link>https://newsletter-en.creamermedia.com/article/venture-capital-sector-maturing-says-savca-2026-09-16</link>
            <description><![CDATA[While the deployment of venture capital (VC) in South Africa in 2025 moderated from the record levels achieved in 2024, investment activity for the year remained well above historical norms and reflects a maturing sector, industry organisation the Southern African Venture Capital and Private Equity Association (Savca) reports. Its latest 'Venture Capital Industry Survey' shows that R2.48-billion of venture capital was deployed in the country in 2025, with R2.23-billion deployed as equity and R247-million deployed as debt funding.]]></description>
            <author>Schalk Burger</author>
            <category>VENTURE CAPITAL</category>
            <pubDate>Wed, 16 Sep 2026 09:45:00 +0200</pubDate>
        <a_id>730260</a_id>
        <updated>1789546909</updated>
        <published>1789544700</published>
        <expires>99999999999</expires>
        <editor>Chanel de Bruyn</editor>
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        <image_title>Savca CEO Anusha Naidu.</image_title>
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            <title>Absa manufacturing confidence index down to 27 points in the third quarter</title>
            <link>https://newsletter-en.creamermedia.com/article/absa-manufacturing-confidence-index-down-to-27-points-in-the-third-quarter-2026-09-15</link>
            <description><![CDATA[Business confidence in the manufacturing sector deteriorated by four index points quarter-on-quarter to 27 in the third quarter of the year, as weak domestic demand, deteriorating export activity and persistent economic uncertainty continued to weigh on business performance, financial services firm Absa’s Manufacturing Survey for the third quarter shows. Domestic sales remained muted for a third consecutive quarter, while export sales declined by a further six index points compared. Domestic orders also retreated by seven index points and export orders by five index points, while capacity underutilisation increased, which points to greater spare capacity in the sector.]]></description>
            <author>Schalk Burger</author>
            <category>MANUFACTURING</category>
            <pubDate>Tue, 15 Sep 2026 12:36:00 +0200</pubDate>
        <a_id>730183</a_id>
        <updated>1789469692</updated>
        <published>1789468560</published>
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        <editor>Chanel de Bruyn</editor>
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            <title>Services now account for 27% of global exports, developing countries' share falls – Unctad</title>
            <link>https://newsletter-en.creamermedia.com/article/services-now-account-for-27-of-global-exports-developing-countries-share-falls-unctad-2026-09-07</link>
            <description><![CDATA[Services account for a growing share of economic activity and trade globally, although their contribution to countries’ GDP varies widely. In developed economies, services account for about 70% of GDP and a similar share of total employment, says UN Trade and Development (Unctad). In developing economies, services generate more than half of economic activity with significant variations across country groups, from 66% of GDP in small island developing States to 42% in least developed countries (LDCs).]]></description>
            <author>Schalk Burger</author>
            <category>TRADE</category>
            <pubDate>Mon, 07 Sep 2026 12:22:00 +0200</pubDate>
        <a_id>729605</a_id>
        <updated>1788782284</updated>
        <published>1788776520</published>
        <expires>99999999999</expires>
        <editor>Chanel de Bruyn</editor>
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            <title>Households continue to face high cost of essentials – Commission</title>
            <link>https://newsletter-en.creamermedia.com/article/households-continue-to-face-high-cost-of-essentials-commission-2026-09-04</link>
            <description><![CDATA[The Competition Commission’s ‘2026 Cost of Living’ (COL) report shows that household budgets are under sustained pressure as electricity, water, petrol, transport, healthcare and communication costs continue to rise faster than overall inflation. The commission also raises concerns that consumers are not always benefiting from lower input costs. In several food markets, including brown bread, maize meal and sunflower oil, the producer prices remain elevated despite significant decreases in the price of grains and oilseeds.]]></description>
            <author>Schalk Burger</author>
            <category>COST OF LIVING</category>
            <pubDate>Fri, 04 Sep 2026 12:41:00 +0200</pubDate>
        <a_id>729539</a_id>
        <updated>1788531438</updated>
        <published>1788518460</published>
        <expires>99999999999</expires>
        <editor>Chanel de Bruyn</editor>
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        <image_title></image_title>
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            <title>Report identifies extreme poverty, barriers to business growth in townships and rural areas</title>
            <link>https://newsletter-en.creamermedia.com/article/report-identifies-extreme-poverty-barriers-to-business-growth-in-townships-and-rural-areas-2026-09-03</link>
            <description><![CDATA[The Competition Commission’s '2026 Rural and Township Economy Report' finds that township and rural households continue to face severe economic constraints, while businesses face barriers that prevent many from scaling, formalising or integrating more fully into broader value chains. The report finds that 53% of respondents in rural towns, 47% in large townships and 39% in metro townships earn an income of below R3 500 a month, with substantial numbers falling below the poverty line, which paints a picture of dire economic hardship faced by residents in these areas.]]></description>
            <author>Schalk Burger</author>
            <category>COMPETITION</category>
            <pubDate>Thu, 03 Sep 2026 14:46:00 +0200</pubDate>
        <a_id>729426</a_id>
        <updated>1788442592</updated>
        <published>1788439560</published>
        <expires>99999999999</expires>
        <editor>Chanel de Bruyn</editor>
        <has_video>0</has_video>
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            <title>Absa PMI shows sharp drop in factory output in August</title>
            <link>https://newsletter-en.creamermedia.com/article/august-absa-pmi-shows-sharp-drop-in-factory-output-in-august-2026-09-01</link>
            <description><![CDATA[The business activity subindex of financial services firm Absa’s Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) showed a sharp deterioration of 8.6 points to 40.2 in August, which is its lowest level this year and signals a sharp deterioration in factory output, says economic research institute the Bureau for Economic Research (BER). The headline Absa PMI declined further in August, falling to 45.8 points from 46.8 in July.]]></description>
            <author>Schalk Burger</author>
            <category>MANUFACTURING</category>
            <pubDate>Tue, 01 Sep 2026 11:00:00 +0200</pubDate>
        <a_id>729167</a_id>
        <updated>1788255373</updated>
        <published>1788253200</published>
        <expires>99999999999</expires>
        <editor>Chanel de Bruyn</editor>
        <has_video>0</has_video>
        <has_audio>0</has_audio>
        <image_url>https://cisp.cachefly.net/assets/articles/images/resized/0001296238_resized_portofdurban10220424.jpeg</image_url>
        <image_title>The Port of Durban</image_title>
        <image_width>511</image_width>
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            <title>Cape Town drove 50% of all new job growth in metros over last five years – Hill-Lewis</title>
            <link>https://newsletter-en.creamermedia.com/article/cape-town-drove-50-of-all-new-job-growth-in-metros-over-last-five-years-hill-lewis-2026-08-19</link>
            <description><![CDATA[Cape Town Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis says the Western Cape capital has added 418 000 jobs over the current local government term, which he says is more than the next four largest metros – Johannesburg, eThekwini, Tshwane and Ekurhuleni – combined. He says Cape Town also has the lowest broad unemployment rate ­– 11 percentage points lower than the next metro, at 24.3% – with this indicator including both the unemployed and those not actively job-searching.]]></description>
            <author>Irma Venter</author>
            <category>JOBS</category>
            <pubDate>Wed, 19 Aug 2026 15:02:00 +0200</pubDate>
        <a_id>728267</a_id>
        <updated>1787147411</updated>
        <published>1787144520</published>
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        <editor>Creamer Media Reporter  </editor>
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        <image_title>Geordin Hill-Lewis</image_title>
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            <title>South African rand steady near five-month peak</title>
            <link>https://newsletter-en.creamermedia.com/article/south-african-rand-steady-near-five-month-peak-2026-08-12</link>
            <description><![CDATA[he South African rand was steady in early trade on Wednesday, holding near a five-month high against the dollar as traders took stock of recent domestic unemployment figures and awaited fresh US inflation data. At 0630 GMT, the rand traded at 16.19 against the dollar, little changed from its previous close and maintaining levels around its strongest since March 2.]]></description>
            <author>  Reuters</author>
            <category>Statistical Releases</category>
            <pubDate>Wed, 12 Aug 2026 09:08:00 +0200</pubDate>
        <a_id>727603</a_id>
        <updated>1786518656</updated>
        <published>1786518480</published>
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        <editor>  Reuters</editor>
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        <image_title></image_title>
        <image_width>511</image_width>
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            <title>June manufacturing production down by 1.7% y/y – StatsSA</title>
            <link>https://newsletter-en.creamermedia.com/article/june-manufacturing-production-down-by-17-yy-statssa-2026-08-11</link>
            <description><![CDATA[Manufacturing production decreased by 1.7% in June compared with June 2025, but increased by 0.9% compared with May, Statistics South Africa (Stats SA) reports. May saw a 1% month-on-month improvement following a 2.6% month-on-month decline in April.]]></description>
            <author>Schalk Burger</author>
            <category>MANUFACTURING PRODUCTION</category>
            <pubDate>Tue, 11 Aug 2026 16:32:00 +0200</pubDate>
        <a_id>727585</a_id>
        <updated>1786480521</updated>
        <published>1786458720</published>
        <expires>99999999999</expires>
        <editor>Chanel de Bruyn</editor>
        <has_video>0</has_video>
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            <title>CGA lowers citrus export estimate, as season reaches peak</title>
            <link>https://newsletter-en.creamermedia.com/article/cga-lowers-citrus-export-estimate-as-season-reaches-peak-2026-08-05</link>
            <description><![CDATA[Industry organisation the Citrus Growers’ Association of Southern Africa (CGA) has revised its total export estimate for this year downward to 205.3-million 15 kg cartons, from the pre-season estimate of 209.4-million 15 kg cartons. With all varieties included, the industry has now reached the peak of the export period, which has placed considerable pressure on port capacity, with delays being experienced at the Port of Durban.]]></description>
            <author>Schalk Burger</author>
            <category>CITRUS EXPORTS</category>
            <pubDate>Wed, 05 Aug 2026 12:16:00 +0200</pubDate>
        <a_id>727229</a_id>
        <updated>1785926561</updated>
        <published>1785924960</published>
        <expires>99999999999</expires>
        <editor>Chanel de Bruyn</editor>
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            <title>Absa PMI declines in July, but domestic demand and new sales orders improve</title>
            <link>https://newsletter-en.creamermedia.com/article/absa-pmi-declines-in-july-but-domestic-demand-and-new-sales-orders-improve-2026-08-03</link>
            <description><![CDATA[Financial services firm Absa’s Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) declined to 46.8 in July, from 47.3 points in the prior month. While this reading suggests a weak start to the third quarter, the headline decline arguably overstates the weakness in underlying manufacturing conditions, as domestic demand improved and lifted new sales orders, Absa comments.]]></description>
            <author>Schalk Burger</author>
            <category>PURCHASING MANAGERS</category>
            <pubDate>Mon, 03 Aug 2026 11:37:00 +0200</pubDate>
        <a_id>726999</a_id>
        <updated>1785750627</updated>
        <published>1785749820</published>
        <expires>99999999999</expires>
        <editor>Chanel de Bruyn</editor>
        <has_video>0</has_video>
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        <image_title></image_title>
        <image_width>511</image_width>
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            <title>South Africa's venture capital ecosystem is maturing, study shows</title>
            <link>https://newsletter-en.creamermedia.com/article/south-africas-venture-capital-ecosystem-is-maturing-study-shows-2026-07-24</link>
            <description><![CDATA[Successful exits of companies from venture capital funds in South Africa delivered more than twice the capital invested and show that the country’s venture capital ecosystem is moving to a more mature investment market that can attract greater institutional capital, say South African venture capital organisations. The 'South African Venture Capital: Exit & Performance Analysis' report shows that realised cash returns substantially exceeded invested capital, with capital-weighted realised returns ranging from 2.01-times to 2.45-times invested capital.]]></description>
            <author>Schalk Burger</author>
            <category>VENTURE CAPITAL</category>
            <pubDate>Fri, 24 Jul 2026 11:28:00 +0200</pubDate>
        <a_id>726422</a_id>
        <updated>1784887718</updated>
        <published>1784885280</published>
        <expires>99999999999</expires>
        <editor>Chanel de Bruyn</editor>
        <has_video>0</has_video>
        <has_audio>0</has_audio>
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        <image_title>Endeavor South Africa MD Alison Collier</image_title>
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            <title>South Africa unexpectedly holds rates as it flags growth risks</title>
            <link>https://newsletter-en.creamermedia.com/article/south-africa-unexpectedly-holds-rates-as-it-flags-growth-risks-2026-07-23</link>
            <description><![CDATA[The South African Reserve Bank defied expectations and held interest rates steady to support economic growth after revising its inflation forecasts lower, while warning that the renewed conflict in the Middle East could justify more tightening. The six-member monetary policy committee maintained the benchmark policy rate at 7%, Governor Lesetja Kganyago told reporters in Pretoria on Thursday. Only three of 20 economists surveyed by Bloomberg had expected a hold. The rest predicted a 25 basis point increase.]]></description>
            <author>  Bloomberg</author>
            <category>Statistical Releases</category>
            <pubDate>Thu, 23 Jul 2026 15:33:00 +0200</pubDate>
        <a_id>726348</a_id>
        <updated>1784815536</updated>
        <published>1784813580</published>
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        <editor>  Bloomberg</editor>
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        <image_title>Reserve Bank Governor Lesetja Kganyago</image_title>
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            <title>Industrial policies must integrate green and development opportunities – TIPS</title>
            <link>https://newsletter-en.creamermedia.com/article/industrial-policies-must-integrate-green-and-development-opportunities-tips-2026-07-23</link>
            <description><![CDATA[South Africa has various industry-related policies and master plans that take into account the changes wrought by the global energy transition, but the opportunities and risks arising from these changes must be addressed holistically across different sectors. Further, jobs have been created in some of South Africa's industries, including in low-carbon industries, but have been offset by job losses, particularly in energy-intensive industries.]]></description>
            <author>Schalk Burger</author>
            <category>GREEN INDUSTRY</category>
            <pubDate>Thu, 23 Jul 2026 11:57:00 +0200</pubDate>
        <a_id>726310</a_id>
        <updated>1784815391</updated>
        <published>1784800620</published>
        <expires>99999999999</expires>
        <editor>Chanel de Bruyn</editor>
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        <image_title></image_title>
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        <item>
            <title>South Africa inflation jumps more than expected in June</title>
            <link>https://newsletter-en.creamermedia.com/article/south-africa-inflation-jumps-more-than-expected-in-june-2026-07-22</link>
            <description><![CDATA[South African inflation picked up more sharply than expected in June, bolstering expectations that the central bank will deliver a second consecutive interest rate hike on Thursday. Annual headline consumer inflation accelerated to a two-year high of 5.0% in June from 4.5% in May, data from Statistics South Africa showed on Wednesday. Economists polled by Reuters had expected a reading of 4.7%. The transport category was the largest contributor to both the annual and monthly rises in the Consumer Price Index, as the Iran war sent fuel prices sharply higher. Annual core inflation, which strips out volatile items like food and energy, came in at 4.1% in June, also above economists' forecast for a reading of 3.9%. The South African Reserve Bank aims to keep inflation at 3% and will announce its next interest rate decision on Thursday.]]></description>
            <author>  Reuters</author>
            <category>Statistical Releases</category>
            <pubDate>Wed, 22 Jul 2026 10:24:00 +0200</pubDate>
        <a_id>726189</a_id>
        <updated>1784729429</updated>
        <published>1784708640</published>
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        <editor>  Reuters</editor>
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        <image_title></image_title>
        <image_width>511</image_width>
        <image_height>287</image_height>
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        <item>
            <title>Trade conditions remained tight in June – Sacci</title>
            <link>https://newsletter-en.creamermedia.com/article/trade-conditions-remained-tight-in-june-sacci-2026-07-21</link>
            <description><![CDATA[The crude oil price returning to about $72/bl at the end of June had positive effects on business and particularly on general trade conditions for the month and improved trade expectations, reports business organisation the South African Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Sacci). Sales prices remained stable in June, although the general price level, or inflation, partially started to reflect the full fuel price impact in May, Sacci says in its 'Trade Conditions Survey’ for June.]]></description>
            <author>Schalk Burger</author>
            <category>TRADE CONDITIONS</category>
            <pubDate>Tue, 21 Jul 2026 12:11:00 +0200</pubDate>
        <a_id>726116</a_id>
        <updated>1784642705</updated>
        <published>1784628660</published>
        <expires>99999999999</expires>
        <editor>Chanel de Bruyn</editor>
        <has_video>0</has_video>
        <has_audio>0</has_audio>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title>Africa attracted investment in 2025; the challenge is turning it into broader industrial ...</title>
            <link>https://newsletter-en.creamermedia.com/article/africa-attracted-investment-in-2025-challenge-is-turning-it-into-broader-industrial-development-unctad-2026-07-07</link>
            <description><![CDATA[Foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows to Africa reached about $70-billion in 2025, which was below the exceptional $94-billion recorded in 2024, but was the third-highest number since 1990 and remained one-third above the long-term average. However, the bigger story is that investors continue to position themselves in sectors that are becoming increasingly important to the global economy, UN Trade and Development (Unctad) highlights in its 'World Investment Report 2026'.]]></description>
            <author>Schalk Burger</author>
            <category>TRADE INVESTMENTS</category>
            <pubDate>Tue, 07 Jul 2026 10:30:00 +0200</pubDate>
        <a_id>725067</a_id>
        <updated>1783414320</updated>
        <published>1783413000</published>
        <expires>99999999999</expires>
        <editor>Chanel de Bruyn</editor>
        <has_video>0</has_video>
        <has_audio>0</has_audio>
        <image_url>https://cisp.cachefly.net/assets/articles/images/resized/0001283691_resized_businessinafricaglobemap10201910226.jpg</image_url>
        <image_title></image_title>
        <image_width>511</image_width>
        <image_height>287</image_height>
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        <item>
            <title>Africa's blockchain venture capital almost halved in 2025, while share of global deals rises</title>
            <link>https://newsletter-en.creamermedia.com/article/africas-blockchain-venture-capital-almost-halved-in-2025-while-share-of-global-deals-rises-2026-07-07</link>
            <description><![CDATA[Global blockchain venture capital rose by 28.8% in 2025 to $15.4-billion, while deal activity fell by almost a third, which indicates that investors were writing larger cheques, but doing so more selectively. Africa, meanwhile, recorded a 26.6% decrease in funding, but deal activity dropped by only two transactions year-on-year, the latest 'Africa Blockchain Report', published by Swiss venture capital firm CV VC and sponsored by financial services firm Absa, shows.]]></description>
            <author>Schalk Burger</author>
            <category>AFRICA BLOCKCHAIN</category>
            <pubDate>Tue, 07 Jul 2026 10:06:00 +0200</pubDate>
        <a_id>725112</a_id>
        <updated>1783414010</updated>
        <published>1783411560</published>
        <expires>99999999999</expires>
        <editor>Chanel de Bruyn</editor>
        <has_video>0</has_video>
        <has_audio>0</has_audio>
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        <item>
            <title>Absa PMI declines to 47.3 points in June, but price pressures may have peaked</title>
            <link>https://newsletter-en.creamermedia.com/article/absa-pmi-declines-to-473-points-in-june-but-price-pressures-may-have-peaked-2026-07-01</link>
            <description><![CDATA[Financial services firm Absa’s Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) declined from 50.8 in May to 47.3 index points in June. The sharp decline in the PMI’s purchasing price index by 13.5 points to 71.3 in June suggests that April and May may have marked the peak of price pressures, particularly given the fuel price reductions that came into effect on July 1, the bank says.]]></description>
            <author>Schalk Burger</author>
            <category>PURCHASING MANAGERS</category>
            <pubDate>Wed, 01 Jul 2026 11:36:00 +0200</pubDate>
        <a_id>724745</a_id>
        <updated>1782900964</updated>
        <published>1782898560</published>
        <expires>99999999999</expires>
        <editor>Chanel de Bruyn</editor>
        <has_video>0</has_video>
        <has_audio>0</has_audio>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title>Inflation expectations rise before South Africa rate decision</title>
            <link>https://newsletter-en.creamermedia.com/article/inflation-expectations-rise-before-south-africa-rate-decision-2026-06-30</link>
            <description><![CDATA[South Africa’s two-year inflation expectations climbed,complicating the central bank’s efforts to anchor expectations around its 3% target. Average inflation expectations two years ahead, the measure the central bank closely watches when setting interest rates, rose to 3.9% in the second quarter from 3.6% previously, according to a survey published by the Stellenbosch-based Bureau for Economic Research on Tuesday. The survey was conducted between May 18 and June 4, before the US-Iran 60-day ceasefire deal reopened the Strait of Hormuz, sending global energy costs lower and triggering a decline in local fuel prices, which should see inflation ease in coming months. Between survey rounds, annual inflation accelerated to 4.5% from 3% and gasoline prices hit a record.]]></description>
            <author>  Bloomberg</author>
            <category>Statistical Releases</category>
            <pubDate>Tue, 30 Jun 2026 10:15:00 +0200</pubDate>
        <a_id>724618</a_id>
        <updated>1782828269</updated>
        <published>1782807300</published>
        <expires>99999999999</expires>
        <editor>  Bloomberg</editor>
        <has_video>0</has_video>
        <has_audio>0</has_audio>
        <image_url>https://cisp.cachefly.net/assets/articles/images/resized/0001282145_resized_randcurrencycoinflagsouthafricaeconomy1022reuters.jpg</image_url>
        <image_title></image_title>
        <image_width>511</image_width>
        <image_height>287</image_height>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title>BMI lower 2026 steel price forecast, owing to weaker demand</title>
            <link>https://newsletter-en.creamermedia.com/article/bmi-lower-2026-steel-price-forecast-owing-to-weaker-demand-2026-06-26</link>
            <description><![CDATA[Market research and analysis company BMI has lowered its 2026 forecast for the global steel price slightly to $620/t, down from $625/t in its previous forecast, owing to weaker expected steel demand outside Mainland China following the deterioration in the global macroeconomic backdrop since March. As a result of the US-Iran conflict, BMI's Macro team has lowered its 2026 global growth forecast to 2.4%, down from 2.8% before the conflict began.]]></description>
            <author>Schalk Burger</author>
            <category>STEEL OUTLOOK</category>
            <pubDate>Fri, 26 Jun 2026 14:37:00 +0200</pubDate>
        <a_id>724464</a_id>
        <updated>1782480328</updated>
        <published>1782477420</published>
        <expires>99999999999</expires>
        <editor>Chanel de Bruyn</editor>
        <has_video>0</has_video>
        <has_audio>0</has_audio>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title>Multilateral development banks remain relevant, more progress on reforms needed</title>
            <link>https://newsletter-en.creamermedia.com/article/multilateral-development-banks-remain-relevant-more-progress-on-reforms-needed-2026-06-24</link>
            <description><![CDATA[Multilateral development banks (MDBs) remain highly relevant to their clients, and their relevance has increased over the past five years, although there is a need for further progress on reform of some of their functions. This was among the findings of the 'Reforming multilateral development banks: perspectives from client countries' report produced by UK-based think tank ODI Global.]]></description>
            <author>Schalk Burger</author>
            <category>DEVELOPMENT FINANCE</category>
            <pubDate>Wed, 24 Jun 2026 12:05:00 +0200</pubDate>
        <a_id>724184</a_id>
        <updated>1782297829</updated>
        <published>1782295500</published>
        <expires>99999999999</expires>
        <editor>Chanel de Bruyn</editor>
        <has_video>0</has_video>
        <has_audio>0</has_audio>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title>Sustainability viewed as competitive, as risk of disorderly climate transition grows</title>
            <link>https://newsletter-en.creamermedia.com/article/sustainability-viewed-as-competitive-as-risk-of-disorderly-climate-transition-grows-2026-06-23</link>
            <description><![CDATA[As concerns grow about the risks of a disorderly climate transition, business leaders worldwide view sustainability as a driver of competitiveness and resilience, says business organisation the World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD). The WBCSD’s 'Business Breakthrough Barometer 2026' report shows that 68% of the more than 500 business leaders surveyed view a disorderly climate transition – defined as an unplanned and poorly coordinated transition – as more likely than a year ago, with 40% saying such a transition would significantly disrupt operations.]]></description>
            <author>Schalk Burger</author>
            <category>BUSINESS SUSTAINABILITY</category>
            <pubDate>Tue, 23 Jun 2026 09:44:00 +0200</pubDate>
        <a_id>724054</a_id>
        <updated>1782209027</updated>
        <published>1782200640</published>
        <expires>99999999999</expires>
        <editor>Chanel de Bruyn</editor>
        <has_video>0</has_video>
        <has_audio>0</has_audio>
        <image_url>https://cisp.cachefly.net/assets/articles/images/resized/0001280515_resized_lowcarbonfuturekearney1022.jpeg</image_url>
        <image_title>Business leaders report that sustainability is competitive advantage</image_title>
        <image_width>511</image_width>
        <image_height>287</image_height>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title>Critical minerals are reshaping global trade as demand surges – Unctad</title>
            <link>https://newsletter-en.creamermedia.com/article/critical-minerals-are-reshaping-global-trade-as-demand-surges-unctad-2026-06-12</link>
            <description><![CDATA[As the global economy shifts towards cleaner energy systems, electrification and digital technologies, more countries are competing for access to critical minerals. Clean technologies will account for a larger share of critical mineral demand, including copper, nickel, lithium, cobalt and rare earth elements, says UN Trade and Development (Unctad) in its June 2026 Global Trade Update.]]></description>
            <author>Schalk Burger</author>
            <category>MINERALS AND TRADE</category>
            <pubDate>Fri, 12 Jun 2026 14:44:00 +0200</pubDate>
        <a_id>723482</a_id>
        <updated>1781270560</updated>
        <published>1781268240</published>
        <expires>99999999999</expires>
        <editor>Chanel de Bruyn</editor>
        <has_video>0</has_video>
        <has_audio>0</has_audio>
        <image_url>https://cisp.cachefly.net/assets/articles/images/resized/0001278761_resized_untitled12june2026at151816.jpeg</image_url>
        <image_title></image_title>
        <image_width>511</image_width>
        <image_height>287</image_height>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title>Building confidence drops by a further 4 points in the second quarter</title>
            <link>https://newsletter-en.creamermedia.com/article/building-confidence-drops-further-by-a-further-4-points-in-the-second-quarter-2026-06-10</link>
            <description><![CDATA[After slipping by one point to 42 index points in the first quarter of this year, the business mood in the building sector fell by a further four points to 38 in the second quarter, the FNB/BER Building Confidence Index shows. This level indicates that more than 60% of respondents across the building sector value chain are dissatisfied with prevailing business conditions.]]></description>
            <author>Schalk Burger</author>
            <category>BUILDING CONFIDENCE</category>
            <pubDate>Wed, 10 Jun 2026 15:16:00 +0200</pubDate>
        <a_id>723289</a_id>
        <updated>1781100088</updated>
        <published>1781097360</published>
        <expires>99999999999</expires>
        <editor>Chanel de Bruyn</editor>
        <has_video>0</has_video>
        <has_audio>0</has_audio>
        <image_url>https://cisp.cachefly.net/assets/articles/images/resized/0001278186_resized_constructionworkersdawn1022.jpeg</image_url>
        <image_title></image_title>
        <image_width>511</image_width>
        <image_height>287</image_height>
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        <item>
            <title>BCG reports most employees use AI tools</title>
            <link>https://newsletter-en.creamermedia.com/article/bcg-reports-most-employees-use-ai-tools-2026-06-03</link>
            <description><![CDATA[In a survey of 11 749 workers across 14 markets and a range of industries, 72% of respondents, including white-collar frontline and managerial employees, said AI has already considerably changed skills expectations in their roles, says management consulting firm Boston Consulting Group (BCG). AI adoption by frontline employees increased to 74% now being regular users, which is up by more than 20 percentage points over the previous two years, the BCG 'AI at Work 2026' report shows.]]></description>
            <author>Schalk Burger</author>
            <category>WORK &amp; AI</category>
            <pubDate>Wed, 03 Jun 2026 15:57:00 +0200</pubDate>
        <a_id>722802</a_id>
        <updated>1780496193</updated>
        <published>1780495020</published>
        <expires>99999999999</expires>
        <editor>Chanel de Bruyn</editor>
        <has_video>0</has_video>
        <has_audio>0</has_audio>
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        <item>
            <title>Inflation impact likely in emerging markets owing to US-Iran war – BMI</title>
            <link>https://newsletter-en.creamermedia.com/article/inflation-impact-likely-in-emerging-markets-owing-to-us-iran-war-bmi-2026-05-26</link>
            <description><![CDATA[Financial market research company BMI expects oil prices to average $90/bbl this year, and to remain higher for longer, which will, in turn, feed into rising inflation. This will lead to pressure being placed on the reserves of energy-importing countries and to tightening monetary policies, particularly in emerging markets in Asia, said BMI Emerging Markets director and global economist Nikhil Sanghani on May 26.]]></description>
            <author>Schalk Burger</author>
            <category>INFLATION RISKS</category>
            <pubDate>Tue, 26 May 2026 15:59:00 +0200</pubDate>
        <a_id>722148</a_id>
        <updated>1779805511</updated>
        <published>1779803940</published>
        <expires>99999999999</expires>
        <editor>Chanel de Bruyn</editor>
        <has_video>0</has_video>
        <has_audio>0</has_audio>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title>Stagnating formal employment, but growing informal work requires structural changes in ...</title>
            <link>https://newsletter-en.creamermedia.com/article/stagnating-formal-employment-but-growing-informal-work-requires-structural-changes-in-responses-uasa-2026-05-22</link>
            <description><![CDATA[Labour union UASA has said that the meagre growth of 1.1% in employment underpinned by employment contracts over the past 15 years, compared with the 108% growth in the number of people working without employment contracts, means that people are creating work for themselves. The ‘UASA Employment Report 2026’, produced by market research company the Bureau of Market Research (BMR), shows that South Africa's labour market is undergoing significant structural transformation within a constrained economic environment.]]></description>
            <author>Schalk Burger</author>
            <category>EMPLOYMENT STATISTICS</category>
            <pubDate>Fri, 22 May 2026 16:36:00 +0200</pubDate>
        <a_id>721947</a_id>
        <updated>1779462152</updated>
        <published>1779460560</published>
        <expires>99999999999</expires>
        <editor>Chanel de Bruyn</editor>
        <has_video>0</has_video>
        <has_audio>0</has_audio>
        <image_url>https://cisp.cachefly.net/assets/articles/images/resized/0001273847_resized_easycontracts1022.jpg</image_url>
        <image_title></image_title>
        <image_width>511</image_width>
        <image_height>287</image_height>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title>Prolonged uncertainty could trigger fragile period, shortages and wider financial stress – Unctad</title>
            <link>https://newsletter-en.creamermedia.com/article/prolonged-uncertainty-could-trigger-fragile-period-shortages-and-wider-financial-stress-unctad-2026-05-19</link>
            <description><![CDATA[The global economy is moving from an initial phase of supply disruptions and inflation into a more fragile period, where prolonged uncertainty could trigger shortages and wider financial stress, says UN trade and development agency Unctad. While recent years saw trade tensions and policy uncertainty, geopolitical risks are now becoming the dominant source of instability for the global economy, the Unctad ‘Trade and Development Foresights 2026: Global economy faces a geopolitical challenge’ report shows.]]></description>
            <author>Schalk Burger</author>
            <category>TRADE</category>
            <pubDate>Tue, 19 May 2026 15:34:00 +0200</pubDate>
        <a_id>721611</a_id>
        <updated>1779200176</updated>
        <published>1779197640</published>
        <expires>99999999999</expires>
        <editor>Chanel de Bruyn</editor>
        <has_video>0</has_video>
        <has_audio>0</has_audio>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title>S&amp;P expects sub-Saharan Africa’s growth to remain stable despite global headwinds</title>
            <link>https://newsletter-en.creamermedia.com/article/sp-expects-sub-saharan-africas-growth-to-remain-stable-despite-global-headwinds-2026-05-13</link>
            <description><![CDATA[While global growth is expected to slow to 2.4% for the year, down from the previously projected 2.9%, growth in sub-Saharan Africa is still expected to reach 4.1% this year and 3.8% in 2027, financial intelligence firm S&P Global Market Intelligence has said. During its Definitive Risk Conference on May 12, in Johannesburg, S&P Global Market Intelligence Africa and Middle East regional analysis head Thea Fourie said many sub-Saharan African countries were less impacted by the fuel and other commodities price shocks than regions such as Europe or Asia-Pacific.]]></description>
            <author>Schalk Burger</author>
            <category>ECONOMIC OUTLOOK</category>
            <pubDate>Wed, 13 May 2026 16:17:00 +0200</pubDate>
        <a_id>721220</a_id>
        <updated>1778684205</updated>
        <published>1778681820</published>
        <expires>99999999999</expires>
        <editor>Chanel de Bruyn</editor>
        <has_video>0</has_video>
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            <title>Geopolitics, energy prices, climate risks reshaping agriculture outlook – Coface</title>
            <link>https://newsletter-en.creamermedia.com/article/geopolitics-energy-prices-climate-risks-reshaping-agriculture-outlook-coface-2026-05-12</link>
            <description><![CDATA[A convergence of geopolitical tensions, higher energy prices and climate risks is reshaping the outlook for agricultural producers, exporters and agribusinesses, thereby creating conditions that will eventually weigh on global agri‑food systems, says trade credit risk management company Coface. Producer price inflation, which had eased prior to the geopolitical shock, is now likely to reverse. Rising fertiliser, fuel and intermediate input costs are expected to place renewed pressure on farm margins and profitability.]]></description>
            <author>Schalk Burger</author>
            <category>AGRICULTURAL OUTLOOK</category>
            <pubDate>Tue, 12 May 2026 08:05:00 +0200</pubDate>
        <a_id>721025</a_id>
        <updated>1778568014</updated>
        <published>1778565900</published>
        <expires>99999999999</expires>
        <editor>Chanel de Bruyn</editor>
        <has_video>0</has_video>
        <has_audio>0</has_audio>
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        <item>
            <title>Sustained Middle East conflict could push global insolvencies up by 10% this year</title>
            <link>https://newsletter-en.creamermedia.com/article/sustained-middle-east-conflict-could-push-global-insolvencies-up-by-10-this-year-2026-05-05</link>
            <description><![CDATA[Global business insolvencies are set to rise by 6% this year, on the back of a 6% rise in 2025, which would result in the fifth consecutive year of growing insolvencies, before plateauing at a high level in 2027, says trade credit insurance company Allianz Trade. However, a prolonged conflict in the Middle East would amplify insolvency risks.]]></description>
            <author>Schalk Burger</author>
            <category>BUSINESS INSOLVENCIES</category>
            <pubDate>Tue, 05 May 2026 10:51:00 +0200</pubDate>
        <a_id>720531</a_id>
        <updated>1777974213</updated>
        <published>1777971060</published>
        <expires>99999999999</expires>
        <editor>Chanel de Bruyn</editor>
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        <image_title></image_title>
        <image_width>511</image_width>
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            <title>Estimates for late mandarin exports are stable – CGA</title>
            <link>https://newsletter-en.creamermedia.com/article/estimates-for-late-mandarin-exports-are-stable-cga-2026-05-04</link>
            <description><![CDATA[Industry organisation the Citrus Growers’ Association of Southern Africa (CGA) says its late mandarin export estimate for the 2026 season confirms that there is stability in production, although the numbers show a slight decrease compared to last year's late mandarin export figures. This also represents a stabilisation after consecutive years of strong growth.]]></description>
            <author>Schalk Burger</author>
            <category>MANDARIN EXPORTS</category>
            <pubDate>Mon, 04 May 2026 11:18:00 +0200</pubDate>
        <a_id>720427</a_id>
        <updated>1777890876</updated>
        <published>1777886280</published>
        <expires>99999999999</expires>
        <editor>Chanel de Bruyn</editor>
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