Within the context of a tightening global business environment, foreign investment in countries such as South Africa may decline, or head towards more friendly climates. Higher interest rates also mean tighter credit, and so businesses that want to expand may be faced with higher risk and credit costs.
Monopolising the management of healthcare — even if it is done only incrementally over a long period — will add yet more layers of bureaucracy and control over doctors and nurses, and concentrate resources in the hands of the state. In so doing it will add incentives for cronyism and corruption.
Considering the consistently below-average performance of the country’s ports, it comes as no surprise that the Port of Maputo is emerging as an alternative to its nearest South African competitors, a point confirmed by Chris Hattingh, senior policy analyst at the Centre for Risk Analysis.
The Centre for Risk Analysis says conditions at local ports are costing Transnet and the economy billions, due to years of neglect.
Despite South Africa’s continuous improvement in its Human Development Index value for nearly three decades, the country’s overall rank has been declining over the past three years.
South Africa’s recent attempts at structural reform tinker at the margins and do little to resolve barriers to investment and employment, especially regarding labour markets.
The latest Macro Review – Siege Economy: SA Trade – published by the Centre For Risk Analysis, looks at the latest trends regarding South Africa’s trade with the world. Also featured is an analysis of key policy risks facing businesses and the consequences of such risks, which are most likely to be felt by low- to middle-income consumers.