Policy credibility, not capital alone, defines Africa’s next growth phase
From right: Goolam Ballim, chief economist at Standard Bank Group, Dr Michael Power, managing director at KasKazi Consulting, and Ms Yvonne Mhango, Africa Research Economist at Bloomberg, during a panel session at the African Markets Conference hosted by business broadcaster Ms Gugulethu Mfuphi. PHOTOS | REPORTER
Cape Town. Africa’s economic trajectory is increasingly influenced by geopolitics, trade realignment, and policy credibility, rather than just capital flows, according to business leaders and economists at the African Markets Conference 2026. This shift underlines both the opportunities and risks facing fast-growing regions, such as East Africa.
Luvuyo Masinda, Chief Executive of Corporate and Investment Banking at Standard Bank, opened the discussion on Africa’s position in the changing global landscape. He emphasised that Africa must transition from being a passive recipient of capital to an active player in shaping trade, infrastructure, and industrial capacity.
