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] The US's new 30% tariffs on South African exports could lead to around 100,000 job losses, with the agriculture and automotive sectors hardest-hit. BBC News
• [New] The BRICS group, including Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, and several newer member states, has expressed concerns about the risks of the dollar-dominated financial system, particularly after sanctions froze Russian assets following its invasion of Ukraine. The Cool Down
• [New] South Africa's total ferrochrome production could fall from 3.3 million tons in 2024 to a pitiful 1 million tons in 2026. Clintel
• [New] The Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) is expected to intensify operational readiness in the first quarter, including voter registration campaigns. Business Day
• [New] South Africa's agriculture has excellent growth potential. AgriView
• [New] There are a few critical policy areas that could have significant positive spinoffs to South Africa's agricultural growth if implemented effectively. AgriView
• [New] South Africa's economy is projected to grow moderately, with GDP expected to increase from an expected 1.2% in 2025 to 1.5% in 2026. IOL
• [New] Africa is a little bit uncharted territory for new nuclear energy but the El Dabaa project in Egypt is making progress very quickly and we are seeing a number of other countries, such as Rwanda, Ghana and South Africa, where we will likely see projects developing in the coming year. World Nuclear News
• [New] Russia, alongside its BRICS allies (Brazil, India, China, and South Africa), has unveiled a daring strategy to slash reliance on the US Dollar in international trade - a move that could redefine economic power dynamics worldwide. Interactive Crypto
• [New] Navitas will have the option, subject to agreement on commercial terms at the time of exercise, to potentially acquire at least 25 pc of ECO's working interests, encompassing PEL97, PEL99 and PEL100 in Namibia, and an interest of at least 25 pc in Block 3 B/4B offshore South Africa. Total Market Solutions
• [New] Angola's ability to convince Botswana, Namibia and South Africa to join forces promises will serve as a major test for regional cross-border collaboration in 2026. Africa Practice
• [New] Backed by $20 million from the SA-H2 Fund, financial close is targeted for late 2026, with commercial operations expected around 2029 and an annual output of roughly one million tons of green ammonia for export. / South Africa Energy Capital & Power
• [New] The Stakes for 2026 Could Not Be Higher As the agricultural sector prepares for the 2026 season, the lessons of 2025 must serve as a catalyst for reform. / South Africa Farmspace
• [New] A Narrow Window for Policy Correction Agricultural organizations agree that the 2026 season will hinge on decisions made in the next few months. / South Africa Farmspace
• [New] In 2026, TotalEnergies, along with partner Qatar Energy, will test the extension of the proven Cretaceous fan play in Namibia into South African waters with the Volstruis-1X and Nayla-1X wells. Drilling Contractor
• [New] A continued departure could ignite a negative cycle, risking turning Israel into countries that have suffered from brain drain such as Lebanon, Venezuela, South Africa, or Argentina. Easy Aliyah. Quick and efficient Aliyah Service within
• The Prieska Power Reserve project in the Northern Cape, supported by Germany's KfW and South Africa's IDC, aims to produce 80,000 tons of green ammonia per year by 2027, scaling to 500,000 tons by 2030. Energy Capital & Power
• The Coega Green Ammonia Project near Nelson Mandela Bay, led by Hive Hydrogen South Africa, plans to deploy a 1.2 GW electrolyzer powered by 3.5 GW of renewable energy from solar and wind. Energy Capital & Power
• With global markets unpredictable due to climate shocks, geopolitical tensions and disease risks, South Africa becomes more vulnerable to price spikes and supply disruptions. Farmspace

Last updated: 13 January 2026