ASSESSMENTS

Southern Africa's New Leaders Chase Economic Opportunity

May 30, 2018 | 08:00 GMT

Supporters of South African President Cyril Ramphosa and his African National Congress party at a rally

Campaigning for the 2019 elections in South Africa has not yet begun in earnest, giving its new president, Cyril Ramphosa an opening to pursue increased foreign investment.

(GIANLUIGI GUERCIA/AFP/Getty Images)

Highlights

For three new leaders in Southern Africa, pursuing reforms to attract foreign investment will be the overriding focus during the third quarter and beyond.
In South Africa, Zimbabwe and Angola, new business-friendly approaches and anti-corruption efforts will underscore the region's willingness to take advantage of the political changes to stimulate investment and growth.
Upcoming elections in Zimbabwe and South Africa will place pressure on their ruling parties to deliver economic results.

Over the past year, new leaders have replaced long-entrenched presidents in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Angola. The political environments that are developing in each country since the changing of the guard have brought opportunities for the kinds of economic development that had not been possible for years. But pressures created by upcoming elections in South Africa and Zimbabwe could limit reforms, and interference from deep-seated interests in each country could derail the process....

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