South Africa must drive regional growth
August 18, 2026SA’s weak economic growth contributes to the wider region’s poor performance, according to University of Johannesburg’s Prof. Miriam Altman. She says that the country needs to take a stronger SADC leadership role.
US Senate votes to extend AGOA trade deal to 2028
The US Senate voted in favour of extending the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) until the end of 2028, late on Friday.
The Bill still has to be rubber-stamped by the House of Representatives, but it’s widely believed that they will sign off on it, especially because the Bill also relates to stopgap funding to avoid a government shutdown.
AGOA, as it’s commonly known, allows for eligible African countries, including South Africa, to export over 1,800 goods duty-free into the US market.
The programme has been in existence since 2000.
Standard Bank authorised to clear Chinese currency in Africa
July 6, 2026Standard Bank has announced that it has been jointly authorised, along with the Industrial and Commercial Bank of China Limited, to clear Renminbi in Africa. The Renminbi is the official name of China’s currency, issued by the People’s Bank of China. The units of account are more commonly referred to as Yuan, but both refer to the same currency. Economist Prof. Miriam Altman weighs in.
Credit: Newzroom Afrika
Oil markets brace for Hormuz reopening
June 23, 2026The energy sector is preparing for a possible restart in oil production and trading following the reported peace agreement between the US and Iran. Economists say attention is now shifting to the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and how quickly global oil markets could stabilise. Economist and Professor of 4IR Practice at the School of Economics from the University of Johannesburg, Miriam Altman, weighs in.
Credit: Newzroom Afrika
South Africa’s unemployment rate rises in first quarter
May 18, 2026Listen to the podcast with Jon Gericke and Professor Miriam Altman
AI and Digital Capabilities for Africa’s Development
March 4, 2026The 10th Africa Unity for Renaissance Conference successfully concluded this week after a six-year break. Hosted by the Human Sciences Research Council in Johannesburg, the event is a critical platform for reimagining Africa’s development through a digital lens. University of Johannesburg’s Dr Miriam Altman weighs in.
SA, China strike duty-free trade relations agreement
February 7, 2026South Africa has secured a commitment for duty-free access to Chinese markets by the end of March. The two countries have signed a framework agreement which is a wide-ranging pact covering trade, investment, new energy and multilateral cooperation. The dtic says this strengthens economic ties between SA and China. This comes amid a drive to seek further opportunities due to the uncertain global trade climate. Economist Mirriam Altman weighs in.
The 56th World Economic Forum in Davos
January 24, 2026The 56th Annual Meeting of the World Economic Forum in Davos kicks off this week under the theme “A Spirit of Dialogue.” The US is sending its largest-ever delegation, raising questions about the country’s commitment to multi-lateralism. We are also tracking developments around the extension of the African Growth and Opportunity Act, or AGOA. The US House of representatives has backed an extension, but South Africa’s future participation remains unclear. Economist, Professor Miriam Altman weighs in.
A Walking Meeting With… Miriam Altman
October 27, 2025Having played a pivotal role in Telkom’s turnaround – and guiding the strategic growth of numerous organisations and institutions – strategist, economist, and change catalyst Miriam Altman shares three powerful principles for succeeding in challenging or even toxic environments.
Source: https://www.oldmutual.co.za/corporate/resource-hub/all-articles/watch-a-walking-meeting-with-miriam-altman/