Many African thinkers and experts have long spoken about the potential economic power of the continent and what should be done to realize this potential. Our leaders of yesteryear have clearly outlined a program of action meant to achieve the stated objectives.  The internal strives within many countries that have pioneered this project impacted at the pace and tempo of the implementation of this program. The major objective of the program adopted in 1963 by the Organization of African Unity…

As an economic concept, the low-altitude economy aims to utilise the unique resources of low-altitude airspace in a bid to develop general aviation or civilian non-airline flight, and energise the related industries from the sky to the ground.  The concept of low-altitude economy was first proposed by China, providing a theoretical contribution to the development of global general aviation. A common understanding is that low-altitude airspace is an equally important economic resource and engine of productivity as land and marine…

As the 2025 G20 presidency, South Africa hosted the G20 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Johannesburg on 20-21 February, which will convene foreign ministers of G20 members such as Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi. This is an important event before the G20 Johannesburg Summit in November.  To remain relevant, the G20 must adopt bold reforms that prioritise the needs of marginalised regions, enforce its commitments, and move beyond its reputation as a “talk shop.”   The G20, consisting of the world’s leading…

As an emerging industry catering to diverse needs across commercial, industrial, civil, and military fields, the low-altitude economy has the potential to transform industries such as logistics, transportation, tourism, health care, agriculture, and infrastructure.  China’s low-altitude economy is experiencing rapid expansion. According to the 2024 China Low-Altitude Economy Development Report released by the China Centre for Information Industry Development, the size of China’s low-altitude economy exceeded 500 billion yuan ($68.6 billion) in 2023, with a growth rate of 33.8 percent.…

Beautiful China is not just a trendy term or catchy slogan designed to highlight China’s charm; it is a key goal in China’s development strategy. In 2015, the Fifth Plenary Session of the 18th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China introduced the concept of innovative, coordinated, green, open, and shared development to build a beautiful China. The five aspects were elaborated in the 13th Five-Year Plan (2016-2020). Beautiful China is a concept guided by green development, centred on…

This article was provided by Duane Dizon, expert on Strategic and Crisis Communications of International Digital Economies Association (iDEA). Membership in BRICS provides Indonesia with more diversified sources of loans, including access to the New Development Bank (NDB), which offers funding to accelerate infrastructure and energy projects that support its ambitious growth targets. BRICS membership also helps Indonesia expand trade, creating opportunities to boost exports and attract foreign direct investment (FDI). Additionally, Indonesia’s high Incremental Capital Output Ratio (ICOR) could…

In a bold display of independence that is rattling traditional diplomatic circles, South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa has signaled a clear break with the United States, a move that has not only shocked Washington but also redefined the nation’s foreign policy.  This weekend, Washington expelled Ambassador Ebrahim Rasool, giving him just 72 hours to leave the country, according to BBC reports. While Washington’s abrupt action might have been intended to assert American influence, it instead exposed the widening gulf between…

As we celebrate World Social Work Day (18 March 2025), this year’s theme, Strengthening Intergenerational Solidarity for Enduring Wellbeing, highlights the vital role of social workers in fostering resilience and sustaining social support systems. However, in South Africa, social workers face increasing challenges that jeopardize both their effectiveness and the long-term wellbeing of the communities they serve. A profession under pressure The global demand for social work continues to rise, but socio-economic and political challenges hinder its effective delivery. War,…

The recent deregistration of Athletics South Africa (ASA) by the Companies and Intellectual Property Commission (CIPC) has unveiled a disturbing narrative of administrative incompetence and negligence. This development tarnishes South African athletics’ reputation and jeopardises the careers of countless athletes who depend on these institutions for guidance and support. ASA’s deregistration, as reported by Sunday World, stems from its failure to comply with statutory obligations, including the timely submission of annual returns . This blatant disregard for compliance has stripped…

National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) head Shamila Batohi has announced that additional state capture cases will be enrolled in 2025. She acknowledged the prevailing perception that the NPA’s success is judged solely by the imprisonment of a politician for state capture, stating, “A great deal of effort is being put into this matter, and I am highly confident that this year will bring significant progress with further case enrolments.” South Africa’s legal landscape is riddled with contradictions, where, in the words…