Introduction In his 2026 State of the Nation Address, President Cyril Ramaphosa announced the National Illicit Economy Disruption Programme, a coordinated effort to combat illicit trade through collaboration between government and the private sector. The programme will utilise data analytics and artificial intelligence (AI) to target high-risk sectors, namely alcohol, counterfeit goods, fuel, and tobacco.…
read moreOn 20 January, Donald Trump was sworn in for a second term as the U.S. President. In his inaugural address, Trump proclaimed his second term, “the golden age of America,” advocating for a “revolution of common sense” and promising to swiftly enact significant policy reforms that would place the interest of Americans above all others.…
read moreSouth Africa continues to navigate a complex landscape marked by economic challenges, demands for greater social transformation, and shifting political dynamics. As we gear up for the 2025 State of the Nation Address (SONA) by Cyril Ramaphosa on 6 February 2025, there are a few key issues to keep in mind. Economic Overview 1. Growth…
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