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<p>In this segment of CNBC Africa In Conversation we speak to the Chairman of Exxaro and Telkom, Geoffrey Qhena about South Africa&#8217;s thorny relationship with the United States, strategies South Africa should pursue during these challenging times and how to strengthen the collaboration between the private and the government.</p>


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In Conversation with the Chairman of Exxaro and Telkom, Geoffrey Qhena

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<p>Three-times Grammy Award winner from Africa, flautist Wouter Kellerman, speaks to FORBES AFRICA Editor Renuka Methil about his late-blooming music career, creative collaboration in the industry and insights into the business of music.</p>


The CNBC Africa Conversation with Flautist Wouter Kellerman


<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="5000" height="3496" src="https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/YPYZLCVLKZMVJOWUT7HMSPRWEE.avif" alt="" class="wp-image-596933"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">A woman walks past a Standard Bank logo at the Investing in African Mining Indaba 2024 conference in Cape Town, South Africa February 7, 2024. REUTERS/Esa Alexander/File Photo</figcaption></figure>



<p>Standard Bank Group, Africa’s largest lender by assets, has hiked its sustainable finance targets by 80 percent to R450 billion in the next three years as part of a broader effort to help decarbonise the continent’s economies while mitigating the impact of climate change.</p>



<p>The target will be reached by 2028 and builds on the R177 billion achieved since 2022 and R74.3 billion financed last year, Johannesburg-based Standard Bank said in a statement. It had initially targeted raising R250 billion by 2026.</p>



<p>‘’The revised targets emphasise Standard Bank’s commitment to leading energy and infrastructure development on the continent,’’ the bank said. ‘’Standard Bank’s purpose is to drive Africa’s growth by ensuring that its business activities address the continent’s challenges and deliver improved prosperity for its people.’’</p>



<p>Africa has been affected the most by the change in climate even though it contributes the least in greenhouse gases that scientists blame for the shifts in temperatures and weather patterns afflicting the globe. The African Development Bank estimates the continent needs $2.7 trillion in financing by 2030 to reach its climate change goals.</p>



<p>So far, only South Africa and Senegal have approved just energy transition programmes, with the South African programme taking a hit with the United States’ withdrawal of $1.5 billion from country’s $8.5 billion programme.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Standard Bank said its programme on the continent is focussed on driving financial health and inclusion, business growth and job creation, climate change mitigation and adaptation, and infrastructure development. It said it will continue to finance new oil and gas projects with environmental and social safeguards. ‘’This balanced approach includes limiting upstream oil and gas exposure to less than 30% of the energy portfolio and less than 3% of the bank’s total loans and advances, with a goal of reducing the physical intensity of the portfolio by 10% by 2030,’’ it said.</p>


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Standard Bank almost doubles sustainable finance commitments to R450 billion

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<p>On the next episode of Transcending Boundaries, Reeta Roy sits down with Roberta Jamieson, a ground-breaking Mohawk leader and advocate for Indigenous rights. As the first Indigenous woman in Canada to earn a law degree and Ontario’s first female Ombudsman, Roberta Jamieson’s journey is one of resilience, leadership, and a deep commitment to social justice. Tune in to their inspiring conversation as Roberta reflects on her career, the challenges she faced in advocating for Indigenous communities, and the lasting impact she continues to make.</p>


Transcending Boundaries: In conversation with Mohawk Leader Roberta Jamieson

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<p>The seventh edition of the Namibia International Energy Conference is set to take place in Windhoek, Namibia. This annual event will gather government decision-makers, industry leaders and investors to drive industry growth as well as to focus on key milestones and strategic moves toward establishing Namibia as a leading energy hub.</p>


Focus On: Namibia International Energy Conference 2025

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<p>In this Focus On special we place Absa&#8217;s sustainable financial interest in the spotlight. We found out what how important Africa&#8217;s mineral and metals are to speed up the green transition journey and where Absa&#8217;s interests lie.</p>


Focus On: Driving the future of green energy forward

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<p>Africa Business Weekly on CNBC Africa brings you the most impactful business stories across sub-Saharan Africa every week. From the capital markets to economic news affecting the regions from East, West ad Southern Africa, we will speak to the major newsmakers from across the sub-Saharan Africa region to get exciting and unique angles to the stories shaping the continent.</p>


Africa Business Weekly: Can Africa lead the next wave of AI development?

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<p>Lafarge Africa and the Lagos State government have signed a memorandum of understanding for the collection of non-recyclable combustible waste from across the state and landfill sites for conversion into alternative fuel at Lafarge’s Ewekoro plant. CNBC Africa brings you highlight from the event.</p>


Focus On: Lafarge Africa & Lagos govt sign MoU on zero waste to dumpsite

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<p>The hydrogen economy will contribute approximately 3.6 per cent to South Africa’s GDP and will have created approximately 360,000 jobs by 2050. But with funding removed from USA, how will the private sector be ready to bolster this sector? Join CNBC Africa as experts from the hydrogen value chain provide actionable input to bolster the hydrogen economy and to meet the 2050 Net Zero goal.</p>


Leveraging on Private Sector to Bolster Hydrogen Economy

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<p>Traders at Access Bank say the 2027 and 2029 bonds are the most sought instruments trading at a high of 18.85 per cent and 19.3 per cent respectively. On the T-bills side, on-the-run one-year maturity and 25th September, 2025 bill are the most actively traded instruments, dealing at an average of 19.3 per cent and 18 per cent respectively. Anthony Aigbokhan, Treasury Team Member at Access Bank joins CNBC Africa for more market movements.</p>


Access: 2027 & 2029 bonds most sought instruments

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<p>This episode of Focus On explores the 2025/2026 budget of the Gauteng provincial government tabled by Gauteng MEC for Finance and Economic development, Lebogang Maile. CNBC Africa spotlights the impact of this budget on two Gauteng departments &#8211; Roads and Transport and Human Settlements.</p>


Focus On: 2025/26 Gauteng Budget Action Plan

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<p>Join us on Doing Business in Rwanda as we explore the scenic beauty and vibrant culture of Rwanda through the thrilling lens of the Tour du Rwanda. Witness the race&#8217;s excitement while uncovering the nation&#8217;s cycling legacy and its rich landscapes.</p>


Riding Through the Land of a Thousand Hills

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<p>Celebrating 10 years of empowering and recognizing women on the 5th of March, the 10th FORBES WOMAN AFRICA Leading Women Summit featured over 60 speakers from the continent and the diaspora. We bring you highlights from the event, which showcased the best of the best of FORBES AFRICA’s award-winning editorial content through exclusive panel discussions, talks, one-on-one interviews and fireside chats, and saluted African ingenuity and the power of the female collective.</p>


10th FORBES WOMAN AFRICA Leading Women Summit: Highlights Special

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<p>Join us as we explore Kigali’s evolving fine dining scene, where top chefs craft exquisite dishes blending local flavors with global culinary artistry. From elegant ambiance to impeccable service, we visit some of the city’s most renowned restaurants for an unforgettable gourmet experience.</p>


Kigali’s Fine Dining Experience

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<p>The inaugural Gauteng Investment Conference (GIC) is set to take place on 3 April, 2025, in Johannesburg. This episode of Focus On explores key priorities set by the Gauteng government to position the province as a premier investment destination.</p>


Focus On: Road to Gauteng Investment Conference


<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="728" height="485" src="https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Q26RQAICWNPFJFYJE2MKCI6H7Q-1.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-428138" srcset="https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Q26RQAICWNPFJFYJE2MKCI6H7Q-1.jpg 728w, https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Q26RQAICWNPFJFYJE2MKCI6H7Q-1-300x200.jpg 300w, https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Q26RQAICWNPFJFYJE2MKCI6H7Q-1-135x90.jpg 135w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 728px) 100vw, 728px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">South Africa&#8217;s central bank governor, Lesetja Kganyago, arrives to deliver a keynote address on monetary policy, growth and jobs at the University of the Witwatersrand in Johannesburg, South Africa, November 1, 2022. REUTERS/Siphiwe Sibeko</figcaption></figure>



<p>South Africa’s central bank governor Lesetja Kganyago says the country’s inflation targeting regime is out of date and might be inhibiting faster growth and making the economy less competitive.</p>



<p>While the country’s 25-year-old inflation targeting framework had helped lower interest rates from above 20 percent in 2000 to 7.5% now and helped reduce macroeconomic volatility, Kganyago said a fresh look was needed in line with other developing economies.</p>



<p>`’In this respect, the South African target is now rather dated, reducing our competitiveness and opportunity to generate faster and more sustainable growth,’’ Kganyago told the bank’s biennial conference in Cape Town.</p>



<p>South Africa’s newly established democratic government was one of the earliest adopters of the inflation targeting regime in 2000 when it was set at between 3 and 6 percent. Under Kganyago’s tenure, the SARB has focused its monetary policy on keeping inflation at the mid-point of 4.5 percent, and argued it should be lowered to around 3 percent.</p>



<p>Growth in Africa’s biggest economy has been stuck around 1 percent for the past decade as the country struggled with power shortages and corruption during the rule of former President Jacob Zuma who was accused of allowing a wealthy Indian family to control state institutions in what was generally referred to as ‘state capture’. &nbsp;</p>



<p>President Cyril Ramaphosa’s administration has since set a target of lifting economic growth to around 3 percent in the medium term after launching reforms under its Operation Vulindlela programme which helped end debilitating power shortages last year. Momentum was further maintained by the formation of the Government of National Unity after last year’s elections.</p>



<p>Kganyago said a session at the conference will tackle the question of what would be an optimal inflation target for South Africa in the context of what he called the country’s structural rigidities.</p>



<p>‘’Open discussions like these are important for how we think about the trajectory for global macroeconomic policy over the medium term, and what that means for the path of inflation targeting within the South African context,’’ he said.</p>



<p>Under South Africa’s constitution the inflation target is set by the Minister of Finance Enoch Godongwana who last October said he was not yet convinced of the merits of adjusting it though teams from the central bank and the National Treasury have started discussions on the subject.</p>


South Africa’s central bank governor to delivers keynote address

South Africa central bank says inflation targeting framework may be stifling growth

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<p>In the heart of Africa lies a nation like no other, a land of untamed potential and boundless ambition. In this land a story is unfolding. A story of resilience, pride, and a relentless drive for progress. Be inspired by this documentary entitled &#8220;Nigeria: The Rebirth of Africa&#8217;s Giant&#8221;.</p>


CNBC Africa

In Conversation with the Chairman of Exxaro and Telkom, Geoffrey Qhena

The CNBC Africa Conversation with Flautist Wouter Kellerman

Standard Bank almost doubles sustainable finance commitments to R450 billion

Transcending Boundaries: In conversation with Mohawk Leader Roberta Jamieson

Focus On: Namibia International Energy Conference 2025

Focus On: Driving the future of green energy forward

Africa Business Weekly: Can Africa lead the next wave of AI development?

Focus On: Lafarge Africa & Lagos govt sign MoU on zero waste to dumpsite

Leveraging on Private Sector to Bolster Hydrogen Economy

Access: 2027 & 2029 bonds most sought instruments

Focus On: 2025/26 Gauteng Budget Action Plan

Riding Through the Land of a Thousand Hills

10th FORBES WOMAN AFRICA Leading Women Summit: Highlights Special

Kigali’s Fine Dining Experience

Focus On: Road to Gauteng Investment Conference

South Africa central bank says inflation targeting framework may be stifling growth

Nigeria: The Rebirth of Africa’s Giant

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Advertise With Us

CNBC Africa

In Conversation with the Chairman of Exxaro and Telkom, Geoffrey Qhena

The CNBC Africa Conversation with Flautist Wouter Kellerman

Standard Bank almost doubles sustainable finance commitments to R450 billion

Transcending Boundaries: In conversation with Mohawk Leader Roberta Jamieson

Focus On: Namibia International Energy Conference 2025

Focus On: Driving the future of green energy forward

Africa Business Weekly: Can Africa lead the next wave of AI development?

Focus On: Lafarge Africa & Lagos govt sign MoU on zero waste to dumpsite

Leveraging on Private Sector to Bolster Hydrogen Economy

Access: 2027 & 2029 bonds most sought instruments

Focus On: 2025/26 Gauteng Budget Action Plan

Riding Through the Land of a Thousand Hills

10th FORBES WOMAN AFRICA Leading Women Summit: Highlights Special

Kigali’s Fine Dining Experience

Focus On: Road to Gauteng Investment Conference

South Africa central bank says inflation targeting framework may be stifling growth

Nigeria: The Rebirth of Africa’s Giant

News Tips

Advertise With Us

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