Posts From Helmo Preuss

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Sub-Saharan Africa Technology and infrastructure

Unpacking the 2015 World Economic Forum on Africa: Key opportunities for investors

While the World Economic Forum on Africa in Cape Town in June 2015 attracted many business leaders, African heads of state were noticeably absent. Still, business leaders were upbeat about

Natural resources and energy Sub-Saharan Africa

Short on energy, South Africa works in the dark

The South African public electricity utility Eskom is in a perceived crisis, threatening to constrain the local economy. Strong financial indicators from recent months, however, show the South African economy continues

Economics Sub-Saharan Africa

Will the African Growth and Opportunity Act be renewed?

For many textile workers it is already well past midnight on the Africa Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) renewal. Apparel buyers plan nine months to two years ahead so uncertainty

Finance Sub-Saharan Africa

South Africa’s finance minister balances fiscal prudence with growth prospects

A look at how South African Finance Minister Nhlanhla Nene managed to keep his promise of fiscal prudence, while at the same time preventing austerity from affecting growth prospects.   

Natural resources and energy Sub-Saharan Africa

Eskom’s problems highlight flaws in South Africa’s energy plans

On Sunday 8 February 2015, South African taxpayer-owned electricity utility Eskom achieved an unwelcome milestone after it imposed the sixth consecutive day of load shedding. With more days likely to

Economics Sub-Saharan Africa

Can the Central African Federation survive recent events?

In the wake of  recent sweeping environmental and political events, member countries of the defunct Central African Federation make painful choices to improve their economic performance. Will a rainbow follow the