2024 presented many challenges for dealmakers in South Africa, as the country faced the impact of the national elections, muted economic growth, high interest rates and foreign exchange concerns. To discuss the evolving landscape of the consumer sector, Karen Van Der Westhuizen, Head of Consumer Sector for South Africa at Standard Bank is joined by Michael Dempster, Head of Consumer Mergers & Acquisitions at Standard Bank; and Zanelle Scheepers from the M&A team at Pepkor.

2024 presented many challenges for dealmakers in South Africa, as the country faced the impact of the elections globally, muted economic growth, high interest rates and foreign exchange concerns. To discuss the evolving landscape for Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A) in the consumer sector, Karen van der Westhuizen, Head of Consumer Sector for South Africa, Standard Bank is joined by Michael Dempster, Head of Consumer Mergers & Acquisitions, Standard Bank; and Zanelle Scheepers from the M&A team at Pepkor.

East Africa has grown into a thriving economic community built on the seamless cross-border movement of goods, people, even payments. Kiprono Kittony, Chairman of the Nairobi Securities Exchange, and Patrick Mweheire, Standard Bank’s Regional Chief Executive for East Africa, unpack the innovations that made this possible.

Listen to the latest episode of our sector-focused podcast series, where Rentia Van Tonder, Head: Power; Vincenzia Leitich, Executive: Energy and Infrastructure; and Pieter Joubert, President and Chief Investment Officer, CrossBoundary share insights on the current and future state of the energy sector in Africa.

In this episode of our sector-focused podcast series, Zen Dlamini, Executive Head of Infrastructure, Sovereign and Public Sector at Standard Bank CIB, and Zodwa Mbele, Chief Financial Officer at the Development Bank of Southern Africa, reflect on the state of water infrastructure in South Africa, and discuss opportunities for investment. 

Episode 2: Our host Joanne Joseph drives another conversation, this time with Standard Bank Chief Economist Goolam Ballim and Michael Power, consultant at Ninety One, about the changing global trade and geopolitical landscape, and the opportunities for Africa. Watch the full episode - www.standardbank.com/bluespace #SBBlueSpace

A conversation with Musawenkosi Hlanti and Donald Gaetsewe on Supply Chain Disruption

Karen van der Westhuizen, Head of Consumer, South Africa at Standard Bank shares her perspective on the opportunities and trends that underpin an emerging consumer sector in Africa.