Inside Africa - African Finance And The Cost of Capital In Africa

Loading player...
Guest – Bill Blackie - CEO, Business & Commercial Banking at Standard Bank

At a time when Africa’s potential is being stifled by the prohibitively high cost of capital, key players in finance and development came together at the Financing Africa Forward Summit with a common objective: to turn insight into action. One of those leading the charge is Bill Blackie, CEO of Business and Commercial Banking at Standard Bank.

we unpack the urgent need for African-led, African-owned solutions to the continent’s capital challenges. From reimagining sovereign investor relations to unlocking institutional capital and rewriting the narrative around African risk, Bill shares the concrete steps the continent can take to lower the cost of capital, boost SME growth, and drive scalable infrastructure investment.

This isn’t just about policy – it’s about practical solutions and a blueprint for economic self-determination. As Bill put it: “Africa’s development isn’t just about infrastructure. It’s about trust, governance, and the free flow of capital and ideas. Our growth will be built by us.”
6 Aug 2025 1PM English South Africa Business News · Investing

Other recent episodes

Why Women’s Financial Empowerment Is an Economic Multiplier

Women’s financial empowerment has the potential to drive economic growth, strengthen households and create lasting generational wealth. Kaya Biz speaks to Alexandra Nortier, Joint Head of Wealth Management at Investec Wealth & Investment International, about why Investec is backing the JSE SheInvests 2026 initiative, the barriers keeping women out of…
23 Jul 1PM 7 min

Affordable Diabetes Care Arrives in SA with Novo Nordisk

Novo Nordisk South Africa GM Sara Norcross explains the launch of the country’s only authorised copy of semaglutide, manufactured using the identical API, process and device as the originator — but at a more affordable price. We unpack what an authorised copy is, why SAHPRA registration matters, how the Acino…
23 Jul 1PM 14 min

SARB holds rates steady in July MPC – What It Means for You

Momentum economist Tshiamo Masike unpacks the SARB’s decision to pause, the upside inflation surprise, and the global factors driving the MPC’s decision. We explore how rising oil prices, geopolitical tensions, and weakening consumer confidence shaped the call — and what households, businesses and markets should expect next. A sharp, data‑driven…
23 Jul 1PM 14 min

PIC Board Exodus: Khaya Sithole on SA’s Biggest Asset Manager in Crisis

Six PIC directors have resigned, Treasury has begun steps to remove others, and whistleblower allegations of interference are mounting. Independent analyst Khaya Sithole breaks down the governance crisis unfolding at the Public Investment Corporation, what’s driving the board exodus, and what this means for the R2.5 trillion in assets the…
22 Jul 1PM 14 min

SA July MPC preview: Rates Outlook amid Hot Inflation

With inflation rising to 5.0%, fuel prices surging, and administered costs climbing, the SARB’s Monetary Policy Committee faces a tough call. Sanlam Investments economist Patrick Buthelezi unpacks today’s CPI print, the risks driving inflation, and what to expect from tomorrow’s MPC meeting. Essential listening for anyone watching interest rates and…
22 Jul 1PM 15 min