The government of national unity (GNU) creates an opportunity to change the country’s course for the better. Urgent changes are needed to drive investment and growth, and the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (DTIC) has a vital role to play by undertaking catalytic actions to promote exports, increase competition and become ‘the voice of business’ in government.

On November 20, 2024, the Centre for Development and Enterprise (CDE) hosted an online launch of its latest report in the “AGENDA 2024: Priorities for South Africa’s new government” series, titled “ACTION SEVEN: Rethink industrial policy to increase exports.

Khulekani Mathe, CEO designate of Business Unity South Africa (BUSA), chaired the event, and Ann Bernstein, executive director of CDE, outlined the report’s analysis and recommendations. The presentation was followed by comments from a panel of experts, including:

• Lawrence Edwards, Professor of Economics, University of Cape Town
• Liberty Mncube, MD, Berkeley Research Group; Associate Professor of Economics, Wits University; former Deputy Chair, Competition Tribunal, and former Chief Economist, Competition Commission
• Donald MacKay, CEO, XA Trade Advisory.