Driving Inclusive Growth in South Africa: Quick Wins with Competitive Markets and Efficient Institutions

Over the past decade, South Africa has struggled to expand its economy at a decent rate and create the millions of jobs its people need to improve their lives and contribute to the economy. This new report asserts that recent changes in the political and economic context offer a unique opportunity for policymakers to not only generate a robust economic recovery but also ensure that the benefits are shared across all sectors of society. 

To kick off the transformation process and create momentum for reforms, the Drivers of Inclusive Growth report offers pragmatic policy options tailored for South Africa’s unique context. The report proposes four priorities expected to drive inclusive growth in South Africa: 

1. Improving the efficiency of public spending 
2. Delivering high-quality and affordable infrastructure services 
3. Making cities engines of inclusive growth 
4. Dynamizing private sector growth

The menu of policy options proposed in the report reflects inputs from a group of international experts led by Nobel laureate in Economic Sciences Michael Spence, and several representatives of South Africa’s private sector, government, academia, and civil society. The event will be livestreamed from Cape Town. The launch will be addressed by World Bank Senior Managing Director, Axel van Trotsenburg; senior representatives of the Government of South Africa, business leaders, and the World Bank’s Country Director for South Africa, Satu Kahkonen. 

The World Bank team will then present the key findings and recommended policy options. Moderator Thami Nkadimeng will facilitate a panel discussion with leading policymakers, subject matter experts, and stakeholders from affected sectors. The invited audience will have an opportunity to pose questions and engage with the panel.

DATE: Friday, February 28th, 2025. 09:00am – 11:00 (South Africa Standard Time; GMT+2)