South Africa’s continental wager
26 January 2026
At Davos, SA pitched itself as Africa’s bridge to the world – banking on domestic reform, continental trade integration and renewed diplomat clout.
7 min read
The Davos Debrief
On-the-ground insights from the 2026 Annual Meeting of the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, Switzerland.
Listen to the WEF2026 podcast series
Davos Debrief part 3: WEF2026 | Navigating the new disorder
The World Economic Forum Annual Meeting in Davos offered fewer illusions, and more realism. The rules-based order is no longer assumed. Geopolitics is now embedded in balance sheets. Scale matters. Delivery matters more. In the final episode of our Davos Debrief podcast series, Investec Group Chief Executive Fani Titi argues that the defining advantage in today’s global economy is adaptability - the ability of countries and companies to operate amid volatility without waiting for certainty. Read the transcript.
Davos Debrief part 2: AI: From hype cycle to hard choices
AI has moved beyond experimentation. It now sits at the centre of decision-making. At the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting in Davos, the conversation is clear - how can leaders use AI to drive growth, manage risk and reshape work.
In episode 2 of our Davos Debrief series, Jeremy Maggs speaks to Lyndon Subroyen, Investec’s Global Head of Digital & Technology, on why AI is a platform shift, not a passing trend, and what that means for strategy, talent and long-term competitiveness.. Read transcript.
NOW Ep117: Davos Debrief part 1 | What markets will be watching in Davos
The World Economic Forum Annual Meeting is here and markets are paying attention. As leaders gather in Davos, the conversations will likely shape risk premiums, capital allocation and investor confidence in the months ahead. In episode one of our special Davos Debrief podcast series, host Jeremy Maggs is joined by Chris Holdsworth, Chief Investment Strategist at Investec, to cut through the noise and focus on what really matters for investors.
Global views on South Africa: Investec CEO Fani Titi from Davos
Investec Chief Executive Officer Fani Titi talks to Stephen Grootes about the sentiment around South Africa at the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting in Davos.
AI, upskilling and emerging economies on WEF Agenda
As artificial intelligence and technology move higher up the World Economic Forum agenda, attention is shifting from disruption to delivery - particularly in emerging economies. From AI interventions to large-scale skills development, the focus is on how innovation can drive inclusive growth. Business Day TV spoke to Lyndon Subroyen, Global Head of Digital at Investec, for more insight.
AI, upskilling and emerging economies on WEF Agenda
As artificial intelligence and technology move higher up the World Economic Forum agenda, attention is shifting from disruption to delivery - particularly in emerging economies. From AI interventions to large-scale skills development, the focus is on how innovation can drive inclusive growth. Business Day TV spoke to Lyndon Subroyen, Global Head of Digital at Investec, for more insight.
Why Davos has investors rethinking geopolitics, AI and South Africa
Chris Holdsworth, Chief Investment Strategist at Investec Wealth & Investment International, talks to Jeremy Maggs on Moneyweb Midday about investment themes coming out of the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting.
World Economic Forum 2026
The Annual Meeting of the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos-Klosters, Switzerland gathers global leaders from various sectors, including government officials, business executives, and civil society representatives, to discuss pressing global issues.
This year's theme, "A Spirit of Dialogue". The programme will be structured around five key global challenges where public-private dialogue and cooperation, involving all stakeholders, is necessary for progress:
- How can we cooperate in a more contested world?
- How can we unlock new sources of growth?
- How can we better invest in people?
- How can we deploy innovation at scale and responsibly?
- How can we build prosperity within planetary boundaries?
As Investec executives engage with thought leaders and innovators at the forefront of these discussions, we are committed to providing you with on-the-ground insights that highlight the importance of collaboration and resilience in these uncertain times. Stay tuned for updates that will shed light on the key takeaways and emerging trends from this influential gathering.
When is the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting?
19-23 January 2026
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Insights from the 2025 WEF Annual Meeting
WATCH: With the 2025 WEF annual meeting concluded, Investec CEO Cumesh Moodliar in conversation with JSE CEO Leila Fourie, Head of Investment Banking Nick Riley and Dhiren Mansingh, Head of Business Transactional Banking at Investec discuss key themes and what it means for the world and South Africa.
NOW Ep91: Davos Debrief part 3 | WEF 2025: What next?
Will the world continue down the path of fragmentation, or will it unite to tackle the pressing challenges that threaten our collective future? In the last episode of our Davos special edition, CEOs of Investec SA and UK, Cumesh Moodliar and Ruth Leas, share with us their key learnings from the event and how these discussions are influencing the future of business and governance.
NOW Ep90: Davos Debrief part 2: Trade and investment in a multi-bilateral world
In the second episode of our Davos special edition, Investec guests Nick Riley, head of Investment Banking, and Dhiren Mansingh, head of Business Transactional Banking, discuss a significant shift in global trade from multi-lateralism to multi-bilateralism.
NOW Ep89: Davos Debrief part 1: Showcasing South Africa's investment potential
In this episode, Investec CEO Cumesh Moodliar engages in a thought-provoking conversation with host Jeremy Maggs, exploring his hopes and expectations for the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting in Davos.
Watch video: Investec CEO on SA infrastructure investment
Infrastructure investments will be key to driving economic growth in South Africa and the rest of the continent. This is the view of Investec CEO Cumesh Moodliar who spoke to Newzroom Afrika's business editor Xolani Mbanjwa on the sideline of the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland.
Watch video: Investec CEO on SA infrastructure investment
Infrastructure investments will be key to driving economic growth in South Africa and the rest of the continent. This is the view of Investec CEO Cumesh Moodliar who spoke to Newzroom Afrika's business editor Xolani Mbanjwa on the sideline of the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland.
Listen to Kaya Biz podcast: What was South Africa's strategic message at Davos
Fifi Peters talks to Dhiren Mansingh, Head of Business Transactional Banking at Investec about South Africa's narrative at Davos.
Listen to podcast
'South Africa flying its flag at WEF 2025' - Investec CEO after hearing Ramaphosa's address. The Money Show talks to Investec SA CEO Cumesh Moodliar after President Cyril Ramaphosa delivers a special address at the World Economic Forum. Read transcript.
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