2026 Southern Africa Regional Outlook

Southern Africa entered 2026 in a complex terrain: while growth remained modest, regional GDP was projected to rise from 3.0% in 2025 to approximately 3.1% by 2026.The 2026 Southern Africa Regional Outlook Webinar brought together Lydia Shadrach-Razzino, Partner & Head of Corporate M&A Practice at Baker McKenzie, Rufaro Mapanda, Head of Equity Trading at Absa, and Mulenga Mutati, CEO & Head Actuary at Gralix Holdings, to explore how the region could break through structural constraints and elevate its growth trajectory.Key themes discussed included:Mining, manufacturing and industrial hubs: Against the backdrop of the global shift to clean energy, the discussion highlighted how rising demand for critical minerals, localised manufacturing and downstream processing presented new opportunities, particularly in South Africa, Zambia and Botswana.Energy reform and transition: The webinar examined how chronic power and infrastructure bottlenecks had constrained growth, and emphasised the importance of utility reform, renewable energy deployment and unlocking cross-border energy trade.Regional integration and trade corridors: Panellists explored how improved transport, port and logistics infrastructure could unlock growth by linking landlocked countries to key trade gateways and strengthening regional value chains.Governance, fiscal and currency risk: The session addressed persistent challenges such as high public debt, policy uncertainty and currency depreciation, focusing on building resilience, improving investor confidence and managing risk.The webinar focused on how Southern Africa could convert reform momentum and private-sector engagement into tangible investment outcomes.