Simon’s weekly wrap: Geopolitical risks and opportunities

I spoke with Wandile Sihlobo, chief economist at Agbiz, about grain exports finally leaving Ukraine and how that may lower the elevated pricing we’ve been seeing since the war started. I also asked about local input costs for farmers and the risks of the current foot and mouth outbreak (read transcript).

I spoke with Viv Govender of Rand Swiss about geopolitical tensions, particularly the visit to Taiwan by US House of Representatives speaker Nancy Pelosi and the odds of China invading Taiwan. We also touched on the now almost six-month war in Ukraine, and got an update on Tesla’s valuation (read transcript).

I chatted with Rami Hajjar of Allan Gray about how the rest of the continent is managing inflation and rising food and energy costs and the risks should we see recession in developed markets. We also touched on emerging markets generally and while the situation is tough, he still sees opportunity – especially with valuations at record lows in many places (read transcript).

Mpact CEO Bruce Strong was chatting interim results and we also got great insights into other sectors of the economy. He commented that during load shedding it saw increased demand from its quick-service restaurant customers, while fruit exporters are struggling. On the other hand, home food delivery is booming – something Mpact tracks, as it supplies the bags (read transcript).