In a global economy increasingly shaped by uncertainty and recalibration, South Africa stands at a pivotal juncture. The imposition of a 30% tariff on South African exports to the United States, under President Donald Trump’s newly reinstated protectionist regime, has reignited fundamental questions about the country’s trade resilience, global positioning, and investment outlook.
Against this backdrop, Beyond Profits: A High-Stakes Forum on South Africa’s Trade Future will take place on 8 May 2025 at the University of Westminster in London, hosted by The Southern African Times in partnership with the South African Chamber of Commerce UK and the Communication and Media Research Institute (CAMRI). This high-level forum brings together leaders in business, policy, trade, and academia to evaluate South Africa’s options in a fast-evolving global order—and to set a proactive agenda for navigating what comes next.
At the heart of the forum is a keynote address by Dr Athol Williams, Oxford academic, public intellectual, and one of the continent’s most courageous voices on corporate ethics and strategic governance. Dr Williams, whose professional journey spans global boardrooms and elite academic institutions, will offer a compelling address on how South Africa—and African economies more broadly—can transition from reactive trade policy to strategic realignment.
The forum’s format, designed for decision-makers, includes Dr Williams’ keynote, a live one-on-one interview, and an interactive Q&A session with attendees drawn from investment firms, multilateral agencies, advisory institutions, and trade organisations. This is not a theoretical roundtable—it is a market-facing strategy session, offering the kind of timely intelligence that boards and advisors can act on.
Supporting the conversation are two visionary sponsors who represent the dynamism of modern African enterprise. Ngoto, an African craft beverage brand rooted in Shona brewing heritage, brings with it a celebration of identity, storytelling, and cultural continuity. With its flagship Ngoto Premium Craft Lager, the brand offers more than taste—it offers heritage in a bottle, symbolising Africa’s ability to transform tradition into innovation.
Alongside Ngoto is Clear Morbitel, a technology and telecommunications company committed to connecting African communities through smart infrastructure and frontier digital solutions. As Africa accelerates its shift toward the digital economy, Clear Morbitel stands at the forefront—bridging technological divides and ensuring that the continent’s future is connected, agile, and globally competitive.
Both brands underscore the forum’s deeper narrative: that economic strength is not only built through policy but through cultural, infrastructural, and technological leadership.
CAMRI’s involvement also brings a distinctive dimension—exploring how narratives around Africa’s trade position are shaped, challenged, and communicated globally. In a world where sentiment drives as much behaviour as fundamentals, media literacy and strategic narrative design are central to trade and investment success.
Tickets for the event are £36, with a special rate of £12 available for subscribers of The Southern African Times and members of the South African Chamber of Commerce UK. To claim the discounted access, email info@southernafricantimes.com using the code ATTEND08.
The event runs from 6:00 PM to 8:30 PM GMT, hosted in Lecture Theatre 2.12, University of Westminster, and is expected to draw a targeted audience from across the UK, Europe, and Southern Africa.
In a moment where trade rules are being rewritten and investment flows are rerouted, strategic clarity is no longer optional—it’s a competitive advantage. This forum offers more than perspective; it offers a platform to participate in shaping South Africa’s economic future from the front row.
Secure your seat today:
👉 https://southafricanchamber.uk/contact/
