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South African Minister of Electricity: Imminent Investments with Aramco, ACWA Power

South Africa’s Minister of Electricity Kgosientsho Ramokgopa (Reuters)
South Africa’s Minister of Electricity Kgosientsho Ramokgopa (Reuters)
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South African Minister of Electricity: Imminent Investments with Aramco, ACWA Power

South Africa’s Minister of Electricity Kgosientsho Ramokgopa (Reuters)
South Africa’s Minister of Electricity Kgosientsho Ramokgopa (Reuters)

 

South Africa’s Minister of Electricity, Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, said that Saudi Aramco is likely to pump $10 billion to invest in his country’s petrochemical sector, amid expectations that ACWA Power will announce more investments in the renewable energy sector.
Speaking on the sidelines of his participation in the World Economic Forum in Riyadh, Ramokgopa revealed that Saudi Arabia is the largest Gulf investor in the renewable energy sector in his country.
On Saudi-South African relations, he told Asharq Al-Awsat in an interview that “relations between the two countries improved from the time South Africa gained its freedom in 1994. This year this relationship coincides with a very important milestone in South Africa’s history as South Africa simultaneously celebrates 30 years of democracy it also celebrates 30 years of good bilateral relations between South Africa and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. 
“Following this in 1995 our first democratically elected President Nelson Mandela visited the Kingdom and his legacy since then has ensured that all subsequent Heads of State from my country have visited. Our current president Cyril Ramaphosa visited twice, the first time in 2018 and more recently in October 2022, when he met with His Royal Highness the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, Mohammed bin Salman. 
“Since then, there have been more than ten high-level visits between our two countries”, he said.
He added that investments from Saudi Arabia “shows significant progress with huge investments in SAs renewable energy sector. Saudi Arabia is SAs largest investor from the GCC region. Following President Ramaphosa’s State Visit in 2022, ACWA Power is expected to announce further investments in the renewable energy sector. A further US$10bn in investment is expected in the petrochemical sector, through Saudi Aramco. The recent investment was by Maaden investing in South Africa’s Chemicals sector in a Sales, Marketing & Support project.
“In March 2023, Saudia announced a resumption of direct flights to South Africa and earlier this month, the Saudi government announced that “It was agreed to include the Republic of South Africa [will be] among the group (A) countries where its nationals can obtain a tourist visa online (e-visa) or upon arrival.” As soon as this is implemented we will be the first African country to receive this privilege; whilst at the same time Saudi nationals do not require visas to visit South Africa for a ninety-day stay.”
“One of the key announcements made during the State Visit by President Ramaphosa in October 2022, was that Saudi Arabia will embark on importing red meat from South Africa. Robust engagements between the relevant authorities from the two countries have resulted in the uplifting of a 19-year-old ban and since February 2024, South African red meat and red meat products have been available on the shelves of major grocery stores throughout the Kingdom”, the Minister noted.
“In October 2023 Saudi Arabia announced the introduction of Saudi e-visas for citizens of 49 countries including South Africa, with a quick and easy-to-use online portal, and affordable fees. Making South Africa the first African country to receive the e-visa for Saudi Arabia”. 
“All of this is a clear indication of our strong growing relations. We look forward to ensuring that the work and effort that we as leaders of our countries continue to be reflected in the efforts being done by our support teams both economically and politically”, the Minister underscored.
On his participation in Davos in Riyadh, Ramokgopa stated that “participating in this WEF roundtable presents a significant opportunity to engage in critical dialogues on global economic and developmental challenges. It serves as a platform for exchanging ideas, forging partnerships, and advancing collective efforts towards sustainable development and prosperity”.
He added: “At the forefront of my participation are several pressing topics that concern not only South Africa but the entire global community. Firstly, ensuring access to reliable and affordable electricity remains a paramount concern. Electricity is the lifeblood of modern economies, essential for driving industrialization, powering innovation, and improving the quality of life for millions. Addressing energy poverty and enhancing energy access are imperative for fostering inclusive growth and development.
“Secondly, the transition towards renewable energy and the mitigation of climate change are central to our discussions. The world is facing unprecedented environmental challenges, and the urgency to decarbonize our energy systems cannot be overstated. Embracing clean and sustainable energy sources is not only an environmental imperative but also presents significant economic opportunities, particularly for regions abundant in renewable resources like South Africa.
“Moreover, the importance of fostering innovation and leveraging technology in the energy sector cannot be overlooked. Embracing digitalization, smart grids, and energy storage solutions are pivotal for enhancing the efficiency, reliability, and resilience of our energy infrastructure”.
He continued: “This year’s Riyadh gathering holds immense importance for the region and the world at large. It provides a platform for African nations to articulate their priorities, showcase their potential, and attract investments that can drive sustainable development and economic growth. By engaging in constructive dialogues and forging partnerships, we can collectively address shared challenges, unlock opportunities, and pave the way for a more prosperous and sustainable future for all”.
On the prospects of cooperation with Saudi Arabia in the field of energy, clean energy and electric energy, the Minister stated that investment from Saudi Arabia shows significant progress with huge investments in SAs renewable energy sector. Saudi Arabia is SAs largest investor from the GCC region. According to FDI markets, Saudi investment into South Africa is estimated at $1.62 bn with 563 jobs created. The recent investment was in 2022 by Maaden investing in South Africa’s Chemicals sector in a Sales, Marketing & Support project. Maaden, a mining company and a subsidiary of Saudi Arabia-based Public Investment Fund, has opened a new regional office in South Africa. Saudi investment into SA is focused in sectors such as oil and gas, renewable energy, business and financial services, real estate, software and IT services and transportation. In this regard South Africa’s position is to attract investment from Saudi Arabia in the following areas: 
- Investment in the Special Economic Zones and Industrial Development Zones: Oil and gas, which involve oil storage and building of an oil refinery with opportunities in Saldanha Bay and Richards Bay Special Economic Zones (SEZs). 
- Green economy: Power generation in terms of independent power generation, energy infrastructure and alternative energy. 
- Renewable energy: Solar PV and Concentrated Solar Power - manufacturing/assembly.
About South Africa’s plan to secure energy and electricity, Ramokgopa said: “In addressing South Africa's energy security needs, the government has laid out a comprehensive plan guided by key policy documents such as the 2023 draft Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) and the 2022 Energy Action Plan. These documents serve as the cornerstone of our strategy to ensure a reliable, sustainable, and inclusive energy future for the nation”.
The South African Minister added: “Our plan focuses on several key pillars:
Diversification of Energy Sources: The IRP emphasizes the importance of diversifying our energy mix to reduce dependency on any single energy source. This includes increasing the share of renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, and hydroelectric power while also maintaining a balanced mix that includes coal, natural gas, nuclear, and energy storage technologies.
Promotion of Renewable Energy: The government is committed to significantly increasing the contribution of renewable energy to our energy supply. Through the Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Procurement Program (REIPPPP) and other initiatives, we aim to expand our renewable energy capacity, harnessing South Africa's abundant solar and wind resources.
Investment in Infrastructure: Ensuring reliable and efficient energy infrastructure is crucial for energy security. The Energy Action Plan outlines measures to invest in and upgrade our electricity transmission and distribution networks, enhancing their capacity and resilience to meet growing demand.
Whilst our efforts have focused on the supply and demand side of the energy value chain, we have now forged ahead to play a more aggressive role in mapping and planning for investment in the maintenance, modernization, and expansion of the national grid in Transmission infrastructure. This work includes the institutional and funding requirements in this regard. It is expected that 53GW will require a connection to the grid by 2032, which in turn requires over 14,000km of new transmission lines, amounting to planned investments of around $20b (USD) over the next ten years. 
Energy Efficiency and Conservation: The government recognizes the importance of energy efficiency and conservation in optimizing energy use and reducing demand. The Energy Action Plan includes initiatives to promote energy-efficient technologies, practices, and behavior among consumers and businesses.
The economic contribution of the energy sector is significant and multifaceted. Energy is a vital enabler of economic activity, contributing to sectors such as manufacturing, mining, agriculture, and services. In terms of growth rate, our National Treasury's medium-term outlook has improved slightly, with an average growth of 1.6% forecast, compared with 1.4% in the 2023 Medium Term Budget Policy Statement (MTBPS)”.

 

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US Consumer Prices Likely Increased in February Ahead of Iran Conflict

09 December 2025, Saxony, Dresden: A woman walks into a supermarket. (dpa)
09 December 2025, Saxony, Dresden: A woman walks into a supermarket. (dpa)
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US Consumer Prices Likely Increased in February Ahead of Iran Conflict

09 December 2025, Saxony, Dresden: A woman walks into a supermarket. (dpa)
09 December 2025, Saxony, Dresden: A woman walks into a supermarket. (dpa)

US consumer prices likely picked up in February as the cost of gasoline increased in anticipation of an escalating war in the Middle East, and with the conflict driving up oil prices, a further rise in inflation is expected in March.

The anticipated increase in the Consumer Price Index last month would also reflect the continued, but staggered pass-through from President Donald Trump's sweeping tariffs, which he pursued under a law meant for use in national emergencies, that have since been struck down by the US Supreme Court.

The Labor Department's consumer inflation report on Wednesday is, however, expected to show underlying price pressures rising moderately last month, thanks to relatively cheaper used motor vehicles and airline fares. It is unlikely to have any impact on near-term monetary policy, with the Federal Reserve expected to keep interest rates unchanged next week.

"The February CPI is likely to show that progress on lowering inflation is stalling out again," said Sarah House, ‌a senior economist at Wells ‌Fargo.

"Although the conflict in the Middle East started at the end of February, oil ‌and ⁠gasoline prices were ⁠already rising last month in anticipation of an escalation," House said.

The CPI likely increased 0.3% last month after climbing 0.2% in January, a Reuters survey of economists predicted. Estimates ranged from a 0.1% rise to a 0.3% increase. In the 12 months through February, the CPI was estimated to have advanced 2.4%, which would match January's increase, and reflect last year's high readings dropping out of the calculation.

The US central bank tracks the Personal Consumption Expenditures price indexes for its 2% inflation target.

Economists estimated that gasoline prices rose by about 0.8% in the CPI report after declining for two straight months.

Prices at the pump have jumped by more than ⁠18% to $3.54 per gallon since the US-Israeli war on Iran started at the end of February, ‌data from motorist advocacy group AAA showed. Oil prices shot up well ‌above $100 per barrel, before pulling back on Tuesday after Trump stated the war could end soon.

UPSIDE RISK TO FOOD PRICES FROM WAR

"The ‌recent 15% move alone suggests a 0.15-0.30 percentage point lift to headline inflation depending on how the conflict evolves," said ‌Andy Schneider, a senior US economist at BNP Paribas Securities.

Food prices likely maintained a moderate pace of increase, though Schneider added "a sustained oil price shock would raise fertilizer and transportation costs that could push food inflation higher later in the year."

Excluding the volatile food and energy components, the CPI was forecast to have gained 0.2% after rising 0.3% in January. The so-called core CPI inflation was likely curbed by a ‌decline in used motor vehicle prices, as well as smaller increases in rents and airline fares.

But prices for goods like apparel and household furnishings likely increased solidly as businesses passed ⁠on tariffs. January's Producer Price Index ⁠report showed a widening in margins, including for apparel, footwear and accessories retailing.

Though businesses have absorbed much of the import duties, economists said they were unlikely to continue doing so, citing among others persistently higher readings of input costs in the Institute for Supply Management surveys.

Trump has responded to the Supreme Court ruling by imposing a 10% global tariff, which he said would rise to 15%.

"The trouble is that there is evidence that input costs continue to escalate, even as the level of tariffs has mostly stabilized," said Stephen Stanley, chief US economist at Santander US Capital Markets. "The pass-through dynamic could persist for a while."

In the 12 months through February, the core CPI inflation is forecast to have increased 2.5% after rising by the same margin in January, also reflecting favorable base effects.

Economists said the tame core CPI readings were unlikely to translate into moderate core PCE inflation gains in February. January's delayed PCE price index data due on Friday is expected to show a solid increase in core inflation.

"Weighting differences and unexpected strength in PPI service prices are likely to produce a significantly larger increase in the broader consumption index," said Lou Crandall, chief economist at Wrightson ICAP. "Similar effects are likely to give the core PCE price index an upward bias in the February data due out on April 9."

Business

Asian Shares Advance as Markets Await Signals on When the War with Iran May End

South Korean dealers work in front of monitors at the Hana Bank in Seoul, South Korea, 09 March 2026. (EPA)
South Korean dealers work in front of monitors at the Hana Bank in Seoul, South Korea, 09 March 2026. (EPA)
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Asian Shares Advance as Markets Await Signals on When the War with Iran May End

South Korean dealers work in front of monitors at the Hana Bank in Seoul, South Korea, 09 March 2026. (EPA)
South Korean dealers work in front of monitors at the Hana Bank in Seoul, South Korea, 09 March 2026. (EPA)

Asian shares were mostly higher Wednesday with several benchmarks giving up much of their early gains as investors awaited signals on when the war with Iran may end.

US futures rose and oil prices were mixed.

Tokyo's Nikkei 225 gained 1.3% to 54,926.50 and South Korea's Kospi picked up 0.6% to 5,562.40 after gaining more than 3% earlier in the day.

In Hong Kong, the Hang Seng fell back, slipping 0.2% to 25,921.02, while the Shanghai Composite index edged 0.2% higher to 4,131.39.

Australia's S&P/ASX 200 rose 0.6% to $8,743.50.

Taiwan's benchmark climbed 4.1% and the Sensex in India fell 1.1%. In Bangkok, the SET gained 1.3%.

Oil prices have remained sharply below their peaks hit on Monday. Such spikes have been rocking financial markets worldwide because of worries that the war could block the global flow of oil and natural gas for a long time.

“Asian equities and global futures managed to steady the ship today, helped by crude holding just below the psychologically charged $90 line. In the current regime, that single number functions less like a price and more like a pressure valve,” Stephen Innes of SPI Asset Management said in a commentary.

Early Wednesday, the price for a barrel of Brent crude, the international standard, was down 2 cents at $87.78. That’s about 10% below its settlement price the day before.

US benchmark crude oil gained 53 cents to $83.98 per barrel.

Oil prices plunged Monday afternoon from a high of nearly $120 per barrel, its most expensive level since 2022, after President Donald Trump told CBS News he thinks “the war is very complete, pretty much.” That raised hopes that the war may end relatively soon, which could allow oil to flow freely again from the Middle East to customers around the world.

However, both sides have sharpened their rhetoric as the war enters its 11th day. US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth promised the most intense strikes yet while the Pentagon detailed the broader toll of injuries sustained by US troops.

The US said it took out more than a dozen minelaying Iranian vessels Tuesday, and Tehran vowed to block the region’s oil exports, saying it would not allow “even a single liter” to be shipped to its enemies.

One point where Trump has remained clear was his desire to keep the Strait of Hormuz open. The war has effectively blocked the waterway off Iran’s coast, where a fifth of the world’s oil sails on a typical day.

“If Iran does anything that stops the flow of Oil within the Strait of Hormuz, they will be hit by the United States of America TWENTY TIMES HARDER than they have been hit thus far,” Trump said in a posting on his social media network late Monday.

On Tuesday, the S&P 500 dipped 0.2% to 6,781.48, a day after its latest wild swings caused by extreme moves in the oil market. The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 34 points, or 0.1% to 47,706.51 and the Nasdaq composite edged higher by less than 0.1% to 22,697.10.

Oracle's shares on the Nasdaq surged 12% in premarket trading early Wednesday after the company reported its earnings and revenue jumped 20% in the last quarter, much better than analysts had forecast.

Stock markets have a history of bouncing back relatively quickly from military conflicts, as long as oil prices don’t stay too high for too long. Uncertainty about whether that may happen this time around has led to stunning swings up and down for markets worldwide, often hour-to-hour.

If oil prices do stay high for long, household budgets already stretched by high inflation could snap under the pressure. Companies would see their own bills jump for fuel and to stock items on their store shelves or in their data warehouses. It all raises the possibility of a worst-case scenario for the global economy, “stagflation,” where growth stagnates and inflation remains high.

In other dealings early Wednesday, the dollar rose to 158.08 Japanese yen from 158.05 yen. The euro rose to $1.1638 from $1.1610.

Business

Report: IEA Proposes Largest Ever Oil Release from Strategic Reserves

A display shows fuel prices at a petrol station in Munich, Germany, 10 March 2026. Fuel prices have risen since the start of US and Israeli military strikes on Iran and retaliatory attacks by Iran. (EPA)
A display shows fuel prices at a petrol station in Munich, Germany, 10 March 2026. Fuel prices have risen since the start of US and Israeli military strikes on Iran and retaliatory attacks by Iran. (EPA)
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Report: IEA Proposes Largest Ever Oil Release from Strategic Reserves

A display shows fuel prices at a petrol station in Munich, Germany, 10 March 2026. Fuel prices have risen since the start of US and Israeli military strikes on Iran and retaliatory attacks by Iran. (EPA)
A display shows fuel prices at a petrol station in Munich, Germany, 10 March 2026. Fuel prices have risen since the start of US and Israeli military strikes on Iran and retaliatory attacks by Iran. (EPA)

The International Energy Agency has proposed the largest release of oil reserves in its history to restrain soaring crude prices amid the US-Israel war with Iran, the Wall Street Journal reported, citing officials familiar with the matter.

The release would exceed the 182 million barrels of oil that IEA member nations put on the market in two releases in 2022 when Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the newspaper said.

The IEA called an extraordinary meeting of members on Tuesday, with nations expected to decide ‌on the proposal ‌the following day, the paper said.

The plan ‌would ⁠be adopted if ⁠there were no objections, it said, but protests by even one country could delay the effort.

G7 energy ministers stopped short of agreeing on a release of strategic oil reserves but in a statement on Wednesday said they supported the idea in principle.

French President Emmanuel Macron is due to chair a meeting of G7 leaders ⁠later on Wednesday.

"In principle, we support the implementation ‌of proactive measures to address the ‌situation, including the use of strategic reserves," the G7 energy ministers said. "G7 ‌members will carefully consider the recommendations."

One G7 source told Reuters ‌that although no country currently faced a physical shortage of crude, prices were rising sharply, and leaving the situation unattended was not an option.

However, any actual release cannot start immediately because decisions on aspects such as ‌total volume, country allocations, and timing require further discussion, the source said.

"The IEA secretariat is expected ⁠to propose ⁠scenarios, based on expected market impact, and outreach may extend to non-IEA members like China and India," the source said.

The IEA and the White House did not immediately respond to Reuters' requests for comment.

IEA member South Korea is participating in the discussion "and reviewing its position," a spokesperson for the country's industry ministry said on Wednesday.

Oil prices see-sawed on Wednesday as markets doubted whether the IEA's reported plan for a record release of oil reserves could offset potential supply shocks from the conflict in the Middle East.