As the World Economic Forum annual meeting opens in Davos on 20 January 2026, South Africa arrives with what officials call a “relatively positive story” — fiscal milestones, grey-list removals (FATF and EU), an S&P credit upgrade, and improved Eskom power reliability. Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana leads the delegation (President Cyril Ramaphosa is absent due to “schedule priorities”), joined by Ministers Ronald Lamola, Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, Patricia de Lille, Stella Ndabeni, and executives from FirstRand, RMB, Naspers-Prosus, Old Mutual, Telkom, SAB, Eskom and Transnet.Yet the narrative rings hollow on the global stage. South Africa has lost much of its post-1994 moral and economic integrity.
The Honourable President Cyril Ramaphosa will not attend the 2026 World Economic Forum in Davos due to scheduling priorities, potentially avoiding tough questions from international media on issues like political violence, economic reforms, and the foot-and-mouth disease crisis, farm murders where clear answers remain elusive amid perceptions of limited control.
Persistent political violence, stalled reforms, the devastating foot-and-mouth disease outbreak crippling the R80 billion livestock sector, and a president whose credibility has been repeatedly questioned have eroded trust abroad.
The timing could not be worse. The Davos agenda is dominated by geopolitical shocks driven by U.S. President Donald Trump: new 10% tariffs on eight NATO allies, military intervention in Venezuela, threats against Iran, and the largest American delegation in years. Last week’s controversy over a BRICS military exercise in Simon’s Town involving Iran has further damaged South Africa’s standing, making a warm reception from key Western counterparts unlikely. Brand SA’s Neville Matjie remains hopeful that South Africa’s reform agenda will be heard, but the spotlight will almost certainly stay on Trump’s priorities.For agriculture — once a flagship of South Africa’s economic resilience — the outlook is grim.
Corruption and infrastructure issues (e.g., ports, roads, power grid decay due to mismanagement and theft) continue to deter FDI, as noted in the 2025 U.S. Investment Climate Statement, which highlights violent crime, shortages, and policy uncertainty as barriers. The Expropriation Act has reignited debates on land reform, with critics fearing it could undermine investor confidence and economic stability, though supporters like DA Minister Dean Macpherson argue it could support growth if fair and transparent.
Despite this, Africa's unified presence at Davos (under "Africa Collective") could spotlight opportunities, and SA's narrative emphasizes anti-corruption efforts and infrastructure investment (e.g., R1-trillion plan over three years). Potential for deals exists in energy, tech, and agriculture, but outcomes may be limited without deeper reforms. Historically, Davos yields more networking than immediate investments for SA, and with global focus elsewhere, attracting major FDI will be tough amid these red flags.
The foot-and-mouth crisis has triggered mass cancellations (e.g., Bloemskou livestock sections), export bans, billions in losses, and soaring domestic meat prices. Farmers face bankruptcy risks, mass layoffs of farm workers, and deepening mental health crises, with suicide concerns serious enough for Saai and AfriForum to launch a 24-hour psychological helpline.Against this backdrop, the question looms large: What will agriculture — and South Africa as a whole — actually gain from Davos 2026? With the country’s credibility tarnished and the global conversation focused elsewhere, the return on investment from this high-profile gathering appears increasingly doubtful. The summit ends Friday.
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