Kaya Biz

US extends AGOA until 2026

The United States has renewed the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), but only for a short, one-year period ending in 2026. Is this a genuine renewal or simply buying time while the US rethinks the programme? Victor Kgomoeswana, well known African business expert unpacks this.

6 Feb 6AM 12 min

South Africa has entered a "polycrisis" year in 2026

South Africa has entered a "polycrisis" year in 2026 where climate disasters and civil unrest are no longer separate events. They are colliding. Just this past week, the national disaster declaration following the deadly flooding in the Northeast (Limpopo and KZN) has coincided with rising community "water riots" in Gauteng…

6 Feb 4AM 21 min

South Africa’s national minimum wage has risen by 5%

South Africa’s national minimum wage has risen by 5%, with farm workers, domestic workers, general assistants, and security guards set to earn R30.23 an hour from 1 March. Cosatu parliamentary co‑ordinator Matthew Parks helps us understand the broader implications for workers, businesses and the economy.

6 Feb 4AM 11 min

Lesaka Technologies: Fintech turnaround

South African fintech group Lesaka Technologies is on track to return to profitability in the 2026 financial year after the first two quarters showed positive momentum. The company is also progressing with the acquisition of Bank Zero. CEO Lincoln Mali unpacks these results.

6 Feb 4AM 7 min

MTN in talks to buy remaining IHS holdings stake

Africa's biggest mobile operator, said on Thursday it is in advanced talks to buy the 75% stake it does not already own in IHS Holdings in a deal that could value the tower infrastructure firm at about $2.76 billion. Dobek Pater, telecoms analyst gives listeners his analysis of what this…

6 Feb 4AM 9 min

Sugar tax vs jobs: Can SA protect health and industry?

South Africa’s sugar tax, officially the Health Promotion Levy, has been at the centre of a heated debate. Introduced in 2018 to curb the country’s rising obesity and diabetes rates, the levy taxes sugar-sweetened beverages, but not household sugar or other foods. Health advocates say it’s a vital tool that…

4 Feb 12PM 9 min

Investment opportunities in 2026

After a period of relative optimism last year driven by easing inflation and expectations of lower interest rates, global markets are heading into 2026 facing renewed volatility. From geopolitical instability and uneven economic growth to stretched equity valuations and persistent currency fluctuations, investors are unlikely to enjoy a smooth ride…

4 Feb 12PM 19 min

Tracing retirement fund members

Millions of South Africans rely on retirement funds to secure their financial future, but what happens when members lose track of their benefits? A recent case has highlighted a critical issue: fund administrators have a legal duty to actively trace members and ensure they receive what is due. Failure to…

3 Feb 3PM 14 min

Urgent reforms needed in SA’s healthcare system

South Africa is heading into another election year, and healthcare remains a central concern for citizens. While National Health Insurance dominates the political debate, the country faces a more immediate crisis: affordability pressures, limited access, and workforce shortages in both public and private healthcare. From rising costs of treatment to…

3 Feb 3PM 16 min

What SARS’ collection drive means for individuals

The South African Revenue Service (SARS) has identified R523 billion in undisputed debt on its books, which experts say will be aggressively pursued by the taxman in 2026.The revenue service confirmed the figures as of December 2025. The number is not an estimate or tax under dispute or question; it’s…

3 Feb 3PM 10 min

Is SA’s automotive industry sliding into deindustrialisation?

South Africa’s automotive sector is under mounting pressure as global trade fragmentation, rising imports and weak policy execution threaten local manufacturing. . To unpack what this means for manufacturers, workers and consumers, we’re joined by Renai Moothilal, CEO of the National Association of Automotive Component and Allied Manufacturers.

3 Feb 3PM 13 min

Fuel prices set to drop

South African motorists are set for further financial relief this week as fuel prices are expected to drop sharply from Wednesday, February 4, extending the country’s fuel price-cutting streak into February. How much difference will this really make in a household’s monthly budget? Maya Fisher-French, a multiple award-winning Consumer Financial…

3 Feb 3PM 16 min

SA film industry funding crisis

The South African film and television industry is facing a crisis. Continued funding losses and a malfunctioning Treasury rebate system have left producers struggling to finance projects and keep local talent on our screens. Thato Moraka, CEO of Leaders In Motion Media Africa (LIMA) tackled why aren’t South Africa’s film…

2 Feb 3PM 19 min

Eskom’s urgent creditors’ meeting, unbundling debate

Eskom has summoned an urgent creditors’ meeting to review its unbundling plan, which local lenders argue is less ambitious than what was initially promised. Ruse Moleshe, Energy expert explains what this meeting is really about.

2 Feb 3PM 9 min

Absa PMI rebound

South Africa’s manufacturing sector may be showing early signs of life after a very difficult end to 2025. The latest Absa Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) for January has jumped by 8.2 points to 48.7. While that’s still below the crucial 50 mark that separates contraction from expansion, the size of…

2 Feb 3PM 8 min

SA’s vehicle sales surge

The Automotive Business Council reports that the South African new vehicle market entered 2026 with sustained momentum, confirming that the positive trajectory established during 2025 has carried decisively into the new year. Aggregate domestic new vehicle sales in January 2026, at 50,073, reflected an increase of 3,479 units, or a…

2 Feb 3PM 16 min

Fewer South Africans were taken to court over unpaid

Fewer South Africans were taken to court over unpaid debt in November 2025, official data from Statistics South Africa shows. Yet, the picture is not simply one of financial relief. Based on the total value of judgements recorded in November, the average civil judgement for debt was just under R29,000…

29 Jan 3PM 10 min

How SA consumers are driving the digital payments revolution

Tonight on KayaBiz, we’re talking to one of the leading voices in digital payments and business solutions in South Africa. The 2025 festive season saw record growth in digital transactions, signalling not just resilient consumer demand, but also the accelerating shift towards mobile-first, online commerce. Joining us is Norman Nyawo,…

29 Jan 3PM 16 min

Inside SA households Can families afford food in 2026

The January 2026 Household Affordability Index presented a mixed picture for South African families as it reveals a modest increase in the cost of basic food items. The average cost of the Household Food Basket rose to R5 401.44, marking a R67.99 (1.3%) increase from December 2025. Notably, however, this…

29 Jan 3PM 12 min

What the MPC decision means for South Africans

South Africa’s Reserve Bank took a cautious approach, opting to hold the repo rate steady at 6.75% on Thursday at its first Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meeting of 2026, despite a surging rand and a benign inflation outlook. FNB Senior Economist Koketso Mano unpacks what this means for South Africans.

29 Jan 3PM 11 min