Africa is not dependent on what happens outside of it. Through its growing population, increase in urbanisation as well as telecommunications it is becoming an unstoppable force not properly appreciated.

Simon Freemantle is a Senior Political Economist in Standard Bank’s global research team. In his current role, Simon is responsible for analysing the structural (macroeconomic and political) trends and dynamics shaping Africa’s broader outlook. Included in this analysis is an interrogation of Africa’s relationships with non-traditional partners, hinged on the BRICS. In 2011 Simon, together with a colleague, was named the top emerging markets research team by London-based publication Emerging Markets. Simon is also the bank’s dedicated South Africa political analyst, primarily serving both the local and international institutional investor community. In 2015 Simon was ranked 1st in South Africa in the Politics and Industrial Relations category of the Financial Mail’s annual Ranking the Analysts Awards; in 2010 Simon also led a team which was ranked 1st in the Other African Economies and Markets category.

This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at http://ted.com/tedx