Cape Town – Global uncertainty following Brexit and the election of US President Donald Trump could have favourable spin-offs for mining in Africa, says Morné van der Merwe of global law firm Baker McKenzie Corporate.
The conflicting views of the West (Trump’s protectionist utterances) and the East (China’s plea for economic globalisation) could well present an opportunity for Africa.
“Although there is continued insecurity in the South African mining industry as a result of persistent regulatory insecurity, labour unrest and inadequate infrastructure, the different global headwinds could potentially drive foreign direct investment in the mining sector in Africa and the development of infrastructure in particular,” he says.