Tshabalala: African continent to be fastest growing by 2030

Standard Bank Group CEO, Sim Tshabalala, sat down for an exclusive interview with CNBC Africa's Fifi Peters and Godfrey Murtiza at the World Economic Forum's 54th annual winter meeting in Davos, Switzerland. Tshabalala emphasized the importance of rebuilding trust within South Africa and across the African continent. He highlighted the key role trust plays in economic activity, stating that institutions must uphold commitments for trust to thrive in business, government, and society. The CEO also addressed the major themes at the forum, including the impact of the Chinese delegation, climate issues, and the role of technology, particularly artificial intelligence. Tshabalala stressed the need for collaboration between government and business to strengthen trust and partnership across Africa. He outlined specific steps to reduce the risk premium associated with investing in the continent, such as liberalizing economies and implementing the Africa free trade area. The CEO highlighted the significant investment opportunities in Africa's infrastructure, amounting to $3.4 trillion, and urged stakeholders to capitalize on these prospects. Tshabalala expressed optimism in Africa's potential for growth and development, citing the continent's young, educated population and innovative solutions like Mpesa as driving forces for progress. He emphasized the need for optimism and strategic decision-making to unlock the vast opportunities in Africa's evolving landscape.