Look
Population peak by country
This map is fascinating because it shows a dramatic demographic shift: many countries, including China, much of Europe, and parts of Latin America, have already passed their peak population, while others, most notably in Africa and South Asia, still have decades of growth ahead. For investors, this matters enormously. Countries with shrinking populations face slower economic growth, ageing workforces, and rising healthcare and pension costs.
Meanwhile, nations with younger, growing populations, like India or much of Africa, could see expanding consumer markets, greater demand for infrastructure, and faster overall growth. In other words, demographic trends will shape not just where growth happens, but also which sectors and regions are most attractive for long-term investment.
Listen
Political perspectives
In this candid conversation, Hendrik du Toit, Founder and CEO of Ninety One, sits down with Geordin Hill-Lewis, Executive Mayor of Cape Town, to reflect on the progress, challenges, and priorities shaping both South Africa and the city of Cape Town. While the country continues to face significant headwinds, Cape Town has achieved some notable successes in governance that arguably leave us with a sense of hope.
This discussion offers a forward-looking perspective on what is working, what remains difficult, and why leadership and accountability matter so deeply for South Africa’s future.
Learn
An important conversation about ageing
Ken Dychtwald’s keynote is a frank and powerful reminder that while longevity has increased dramatically, there is an essential difference between simply living longer and living a healthier, more fulfilling longer life. Too often, our society celebrates the number of years gained without asking whether those years are being lived with purpose, vitality, and dignity or whether people are being kept alive while suffering.
He challenges us to recognise that older adults still have dreams, aspirations, and contributions to make, and yet our world is designed mainly for the young. This is an important conversation because as more of us live into later decades, we must shift our mindset from merely extending life to building a culture, systems, and communities that truly support ageing well.
Ponder
In this section, I invite you to think about a question I may pose or a thought I may share.
Oenophilia
“Oenophilia simply refers to enjoying wine, often by laymen.”
I love this time of year. Joburg is exploding with green leaves and blossoms, with the sweet smell of yesterday-today-tomorrows and jasmine around every corner.
This month’s wine, Creation Viognier from Hemel-en-Aarde, truly captures the spirit of spring. This wine invites you with aromas of peach, ripe pear, and a hint of spring flowers. It’s expressive yet elegant, full-bodied but fresh, making it the perfect spring wine to sip on a sunny spring day. Enjoy with seafood, risotto or roast chicken dish.
Stay curious,
Elke Zeki