The Global South Post

Zero Tariffs, Infinite Opportunities: China–South Africa Trade and the Future of Richards Bay

In this episode of North Coast Radio 104.0mhz Current Affairs producer, Lwazi Manqele speaks with Professor Liu Baocheng who is the Director of the Center for International Business Ethics at the University of International Business and Economics in Beijing. The conversation explores China’s new zero-tariff trade policy for African exports and what it could mean for South African investors, entrepreneurs, and rural communities. Key topics include: • China–Africa trade cooperation • Opportunities for the Richards Bay port economy • Lessons from China’s rural revitalisation strategy • Agricultural exports and beneficiation • The role of the Global South in the evolving world economy This episode is essential listening for business leaders, policymakers, and anyone interested in Africa’s economic future.

JAMES NOBLE - ABSA's Franchise Financing 2026

In a must-listen interview with Lwazi Manqele on North Coast Radio 104.0MHz, James Noble, Executive Retail, Wholesale & Franchising at Absa Bank, breaks down why franchises are a smart bet for entrepreneurs. Franchising offers a "big brother" support system—you're in business for yourself, but NOT by yourself. Banks like Absa love it: lower risk than startups, thanks to franchisor training and proven brands. But hurdles? High upfront costs (think premium signage & equipment) and a solid owner’s contribution to avoid debt traps. Success secret: A "bank-ready" plan showing repayment power, your acumen, local competitor intel, and how it'll sustain your livelihood + loan. Tune in for the full chat—perfect for SA entrepreneurs eyeing franchises! #FranchiseFinance #AbsaBank #Entrepreneurship #NorthCoastRadio

In conversation with FASA CEO, Fred Makgato

In this eye-opening interview, FASA CEO Fred Makgato reveals how South Africa's R1 trillion franchising sector is quietly tackling the 32% unemployment crisis. From township takeovers via Ekurhuleni's 10-point plan to Absa's "Bank of the Entrepreneur" toolkit, discover proven strategies for scalable jobs, inclusive growth, and entrepreneur success. Tune in for actionable insights ahead of the 19 February industry summit—perfect for aspiring business owners and startup founders.

Dr. Zhou Mi - Unpacking China's Rural Revitalization: Lessons for South Africa

China’s rural revitalization offers powerful lessons for South Africa. This interview with Dr Zhou Mi examines trade, ports, agriculture, and development in the Global South.

Professor Liu Baocheng Reveals Best Skills for African Youth in G20 Era

Discover how China's vocational blueprint—apprenticeships, Luban Workshops, tripartite contracts, and green tech training—aligns with G20 Johannesburg 2025 youth skills priorities, Africa Skills Multiplier for 1 million trainers, and inclusive growth from the historic African summit. In this exclusive interview, North Coast Radio's Lwazi Manqele hosts Professor Liu Baocheng (Center for International Business Ethics, UIBE; CCTV commentator; MBA/MSc Seton Hall, PhD UIBE) on "Bridging Skills: Africa and China's Path to Youth Empowerment." Key Insights from G20 2025 Johannesburg Declaration & China-Africa Partnerships: * China's high-quality development model mirrors G20 focus on future-ready education, AI, automation, and carbon neutrality—adapting apprenticeships for African technicians, digital operators, and engineers via respectful, context-specific programs. * Sino-SA mining breakthroughs: Technology transfer, automation upskilling, and mutual mentorship in mineral beneficiation elevate youth from manual labor to high-value roles, boosting local value addition amid critical minerals push. * Luban Workshops & empowerment: Tiered certifications, bilingual skills, and Belt & Road training in South Africa, Ethiopia, Kenya—transforming raw resources into sustainable prosperity, echoing Y20 "Building Bridges" and Compact with Africa. Post-G20 (Nov 22-23, 2025, Nasrec Expo Centre): Explore youth employment targets, AI for Africa Initiative, and China’s South-South leverage despite US boycott. Perfect for #G20Johannesburg2025 [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/g20johannesburg2025], #YouthSkillsDevelopment [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/youthskillsdevelopment], #ChinaAfricaPartnerships [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/chinaafricapartnerships], #MineralBeneficiationSA [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/mineralbeneficiationsa], #LubanWorkshop [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/lubanworkshop], #AfricaIndustrialization [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/africaindustrialization], #VocationalTrainingAfrica [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/vocationaltrainingafrica], #G20YouthEmpowerment [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/g20youthempowerment]. Timestamps: