By Prabashini Moodley,
Africa, and SA, needs to unlock the potential that the rest of the world sees in us. We have a youthful population that provides a demographic dividend, but only if we can enable our youth to engage in productive commercial activity. You don’t need to be an economist to know that some of SA’s biggest challenges lie in infrastructure development, job creation, and fostering economic growth.
We need strong public sector institutions to create an enabling governance environment – and every one of us can advocate for this through active citizenship. In addition, we contribute as a private sector by mobilising the right investments in infrastructure, impact investing, and sustainability.
Infrastructure development especially plays a crucial role in economic self-sufficiency. As my colleagues at Old Mutual Alternative Investments (OMAI) will also tell you, effective infrastructure is vital for economic growth and development. Building roads, schools, and hospitals provides more than jobs – it improves lives and creates opportunities for future generations.
Impact investing and retirement fund contributions
Our retirement fund industry can, and should, also play a role. Through infrastructure investments, pension funds can help drive economic growth while securing long-term financial returns for their members.
The move towards impact investing – where financial capital is directed towards projects that generate both economic and social returns – has gained traction globally.
A lasting solution
As the global landscape shifts, South Africa has an opportunity to redefine its approach to aid and economic development. The key lies not in relying on temporary assistance but in fostering self-sufficiency through strategic ways of thinking, investments, and our actions as organisations and leaders.
By focusing on sustainable solutions, we can build a future in which aid is no longer a necessity but a choice.
If you’d like to know more about how Old Mutual Corporate invests members’ contributions to achieve that, speak to an Old Mutual Corporate Consultant.
