New Release

The Year of Reckoning: Critical Economic & Political Choices facing South Africa

South Africa now faces a twin crisis of economic decline and political uncertainty. Rescuing the economy will take both political will and prudent policy making. The country also requires a credible strategy to combat corruption while embracing much-needed accountability.  Expanding economic inclusion amidst rising debt and societal tensions will remain a priority. All this alongside tensions in the governing ANC as President Cyril Ramaphosa fights for his political life.  Can the country move forward given these conflicting dynamics? Can inclusive economic growth be achieved? Will Cyril Ramaphosa remain on as President and be able to stabilise an ailing ANC? Assessing these and other tough questions are at the core of this compelling and essential new keynote presentation.

​

Summary: A flagship deep-dive into both the political and economic fortunes of South Africa with prospects and insights for the future

​

​

All New for 2022

MegaTrends: The 2022 Reset:
Political, Social, Economic & Technological Trends and Themes in the post-Covid Era.

Profound political, economic, social and technological change have all been rapidly developing feature of the modern world for decades. Covid-19 has - in part - reset some of these trends creating a future where healthcare, biotech, hyper connectivity,  remote work, online consumerism, digitisation, political accountability, rising debt, sustainable development and combating inequality are all on the front-burner.  But, existing themes of demographic shifts, urbanisation, a rising Asia, democratic decline and cybersecurity amongst others will continue to shape and shift business. Don't miss this all new 2022 revisit of the expected MegaTrends for the near future - as compelling and entertaining as ever! 

​

Summary: Insightful macro-trend & theme analysis ideal for any event requiring a 'helicopter' overview. A gripping 'futurist' overview suitable for all audiences.

​

​

​

International Analysis

Flashpoints: Geopolitical Tensions in a Volatile World

Political, security and economic factors all converge in this new keynote which delves into the ever-changing and increasingly volatile world of  international relations. US President Joe Biden faces dual geo-political challenges - that emanating from both China and Russia. With pressures to reform the international rules of the game and with new (and old) rivals seeking to curb US power and invent a differing world order, expect uncertainty and possible conflicts to emerge. The rise of China, and power-plays from Russia, Turkey, Saudi Arabia and Iran can all inflame regional and trade conflicts affecting economic growth and pressurising many nations into siding with the protagonists. US Mid-term elections are likely to raise tensions too as the Democrats fight to retain power emboldened Republicans. With a global economy still fraught with inequality and the aftermath of Covid, new pressures are rising. Cover the key flash-points in this latest keynote spanning the major issues of the world in an engaging yet analytical keynote.

​

Summary: An international-relations primer for global audiences seeking a summary of prevailing risk-related issues and their business relevance.

Travel & Hospitality Focus

Global Impact: The State of the World & its Impact on the Travel & Hospitality Sector

Designed to focus specifically on the prevailing trends in the Travel and Hospitality sector, this keynote is part of Daniel Silke's new "Global Impact" series that aims to provide a meaningful and relevant macro-economic overview of current global conditions and assess the impact on the relevant sector. 

Summary: A more 'bespoke' keynote offering which combines current economic data with industry specific issues and provides an ideal macro backdrop for further conference discussion and analysis.

Private Client Briefings

In Discussion With...

Personal Briefings/Q&A 

Although most presentations are more formal and are based on supporting PowerPoint slides, many clients prefer a more personal discussion-type format either as part of a panel discussion or direct briefing. These can be also be achieved virtually using all major online platforms such as Zoom, Teams, Cisco Webex, Skype or via a telephonic link. Interactive Q&A sessions are highly productive and allow for in-depth analysis and discussion. Multi-participant panels also add dynamism to an event and retain audience interest. Dissecting issues via discussion remains a highly compelling format for virtual events.

​

Summary: A more personal and informal option in which the moderator can illicit highly relevant responses.

New Release

Impact: South Africa & the World - The Global Economic & Political Environment: Prospects for South Africa

South Africa's  economy was struggling pre-Covid. Since the pandemic, it has suffered further shocks that urgently requires major policy reforms to counter. However, South Africa is not an island unto herself. There are numerous global factors that are influencing our financial well-being. US interest rates are on the rise while inflation poses a risk across the world. Rising debt levels will constrain many developing economies resulting in greater scrutiny of emerging markets and their ability to attract investment.  Commodity prices have been strong but softer Chinese growth can offset this. The critical question is whether South Africa's political leadership can make courageous moves to revive the economy amidst both international volatility and internal political conflict.

Summary: A comprehensive and always fresh global macro economic and political overview providing the international context for South African economic challenges.

New Release

The Post-Pandemic World: Economic, Social & Political Themes for Business in the Emerging New Era.

There is a degree of both apprehension and hope as the world learns to live with a more endemic Covid-19 and begins a recovery.  But make no mistake, the lingering effects of the pandemic on the global economy will remain. Patchy growth, rising debt, growing inequality, climate concerns and an urgent need to kickstart and sustain recovery across developed and emerging markets will test political and financial will - along with rising geo-political tensions between China, Russia and the West. Understanding the key global themes and mega-trends in a volatile and unchartered post-pandemic environment will be a core component for business success and strategic forecasting in the months ahead. 

​

Summary: The very latest international economic and political drivers offering a comprehensive current analysis of the state of the world.

​

​

​

​

Fully Updated

Affirming Africa:
Restoring Growth in the Post-Covid Era. 

Africa has largely enjoyed favourable growth rates & real integration into the global economy over the last decade. But, increasing headwinds in a post-Covid environment will put pressure on policy-makers to offset the damage caused & re-commit to a prosperity path. Vexed issues of rising debt, regional instability, food and energy inflation as well as social strain will require attention while much promise from the new ACFTA requires political will to enable. Upping vaccination rates will also be critical to offset weakening historic gains alongside the threats of climate change and the need for policy reforms. With heightened geo-political & economic competition, the near future is likely to be both uncertain yet not short on opportunity as demographics, urbanisation and a desire to better livelihoods prompts global interest and investment. Be part of this fascinating & essential journey into the current state of the continent. 

​

Summary: A flagship macro-overview of Sub-Saharan Africa offering essential economic, political and social trend insights.

Consumer & Retail Focus

Global Impact: The State of the World & its Impact on the Consumer & Retail Space.

Designed to focus specifically on the prevailing trends in the Consumer and Retail sector, this keynote is part of Daniel Silke's new "Global Impact" series that aims to provide a meaningful and relevant macro-economic overview of current global conditions and assess the impact on the relevant sector. 

​

Summary: A more 'bespoke' keynote offering which combines current economic data with industry specific issues and provides an ideal macro backdrop for further conference discussion and analysis.

University, College & Corporate

Short-Courses on Topical Political Economy issues

Daniel Silke has presented numerous short-courses or semester programs at Universities in the United States. The presentations are extended versions of his topical political economy keynotes and have focussed on issues as diverse as South Africa, Africa and Globalisation. Increasingly, business schools and colleges are seeking out experts for a series of presentations that go beyond a single keynote and allow for greater discussion and interaction. With corporate education an increasingly popular - and essential - aspect of continuous learning, the topicality of this material is ideal for this option.

​

Summary: A detailed focus on topical issues allowing for deeper analysis.

Fully Updated

The State of the Nation: Overcoming the Political, Social & Economic Challenges of our Time

South Africa faces numerous challenges. Against a backdrop of corruption and flagging state institutions, the economy has stagnated resulting in high unemployment and social unease. In this comprehensive keynote, Daniel Silke unpacks the country's political, economic and social drivers and assesses their strengths and weaknesses.  Using the latest data and available analysis, Silke delivers a judgement on whether South Africa is a failing state or whether a turnaround is indeed possible. It's a hard-hitting and honest account of a troubled nation fighting to restore the promise of the post-1994 era. Not to be missed!

​

Summary: A comprehensive deep-dive into the current political and economic state of South Africa offering an expert prognosis on the prospects for stability and progress.

​

​

​

New Release

The Age of Disruption: Recognising & Responding to Political & Economic Risk

If a global pandemic taught us anything, it is to expect the unexpected. From supply chain disruptions to reprioritising spending on healthcare to a shifting real-estate, work-place and retail environment, business is scrambling to adapt. And, no aspect of business, their clients and consumers will escape the shifting environment. Yet, there are still more fundamental changes to come. Climate change, demographic shifts, rapid urbanisation, advancing technologies, rising inequality and geo-political risks all combine to make this era more uncertain than ever. For business, it is critical to identify the core risk factors and begin planning immediately. This is no time for glossing over the challenges ahead - but rather using the latest data to plan and strategise for future survival - and profits.  Turning risk into opportunity will be essential for us all and this keynote provides a backdrop for strategy choices.

​

Summary: A unique risk-themed presentations identifying the strategic pressure-points for business now and into the near-future. May be booked as a once-off, workshop or short course.

Special Event Analysis

South Africa Budget 2022:
The Economic & Political Context for Renewal

South Africa's new Finance Minister, Enoch Godongwana, has an almost impossible task in presenting his first full budget in 2022. The ravages of Covid-19 have worsened the country's low growth and rising debt economy. With unemployment & inflation increasing, a balance has to be struck between more proactive growth policies alongside critical social spending. And, the vexed issues of managing the ailing state owned enterprises, holding the state wage bill in-check and keeping a shrinking tax base compliant are tough hurdles indeed as the ANC faces its own internal political demons. Daniel Silke presents a political-economy analysis of Budget 2022 and the prospects for reviving economic growth in this essential & topical presentation. Daniel Silke presents a political-economy analysis of Budget 2022 for corporate events over the first quarter of the year.

​

Summary: An essential analysis of the South African Budget and its economic and political implications for kickstarting the domestic economy.

​

Gold & Silver Focus

Global Impact: The State of the World & its Impact on Precious Metals

Designed to focus specifically on the prevailing trends in the Precious Metals (Gold & Silver) market, this keynote is part of Daniel Silke's new "Global Impact" series that aims to provide a meaningful and relevant macro-economic overview of current global conditions and assess the impact on the relevant sector. 

​

Summary: A more 'bespoke' keynote offering which combines current economic data with industry specific issues and provides an ideal macro backdrop for further discussion and analysis.

Travel/Cruise Enrichment

Presentations for the Travel & Cruise-Line Industry

Part of the joys of travel is learning. Enrichment programs are now offered by cruise lines, luxury railway operators and even destination services companies. Daniel Silke offers an expert selection of geographically themed presentations designed to augment touring both in South Africa, on-coastal voyages globally and for international travel companies. Silke has lectured for Crystal Cruise Lines, Cunard, Silversea, Regent Cruises and Abercrombie & Kent.

​

​

Summary: Destination learning is an increasingly important part of travel. Contemporary analysis provides memorable added insights for visitors.