2025 will present South Africa with a critical opportunity to reshape its future. While progress has been made in some areas, the country continues to face significant challenges in achieving sustainable economic growth and job creation. One of the most crucial factors in unlocking South Africa’s potential lies in its capital markets. As a tool for economic performance, capital markets have the power to drive investment, foster innovation, and create jobs. Yet, for these markets to achieve their full potential, it is essential to address key issues such as market inefficiencies, systemic risks, and unequal access.

The key question is: how can capital markets be leveraged to enhance South Africa’s economic growth and facilitate job creation? What preconditions must be met for capital markets to function effectively in the South African context, and how can these markets work in synergy with other economic strategies like SME development, Public-Private Partnerships, and environmental policy?

In collaboration with PSG, ERSA is inviting all ‘Big Picture Thinkers’ to present a discussion document that explores these questions and offers innovative, actionable solutions. We encourage submissions to be supported by verifiable, quantitative justifications, and to consider using models such as optimal control theory or other approaches.

Winners of this competition will share R900 000 in prize money.

For more information on the Challenge, the Prizes, the Panel of Judges and more, please visit the website or download the PDF summary below.