South African Reform Drive Loses Steam as Rail, Ports Lag

South Africa’s reform drive is losing steam as delays to rail and port overhauls and private-sector participation weigh on momentum.

The reform completion gauge rose to 71.75 in the first quarter, up 27% from a March 2024 baseline, but quarterly momentum eased to 0.9% from 2% previously, Business Leadership South Africa said in a report published Thursday. Freight logistics fell 4% — the sharpest decline of the quarter — while governance stalled.