OCKHAM OBSERVER

An eye on the week ahead

Trump begins second term as Ramaphosa heads to Davos

Donald Trump’s inauguration as U.S. President tops the global news agenda alongside the annual World Economic Forum (WEF) meeting in Davos. South African MPs will be in their constituencies ahead of the reconvening of parliamentary committees next week.

Monday 20 Jan
The inauguration of Donald Trump as President of the United States will take place indoors in the U.S. Capitol Rotunda due to the freezing weather in Washington, D.C. At 78 years and 220 days old, Trump is the oldest person in history to take office as U.S. President.

Trump’s inauguration coincides with Martin Luther King Jr. Day in the U.S. King’s daughter Bernice King said the timing provides an opportunity to reflect on her late father’s legacy as the country transitions to a new administration.

The World Economic Forum (WEF) Annual Meeting begins in Davos, Switzerland, under the theme ‘Collaboration for the Intelligent Age’. The WEF’s Future of Jobs Report 2025 released last week set out the opportunities and threats that artificial intelligence presents for global labour markets.

The G20 will convene its first International Financial Architecture Working Group Meeting under a South African presidency, focusing on mobilising finance for climate disaster-stricken nations and extending debt relief for developing countries.

The United Nations Security Council will hold a ministerial-level meeting on the Middle East, focusing on regional stability, ongoing conflicts, and pathways to peace.

The People’s Bank of China will announce its interest rate decision. It is expected to maintain current rates despite earlier signals of potential cuts in 2025.

Minister of Transport Barbara Creecy and Deputy Minister Mkhuleko Hlengwa will release the 2024/2025 Festive Season road safety report in Pretoria.

Tuesday 21 Jan
President Cyril Ramaphosa is scheduled to address the WEF meeting in Davos. He leads a delegation of eight South African ministers.

U.S. President Trump  is expected to sign a “blizzard” of executive orders designed to “shock and awe” on his first day in office. Trump has promised tariff hikes, mass deportations, restricted citizenship for the children of illegal immigrants, and a travel ban for several Muslim-majority countries.

The G20 will convene its first Development Working Group Meeting under a South African presidency, focusing on inclusive economic growth, industrialisation, employment, and reducing inequality.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz will speak at the World Economic Forum in Davos.

Prince Harry’s phone hacking trial against The Sun newspaper begins at the High Court in London. The case centres on allegations that journalists and private investigators unlawfully accessed voicemail messages and other personal information.

Wednesday 22 Jan
Statistics South Africa will release the Consumer Price Index (CPI) for December 2024. Headline inflation is projected to rise to between 3.1% and 3.3%, up slightly from November’s 2.9%.

The G20 will convene its first Joint Finance and Health Task Force Meeting under a South African presidency, focusing on how to strengthen global health systems and enhance pandemic preparedness.

Same-sex marriage becomes legal in Thailand, a landmark moment for LGBTQ+ rights in Southeast Asia.

UN Gaza aid chief Sigrid Kaag, Nobel Peace Prize laureate Muhammad Yunus, and Palestinian economic adviser Mohammed Mustafa will speak at WEF.

Thursday 23 Jan
Mayor of Cape Town Geordin Hill-Lewis will speak at the Cape Town Press Club where he will outline progress towards creating a ‘City of Hope’ and address key challenges facing residents.

Leading German chancellor candidate Friedrich Merz (Christian Democratic Union) will deliver a foreign policy address exactly one month ahead of the federal election on 23 February.

NATO secretary general Mark Rutte and Argentine President Javier Milei will speak at WEF.

Friday 24 Jan
The United Nations will mark the International Day of Education under the theme ‘AI and Education: Preserving Human Agency in a World of Automation.’

International Monetary Fund (IMF) Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva and European Central Bank (ECB) President Christine Lagarde will discuss the global economic outlook at WEF.

The Bank of Japan is anticipated to announce an increase in its short-term interest rate from the current 0.25% to 0.50%.

Saturday 25 Jan
The Australian Open women’s singles final will take place at Melbourne Park.

Sunday 26 Jan
The ANC National Executive Committee (NEC) will hold an extended lekgotla to discuss key economic policy changes ahead of the President’s State of the Nation Address and Finance Minister’s Budget Speech on 6 and 19 February respectively.

The United Nations will observe the International Day of Clean Energy, highlighting the need to reduce emissions and support communities lacking clean, reliable sources of energy.

Belarus will hold its presidential election, with Alexander Lukashenko seeking to extend his 30-year rule. The vote takes place amid concerns over electoral integrity and ongoing political repression.

The Australian Open men’s singles final will conclude the first Grand Slam tournament of the year.

If you would like an event to be considered for this newsletter, please email: observer@ockhamcommunications.com

Ockham Communications relies on a range of sources to compile the Ockham Observer and cannot be held responsible for any inaccuracies or omissions.