Mpox, SA’s geopolitical pivot

This week, the WHO declared mpox a global public health emergency amidst a surge in cases in parts of Africa. Beyond the human tragedy, there may be disruption to economic activity in the region, with tourism impacted particularly hard. Meanwhile, South Africa’s government of national unity signalled this week that foreign policy and domestic economic objectives will be better integrated going forward, hinting at a geopolitical pivot towards the West that could help to attract foreign investment.