As the world contends with converging economic, technological, and environmental disruptions, the International Commodities Summit 2025 will host one of its most anticipated sessions, the World Economic Outlook panel, exploring how shifting global dynamics are redefining trade, growth, and opportunity across continents. The summit takes place in Cape Town at the CTICC from the 17 November 2025.
Participating in discussions is development economist and strategist Kalnisha Singh. The discussion will convene a group of global economists and market analysts to unpack the macro forces reshaping investment, production, and development pathways in both established and emerging markets. From geopolitical realignments and energy market volatility to AI-driven disruption and the accelerating push toward Net Zero, the panel will explore the implications for economic stability, resilience, and inclusion.
This year’s dialogue is especially significant as South Africa assumes the G20 presidency for the first time - an historic milestone that elevates African perspectives on global economic governance. Within this context, the session will anchor on South Africa’s G20 priorities: expanding energy access, driving sustainable development, and reforming international financial systems to unlock more equitable and growth-oriented global partnerships.
“This moment calls for perspective, not posturing,” Singh reflects. “We are witnessing a rewiring of the global economy - and emerging markets have a critical role to play in shaping what comes next. The challenge is to ensure that transformation becomes opportunity, and not another cycle of exclusion.”
The anticipation is that the panel will address pressing questions shaping the decade ahead:
How can developing economies protect their fiscal space amid tightening global liquidity?
What does the AI revolution mean for productivity, employment, and the distribution of wealth?
How can commodity-dependent nations navigate decarbonisation without eroding their growth prospects?
And what new models of partnership can balance competitiveness with cooperation in an increasingly fragmented world?
As a strategist and advisor to large-scale energy and infrastructure initiatives across Africa, Singh brings a uniquely grounded lens to the discussion - bridging macroeconomic foresight with on-the-ground realities. Her approach reflects a commitment to translating complex global shifts into actionable insight for policymakers, investors, and development partners alike.
“South Africa’s G20 presidency provides more than a symbolic platform,” Singh adds. “It’s a real opportunity to influence the architecture of the future economy - to embed inclusion, sustainability, and resilience as central pillars of progress.”
The World Economic Outlook session forms part of a series of flagship engagements at the International Commodities Summit designed to deepen understanding, foster collaboration, and spark bold, evidence-based dialogue at the intersection of economics, policy, and sustainability.
About Kalnisha Singh and KD Strategies
Kalnisha Singh is a South African development economist and founder of KD Strategies, an advisory firm specialising in sustainability, transformation, and inclusive economic development. Through research, strategy, and implementation support, KD Strategies helps businesses, investors, and governments integrate sustainability and shared value into their operational and investment decisions. The firm’s work spans renewable energy, infrastructure, and socio-economic transformation across Southern Africa - translating policy intent into measurable, lasting impact.