Head of Project & Export Finance at Standard Bank CIB, Asanda Tsotsi, joined Michael Avery this week to explore the critical challenges and opportunities in infrastructure development across Africa, including South Africa. Asanda sheds light on the pressing issue of underutilised private and government capital for infrastructure projects due to bankability concerns, and what makes a project bankable in the African context.

They delved into the crucial need for trust in building public-private partnerships, and the transformative potential of sustainable projects. Asanda also highlighted the role of central banks in influencing capital costs and explored the promising areas for future infrastructure development.

In this thought-provoking episode, Michael Avery welcomes Monocle CEO David Buckham to discuss his soon-to-be-released book, Orthogonal Thinking. David takes us on a philosophical journey through his personal explorations of mathematics, literature and life, describing how these have inspired his way of thinking about the world and finding meaning in it.

Discover how concepts that seem orthogonal can, in fact, reveal profound answers to the existential questions that lie at the heart of the human condition, as David shares his insights, epiphanies and key takeaways that readers can expect from this highly anticipated book.

Following the recent release of the South African Reserve Bank’s Payment Study Report, Tim Masela, Head of the National Payment System at the SARB, joined Michael Avery to discuss their role in promoting financial inclusion in SA.

Tim offered valuable insights into the key components for modernising South Africa's payment ecosystem, the advancements made thus far, and the obstacles that remain. He also highlighted the importance of consumer education and building trust in creating a more digitally inclusive financial landscape, as well as the role of cryptocurrencies in the digital payment space.