Speaker Profile

Thea Fourie - S&P Global Market Intelligence

Head of Sub Saharan Africa Insights & Analysis

Thea leads Sub-Saharan Economics and Country Risk analysis for S&P Global Market Intelligence. Her 30-year career has been devoted to macro-econometric modeling and macro-economic analysis of the Sub-Saharan region, with a focus on markets including South Africa, Nigeria, Zambia, Mozambique, Namibia, Niger, Central African Republic and Benin. South Africa and Nigeria are part of our proprietary Global Link Model - an econometric model covering 95% of global GDP - where she takes responsibility for these two countries. Thea leads a team of 12 regional experts responsible for forecasting macroeconomic, country and outlooks across the region. She covers major developments on the African continent through strategic research and analysis, supporting clients globally on horizon scanning, portfolio management, market entry and risk mitigation. Prior to joining S&P Global, Thea was a financial economist and econometrician at ING Barings, BOE NatWest Securities, and ABSA Bank, specializing in macro and financial economic analysis of the South African economy. Thea is based in Pretoria, and fluent in both Afrikaans and English.

Speaking at

Global macro picture: How are interest rates, inflation and geopolitical instability impacting funding environments across Africa?

09:10 AM - 09:55 AM 25/03/25

Hall 8

How are rising global interest rates affecting capital flows and investment decisions?
How are changes in global financial conditions impacting the availability and terms of development finance and aid to African nations?
What strategies can be adopted to mitigate the effects of global macroeconomic volatility on local funding environments?
Examining the impact of persistent inflation on the cost of borrowing and the viability of long-term projects

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Where Saudi Arabia’s leading issuers and investors set the agenda for 2026 and beyond

With Saudi Arabia’s next major GBM Festival scheduled for September 2026, this January Riyadh Boardroom serves as a high-level touchpoint for senior market participants to stay connected, share perspectives, and shape the agenda for the year ahead.

Against the backdrop of regulatory reforms, shifting growth dynamics, and evolving funding needs, it provides a timely opportunity to take stock of where the Kingdom’s capital markets are heading.

Participants will gain a clearer picture of Saudi Arabia’s 2026 market outlook, hear directly from issuers, regulators, and investors on priorities and challenges, and take part in focused roundtable discussions addressing financing strategies, project cycles, and capital market development.

Attendees will also benefit from structured 1-2-1 meetings and intimate networking, ensuring conversations translate into actionable connections.

How do we Deliver a High ROI for Attendees?

Meetings & Networking
Expert Market Insights
We are the only Event to

Meetings & Networking

WE ARE THE NO. 1 BUSINESS MEETINGS FACILITATOR FOR SAUDI ARABIA'S CAPITAL MARKETS

Be part of the growth in Saudi Arabia's capital markets by networking with more than 800 senior decision-makers essential for advancing your business.

Be where capital formation is happening. In just two days, gain unmatched high-quality connections with regulators, issuers, banks, and investors in candid, structured discussions around market-making, product innovation, and financing strategies.

As part of the two-day GBM: Saudi Arabia festival, your pass allows you access to:

- Capital Markets & Financing Strategies Saudi Arabia
- Digital Infrastructure & Investment Saudi Arabia
- Private Credit Saudi Arabia
- Global Markets Saudi Arabia