#ThinkBigSA 2025, R1 million in total prize money

PSG Financial Services, in collaboration with Economic Research South Africa (ERSA), has launched the second annual PSG #ThinkBigSA competition, inviting South Africa’s “Big Picture Thinkers” to present innovative solutions on The Role of Capital Markets in Enhancing Economic Growth and Job Creation in South Africa.

Francois Gouws, CEO of PSG Financial Services, says the overwhelming response to last year’s competition demonstrated South Africans’ eagerness to engage with complex economic issues facing the country. "The inaugural competition exceeded our expectations, attracting more than 100 discussion-paper entries, and the level of insight and innovation showcased reaffirmed our belief in the power of harnessing the power of South Africans’ knowledge base to drive economic progress. As such, we have upped the ante this year with R1 million in total prize money and have also expanded participation categories.”

PhD student Teboho R.F. Nthoana was named the winner in 2024 and awarded R300 000. This year, Gouws says, “The winner will be awarded a cash prize of R500 000, with the two runners up winning R300 000 and R100 000 respectively. We’ve also introduced two special category prizes of R50 000 each for entrants aged 25 and under, and entrants with no affiliation to formal academic institutions.”

Capital markets drive economic growth and promote financial inclusion by enabling businesses to access a large and diverse pool of funds to finance their expansion, innovation and diversification. They also provide governments with alternative financing options for budget deficits, public services and infrastructure projects.

In some economies, well-developed capital markets have reduced volatility by introducing new discipline into policymaking and contributing to sustainable job creation. In South Africa, however, various structural challenges – such as market inefficiencies, systemic risks and unequal access to funding – hinder the full potential of capital markets in driving economic growth.

“We’re looking for participants to propose actionable solutions,” says Gouws. “This will require exploring how capital markets can work alongside or be complemented by other economic strategies, like SME development, Public-Private Partnerships or informal sector development, environmental policy and sustainability.”

Discussion papers will be judged by an expert panel comprising Dr Leila Fourie, CEO: Johannesburg Stock Exchange Chris Loewald, Head of Economic Research: South African Reserve Bank and member of the Monetary Policy Committee, Malungelo Zilimbola, CEO: Mazi Asset Management, Fatima Vawda, CEO: 27four Group and Francois Gouws, CEO: PSG Financial Services. All South Africans are eligible to participate, and final submissions must be made by 30 August 2025 to qualify, with no late entries accepted. To enter, visit https://www.psg.co.za/think-big-SA-competition.

Gouws encourages young thinkers, independent researchers, academics, and experienced professionals alike to take up the challenge. “We look forward to seeing how South Africa’s bright minds tackle the opportunities and challenges in driving real economic growth and job creation,” he concludes.