Nedbank and Old Mutual Launch 55th Budget Speech Competition, Expanding Access to Future Economic Leaders

Johannesburg, South Africa, 26 August 2026 – Nedbank and Old Mutual have officially opened entries for the 55^th Nedbank and Old Mutual Budget Speech Competition, marking a significant evolution in one of South Africa's longest-standing and most respected academic competitions.

Since its inception in 1972, the Budget Speech Competition has challenged generations of students to engage critically with South Africa's fiscal and economic priorities. As it enters its 55^th year, the competition is expanding its reach beyond traditional economics students to create a more inclusive national platform for developing the country's future economic and public policy leaders.

The revised competition framework will now welcome a broader range of participants from South African tertiary institutions, including undergraduate students studying Economics as a module, irrespective of their primary qualification; postgraduate students in economics-related disciplines; students from Economics, Finance, Development Studies, Business, Public Policy and related fields; as well as students from universities and participating TVET colleges. This strategic repositioning reflects the changing needs of students and the growing importance of diverse perspectives in shaping South Africa's economic future. It also seeks to increase participation from historically disadvantaged institutions (HDIs) and create greater access to opportunities for future economic leadership.

"The competition has always been about identifying exceptional talent, but today's challenges demand fresh perspectives from a wider range of disciplines," said Nedbank Senior Economist, Isaac Matshego.

"By broadening participation, we are creating opportunities for more young South Africans to develop the analytical, communication and leadership capabilities required to contribute meaningfully to the country's future."

Izak Odendaal, Investment Strategist at Old Mutual Wealth, says the Budget Speech Competition plays a valuable role in developing the analytical skills needed to address South Africa's economic challenges.

"Strong economies depend on informed debate, rigorous analysis, and a steady pipeline of talented people who can engage with complex policy issues. The Budget Speech Competition gives students an opportunity to apply economic thinking to real-world challenges and develop evidence-based solutions. By encouraging critical thinking and intellectual curiosity, the competition helps cultivate future economists, policymakers and business leaders who will contribute to South Africa's long-term growth and prosperity," Odendaal said.

Supporting this vision is a refreshed purpose that positions the Budget Speech Competition as more than an essay-writing contest. The programme aims to challenge, develop and recognise the next generation of South African economic leaders by creating a national platform where students engage critically with fiscal policy, strengthen analytical and communication skills, and contribute practical ideas to address the country's most pressing economic challenges.

Further reinforcing its commitment to excellence, the 55th edition introduces an enhanced prize pool of R630 000, the largest in the competition's history.

In the undergraduate category, prizes of R100 000, R80 000 and R60 000 will be awarded to the top three entrants respectively. Postgraduate winners will receive R180 000, R130 000 and R80 000 for first, second and third place.

Beyond the prize money, finalists will benefit from national recognition, executive exposure, media profiling opportunities, valuable networking experiences and access to an influential alumni network that continues to shape South Africa's economic and policy landscape.

Students entering the competition will be required to submit original essays addressing contemporary fiscal, economic and public policy challenges facing South Africa, demonstrating their ability to analyse complex issues, apply policy insights and propose practical, evidence-based solutions.

Entries for the 55th Nedbank and Old Mutual Budget Speech Competition are now open. Students and academic institutions are encouraged to visit www.budgetspeechcompetition.co.za for competition details, eligibility requirements and submission information.