Why WEF Davos 2026 is going to be all about Donald Trump

Stephen Grootes speaks to John Stopford, Head of Multi-Asset Income at Ninety One about South Africa’s participation at the World Economic Forum in Davos, highlighting the country’s improving economic outlook, progress on structural reforms, and efforts to position itself as an attractive global investment destination.

Listen to the interview in the audio player below.

Donald Trump is likely to take centre stage when world leaders, heads of states and global CEOs gather in Davos, Switzerland for the 2026 World Economic Forum meeting.

The U.S president is due to speak at the WEF on Tuesday, with his threat to invade Greenland and further threats to impose tariffs on EU countries very much still making international headlines.

The U.S invasion of Venezuela also still remains a topical issue, and the impact that will continue to have on global trade.

The conference in the Swiss Alps will also be attended by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and more than 60 other heads of state.

Speaking to Stephen Grootes on The Money Show, John Stopford, head of multi-asset income at Ninety-One says Trump will take the opportunity to grandstand and boast about his achievements since taking office for his second term.

"Last year it was used by Trump as essentially the launchpad for a lot of the things he's done since. He talked about Canada and Greenland potentially being part of the U.S' ambition to take over. He talked about basically the world needing to move manufacturing to the U.S and the introduction of tariffs. So it's an opportunity for him to grandstand."

- John Stopford, head of multi-asset income - Ninety-One

"I think Trump will dominate, and I think that's what he wants to do. He wants to tell the world what they should do and how it's going to benefit America."

- John Stopford, head of multi-asset income - Ninety-One

Scroll to the top of the article to listen to the full interview.