Scenario 1 - Power Surge

The period begins with bold US foreign policy, including the detention of foreign leaders and strategic focus on Greenland for resources. Simultaneously, instability in the Middle East disrupts global oil supplies, causing prices to spike and inflation to surge.

Rapid AI development creates a massive energy demand, straining global power grids. This leads to power rationing for data centers, soaring energy costs, and significant volatility in financial markets as the link between AI growth and energy availability becomes critical.

The US and China engage in a fierce AI arms race with different strategic approaches. Meanwhile, South Africa navigates economic pressures, shifting trade alliances, and internal political stabilization which eventually attracts investor interest.

Despite macro-economic volatility, consumer markets see booms from the release of major entertainment products like GTA 6 and the massive popularity of local cultural figures like Tyla, which significantly influence retail performance.