Business Daily

Joining the discussion are Martin Lodevikes, President of IWSR, who provides insights on non-alcoholic market trends; Erica Doyle, founder of Drink Dry, who shares retail strategies in Dubai; and John Asagonde, founder of Eden Bar, talking about non-alcoholic social spaces in Ghana. They delve into how Dry January sparks a year-round moderation trend, the rise of non-alcoholic beer, and the impact of major drink firms joining the scene. The conversation also highlights the demand for quality, ready-to-serve options and the education needed for consumers.

In this discussion, Arash Azizi, an Iranian-born author, shares his firsthand insights on life amidst Iran's economic turmoil, highlighting how rising inflation has decimated the middle class. Mahdi Godzai, an economist based in Austria, explains the catastrophic decline of the rial, linked to government policies and sanctions. They delve into the nationwide protests sparked by economic despair, revealing how deep-rooted corruption and lack of reform exacerbate the crisis. The conversation paints a vivid picture of a nation grappling with hardship and injustice.

Gillian Tett, a prominent financial journalist and columnist at the Financial Times, delves into the evolving power of the global bond market. She reveals that many nations now prioritize debt servicing over essential services like education and healthcare. Tett discusses the implications of high national debt, ranking indebted countries and exploring who owns this debt. She raises alarms about the rising risk of defaults and reflects on historic debt relief measures, highlighting the tough choices governments face amidst political pressures.

Join Sarah Quinn, an Associate Professor of Sociology specializing in financial markets, and Kenneth Rogoff, a Harvard Economics Professor and former IMF Chief Economist, as they unveil the world of bonds. They discuss how these seemingly dull IOUs have shaped economies and financed wars throughout history. Discover the origins in 12th-century Italy, the risks of today’s complex bond market, and the political power that comes with debt. There are fears about a looming crisis as governments grapple with massive liabilities and rising interest rates.

Constantijn van Oranje, a Dutch prince and tech advocate, discusses the vibrant startup culture in the Netherlands, driven by a unique blend of innovation and equality. He shares insights from his role at TechLeap, emphasizing the importance of supporting entrepreneurs while balancing royal duties. Constantijn highlights challenges Europe faces in fostering disruptive innovation and critiques high venture carry taxes that could stifle investment. With an eye on social risks, he remains optimistic about the future of tech and its impact on society.

In this discussion, Dr. Thani Al Zeyoudi, the UAE Minister of State for Foreign Trade, emphasizes the UAE's strategic investments in Africa, focusing on clean energy, logistics, and social impact. Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, Chairman of DP World, shares insights on optimizing logistics and their extensive presence across the continent, while Dr. Josie Di Lima Masano from Angola discusses her country's need for economic diversification and the role of UAE investments. They explore the balance between equity and lending in partnerships, shaping a promising future for UAE-Africa relations.

Zoe Kleinman, BBC Technology Editor, and Lily Jamali, Silicon Valley correspondent, dive into the future of tech. They explore whether the AI investment boom is sustainable and the environmental impact of AI data centers. Predictions fly about mainstream gadgets by 2026, including robots and AR glasses. Lily discusses geopolitical tech dynamics, the rise of open-source models in the US-China tensions, and how big tech is shifting to content. Additionally, they highlight NVIDIA's Jensen Huang's role as a tech diplomat amid chip industry challenges.

Suranjana Tewari, an Asia business correspondent, and Arunoday Mukharji, who reports on India's economy, dive into the economic landscape of 2026. They discuss the fallout from 2025's tariff shocks on supply chains and the innovative partnerships emerging as a result. India's challenging trade negotiations with the US are highlighted, along with its strategic pivot to other nations. The duo also explores investments in AI infrastructure across Asia and contrasts growth prospects between Asia and stagnating Western economies.

Gideon Long, a veteran Latin America correspondent, shares his insights on Venezuela's oil situation following recent political upheavals. He discusses the country's vast reserves, their challenging extraction process, and the implications for U.S. oil companies. The conversation dives into the historical context of nationalization, the damage done by sanctions, and the role of China in the oil market. Long highlights the staggering investment needed to revitalize the industry and addresses the skepticism surrounding the potential return of American firms.

Tariffs and trade wars dominated 2025, but what does the year ahead have in store? And what about the prospect for rising prices we’ve seen around the world? The BBC’s Deputy Economics Editor, Dharshini David, and North America Business Correspondent, Michelle Fleury, pick through what we learned last year and explore the trends likely to shape the global economy in 2026. If you would like to get in touch with the programme, please email: businessdaily@bbc.co.ukPresenter: Will Bain Producer: Matt Lines(Picture: Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, French President Emmanuel Macron, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, US President Donald Trump, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Germany’s Chancellor Friedrich Merz at the G7 summit in Kananaskis on June 16, 2025. Credit: AFP via Getty Images)