Standard Bank Corporate & Investment Banking Executive VP for Telecommunications, Media & Technology (TMT) Client Coverage Kwanele Onyango is focused on partnering with businesses that share a commitment to building Africa’s digital future.

She identifies digital and financial inclusion as central to sustainable growth on the continent, with technology and connectivity playing an increasingly important role in enabling economic development.

One of the most significant shifts in the TMT sector is the surging demand for data driven by the adoption of AI, across enterprise, government and consumer markets.

This is creating opportunities for increased capital investment in enabling digital infrastructure, including data centres and fibre connectivity, Onyango says.

For women considering leadership careers in the sector, she highlights the dynamic nature of the industry, where technology is evolving rapidly and success requires diverse skills.

This creates an environment of continuous learning and opportunities for personal growth, while enabling individuals to contribute meaningfully to Africa's digital transformation and development.

For those with an interest in technology and a desire to participate in Africa’s digital journey, Onyango believes the sector offers significant opportunities to make an impact.

She describes technology and connectivity as catalysts for Africa’s economic development, making TMT an exciting sector in which to build a career.

Strengthening the China-Africa business corridor

As Acting Head for Client Coverage, China Segment, South Africa, Ives Wang is focused on strengthening business ties between China and Africa by helping clients expand, invest and trade across markets.

Her priorities include deepening client partnerships, delivering digital transaction banking solutions and supporting sustainable cross-border growth. These efforts are aimed at facilitating greater trade, investment and economic development between the two regions.

Wang identifies continued growth in China-Africa trade, supply-chain diversification and rapid digitalisation as key opportunities. Infrastructure development, energy security and the energy transition, as well as growing opportunities in critical minerals, are also shaping the market.

Against this backdrop, companies are increasingly seeking strategic banking partners capable of supporting seamless cross-
border transactions, real-time payments and integrated treasury solutions across Africa, she says.

For young women aspiring to leadership, Wang encourages them to put themselves forward rather than waiting for the perfect opportunity.

“Raise your hand for opportunities and don't wait for the perfect moment,” she advises.

She also emphasises the importance of curiosity and continuous learning, as well as being prepared to take on new challenges.

“Many of the opportunities that shape your career only become visible once you've taken the leap and put yourself forward,” Wang says.

Supporting growth in challenging markets

As Head of Consumer South Africa, Client Coverage at Standard Bank Corporate & Investment Banking, Karen Van Der Westhuizen focuses on supporting clients as they navigate market challenges and identify opportunities for growth.

Her team works across markets to develop tailored solutions, including unlocking liquidity and financing manufacturing capacity. By responding to individual client needs, the business aims to enable growth, strengthen resilience and create long-term value.

Van Der Westhuizen says geopolitical developments have brought the inflation-
versus-growth trade-off back into focus, but Africa’s long-term structural growth prospects remain intact.

She believes opportunities lie in understanding the nuances of individual markets and collaborating across products, sectors and segments to create value. This approach enables the business to draw on its expertise to help clients navigate complexity and identify opportunities for growth.

For young women aspiring to leadership, Van Der Westhuizen’s message is one of perseverance and confidence.

“Anything is achievable. The key is to take the first step and keep moving forward,” she says.

When challenges arise, she advises women to return to the basics, remain focused on what matters most and trust the process.

“Success is built one step at a time,” she says.

Navigating South Africa's energy transition

As Executive VP for Energy South Africa and Strategy Enablement within Energy & Infrastructure Client Coverage at Standard Bank Corporate & Investment Banking, Lebo Buthelezi is focused on supporting a more secure, resilient and sustainable energy system.

Her priorities include energy security, gas market development, energy infrastructure and advancing Africa’s energy transition. She says these areas are critical to supporting economic growth by enabling investment, expanding energy access, strengthening supply resilience and accelerating the shift towards a more diversified energy system.

Buthelezi identifies growing energy security concerns, increased fuel imports and the shift towards liquefied petroleum gas and liquefied natural gas as key developments reshaping South Africa’s energy landscape.

These trends are driving demand for infrastructure investment and creating opportunities across the fuels and gas markets, she says.

For young women aspiring to leadership in the energy and infrastructure sectors, Buthelezi encourages them not to wait until they feel completely prepared before pursuing opportunities.

Her advice is to put themselves forward, remain curious and embrace challenges that take them beyond their comfort zones.

She also highlights the value of learning from people who will challenge, guide and support their development.

“Growth often begins where comfort ends,” she says.

Powering a sustainable future

As Head of Power and Renewables at Standard Bank Corporate & Investment Banking, Rentia Van Tonder is focused on supporting the power sector’s role in driving economic growth and development.

Her priorities include energy security, market development, identifying opportunities and optimising electricity systems across generation, transmission and distribution. She highlights regional integration, alternative offtake models, including electricity trading, and value through flexibility as important components of sustainable growth.

Van Tonder points to changes in the energy landscape, driven by cost optimisation, technological advances in clean energy and storage, and the shift towards decentralised supply models.

Policy developments that enable greater
private-sector participation are creating opportunities, including new transmission models designed to support open access.

Against this backdrop, Van Tonder believes the sector offers opportunities for women prepared to embrace continuous learning and challenge themselves.

Her advice to young women aspiring to leadership is straightforward: “Keep learning, be authentic, and never stop asking questions.”

She stresses the importance of hard work, commitment and respect. For Van Tonder, a career in power and renewables is ultimately about more than meeting energy needs.

“This sector is about more than powering communities; it is about creating a lasting impact that will benefit generations to come,” she says.

Unlocking Africa's financial potential

Standard Bank Corporate & Investment Banking Head of Financial Institutions Group Client Coverage Zoya Sisulu is focused on helping African and international financial institutions remain resilient and competitive amid rapid change.

Sisulu says technological disruption, evolving regulation, changing customer expectations and the need for sustainable and inclusive growth are reshaping the financial services landscape. Supporting clients through these shifts is central to ensuring financial institutions remain relevant to the communities they serve.

She identifies the convergence of technology, telecommunications, infrastructure development, regional trade and changing consumer behaviour as significant opportunities for Africa. These trends are expanding financial inclusion and driving innovation, while growing momentum behind sustainable finance and infrastructure investment could support long-term economic development.

Sisulu also highlights increased participation by women in the economy as one of Africa’s greatest opportunities to accelerate growth and prosperity.

Her message to young women aspiring to leadership is to “be brave, be authentic and trust in the value of your unique perspective”.

She encourages women to own their stories, contribute confidently and recognise the impact they can have.

“Africa’s future will be shaped by leaders who challenge convention, think differently and help unlock the continent’s immense potential,” she says.

Driving growth through strategic finance

As Executive Director and Head of Corporate & Investment Banking at Stanbic Bank Zambia, Helen Lubamba is focused on helping businesses navigate Zambia’s economic landscape while unlocking opportunities for sustainable growth.

With the country emerging from a period of economic stabilisation, Lubamba identifies mining, industrial activity, energy, infrastructure and agriculture as key drivers of growth. Government policy and public-private partnerships are further supporting investment across these sectors, creating opportunities for financial institutions to develop solutions that respond to changing market needs.

Energy is a particular area of focus. Increasing demand for reliable energy is driving the need for infrastructure investment and innovative financing, while challenges such as drought and global geopolitical disruptions are reinforcing the importance of building greater resilience.

Lubamba also sees significant potential in Zambia’s expanding non-bank financial institutions sector. At the same time, projected economic growth of more than 6% in 2026, combined with mining expansion and local content requirements, is creating opportunities to support suppliers and small- and medium-sized enterprises, enabling broader participation in the mining value chain.

For Lubamba, leadership is also about encouraging more women to recognise their potential, the value they bring and take up their rightful place in traditionally male-
dominated sectors.

Her message to young women aspiring to leadership is unequivocal: “Do not be apologetic.” She encourages women to recognise their competence and capability and to claim their right to make a meaningful contribution.

“Remain passionate about serving customers, stay energised by the exciting opportunities, and work diligently to deliver results,” she advises.

She further emphasises the importance of commitment, hard work and continuous learning. For women looking to build careers in banking, mining or other industries, her advice is simple: continuously upskill, remain focused on your goals and be prepared to put in the work needed to achieve them.

Unlocking infrastructure investment

Standard Bank Corporate & Investment Banking Executive VP for Infrastructure and Client Coverage Phakama Mbikwana is focused on enabling greater private-sector participation in infrastructure development through innovative funding solutions, public-private partnerships and strategic partnerships.

She says connecting capital with transformative infrastructure projects can improve competitiveness, facilitate trade, create employment, attract investment and support sustainable economic growth, while delivering long-term value for clients and stakeholders.

Mbikwana identifies regulatory reforms in the transport and water sectors as key opportunities, as they are opening the way for increased private-sector investment and partnerships.

Trade-led growth is another significant driver. The expansion of trade under the African Continental Free Trade Area is increasing demand for logistics infrastructure, freight corridors, warehousing and intermodal facilities.

Growing water demand is also encouraging municipalities, utilities and private operators to consider alternative funding and infrastructure delivery models, she says.

For young women seeking leadership roles in infrastructure and related sectors, Mbikwana emphasises the importance of confidence, technical expertise and continuous development.

Her advice is to “trust in yourself” while investing in technical credibility and self-development. She also encourages women to seek opportunities that stretch them beyond their comfort zones and to build strong professional relationships and support networks.

In an infrastructure sector undergoing significant transformation, Mbikwana sees collaboration, innovation and investment as essential to unlocking Africa’s growth potential.