With a strong background in financial services, I excel in risk management, people management, learning and development, project coordination, and strategy execution. As a creative thinker and change agent, I drive innovation and continuous improvement. I have been in the role of Head of Climate Risk for Nedbank since November 2022. Personal Philosophy: • Forever Student: Continuously exploring new opportunities and learning experiences to stay ahead in a rapidly evolving industry. • Innovative Thinker: Embracing creativity and innovation to solve complex challenges and drive meaningful change. • Passionate Environmentalist: Committed to making a positive impact on the world through sustainable practices and climate action. As the Head of Climate Risk, I am dedicated to advancing our mission of sustainability and ensuring that our financial practices contribute to a healthier planet. At Nedbank, we see money differently. Our values and purpose drive our climate journey, aiming to make a positive impact on the world. My motto: Everything seems impossible until it’s done. Upwards and onwards, always.
Balan Pillay is an experienced Principal in Portfolio Management with a demonstrated history of working in the financial services industry. Skilled in Banking, Credit Portfolio Management, Product Control, Market Risk, Capital Markets, and Credit Risk. He is a strong, experienced professional with a CA(SA) qualification.
Meera is a highly motivated and collaborative team member dedicated to innovative problem-solving and striving for excellence. She is skilled in systems thinking, with the creativity to lead cross-functional partners in implementing strategies within current business practices. Meera is an accomplished researcher with a strong ability to identify and prioritise opportunities, manage risks, and drive impactful projects.
Theodora is a certified Risk Management professional with over 10 years of financial services experience covering Financial Accounting, Internal Audit, Compliance Monitoring and Reporting, Enterprise-wide Risk Management, Project Risk and automation. She is a highly adaptable, innovative and results-oriented banking professional who has developed transferrable skills. Theodora’s speciality lies in implementing ISO31000 and COSO principles in the development, implementation, and management of risk policies and frameworks that control business. She has experience in collaboration with diverse stakeholders up to the executive level, driving and delivering risk initiatives with an organisational impact.
Varsha is an experienced senior manager, passionate & skilled in managing sustainability, environmental and climate risks in the financial sector. She leads the development and implementation of robust risk management frameworks that align with regulatory requirements and support the bank’s sustainability goals. Varsha has a BCOM Honours Degree (Economics), GARP SCR, International Certificate in Enterprise Risk Management, Post Graduate Diploma in Compliance, Advanced Certification in Taxation & completed several short courses in Management, Leadership, Project Management, Data Analysis tools, Finance and Economics.
Priya Surendra is an accomplished human resources and corporate leadership professional with nearly two decades of experience across global financial institutions. She currently serves as the Executive Head of Corporate and Investment Banking (CIB) HR at Nedbank in South Africa, a role she has held since September 2024. Prior to joining Nedbank, Priya held several senior leadership roles at HSBC South Africa, including Wholesale CAO, Head of CSR, and Head of Transformation. In these capacities, she led digital business services and wholesale operations, oversaw sustainability-aligned charitable giving, and drove transformation initiatives in line with Financial Sector Transformation Charter (FSTC) requirements. From 2017 to 2023, she served as Head of HR, CSR, and Transformation at HSBC, where she played a pivotal role in aligning human capital strategy with corporate responsibility and regulatory transformation goals. Earlier in her career, Priya spent nearly a decade at JPMorgan as an HR Manager and began her professional journey as a Consultant at Deloitte. She holds a degree from the University of KwaZulu-Natal and brings deep expertise in performance management, onboarding, and employee engagement.
Sally Njogu is a visionary professional combining expertise in sustainability, strategic project management, and social impact design to create transformative solutions for businesses and communities. With over a decade of experience in consulting, program management, and digital communication, Sally has built a reputation for driving impactful initiatives across diverse sectors, including finance, healthcare, manufacturing, and NGOs. As Strategy Director at Valorem Consulting Ltd., Sally has delivered innovative strategies and led high-impact projects for clients such as KPMG, Mastercard Foundation, and Zizi Afrique. From crafting compelling sustainability narratives to managing the seamless execution of complex initiatives, Sally excels in aligning organizational goals with sustainable development objectives. She is passionate about advancing environmental and social governance (ESG) principles. As the driving force behind initiatives like The Sustainability Scoop, a widely-followed newsletter fostering ESG discussions, and their leadership roles in impactful projects at Valorem Consulting, Sally has cultivated a reputation for integrating environmental stewardship into business strategy. They specialise in sustainability communication, ESG reporting, and fostering community engagement, ensuring businesses align with global sustainability goals while achieving operational excellence. An adept project manager, Sally has led multiple cross-functional teams, delivering results through strategic planning, stakeholder engagement, and capacity building. Their ability to design and execute programs that intersect business strategy, social impact, and environmental stewardship has earned them recognition as trusted consultants and thought leaders. Currently pursuing a Diploma in Counselling Psychology to deepen their understanding of human-centred approaches, Sally brings empathy and insight to every project they undertake. Their vision is to foster collaboration between businesses, governments, and communities to create a more equitable and sustainable future for Africa and beyond. In addition to professional achievements, Sally actively mentors young professionals, organises community impact events, and advocates for innovation in sustainability through storytelling and policy development.
Simphiwe Ndlovu is an emerging sustainability professional currently serving as the National Environmental Data Controller at SPAR South Africa. Though early in his formal career, Simphiwe brings a lifelong passion for environmental stewardship, which began in childhood and has since evolved into a focused professional path. He holds a Bachelor of Social Science in Geography and Environmental Management from the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN)—a dual-discipline degree that laid the foundation for his work in environmental data and corporate sustainability. Simphiwe began his career as a Sustainability Intern at SPAR South Africa in 2023. Just four months into the 12-month internship, he was offered a permanent role—an early recognition of his capabilities and commitment. During this time, he also gained practical experience through ESS Environmental Solutions CC, equipping him with the technical skills required for his current role. In his position, Simphiwe supports SPAR’s environmental sustainability function, particularly in carbon footprint analysis and the company’s broader just transition to Net Zero. His key performance areas include monitoring and reporting, research and compliance, project management and system development, administration, and stakeholder engagement. Simphiwe is driven by a strong sense of purpose and is committed to contributing meaningfully to South Africa’s sustainability journey through data-driven insights and collaborative leadership.
I am an ESG analyst with over 10 years of experience integrating sustainability into investment decision-making. My role is centred on proxy voting, bespoke ESG research, investee company engagements, and the development and implementation of engagement strategies. I contribute to the formulation and revision of Momentum’s proxy voting and climate change policies, ensuring they reflect global best practice and our local context. I also play a key role in stewardship reporting, including drafting the Annual Stewardship Report, which outlines our responsible investment efforts and outcomes. My work involves regular collaboration with internal stakeholders such as portfolio managers and external stakeholders, including investee companies, regulators, and civil society groups. I am passionate about ensuring that environmental, social and governance considerations are embedded into our investment approach and that our influence as an investor drives meaningful change.
Lawrencia Abrafi Agyemang is a seasoned stakeholder engagement specialist with over a decade of experience in the mining sector, where she has built a strong reputation for fostering inclusive dialogue and cultivating trust-based relationships between companies and their stakeholders. She holds a Master’s degree in Development Management from the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) in Ghana. Her professional journey began with a National Service placement as a Community Relations Officer at Newmont Ghana Gold (Ahafo Operations), and has since included key roles such as Resettlement Officer (Intersocial – Newmont Akyem Project), Land Access Officer (Keegan Resources), Community Development Officer, and Grievance Management & Stakeholder Engagement Coordinator at Asanko Gold Mine, where she currently serves as a Stakeholder Engagement Officer. Throughout her career, Lawrencia has led community consultations, managed complex stakeholder dynamics, and developed communications and engagement strategies for initiatives involving partners such as GIZ, Project C.U.R.E, and Health Partners International of Canada (HPIC). In her current role, she is responsible for designing engagement frameworks, facilitating skills development training, analyzing stakeholder feedback, and reporting on outcomes to inform project planning and decision-making. Her work is grounded in collaboration, empathy, and a deep commitment to sustainable community development, making her a trusted bridge between industry and community interests.
Naa Ayorkor Koney is a dedicated Environmental Scientist and sustainability professional with over 13 years of diverse experience in environmental, technology, and waste management sectors. Holding an MSc in Water Supply and Environmental Sanitation, she is an accomplished operational and strategic planner with a profound commitment to sustainability. As Operations Manager at the Ho Integrated Recycling and Composting Plant (Ho IRECOP), Naa Ayorkor successfully spearheaded the establishment of this profitable Mechanical Biological Treatment Plant to sustainably manage primarily municipal solid waste within the Volta region. Her leadership transformed waste into valuable resources through comprehensive recycling and compost production, demonstrating strong aptitude for both financial viability and significant environmental benefits. Her impactful background includes pioneering innovative waste management solutions as a Research & Development Officer at Zoomlion Ghana Limited, leading plastic waste recovery programmes, and contributing to large-scale sanitation projects. Naa's unique blend of environmental stewardship, robust project management, and cross-sector expertise makes her an insightful leader, eager to deepen her understanding of global sustainability drivers and refine leadership practices through the CISL programme.
Kingford Khanyiso Mkandawire is a committed global health professional with over five years of experience in HIV/AIDS programming, key population advocacy, and community-led health system strengthening. He currently serves as a Program Manager, where he oversees multi-country initiatives focused on HIV prevention, policy advocacy, and the rollout of long-acting PrEP solutions for marginalized communities. Kingford is currently pursuing a Master’s in Public Health at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, building on his medical training with an MBBS from Jinggangshan Medical University in China. He has worked with organisations such as UNDP and other Agencies, leading innovative projects that promote equitable access to health services and sustainable financing models. His work bridges the gap between grassroots advocacy and global policy, driving inclusive solutions for populations across Africa and beyond.
I have over 20 years of experience working in international sport and affordable housing, delivering high-quality, measurable outcomes in complex, multi-stakeholder environments. I hold a master’s degree in development planning and recently completed the Green Star Sustainable Precincts Accredited Professional programme. I’m passionate about urbanism and the role that the built environment can play in creating lasting, positive change. I view sustainability as integral to effective urban development—serving not as a standalone goal, but as a guiding lens for delivering environmentally sound, socially responsive, and economically viable outcomes. I currently serve as Strategy and Projects Manager at the Johannesburg Housing Company (JHC), a non-profit organisation providing affordable and social housing in Johannesburg’s inner city. My role involves facilitating the development of organisational strategy, business development and partnerships, and overseeing programme and project delivery. Given our challenging operating environment, sustainability and resilience considerations are becoming increasingly necessary to safeguard current operations and future developments. Prior to my current role, I was based in Lausanne, Switzerland, with World Rowing, the international rowing federation. As Sport Director, one of my areas of responsibility was overseeing the integration of sustainability into international event planning and delivery, anchored by our Clean Water partnership with WWF International. I also established the World Rowing Sustainability Award to try to raise the profile of good sustainability practices among rowing clubs, federations and event organisers. On returning to South Africa in 2019, I continued to work for World Rowing as a sustainability consultant and developed their first comprehensive sustainability strategy and work plan, aligned with the UNFCCC Sports for Climate Action framework.
Ms. Tebogo Ntoko is an accomplished Economist and Risk Analyst with a multidisciplinary background in economics, business administration, and enterprise risk management. She currently holds a key risk management role within a financial regulatory institution, where she brings extensive experience in assessing strategic and operational risks, developing risk mitigation strategies, and supporting decision-making at both tactical and strategic levels. Ms. Ntoko previously served as an economist, contributing to in-depth economic analysis and policy-oriented research. Her academic background includes a Bachelor's and Master’s degree in Economics, complemented by an Executive Master of Business Administration (EMBA), equipping her with both analytical rigor and strategic insight into the financial services sector. Currently pursuing a PhD, Ms. Ntoko's research focuses on the intersection of finance, technology, sustainability, and ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance). With a growing interest in sustainability reporting, ESG frameworks, and climate-related financial risk, she is committed to developing research-driven solutions that align economic growth with environmental and social well-being. By combining rigorous economic insight with a forward-looking perspective on sustainability, Ms. Ntoko aims to contribute to building more resilient, inclusive, and environmentally conscious economic and institutional systems.
With over five years of experience in strategy and commercialisation, I am a passionate and visionary leader who enables Nedbank to develop and market innovative solutions for forex and investments. As the Executive of Strategy and Commercialisation, I manage and support a variety of projects from ideation to successful commercialisation, making decisions based on the market attractiveness and risk management of each opportunity. I have completed the Transition to General Manager certificate from INSEAD, and currently completing my MBA with Henley Business School. Some of my core competencies include digital sales, business management, and people management. My mission is to help Nedbank Retail and Business deliver value propositions and products that meet the needs and expectations of clients, while fostering a culture of creativity, collaboration, and excellence. I am excited to bring my diverse perspectives and experiences to the team, and to contribute to the strategic vision and growth of Nedbank.
I am a seasoned sustainability practitioner with extensive experience in environmental management and sustainable development. Currently, I work at Vopak, where we oversee environmental and sustainability initiatives. In this role, I am responsible for developing and implementing strategies that align with corporate sustainability goals while ensuring compliance with environmental regulations. With a strong background in environmental science, I have successfully led projects aimed at reducing carbon footprints, enhancing energy efficiency, and promoting sustainable resource management. They collaborate with cross-functional teams to integrate sustainability into business operations, fostering a culture of environmental stewardship. I am passionate about driving positive change and promoting best practices within the industry. They actively engage stakeholders, from internal teams to external partners, to advance Vopak's commitment to sustainability. Their expertise in data analysis and reporting also supports transparency and accountability in environmental performance. With a deep understanding of the challenges facing the industry, I remain dedicated to innovating solutions that contribute to a more sustainable future.
Nosipho Ndlovu is an emerging sustainability and operations leader with a strong background in industrial engineering, supply chain governance, and large-scale manufacturing programme launches. With over a decade of experience spanning South Africa and Europe, she brings a deep understanding of operational excellence, technology transfer, and sustainability integration within complex industrial contexts. Nosipho currently holds the role of Sustainability, IMS & Procurement Leader at Belgotex Floor Coverings, where she is driving the company’s transformation toward more sustainable and responsible business practices. Her dynamic leadership and cross-functional expertise have positioned her as a rising voice in South Africa’s sustainability landscape. Her earlier career includes significant achievements in the automotive sector, where she led key manufacturing programme launches for major brands including the Nissan Navara, Ford Ranger, and VW Amarok. She also served as Head of Technology Transfer for the Gibela Train Project, where she spent 18 months in the Czech Republic overseeing the replication and localisation of manufacturing lines to produce air-conditioning systems for South Africa’s PRASA Blue Trains—one of the country’s most ambitious public transport initiatives. Nosipho holds a Management Advanced Programme certificate from Wits Business School, a Bachelor’s Degree in Industrial Engineering, and continues to grow her expertise in systems thinking and sustainable development through her current participation in the Cambridge Institute Sustainability Practitioners Programme. Her professional interests lie at the intersection of industrial transformation, localised manufacturing, and corporate sustainability—with a focus on embedding circular economy principles, governance, and inclusive development into the core of business strategy.
Nana Yaa Afriyie Ofori-Koree is a visionary global leader with over 20 years of transformative impact at the nexus of strategy, finance, and sustainability. Renowned for her ability to drive systemic change, she currently spearheads Partnerships, Sustainability, and CSR at Fidelity Bank, crafting innovative frameworks that align profit with planetary and societal well-being. Her career spans continents and sectors—from managing donor programs with the UK Department for International Development in Ghana to pioneering award-winning social investment strategies at Tullow Oil and Vodafone, where she redefined corporate citizenship. Afriyie’s expertise lies in turning ESG ambitions into actionable, scalable solutions, delivering measurable value for stakeholders while setting new benchmarks in sustainable finance and inclusive growth. A trailblazer in thought leadership, Afriyie’s academic rigor and technical mastery position her at the forefront of global sustainability discourse. Holding an MSc with Distinction in Health, Development, and Environment, an MA in Law and Development, and certifications as a Sustainability & Climate Risk Specialist (GARP), ISO 14001 Auditor, and Carbon Auditing Professional, she bridges policy, risk, and innovation. As a Fellow of the Institute of Corporate Responsibility and Sustainability (UK) and Vice President of Ghana’s Institute of Sustainability Professionals, she shapes industry standards while advising governments and multinationals on decarbonization, ESG integration, and climate-resilient economies. Beyond her professional accolades, Afriyie embodies the essence of a purpose-driven leader. A committed Rotarian and advocate for “service above self,” she balances executive leadership with raising four children and scaling mountains—literally and metaphorically. Her unique blend of resilience, strategic brilliance, and unwavering ethical compass has earned her recognition as a high-impact leader who transforms organizations, inspires teams, and galvanizes cross-sector coalitions.
I am an accomplished finance professional with a diverse skill set and extensive experience in financial analysis, investment management, strategic consulting, and event organization. I have a solid track record working with leading organizations such as Deloitte, Shelter Afrique, and MissioInvest, where I currently serve as an Investment Analyst, evaluating high-impact social projects across 12 African countries. My ability to conduct in-depth financial analyses, manage risks, and ensure alignment with investment objectives has been key in supporting initiatives aligned with ethical values and sustainable impact. As an independent consultant, I provided expert guidance in finance, investment, and strategic management, successfully leading high-impact projects such as the business plan for a public-private partnership in the DRC, and a major dry port project aimed at enhancing logistics efficiency. In addition to my professional and consulting roles, I am the co-founder and head of finance and operations at Kiende Research Labs LLP (KRL), a startup specialising in AI research and legal innovation. I have also founded and organized several professional conferences with relevant topics and impactful professional conferences such as the DRC Development Conference and "Lipanda Day outside the DRC," which brought together professionals and thought leaders to drive positive change for the DRC and the African diaspora. With leadership roles in various organizations, including President of the "Cercle des Etudiants en Gestion Financière" at the University of Kinshasa, I bring strong leadership, communication, and teamwork skills. I thrive in high-pressure environments, am committed to excellence, and am passionate about creating impactful, sustainable change across Africa. I am also a professional opera singer, which is my hobby that I practice during my free time.
Jocelino Malulo is a legal and governance professional with a strong academic foundation and extensive experience in compliance, corporate governance, and ESG. He holds a law degree from the Faculty of Law of the Catholic University of Angola, and a postgraduate qualification in Corporate Finance and Corporate Governance from the Faculty of Law of the University of Lisbon, through the Private Law Research Centre. He is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Company Law, with a focus on ESG, at the Catholic University of Angola. He is a certified assessor on Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) under the ESAAMLG framework, based on the FATF methodology. Professionally, Jocelino serves as a Lawyer and National Counsellor of the Angolan Bar Association, and as a Non-Executive Director at Kyros SDVM, where he focuses on compliance, risk management, and ESG. He is also a Board Member of the Angolan Corporate Governance Association and a Lecturer at the School of Corporate Reputation, where he teaches on topics including compliance, internal controls, ethics, and law.
Martin Tetteh Akwetey is a dedicated banker and agribusiness entrepreneur passionate about sustainable development and financial inclusion. With over a decade of experience in the financial sector, Martin combines his expertise in banking with a growing commitment to agribusiness through his company, FosMartins Agribusiness Limited. He is currently into palm tree cultivation projects in the Central Region of Ghana, aiming to create long-term value in the agricultural value chain. Martin is also deeply engaged in community and church-based initiatives, reflecting his commitment to ethical leadership and grassroots development.
Maria Juma Kimwaga is an accomplished female legal corporate advisor with a proven track record of providing strategic and practical legal guidance to businesses of all sizes. Working with a number of large law firms over the years has built her dedication to helping organizations navigate complex legal landscapes and achieve their goals with confidence. She is an expert in corporate law, contract negotiation, compliance, and risk management. Adept at analyzing legal issues, identifying potential risks, and developing innovative solutions to protect clients' interests while ensuring regulatory compliance. She is skilled in advising on a wide range of corporate matters, including mergers and acquisitions, corporate governance, commercial agreements, intellectual property, employment law, and data privacy. Experienced in drafting and negotiating complex contracts and agreements. She has a strong business acumen and ability to align legal strategies with organizational objectives. Proficient in navigating international business environments and cross-border transactions. By working with various international organizations, she has become well-versed in global regulatory frameworks and experienced in managing legal matters across multiple jurisdictions. She is confident in her strength of being an effective communicator and persuasive negotiator, with a keen ability to convey complex legal concepts in a clear and concise manner. Skilled in building strong relationships with clients and stakeholders both internal and external. Passionate about staying updated with legal developments and industry trends to offer proactive advice and insights. Dedicated to empowering businesses with sound legal advice, compliance, and solutions that drive growth, mitigate risks, and foster long-term success by envisioning a regulatory landscape that fosters collaboration and transparency between regulatory authorities and organizations. In this future, she envisions herself as a mentor and role model, aspiring female lawyers and regulatory affairs professionals to break barriers and excel in their careers for the betterment of our society. She aims to foster diversity and inclusivity in the field, ensuring that all voices are heard and represented in shaping the law system and regulatory landscape in our community. Driven by a deep sense of purpose, she aspires to contribute to a legal system that upholds justice, protects rights, and promotes equality for all in pursuit of a more just and inclusive society.
I am an environmental consultant with six years of experience in sustainable development through environmental planning and assessment. My experience lies mainly in environmental impact assessment of road construction projects. I also support the implementation of climate-related initiatives, including climate action planning, stakeholder engagement and air quality management. Together with my senior colleagues, I coordinate and provide support to the implementation of all environmental projects in my organisation.
Oscar Obonyo is a leading force in Africa’s sustainability movement—an accomplished ESG strategist and circular economy innovator shaping the future of climate-conscious business in the region. As the Environment and Sustainability Manager at HACO Industries Kenya Limited, and a board member at Phicron Consult Ltd, and The Sustainability Champions Network. Oscar champions industrial decarbonization and regenerative business models across East Africa’s manufacturing and infrastructure sectors. With years of cross-cutting experience in renewable energy, agriculture, sustainable infrastructure, WASH and FMCG, he has been instrumental in designing and executing sustainability frameworks that deliver both environmental resilience and business growth. He is a NEMA licensed EIA expert, a member of the Environment Institute of Kenya (EIK), International Association of Impact Assessment (IAIA), and the International Society of Sustainability Professionals (ISSP). Oscar’s consultancy portfolio includes impact-driven development across Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Somalia, Ethiopia, and Sudan. At HACO, he leads transformative projects that fuse circular economy principles with sustainable packaging innovations, zero-waste frameworks, and renewable energy adoption—including the award-winning HACO–Progreen eco-fuel model, a benchmark for industrial symbiosis in the region. In his tenure, HACO has earned multiple accolades across waste management, sustainable livelihoods, and corporate sustainability. Oscar is also a sought-after speaker, trainer, and youth mentor, regularly engaging industry forums and academic institutions to elevate ESG literacy and inspire climate action. What sets him apart is his creative lens: Oscar integrates music, literature, and community storytelling into his advocacy, using culture as a powerful vessel for environmental transformation. Whether it's guiding companies toward net-zero, influencing policy, or championing Africa-born sustainability solutions, Oscar Obonyo is an unrelenting catalyst for change, building climate-smart industries, one innovation at a time.
Yayra is a development finance professional with extensive experience in promoting financial inclusion and sustainable economic development. Her banking experience has focused on structuring credit guarantees for developmental projects and facilitating microcredit schemes aimed at improving access to finance for marginalised populations, particularly women and youth. As the founder of Yusidel Ventures, an agribusiness engaged in the commodity value chains such as shea nuts, soybeans, maize, and cashew, she leads efforts to integrate sustainability into agricultural production and trade. She is particularly passionate about advancing climate-smart farming practices, environmental compliance, and social responsibility in the agribusiness space.
