Standard Chartered hosted the Treasury Leadership Forum 2025 on Tuesday, 20 May, at the Four Seasons Hotel, Johannesburg. The exclusive event brought together senior executives, financial decision-makers, and industry thought leaders to explore strategies for Africa’s potential to leverage innovation, energy transition, and digital transformation in building a resilient economic future.
Bruce Whitfield, business journalist, speaker, and author, moderated the forum, leading discussions on Africa’s financial and economic landscape.
Mxolisi Mgojo, President of Business Unity South Africa and Co-Chair of the B20, delivered the keynote address. His speech, Global Partnerships for Inclusive Prosperity – The B20 Imperative, emphasised the role of global collaboration in promoting economic inclusion and sustainability. This aligns with Standard Chartered’s support for B20 initiatives driving sustainable and inclusive growth globally and in Africa.
The first panel, Reshaping the Energy Landscape, was led by Lina Osman, Head of Sustainable Finance at Standard Chartered. Osman highlighted how the shift toward renewable energy both supports environmental sustainability and creates significant investment opportunities. The panel, which featured Lullu Krugel, Partner, Strategy & Chief Economist at PwC SA and ESG Platform Lead for PwC Africa, examined the continent’s transition towards renewables while exploring the investment opportunities and employment impacts. The panel noted that growing international interest and partnerships in this sector are driving infrastructure development, fostering innovation, and generating numerous skilled and semi-skilled jobs in construction, maintenance, engineering, and administration.
“The shift to renewable energy offers significant investment opportunities. At Standard Chartered, we see immense potential in Africa’s energy landscape, driven by international partnerships, particularly in infrastructural development. By leveraging on AI, we can unlock deeper insights, improve forecasting, and help our clients navigate and capitalise on the evolving opportunities in the renewable sector.” Kariuki Ngari, CEO Africa, Standard Chartered
The second panel—Harnessing Technology to Optimise Treasury Efficiency—featured Uzair Kapadia, Cash Head MENAP at Standard Chartered, and Kevin Govender, Executive Partner at IBM Consulting. The discussion focused on how artificial intelligence, machine learning, and API technologies can revolutionise treasury operations, improve cash visibility, enhance strategic decision-making, and proactively manage risk.
“The Treasury Leadership Forum aims to connect our clients in today’s volatile markets and Global uncertainty. At Standard Chartered, we recognise that the true strength of our business lies in our extensive Global network. Our goal is to assist clients in navigating the complexities of the African continent amid market fluctuations. In this context, digitisation is paramount, along with effective management of liquidity, cash, and trade to mitigate risks.” Chris Egberink, CEO Standard Chartered South Africa
In her closing remarks, Adelaide Chiyangwa, Global Subsidiaries Head for South Africa at Standard Chartered, summarised key themes and reiterated the bank’s commitment to South Africa and the African continent.
The forum reinforced Standard Chartered’s position as a strategic partner in driving Africa’s sustainable future through innovation, partnerships, and active engagement in global business forums such as the B20.