Key Takeaways from the CEO Roundtable Breakfast in Johannesburg
December 2025
Pedersen & Partners hosted a CEO Roundtable in South Africa, led by Michael Al-Nassir, Equity Partner and Head of the Private Equity Practice APMEA, Modise Makhene, Client Partner and Head of Sub-Saharan Africa, and Kerry Seethal, Principal.
The discussion brought together senior business leaders including Mpho Toolo (Dr. Oetker), Alex Keet (Apex Group), Naleni Govender (Enko Capital), Thabo Molekoa (Siemens Energy), Mark Blight (Schindler Lifts), Kabelo Dlothi (CMS), Valter Adao (Cadenia Growth Partners), and Johan de Graaf (Impact Investment Partners).
The topic of the event was: “South Africa’s Role in Africa’s Next Growth Chapter: Compete, Collaborate, or Risk Being Left Behind.”
Key Takeaways from the CEO Roundtable in South Africa
The conversation reinforced a shared view: Africa’s growth trajectory is already in motion, and South Africa’s continued relevance depends on timely and deliberate action.
- Africa’s Growth Fundamentals
Participants noted that Africa’s structural drivers are maturing. Digital adoption is advancing rapidly, supported by mobile-first consumers and widespread fintech usage, with South Africa remaining one of the most digitally engaged markets within its region.
Africa’s resource base - particularly in agriculture, energy, and critical minerals - continues to position the continent strategically, alongside large-scale electrification goals aimed at expanding access across multiple markets by 2030.
- What Is Working Across the Continent
CEOs highlighted that organisations empowering local leadership perform better in regulatory engagement, market understanding, and stakeholder trust.
Public–private collaboration was identified as a key execution-lever. South Africa’s renewable energy IPP framework was referenced as an example of how alignment between sectors can accelerate delivery and serve as a foundation for broader infrastructure and energy initiatives. Decentralised operating models with regional authority were also seen to support faster decisions and stronger partnerships.
- The Risk of Inaction
Participants cautioned that delays have tangible consequences. Energy dependence, reduced manufacturing capacity, and capital outflows risk limiting South Africa’s regional influence, while international and intra-African competitors move to fill emerging gaps.
- Strategic Priorities for South African Business
The discussion converged around four priorities:
- Position Africa as a core strategic market, supported by dedicated leadership and long-term investment.
- Develop and retain local talent, building sustained market presence and relationships.
- Think regionally rather than nationally, with integrated approaches across SADC, EAC, and cross-border value chains.
- Act early and decisively, shaping market conditions and securing long-term advantage.
- South Africa’s Highlighted Strengths
South Africa retains advantages including regional market knowledge, established relationships, developed financial and engineering capabilities, and geographic proximity to key African markets. The focus now is on deploying these assets consistently and at scale.
Africa’s next phase of growth is underway. South Africa faces a clear choice: compete through decisive investment, collaborate through regional partnerships, or risk falling behind as the continent’s future takes shape.
Pedersen & Partners thanks all participants for their contributions and perspectives on South Africa’s role in Africa’s evolving economic landscape.