South Africa's business environment is evolving rapidly, fueled by innovation, entrepreneurship, and a growing middle class.
- Cyril Ramaphosa
Leadership,atitscore,isaboutimpact.It’sabout
havingthecouragetochallengethestatusquo,the foresighttoshapethefuture,andtheintegrityto bringothersalongthejourney.AcrossAfrica,thisbrandof leadershipisnotjustemerging—itisdefininganeweraof progress.
Africa’s Top CEOs Making a Difference in 2025 isatribute tothevisionarieswhoarenotonlytransformingtheir organizationsbutalsoreshapingtheeconomicandsocial fabricofthecontinent.Theseleadersstandatthehelmof industriesrangingfromtechnologyandfinanceto manufacturing,healthcare,energy,andbeyond.Yet,what unitesthemisasharedcommitment:todrivemeaningful, inclusive,andsustainablechange.
Inanenvironmentthatdemandsbothresilienceand innovation,theseCEOsarenavigatingcomplexitywith clarity.Theyarepioneeringboldstrategies,fostering entrepreneurialecosystems,andinvestinginthe communitiestheyserve.Theirleadershipisnotconfinedto boardrooms—itisfeltinjobcreation,digitaladvancement, policyinfluence,andcontinentalcollaboration.
Thisfeaturedoesmorethancelebrateachievement;it recognizespurpose.Ithighlightsthosewhoareusingtheir platformsnotjusttobuildbusinesses,buttobuildfutures. Whetherchampioningcleanenergy,expandingfinancial inclusion,reimaginingeducation,orleading groundbreakingresearch,theseCEOsexemplifywhatit meanstoleadwithimpact.
Africa’sgrowthstoryisoneofpotential,butitisalsoone ofresponsibility TheseCEOsunderstandthattheirroles extendbeyondprofitability.Theyareambassadorsof innovation,custodiansofvalues,andarchitectsof transformation.TheirdecisionstodayareshapingtheAfrica oftomorrow
Toeachleaderfeaturedinthisspecialedition:thisisa momentofacknowledgment.Yourworkresonatesfar beyondcompanywalls.Itinspiresthenextgeneration, strengthenseconomies,andreaffirmsapowerfultruth—that leadership,whenguidedbypurpose,createsripplesthatlast fordecades.
Thisisyourmoment.ThisisAfrica’smoment.
Managing Editor
Chose Modise Steering Botswana’s Financial Future with Vision and Integrity
A
R T I C L E S
Leading with Heart: The Rise of Compassionate Command
Making Big Moves: Leadership That Transforms, Not Just Performs
Pooja M Bansal Editor-in-Chief
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Deputy Editor Anish Miller
Managing Editor Prince Bolton
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ChoseModise
ChiefExecutive
MartinRas
ChiefExecutiveOfficer
MercyMunene
ChiefExecutive
Officer
UcheOfodile
ChiefExecutive
Officer
WesleyLynch
ChiefExecutive
Officer
StanbicBankBotswana stanbicbank.co.bw
ByteOrbit byteorbit.com
MTNBENIN mtn.bj Featured
ShambaConnect shambaconnect.com
ChosevisionforStanbicBankBotswanaisanchoredin digitalinnovation,financialinclusion,anddelivering exceptionalvaluetocustomersandcommunities.
Withastrongbackgroundinproductdevelopment, strategy,anduserexperience,Martinleadsa multidisciplinaryteamthattransformsideasinto impactfuldigitalproducts.
UnderMercy'sleadership,ShambaConnecthasemerged asatrustedplatformbridgingthegapbetweenfarmers, markets,andfinancialservices—enablingsmall-scale producerstoincreaseproductivity
Withovertwodecadesofexperienceintelecommunications, marketing,andbusinessleadershipacrossAfricaand emergingmarkets,Ucheisknownfordelivering transformativeresultsindynamic,high-growth environments.
Snapplify snapplify.com
Wesleyisdrivenbyamissiontobridgeeducationalgaps throughinnovation,technology,andscalableinfrastructure.
Steering Botswana’s Financial Future with Vision and Integrity
Chief Executive
Stanbic
Bank Botswana
Every leader’s journey begins with a moment of clarity—a realization of the role they are meant to play and advance to empower others and create meaningfulimpact.ForChoseModise,thatmomentwasless about a single event and more about a growing awareness, shapedbytheenvironmentandexperiencesaroundhim.
Inhiscareer,hewitnessedhowaccesstofinancialresources couldtransformlivesandhowtherighteconomicstructures could uplift entire communities. It was this early understanding combined with a deep sense of responsibility thatsparkedhispathintotheworldoffinance.
GrowingupinBotswana,hesawfirsthandthetransformative power that financial inclusion and sound economic managementcanhaveoncommunitiesandindividuals.This inspired him to pursue studies in finance and later build a career that would enable him to contribute to the country's growthstory.ForChose,contributingtonationalprogressis bothacivicdutyandapersonalresponsibility-arolehetakes seriously Thus,heplaysthepartasbestashecan.
organisation towards long-term growth while ensuring that the operations remain agile and responsive to the dynamic financial services environment.Thisallows the organization to create value and deliver its purpose of delivering its purposeofdrivingBotswana’sgrowth.
Botswana’sfinanciallandscapeisadvancingatafastpaceand is being shaped by digital transformation, shifting customer expectations,andeconomicdiversificationefforts.Toremain competitive, the organization prioritizes innovation and client-centricity, designing solutions that respond directly to theneedsofourclients,whethertheyareindividuals,SMEs, or large corporates The organization also invests significantly in digital capabilities and partnerships that enhanceitsservicedeliveryandoperationalefficiency
At the heart of it all is the commitment to creating value, access and inclusion. Reflecting upon these strategic implications, Chose shares, “We see ourselves as a growth partner for Botswana, enabling progress and prosperity for thenation.”
“Chose is proud of the role he has been playing in positioning Stanbic Bank Botswana as a trusted partner in driving national development.”
Over the years, he’s been fortunate to work across various segments of the financial services sector, both locally and regionally,gainingvaluableexperienceincorporatebanking, strategy and leadership. Each step along the way reinforced his belief in the importance of a purpose-led approach to banking,onethatbalancescommercialsuccesswithsocietal progress.
Becoming Chief Executive (CE) of Stanbic Bank Botswanawasahumblingcontinuationofthisjourney.Itwas a privilege for Chose to lead a team that is passionate about unlockingBotswana’spotentialandempoweringitspeopleto grow He asserts, “Botswana is our home; we drive her growth.”
DrivingSustainableGrowthandInclusiveInnovation
AstheCE,hisforemostresponsibilityistoprovidestrategic direction that positions Stanbic Bank to deliver sustainable valuetoallitsstakeholders-clients,employees,shareholders, and the communities it serves.This involves stewarding the
PrinciplesthatDefineTrueLeadership
Tobeginwith,Choseemphasizeshisapproachofconstantly exploring and learning. He is always mindful that there is more to learn. That being said, he describes this leadership style as collaborative, purpose-driven and empowering. He elaborates further, stating, “I believe leadership is not about command and control, but about creating an environment where people feel inspired, trusted, and supported to bring theirbestselvestowork.”
Chose’s leadership philosophy is reflected in the culture of Stanbic Bank Botswana. It is where growth and continuous learning are embraced and cherished. He therefore tries to place great emphasis on authenticity, accountability, and shared vision. When it comes to developing leaders, Chose strivestoencouragecuriosity,resilienceandastrongsenseof responsibilitytowardshisclientsandcommunities.
Thus far, he believes this – and the support and efforts of an incrediblecountryleadershipcommitteeandpassionatestaff
–havesurpassedthetargetsofour3-yearstrategyinjusttwo years.Whilehegivesthiscredittotheresilientteam,hethinks it reaffirms that the leadership style is evolving in the right ways.
He adheres to a fundamental fact that defines no presumption to know everything; he further asserts, “You are always learningandcanalwayslearnfromothers.Infact,youwillbe better for it, so be open to learning and growth. Listen. Absorb.Process.”
WhatDefinesResilience?
Leadership,byitsverynature,comeswithchallenges-some expected,othersunforeseen.Oneofthemostsignificanthas beennavigatinguncertainty,especiallyintimesofeconomic
OperationalAdvantage in Innovation, CustomerService andMarketLeadership
Staying ahead requires a mindset of continuous evolution. Under Chose’s leadership, Stanbic Bank Botswana embeds innovationintoitsDNA,notfornovelty,buttobetterserveits clients and anticipate their changing and evolving demands. The organization strategically invests to enrich its digital platforms, data insights, and partnerships that allow it to provide relevant, seamless and accessible banking experiencesthattrulyempoweritscustomersandbusinesses.
Chose shares, “Apart from technical advancements, human touch is equally important. Technology is an enabler, but it is our people who make the difference. We focus on equipping ourteamswiththeskillsandmindsettoservewithexcellence,
“Chose’s foremost responsibility is to provide strategic direction that positions Stanbic Bank to deliver sustainable value to all its stakeholders - clients, employees, shareholders, and the communities it serves.”
pressure or rapid change, such as during the pandemic or in responding to evolving regulatory and technological landscapes. These moments test your business acumen but alsoyourabilitytoleadwithempathyandpurpose.
ItwasthemomentofrealizationforChoseduringCOVID-19, likemanyotherleaders.Hehadtorallyhisteamandfacethe imminent health and safety concerns of the community and country.Heshedslightontheneedforbalancewhileensuring value-added services for clients and maintaining a competitiveedgeforthecompanytostayinbusiness.
Thisextendedafterthepandemic,ashehadtobuildaleaner and stronger organisation and thus re-designed the structure alongwiththewaysofworking.Inatimeofsuchchangeand uncertainty,yourteamlookstoyouforreassurance,whilethe businesslookstoyouforresults.Itwasatoughtime,butthe approachof‘Weareinthistogether’waskeyforChose–“No man is an island, and our collective efforts are what made me feelstrongerasaleaderandmorevaluableasateamplayer,” heexpresses.
empathy and agility.” Through these aspects, the team stands asa changemakerbecauseitisthemindseteveryoneadheres to. By aligning innovative efforts with the real economy and theclients’aspirations,theorganizationleadswithapurpose, creatingvalueandpositivechange.
Choseisproudoftherolehehasbeenplayinginpositioning Stanbic Bank Botswana as a trusted partner in driving national development. From supporting the growth of key industries to empowering SMEs and advancing financial inclusion, the impact has been tangible. He observes this in suchmomentousfundingdealssuchasthatofWildernessand Norsad,bothadvancingsocial,economicandenvironmental (SEE)causesforthesetwovaluedclients,aswellasplaying meaningful roles in such developments as the Mohembo BridgeonnorthernBotswana.
He expresses, “On a personal level, every moment where I’ve helped develop a future leader or contributed to someone’s growth stands out. Leadership is not only about driving results; it’s about leaving a legacy of empowerment. Seeing ourpeoplethriveandknowingthatweareplayingarolein
building Botswana’s future is what I value most, and so the COVID-19recoverynotedaboveisalsoamemorabletimefor me.”
LivingFully—InsideandOutsideofWork
Balance is something Chose values more with each passing year. The reality is that the demands are high, but so is the importance of being intentional about wellbeing, stress management and setting boundaries. He prioritizes time for family, reflection, and physical wellbeing as best as he can becausehebelievesahealthyleaderisamoreeffectiveleader
More importantly, he implements this model for the team. In Chose’sperspective,“Wellbeingshouldnotbealuxury;itisa necessity for sustainable performance.” Stanbic Bank fosters a People & Culture team that constantly nurtures a culture andrecognizesthewholeperson,notjusttheprofessional.By creating supportive environments, the organization enables its people - and ourselves - to show up fully, both at work and in life. Chose is proud to share, “We learn this from each singleday.”
Imaginingthepossibilities
SheddinglightonthestrategiesChoseimplementstoachieve sustainable growth, he thoughtfully shares, “Our Letsema
2025 strategy culminates this year, and we have already surpassed a number of key targets as well as set new ones, in terms of profitability as well as impact.” Chose hopes to continue on the trajectory and then redevelop an even more formidable new strategy He shares, “So that when we say Botswana is our home and we drive her growth, it is seen and felt by all – our staff, our customers, communities and country.”
In this vein, Chose clearly focuses on the areas of impact across social, economic and environmental fronts. He wants todriveprosperityforallinlinewiththegovernment’svision, createvalueforcommunities,andempowerthelivelihoodsof customers and staff. It is about growth in all of its various forms - economic, social, and personal - taking everyone alongonthejourneyandleavingnoonebehind.Whetheritis enabling an SME to access funding, supporting a student through financial literacy, or building digital inclusion for remote communities, his aim is to ensure that progress is sharedandinclusive.
Chose thrives while envisioning a scenario in which if even oneperson,onecommunity, or one business can say Stanbic Bank has helped empower or fuel their growth, it brings him immense happiness. “If I can contribute to that, I know I am ontherightpath,”heconcludeswithanoptimisticnote.
