Leadership Summit calls for action, investment and inclusive growth

Building Trust in Africa was the central theme at the ASI Leadership Summit, hosted by ASI Financial Services. Held in Johannesburg and moderated by seasoned journalist Nompu Siziba, the event brought together key leaders, business minds, and innovators to unpack what trust means for Africa’s growth especially in areas like ethical leadership, inclusive business, financial services, and digital innovation.

In his keynote address, former President Kgalema Motlanthe set the tone for the day with a firm call for values-based leadership. He stressed that trust cannot thrive without integrity, long-term planning, and inclusive governance. For trust to be rebuilt leaders must be transparent, accountable, and grounded in service to the people.

This message resonates strongly with South Africa’s youth, who make up the majority of the population but face high unemployment and inequality. Motlanthe reminded attendees that investing in the future starts with restoring faith in systems that young people can believe in and are part of.

Anthony Govender, Chief Visionary Officer for ASI Group echoed this sentiment by emphasising that the private sector also bears a responsibility. He argued that businesses should prioritise purpose over profit, fostering inclusive financial solutions and dignity for communities. Govender highlighted that trust is the foundation for economic growth, warning that without it, innovation stagnates.

Thongwane Namane, CEO of SCS Aerospace Group, brought a forward-thinking perspective. She shared how space technology is already helping African countries improve agriculture, respond to natural disasters, and monitor environmental risks. These innovations offer powerful tools to build systems people can trust especially in data, planning, and crisis response.

Zooming out to a global view, Political analyst Daniel Silke reminded attendees that the world can no longer afford to overlook Africa. With its youthful population and rising middle class, the continent is not just a market of the future it is the engine of future global growth.

But unlocking that potential requires a mindset shift. Africa doesn’t need more aid, it needs investment, infrastructure, and partnerships that build capacity and drive innovation. For the global economy to thrive, Silke argued, it must recognise Africa not as a risk, but as an opportunity.

Andrew Musangi, Chairperson of the Central Bank of Kenya, offered a powerful truth: Africa’s greatest resource isn’t in the ground it’s in its people. He called for African countries to invest in education, entrepreneurship and leadership at every level.

According to Musangi, building unity and self-reliance will define Africa’s future more than any external intervention. When African countries pool knowledge, share innovation and support their citizens, the continent becomes more resilient, more competitive, and more sovereign in its development journey.

The day concluded with futurist John Sanei inspiring attendees to adopt a proactive mindset, encouraging them to build their future rather than wait for it to unfold. He reminded everyone that while Africa faces real challenges, the continent's potential to grow and thrive through collaboration, courage, and purposeful action is equally real.