Africa Must Take Charge: Insights from Phuthuma Nhleko

What happened

Phuthuma Nhleko, a respected South African business leader and former CEO of MTN, recently shared his views on Africa's economic role in a conversation on Moneyweb@Midday. Nhleko, who also authored The Invisible People, calls on Africa to stop being a passive observer and take an active part in shaping its economic destiny. His remarks highlight both the opportunities and structural challenges facing the continent, including South Africa.

Why it matters

Africa is often seen by the global community as a continent full of untapped potential but plagued by external dependency and internal obstacles. Nhleko's call is significant because it challenges this narrative, urging African leaders, businesses, and citizens to seize control over their resources, industries, and policies. For South Africa, Africa's most industrialised economy, this means moving beyond simply reacting to global economic trends and instead pushing proactive strategies for growth and self-reliance.

What this means for South Africans

For everyday South Africans, Nhleko’s message is a reminder that economic empowerment requires active participation and innovation. It pushes the idea that South Africans should embrace entrepreneurship, support local industries, and demand stronger economic policies from government that prioritize inclusive growth.

In the job market, this shift means greater focus on developing skills that align with Africa’s emerging economic sectors—such as technology, renewable energy, and manufacturing. For students and job seekers, understanding the broader African market can open new opportunities beyond South Africa’s borders.

Impact on consumers, jobs and small businesses

Consumers in South Africa may benefit as the continent grows more economically assertive—this can lead to better products, more competition, and potentially lower prices as local industries scale. However, this also means consumers need to support local businesses to facilitate this growth.

Small businesses stand to gain the most if Africa moves from being a spectator to an active player. Nhleko’s message encourages small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to consider regional markets and export opportunities rather than limiting themselves to domestic customers. This is particularly relevant as the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) continues to develop, aiming to create the largest free trade area worldwide.

For employment, active African economic engagement could lead to job creation in key sectors. However, it also requires continuous skill development and adaptability, as the global economy becomes more competitive.

Risks and limitations

While Nhleko’s message is inspiring, the reality is complex. Africa’s challenges—such as political instability, infrastructure gaps, and unequal access to education—cannot be resolved overnight. For South Africa, issues like slow economic growth and inequality remain significant barriers.

There is also the risk that pushing too quickly for economic transformation without solid foundations could backfire, especially for smaller businesses that lack resources to compete on a continental scale.

Moreover, global economic uncertainty and external shocks—such as fluctuating commodity prices and changing trade dynamics—pose ongoing risks to Africa’s ambitious growth plans.

Nonetheless, the call to action remains clear: Africa, and South Africans specifically, need to move from spectatorship to engagement to unlock these opportunities. This will require collaboration between governments, businesses, civil society, and individuals to create sustainable economic progress.

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