Across Africa, women continue to shape industries, rewrite expectations, and open doors that once seemed permanently closed. Among these remarkable voices is Phuthi Mahanyele Dabengwa, a woman whose leadership journey reflects courage, intellect, and an unwavering commitment to uplifting Africa’s future. Her life is a quiet masterclass in how brilliance meets purpose.
Phuthi was born in Johannesburg in 1971 and raised in a home where hard work, humility, and learning were not just values but a way of life.
Her interest in economic systems and human development began early, and by the time she left for university, she already carried within her the curiosity of a young woman determined to understand how countries grow, how markets shift, and how opportunities can be created where none seem to exist.
She pursued a Bachelor’s degree in Economics at Rutgers University in the United States, laying the foundation for her global outlook. Her academic journey continued with an MBA from De Montfort University in the United Kingdom and later executive studies at Harvard Kennedy School, sharpening her understanding of leadership and public policy on the world stage.
Her transition into the professional world was marked by boldness. In the late 1990s she joined an international investment-banking firm, stepping into the demanding world of infrastructure finance at a time when few Black South African women held such positions.
She later returned home to serve as Head of Project Finance at the Development Bank of Southern Africa. These early years were more than career steps; they were formative moments that built her reputation as a clear thinker, a strategist, and a woman who could navigate complexity with calm intelligence.
By 2004 Phuthi stepped into a new chapter when she joined the Shanduka Group. Her rise there was swift, driven by her ability to transform ideas into sustainable investments.
When she became CEO, she helped position the company as a force in energy, infrastructure, consumer goods, and more. Her leadership was defined not only by financial results but also by her commitment to creating opportunities for ordinary South Africans.
After a decade of excellence she co-founded Sigma Capital in 2015, serving as Executive Chairperson. It was a bold move that reminded the continent that African women can build, lead, and own significant enterprises in the investment space.
In 2019 she stepped into a historic role, becoming CEO of Naspers South Africa and the first Black woman to lead the company’s operations in the country.
Under her leadership Naspers expanded its commitment to technology, innovation, and youth empowerment, supporting early stage platforms and job creation initiatives.
Her work helped position South Africa as a competitive player in the global tech environment, reinforcing her influence as one of the continent’s most respected executives.
Phuthi’s impact stretches far beyond boardrooms. She serves on influential boards such as Vodacom Group, supports educational institutions including Stellenbosch University Business School, and contributes to global platforms like the United Nations Global Compact Network South Africa.
Her voice remains firm on issues of youth development, responsible leadership, and African advancement. She has consistently used her position to open paths for others, ensuring that leadership becomes a shared opportunity rather than a privileged seat.
Her achievements have been recognized on national and global platforms. She was named Forbes Woman Africa Businesswoman of the Year in 2014, honoured with the CNBC Africa All Africa Business Leaders Woman of the Year Award in 2019, and listed by The Wall Street Journal in 2008 as one of the Top 50 Women in the World to Watch.
In 2020 she earned a prestigious place on Fortune’s Most Powerful Women International list, ranking number 42, further solidifying her place among the world’s most influential leaders.
Today Phuthi Mahanyele Dabengwa stands as one of Africa’s finest examples of strategic leadership, discipline, and compassionate power.
She has shown that success is not only about ambition but also about integrity, courage, and the willingness to bring others along. Her journey is a reminder that Africa’s future is being shaped by leaders who understand both the responsibility and the privilege of influence.
Her story continues to inspire young Africans who look at her and see possibility. And as her career unfolds, one truth remains clear: she is not merely building a legacy, she is building a continent worth dreaming about.
Image Credit: Women’s Report
