The moderated discussion will focus on how the current health and economic crises have highlighted numerous social issues facing Africans. These issues include inequitable access to healthcare, the economic vulnerability of workers, occupational safety and wellbeing, temporary improvements in air and water quality due to lockdowns, police brutality and excessive use of force, disparities in access to technology, and more.
The panel will delve into what next-generation leaders expect from business leadership today. In an era where social movements can organize overnight, many brands are caught off-guard if they have not shown leadership on these critical issues or if their responses are not perceived as genuine and impactful.
Introductory Remarks:
Sim Tshabalala, Group Chief Executive of Standard Bank Group and Executive Director of SBSA, will provide opening remarks, setting the stage for the discussion.
Special Guest Speaker:
Jide Zeitlin, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Tapestry, Inc.—the parent company of luxury brands Coach, Kate Spade, and Stuart Weitzman—will offer his insights on the role of business leadership in addressing social issues.
Moderator:
Kamil Olufowobi, CEO of Most Influential People of African Descent (MIPAD) 100 Under 40, will moderate the discussion, guiding the conversation through the complex social challenges and leadership expectations in today’s environment.
Panelists:
- Tara Durotoye, Founder & CEO of House of Tara International, will share her perspective on the intersection of business and social responsibility.
- Vanessa Nakate, Climate Change Activist, will discuss the environmental implications of the current crises and the role of young leaders in advocating for climate justice.
- Diallo Shabazz, Co-Founder of Birthright AFRICA, will explore the cultural and educational dimensions of social leadership.
- Vusi Thembekwayo, CEO of MyGrowthFund Venture Capital, will offer insights on the economic aspects of leadership in turbulent times.
- Phyllis Wakiaga, CEO of the Kenya Association of Manufacturers, will speak on the challenges and opportunities for industry leaders in addressing social issues.
- Adebola Williams, Co-Founder & CEO of Red Media Africa, will discuss the power of media and communication in shaping social movements and business responses.
This timely and valuable video conference series is produced by Africa.com in partnership with faculty from Harvard Business School. It aims to address the unprecedented humanitarian and economic crisis resulting from COVID-19, providing a platform for thought leaders to share strategies and insights on the evolving expectations of business leadership in Africa.