Johannesburg, South Africa
It was a privilege to return to Joburg for a series of engagements on investment, energy transition, and development finance, including the 4th Annual African Women in Leadership Summit, convened by Linda Mabhena-Olagunju and DLO Energy Resources Group.
At the Summit, Dr. Mohieldin spoke about financing Africa’s energy transition, the challenge of Africa’s high cost of capital, and the critical role of women as leaders, investors, entrepreneurs, and policymakers. During South Africa’s Women’s Month, it was especially important to emphasize that women’s economic leadership is central to Africa’s growth and transformation.
Throughout the visit, Dr. Mohieldin met with leaders from government, finance, business, development institutions, civil society, and the United Nations. The discussions focused on practical solutions; mobilizing private capital, strengthening domestic and regional financial markets, advancing adaptation and resilience, supporting regional integration through the AfCFTA, and moving from commitments to implementation.
At the Bloomberg Joburg office, Dr. Mohieldin also hosted a Lunch and Learn with Bloomberg colleagues and external partners on private capital mobilization, the energy transition, debt sustainability, adaptation finance, and progress toward the SDGs.
The discussions, on the work underway with the African Development Bank, South Africa’s country platform and adaptation priorities, the strengthening of African utilities, and the need to build investment ready pipelines that can connect African opportunity with domestic, regional, and international capital, were really encouraging.
A particularly meaningful part of Dr. Mohieldin’s visit was spending time at the Nelson Mandela Foundation. Having long admired Nelson Mandela, affectionately known as Madiba, it was a privilege to visit his former home and reflect on a legacy that continues to remind us that development must ultimately advance dignity, justice, and opportunity.
Dr. Mahmoud highlighted how he left Joburg encouraged by the leadership and practical thinking he encountered. The task ahead is clear; connect capital to opportunity and ensure that Africa’s sustainable development is financed at the scale required.
