Absa Bank – Financial Inclusion through Entrepreneurship
Between 2019 to 2023, Absa invested approximately R1.49 billion ($83 million) in social impact initiatives which led to positively impacting over 1.25 million individuals across its markets. This panel discusses Absa's efforts which span education, employability, income generation, financial literacy, and corporate community support and how they have driven significant societal and economic improvements as a result. Discussion will also delve into Absa's strategic shift toward empowering African youth and women by focusing on Financial Inclusion through Entrepreneurship, aimed at fostering sustainable income opportunities across the continent.
Speakers
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Ntombezintle RaziyaManager: Colleague Volunteering, Absa BankNtombezintle Raziya
Manager: Colleague Volunteering, Absa Bank
Zintle Raziya, a Mandela Washington Fellow and Crans Montana Young Leader alumni, is passionate about youth empowerment, entrepreneurship, and sustainability. Her current role at Absa as the manager for Colleague Volunteering is aligned to the Group’s strategy of being an active force for good. She is committed to promoting inclusive growth, economic and social justice, and the implementation of youth employability initiatives in a socially and environmentally responsible manner creating shared value. Her position as a Business Development Associate at the presidentially endorsed Youth Employment Service (YES) demonstrates that she never shies away from inclusive community development-related challenges. She also has an Honors degree in Development Studies with a focus on Behavioural Change in the Green Economy and a Masters degree in Inclusive Innovation. She has played an important role in several projects, including the National Solar Water Heating Programme assisting community artisans install over 250 000 solar geyers in township communities across South Africa. She was part of the founding team for the YES program, and brings invaluable experience as a strategic planner. Zintle is a strong conceptual thinker, planner, and communicator who has worked on a wide range of social and economic impact-driven projects, thrives in collaborative environments, and has demonstrated success in social development projects and community initiatives
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Dr Steven ZwaneManaging Executive, Absa Group Corporate CitizenshipDr Steven Zwane
Managing Executive, Absa Group Corporate Citizenship
Dr Steven Zwane, a multifaceted professional, presently holds the position of Managing Executive for Corporate Citizenship, Group Marketing, and Corporate Affairs at Absa. His pivotal role involves steering the bank's commitment to societal progress by conceiving and executing impactful initiatives that drive positive change within communities. As an integral part of the Group Marketing and Corporate Affairs ExCo, he collaborates closely with Business and Functional teams, fortifying the bank's reputation and emphasising its dedication to social responsibility across diverse regions, primarily focusing on the African continent. With a rich career trajectory, Steven served as the Chief Operating Officer for Absa Transactional Banking and Absa Insurance Financial Advisors. He briefly took on a passion-driven role as the Chief Executive Officer at the National Students Financial Aid Scheme from 2017 to 2018 before rejoining Absa in 2019. His 12-year tenure within the organization has been marked by steering diverse and cross-functional teams, championing operational excellence across various roles.
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KG BakoManaging Executive: Talent Management & Transitions, ABSA Group LimitedKG Bako
Managing Executive: Talent Management & Transitions, ABSA Group Limited
KG Bako is the Managing Executive: Talent Management, at Absa Group Limited. She has been with Absa for almost 11 years. She has over two decades of human capital experience, mostly spent in the banking industry, focusing on Leadership coaching and advisory, Talent Management, Organizational Effectiveness, Business Transformation, etc. She has multiple geography exposure and experience across Africa and International markets where she led strategic projects in complex environments. She has been part of leadership teams in complex businesses, playing an advisory role to CEOs and their executive teams. She is passionate about people and prioritizes authentic connections and empowering others through networking, mentoring and coaching with the focus on women and young talent. In her role as Managing Executive: Talent Management and Transitions, she leverages the power of the Absa brand to unlock Africa's potential and empower communities. A significant portion of her focus is dedicated to people issues, supporting leaders in navigating the complexities of the business environment. Absa is known to embrace adaptability, collaboration, and forward- thinking to strategically respond to challenges and ensure solutions align with the organisation’s purpose.
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Pamela TuryatungaSustainability Manager, Absa Bank UgandaPamela Turyatunga
Sustainability Manager, Absa Bank Uganda
Pamela is the Sustainability Manager, Absa Bank Uganda and has worked with the bank since 2012. In reaction to a 17% spike in teenage pregnancy during the COVID-19 pandemic in Uganda, she published her book, Alyvea, to encourage better decision-making amongst young people. As a result, Pamela was selected and attended the One Young World Summit Manchester, 2022, as a representative from Absa Group. She found the Summit to be a transformational event, connecting with like-minded peers and discussing the commonalities of their experiences in the sustainability sector. Pamela is actively involved in the Absa Women Network Forum (WNF). She developed a proposal, identified three homes in Uganda specialising in care for teen mothers and providing pregnancy support and vocational training. The WNF reviewed the particular needs of each home and provided specific material support to assist them. This involved setting up vegetable gardens and orchards to ensure the teen mothers have a sustainable source of food and provided dry food and clothes for the children. Through their ‘Support a Teen Mother help raise the future generation’ campaign, WNF rallied the support of Absa Uganda colleagues to provide material assistance and skills training to underprivileged teen mothers.