2024 AABLA Business Leader of the year: African Bank's CEO, Kennedy G Bungane
In presenting the award, the AABLA acknowledged Bungane’s innovative approach to business and his profound impact on the communities that African Bank serves.
The accolade recognises Bungane’s outstanding leadership, his transformative vision for African Bank, and his significant contributions to the African financial sector.
His leadership has been instrumental in positioning African Bank as a powerful force for positive change in South Africa and beyond.
The AABLA took place on 24 October, at the Sandton Convention Centre.
For the past 12 years, the AABLA have been telling an African story of perseverance, success, innovation, and accountability and has become synonymous with recognising the best in business leadership on the African continent.
Not solitary pursuit, a collective effort
Speaking after the awards ceremony, Bungane shared his appreciation, "Though it is my name on this award, I accept it on behalf of my executive leadership team and the thousands of African Bank employees who pour their heart and soul into making our vision a reality.
“Being an African banker isn't a solitary pursuit—it’s a collective effort, and I am proud to lead such a dedicated team."
Bungane also stressed the enduring legacy of African Bank and its founding mission.
“Our audacious vision of a bank for the people, by the people, serving the people, was revolutionary for its time and remains so today.
“African Bank was founded at a time when the majority of South Africans were denied access to essential financial services.
“Today, we continue to champion financial inclusion, partnering with SMMEs and the communities we serve to spark an economic renaissance."
Tribute to a founder
Under Bungane’s leadership, African Bank has undergone a remarkable evolution, driven by a bold growth strategy that reflects the core values instilled by one of the bank's founding figures, Dr Sam Motsuenyane.
Paying tribute to Dr Motsuenyane, Bungane notes, "It is his example I strive to emulate—he was a man of great integrity and selfless leadership.
“Our strategy is inspired by his belief that through greater financial inclusion, we can create lasting positive change.
“African Bank today is more than a bank; it is a movement manifesting itself as a bank, committed to empowering communities and ensuring that financial services are accessible to all."
This award cements Bungane's reputation as one of Africa’s young dynamic and visionary business leaders.
His belief in the power of financial inclusion and the positive role businesses can play in society has made him a transformative figure, not only in banking but across the African business landscape.
