Nhlanhla Nene served as the Minister of Finance of South Africa under President Jacob Zuma from 25 May 2014 until his controversial removal on 9 December 2015, and under President Cyril Ramaphosa from 27 February 2018 until his resignation on 9 October 2018

He had been a Member of Parliament since 1999. He was appointed into his position in November 2008 and he was re-appointed on 11 May 2009. He holds a B.Com Honours degree in Economics from the University of Western Cape (UWC). He worked as a Regional Administrative Manager for the Metropolitan Life Insurance for 15 years.

He became a Labour union shop steward and led a negotiating Team for better working conditions during the period 1990 to 1995 and he organised the first ever strike in the financial sector.

As South Africa’s former Finance Minister, Nhlanhla Nene steered the country through turbulent economic waters, advocating for prudent fiscal management and austerity measures amidst growing public expenditure demands. His experience at the helm of the National Treasury, South Africa’s economic nerve center, saw him navigate both domestic and international financial crises, ensuring stability during volatile times.

Nene’s removal in 2015 shook investor confidence and created a ripple effect across the markets, underscoring the critical role he played in safeguarding the country’s economy. His reappointment in 2018, albeit brief, further cemented his expertise in navigating South Africa’s economic complexities. During his tenure, Nene worked on implementing vital reforms that focused on sustainable fiscal policies, boosting investor confidence, and managing the state-owned enterprises (SOEs) that had been a drain on the nation’s finances.

Additionally, Nene held various roles before becoming Minister of Finance, including serving as Deputy Finance Minister and chairing Parliament’s Portfolio Committee on Finance. His extensive experience in public finance, policy implementation, and economic strategy has given him unparalleled insights into South Africa’s economic strengths and challenges.

Nhlanhla Nene’s expertise is rooted in his thorough understanding of macroeconomic trends and fiscal policy. A seasoned economist, Nene holds a degree in economics and has received extensive training in finance and economic management. His deep knowledge of South Africa’s economic structures, fiscal policies, and international trade relations make him a foremost authority on the subject.

His expertise in managing the country’s budget, directing government expenditure, and implementing financial reforms underscores his adeptness in economic governance. He has frequently written about these topics, contributing to leading media platforms such as Business Day and Mail & Guardian. You can explore some of his contributions here and here. He has also appeared on notable podcasts, offering his perspective on economic recovery, global trade, and the future of Africa’s fiscal landscape. Listen to his insights on BizNews Radio here and SAfm here.

Nhlanhla Nene’s extensive experience working with international financial institutions, such as the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank, further solidifies his expertise. His leadership in steering fiscal policies during moments of political uncertainty and economic strain has earned him widespread recognition as a leading expert on South Africa’s economic future.

Nhlanhla Nene’s authority as a keynote speaker on South Africa’s economic outlook is unequivocal. Having served at the highest levels of government and with an intricate understanding of both national and global economies, Nene’s authority stems from his hands-on experience in shaping economic policy. His tenure as Finance Minister gave him a front-row seat to South Africa’s economic challenges, and his strategic decisions still influence fiscal policy today.

Nhlanhla Nene’s career as South Africa’s former Finance Minister, combined with his deep understanding of fiscal policies and economic strategy, positions him as one of the most influential voices on South Africa’s economy today. His vast experience in public finance, commitment to ethical governance, and expertise in macroeconomic trends make him a top choice for keynote engagements on the subject of economic outlook.

Event planners seeking a keynote speaker with the gravitas, authority, and experience to engage and inform their audience will find Nene to be an exceptional choice.

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Nhlanhla Nene | Economist