Nhlanhla Nene: Economist

  • Former Finance Minister of South Africa: Nhlanhla Nene served as Finance Minister under both President Jacob Zuma and President Cyril Ramaphosa, offering unparalleled insights into the country’s economic policies.
  • Expert on South African Economic Outlook: With years of experience managing South Africa’s fiscal policy, Nene is a leading voice on the country’s economic direction, public sector reform, and macroeconomic trends.
  • Global Recognition: Nene has been an influential figure not just domestically but also on the international stage, working with global institutions like the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank.
  • Crisis Management: He successfully managed the country’s economic policies during politically challenging periods, making him a trusted expert in economic governance and financial crisis management.
  • Authority on Fiscal Policy: As a former head of the National Treasury, Nene was directly responsible for managing South Africa’s budget, implementing financial reforms, and ensuring fiscal responsibility.
  • Travels from: Johannesburg
  • **Fee range: On Request

Keynote Topics

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.

Nhlanhla Nene | Economist

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.

Expertise

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.

Authority

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.

Why Event Planners Should Book Nhlanhla Nene

Nhlanhla Nene offers a unique perspective that blends practical economic experience with a deep understanding of South Africa’s political landscape. His speeches are informative, grounded in years of real-world experience, and delivered with clarity. Event planners seeking a speaker who can provide authoritative insights into South Africa’s fiscal policies and future economic outlook will find Nene to be an invaluable asset. His speaking engagements are tailored to meet the needs of diverse audiences, from corporate executives to financial analysts and policymakers.

In addition, Nene’s presentations are not only data-driven but also engage listeners through his thoughtful analysis and vision for South Africa’s economic recovery. Whether addressing global financial trends, the state of public enterprises, or the future of fiscal policy in South Africa, Nene captivates audiences with his balanced, no-nonsense approach.

Summary and Conclusion

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.

Contact us at Speakers Inc and follow us on Facebook

Videos

Send an enquiry to Nhlanhla Nene

Speakers Contact

Speaker Enquiry Form

Client Reviews

Entertainer Resources Available

View further speakers

  • 5 (4 reviews)
  • Featured
Kurdt Greenwood
  • Conservation Survivalist

Kurdt Greenwood is a young, dynamic naturalist, conservationist, survival expert, and animal behavior specialist with a passion for wildlife that knows no bounds. From an early age, Kurdt has been captivated by the natural world, particularly the most dangerous and deadly creatures that inhabit it. His enthusiasm for wildlife is infectious, leaving audiences both terrified […]

  • Travels from: Johannesburg
  • 5 (4 reviews)
  • Featured
stafford-masie
  • Digital Innovation

Stafford Masie is a computer scientist who has been involved in the IT industry for more than 25 years. He has been closely involved in such pre-eminent ICT companies as Telkom, Dimension Data, Novell and Google. His passion for technology led to him being appointed to senior executive positions at Novell USA (based in Utah for 7 years) […]

  • Travels from: Johannesburg
  • 5 (3 reviews)
  • Featured
  • Sales Speaker

Shelley Walters is a globally recognized expert in sales enablement, a dynamic keynote speaker, and the founder of The Sales Counsel, a boutique Sales Enablement Solutions company based in Johannesburg, South Africa. With over two decades of experience in sales leadership, business development, and training, Shelley has dedicated her career to transforming the way individuals […]

  • Travels from: Johannesburg
  • 5 (1 reviews)
  • Promoted
Londy Ngcobo
  • Inspirational Speaker

Captain Londy Ngcobo is a distinguished figure in the maritime industry, acclaimed as a Global Ship Navigator and Africa’s First Female Dredge Master. Her unwavering passion for unlocking Africa’s oceanic potential has defined her illustrious career spanning over 13 years. With a robust educational background in Maritime Studies and extensive experience in International Merchant shipping, […]

  • Travels from: Durban, KZN
Maya Fisher-French

Maya Fisher-French is a celebrated keynote speaker, author, and financial journalist renowned for her deep insights into personal finance and economic trends. As the face behind South Africa’s leading finance column, Maya on Money, she has spent over two decades demystifying complex financial topics, empowering individuals, and helping organizations navigate the economic landscape with clarity […]

  • Travels from: Cape Town, WC
Bryan Habana
  • Rugby Legend

Bryan Habana, a name synonymous with excellence in the world of rugby, is a legendary South African rugby player and one of the most electrifying athletes to grace the sport. Renowned for his blistering speed, strategic gameplay, and unparalleled determination, Habana has etched his name in history as one of the greatest wingers of all […]

  • Travels from: Cape Town, WC
Alistair Mokoena
  • Leadership Speaker

Alistair Mokoena is a trailblazing leader and a prominent figure in South Africa’s business and digital transformation landscape. As the Country Director for Google South Africa, he drives innovation and technological progress across industries, empowering businesses to harness the power of digital solutions. A seasoned expert in leadership, strategy, and digital transformation, Alistair is a […]

  • Travels from: Johannesburg
Sthembiso Phakathi
  • Strategic Leadership

Sthembiso Phakathi is a distinguished advisor and keynote speaker specializing in organizational transformation. With over two decades of expertise, he has successfully guided organizations through the complexities of business performance, strategic leadership, and transformative growth. Recognized for his ability to inspire and equip leaders with actionable strategies, Sthembiso’s insights resonate deeply in today’s dynamic corporate […]

  • Travels from: Johannesburg
Disclaimer
The profiles and images embedded on these pages are from various conference entertainers and other talent.

These remain the property of its owner and are not affiliated with or endorsed by Speakers Inc.

Fee ranges where listed on this website are intended to serve as a guideline only.

All talent fees exclude VAT, travel and accommodation where required.

Our Mission

We are your partner creating memorable and engaging experiences that go beyond the event itself.

Newsletter Signup

* indicates required

Intuit Mailchimp

© All rights reserved 2025.  Designed using Voxel