RMB Champions Digital Innovative Ideas for Future Leadership

Kayode Tokede

Rand Merchant Bank (RMB) has expressed its commitment towards innovative ideas for the future and redefining leadership in a rapidly evolving world.

The financial institution hosted its inaugural West African Think Summit recently in Lagos with the gathering of global thought leaders, innovators, and industry experts to engage in high-level discussions around the theme: “Future Reimagined.”

The event provided fresh insights into the challenges and opportunities shaping the future of Africa.

The CEO of RMB Nigeria, Mr. Bayo Ajayi, set an inspiring tone for the day, urging bold thinking and collaboration. “I encourage all of us to think boldly, challenge norms, and collaborate openly as we explore what lies ahead for Africa and the world. Together, we can reimagine the future,” he stated, reinforcing RMB’s commitment to innovation, sustainability, and leadership.

The discussions opened with compelling keynotes on navigating economic shifts, featuring insights from RMB’s Chief Economist, Isaiah Mhlanga, alongside Nigeria’s Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, and IMF Resident Representative for Nigeria Dr. Christian Ebeke.

Together, they highlighted Africa’s evolving market landscape, with Mhlanga underscoring Nigeria’s significant potential as a hub for foreign investment. The speakers emphasized the need for resilience and adaptive policies to unlock new growth opportunities across the continent.

The focus then shifted to sustainability, where Founder of Gjenge Makers, Nzambi Matee, shared her pioneering work in transforming plastic waste into sustainable building materials. Joining her was RMB’s Sustainable Finance and ESG Lead, Nigel Beck, who provided data-driven insights into Africa’s environmental challenges. Their session highlighted the urgency of scaling sustainable initiatives to create long-term impact across the region. The summit also explored a ‘Digital Renaissance’, with the Partner, Africa AI and Data Leader, Deloitte, Dr. Jania Okwechime, and co-Founder & CTO, Yemaachi Biotechnology, David Hutchful, discussing the transformative power of digital tools in reshaping industries and driving inclusive growth. They emphasised the need for equitable digital infrastructure to ensure progress reaches underserved communities across Africa.

A standout moment was the conversation on the ‘Power of Perspective’, featuring Prof. Wole Soyinka, Prof. PLO Lumumba, and Olakunle Soriyan. The speakers bridged history and forward-thinking perspectives, inspiring attendees to rethink their approach to future possibilities and how they can position themselves for success.

The day featured an exciting expert exchange session moderated by Isaiah Mhlanga, with contributions from Omowunmi Imoukhuede and Khadiadiatou Faye.