In this episode of the Monocle Banking Podcast, Michael Avery was joined by Rentia van Tonder, Head of Power at Standard Bank CIB, to unpack the real story behind South Africa’s energy transition. From the gridlock in REIPPPP Bid Windows 5 and 6 to the looming gas cliff of 2026, they explored why financing the future of power is about capital allied to trust, transparency, and long-term partnerships. With fresh insights on emerging electricity traders, corporate PPAs, and how smarter grid allocation could spark a truly liquid energy market, this is a must-listen for anyone concerned about the crossroads of infrastructure, finance, and climate ambition in South Africa and the broader African continent.

The future of insurance may lie in the integration of technology and human understanding. This week, Michael Avery sat down with Christelle Colman, CEO of Ami, and Ron Richman, CEO of insureAI. Their discussion centres on the crucial integration of technology and human understanding, highlighting Ami's people-first digital approach and insureAI's innovative use of AI in actuarial science. Learn how their partnership is redefining personalised insurance coverage with a focus on both technology, accuracy and empathy.

To delve into the progress and future plans of Operation Vulindlela - a presidential initiative to accelerate the implementation of structural reforms and support economic recovery in South Africa - Michael Avery sat down with Rudi Dicks, Head of the Project Management Office at the Presidency and lead of the initiative. Rudi shared insights on the initiative’s early wins and key lessons as it moves into phase two, the necessity of focused reforms to drive sustainable growth, and the pivotal role of effective execution and municipal partnerships in delivering real results and unlocking economic opportunity.

To shed light on the power of inclusive technology, Michael Avery sat down with Tumi Nomlomo, Senior Manager of Customer Advisory at SAS. They discussed SAS's responsible AI framework, which promotes inclusivity, model transparency, and stakeholder engagement. Tumi also shared insights into the infrastructure and cloud capabilities required for banks to deploy AI effectively, emphasising that true innovation requires not just technology, but a cultural and organisational shift towards modernised, client-focused solutions.

Can South Africa play a pivotal role in delivering affordable sustainable energy to developing nations?

Michael Avery dives into this topic with Paul Mann, CEO of ASP Isotopes, on the latest episode of the Monocle Banking Podcast. Revolutionising the isotope industry, Paul shares his insights on how South Africa is emerging as a potential global hub for isotopes and small modular reactors, highlighting the country’s exceptional engineering talent, especially in nuclear technology.

After a year of operations in South Africa, Michael Avery was re-joined by Sabihah Mohamed, CEO of The Corporation for Deposit Insurance (CODI), for an insider's perspective on the nation's deposit protection framework. They delved into the organisation's first year, exploring the challenges and successes in raising awareness, and the proactive steps being taken to safeguard depositors' funds and maintain a stable banking environment.

This week, Michael Avery was joined by CEO of Huge Group, James Herbst. They delved into the strategic evolution of Huge Group, a South African investment firm that started as a traditional telecom player and is now positioning itself as a digital investment powerhouse. James unpacked the company's journey, including the acquisition of Virgin Mobile and the launch of NXTGN, revealing their unique approach to building a digital ecosystem in a challenging market.

In today’s complex dealmaking landscape, transactional risk insurance is emerging as a strategic advantage rather than just a safety net. In this episode, Michael Avery was joined by Nirav Modi, Marsh’s Private Equity and M&A Services Practice Leader for the Middle East and Africa. They explored how insurance solutions have expanded beyond traditional uses to bridge valuation gaps, instil confidence, and reshape investment narratives—particularly in emerging markets like Africa, where outdated risk perceptions have often hindered investment.