In leveraging trusted organisational data and AI, finance teams can drive both commercial value and operational efficiency. During the 2026 Finance Indaba senior finance leaders provided valuable insights on how to use data and AI more efficiently.

In a 2026 Finance Indaba session, panellists Dawid Swart, CFO of Afriwise, Drollah Ssebagala, deputy executive director: finance and operations at Uganda’s Joint Clinical Research Centre and Jimmy Thompson, executive head: VB FBP of sales and business operations at Vodacom discussed the importance of whole-person leadership and empathy.

In a 2026 Finance Indaba session titled The zero-day close: Moving from retrospective reporting to real-time reality, Roger Knocker, CEO of FP&A and Shaveera John, CFO of Malander discussed how AI is beginning to challenge how those in finance gather information. This allows more time for interpretation and anticipating what comes next, ultimately enabling businesses to make better decisions.

An engaging group of leading CFOs got together at a CFO Dinner, where they debated issues of growth and sustainability amid geopolitical uncertainty, and how to deal with a new generation of finance professionals.

Glen Zulu, the Information Regulator CFO, says her career growth in the public sector is rooted in her passion for what she does.

Discovery Health Medical Scheme CFO Joy Malete says that her rapid career progression has been the result of “divine orchestration”. Just 34, her success is rooted in curiosity, talent, and a true passion for what she does.

For Shabana Aboo Baker, becoming group financial director at Mustek has meant listening to her gut.

As CFO of a leading agro-forestry circular economy organisation, Cindy likes nothing more than solving puzzles.

Monde is proof that a CA qualification can open a world of opportunities.

Tesla can provide lessons in spearheading the change necessary to thrive in a rapidly changing business environment.

Three Finance Indaba panellists shared their tools for early career success.

With a leadership philosophy of creating more than you consume, Zizipho is passionate about empowering entrepreneurs.

CFO Cynthia Pongweni argues that more women need to be brought to the table.

During the Women’s Dinner, Ruwayda reflected on the impact of female role models and of finding one’s unique purpose.

Auditor-General South Africa’s (AGSA) Bongi Ngoma says the task of uplifting women is generational.

Tania Theron is equally dedicated to uplifting the underprivileged and helping her clients to grow their money.

The annual CFO and CHRO South Africa Women’s Dinner left attendees feeling inspired and recognised.

The South African CA talks about her life in San Francisco, and the journey that took her there.

The NYDA CFO outlines ways to empower young people – and how they can determine their own destiny.

From media entrepreneur to venture capital advisor, the CA has always sought innovative ideas and challenges.

The head of risk management and audit strategy at Discovery Health is also the founder of Boss Babes of South Africa.

CA and farm owner Warren Winchester explains the business of investing in bees.

Inge has been named the top student in four accounting subjects at the University of Johannesburg.

Bruce loves the symmetry a well-constructed accounting system can produce but running balances him.