To mark Africa Day 2026, the South African Chamber of Commerce UK participated in the Africa Leads the Way event — a pan‑African discussion focused on leadership, collaboration, and Africa’s growing global influence. 

We were represented by our CEO, Svend Littauer, who joined fellow leaders from Toastmasters and Rotary to explore how Africa is already leading globally, and how deeper connection across sectors and borders can unlock the continent’s next phase of growth. 

Leadership through Voice, Heart, and Connection 

The event centred around three complementary pillars: 

• Voice – highlighting the importance of confident, authentic leadership and communication 

• Heart – emphasising service, values‑driven leadership, and community impact 

• Connection – the Chamber’s role in linking businesses, people, and opportunities across the UK, South Africa, and the wider African continent 

Together, these pillars underscored the idea that Africa’s leadership strength lies not in isolated success, but in collaboration, trust, and shared purpose. 

Key themes from the discussion 

The panel reflected on areas where Africa is already setting the pace globally — particularly in leapfrog innovation, entrepreneurial resilience, and people‑centred solutions. 

Equally, the discussion highlighted that Africa’s greatest untapped opportunity lies in scaling through connection and structure: trusted networks, effective governance, cross‑border collaboration, and platforms that help businesses grow from local success to regional and global impact. 

The Chamber’s role was positioned as turning dialogue into practical outcomes, by creating pathways that support sustainable trade, investment, and job creation. 

What’s next 

The Africa Day conversation reaffirmed a clear message: Africa’s leadership is already visible, and its future influence will be shaped by how effectively people, ideas, and opportunity are connected. 

Video highlights from the event will be published or available via link in due course.