Business leaders are leading through an era of compounded disruption—a true polycrisis—where digital acceleration, geopolitical instability, climate shocks, and inflation are converging in ways the world has not experienced in decades.
This shift is happening against a backdrop of growing geopolitical and economic uncertainty. Protectionist rhetoric—from tariffs to calls for economic isolation—is unsettling global markets.
Under the renewed Trump administration, nationalist economic policies have reignited trade tensions and raised concerns about global decoupling, undermining investor confidence, particularly in emerging markets.
In Africa, these challenges are even more pronounced. Currency volatility, rising debt, and economic pressures are testing the resilience of organisations.
Business models that once worked are being redefined, with cross-border operations and foreign exchange risks becoming increasingly unpredictable. Even well-established enterprises are being forced to reassess their financial models and adjust their risk strategies.
Redefining value
In this world of uncertainty and shifting priorities, we are compelled to reevaluate what value truly means. It is no longer about short-term returns, it’s about long-term relevance, grounded in resilience, innovation, and impact. At the core of this shift is the modern CFO.
This shift requires moving beyond traditional financial metrics to consider broader, more purposeful questions: What do we invest in? What legacy are we building? Who benefits? Protecting value now means designing systems that can withstand shocks, while creating it involves making intentional, forward-thinking choices that deliver both economic and societal returns.
At Stanbic, we believe that sustainability, digitisation, and inclusive growth are not just peripheral concerns, they are the foundation of enduring value.
Our ability to drive Africa’s growth is directly tied to how effectively we integrate these priorities into our business model. As Africa’s demographic dividend grows, building inclusive systems—especially for youth and entrepreneurs—will define the next chapter of the continent’s economic future.
Sustainability: From side note to strategic imperative
As organisations redefine value, sustainability has become central to business strategy. Companies that embed environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles consistently outperform their peers.
Firms with strong ESG practices enjoy a lower cost of capital, mitigating operational risks. Investors are increasingly demanding transparency, while regulators enforce stricter standards, and customers and employees favour companies committed to ESG values.
This shift requires CFOs to assess decisions through a sustainability lens—balancing financial performance with social and environmental impact. They must be fluent in ESG metrics, build compelling investment cases, and prioritise long-term value creation.
In Africa, the urgency is even greater, with climate-related shocks costing the continent up to $7 billion annually. CFOs must direct capital toward solutions that go beyond compliance—such as clean energy, affordable housing, regenerative agriculture, and MSME growth. These efforts will help build sustainable, inclusive, and future-ready economies.
The power of financial storytelling
Today’s CFO must go beyond presenting numbers. They need to craft narratives that link financial decisions to business outcomes, align stakeholders with a shared purpose, and turn complex data into actionable insights.
With tools like artificial intelligence, CFOs can enhance data analysis, uncover trends, and generate predictive insights that guide smarter decisions.
This requires more than analytical expertise; it demands curiosity to explore beyond the obvious, empathy to understand diverse perspectives, and adaptability to lead through change. Effective financial storytelling, powered by AI, fosters trust, drives alignment, and empowers teams to act decisively.
From boardroom to public forum
CFOs can no longer remain silent bystanders in key national conversations—whether on artificial intelligence, manufacturing, or fiscal policy. With their unique perspective, they understand that these issues are interconnected.
As their role expands—navigating uncertainty, driving sustainable growth, and making strategic decisions—they must actively engage in dialogues on economic resilience, transparency, and the rising cost of living.
This shift requires CFOs to align financial decisions with broader societal needs, advocate for policies that promote long-term prosperity, and communicate complex data clearly. It demands not just analytical expertise, but curiosity, empathy, and adaptability.
In doing so, CFOs can shape public policy, build trust, and guide businesses toward solutions that benefit both shareholders and society.
Catalyst for change in uncertain times
The CFO’s role has never been more critical. Beyond financial performance, CFOs are strategic partners, communicators, and leaders in times of volatility. They balance ambition with responsibility, risk with opportunity, and drive data-driven strategies through tools like AI.
In this pivotal moment, CFOs must lead with curiosity, empathy, and principle, recognising that value creation is a leadership responsibility.
From my engagements, I’m confident that Africa has the talent to drive this transformation. CFOs are ready to lead change and shape the future of our continent, turning uncertainty into opportunity and ambition into a lasting impact.
The writer is the Chief Executive, Stanbic Bank Kenya and South Sudan
