Thabo Limema CA(SA) is a Johannesburg-based Corporate & Investment Banking executive, Chartered Accountant, business strategist and keynote speaker with more than 15 years of experience across African and international financial markets. He is currently Head of Structured Lending Products at Absa Corporate & Investment Banking, focusing primarily on asset finance and leasing solutions for corporate clients.
His career has taken him across South Africa, Mauritius and the United Kingdom, giving him extensive exposure to international banking, investment and diverse business environments. His experience spans corporate finance, M&A, debt capital markets, leveraged finance, resource and project finance, corporate lending and risk management, and he has led financial projects across six African countries.
Thabo is a qualified Chartered Accountant CA(SA) and holds an Executive Master in Finance from INSEAD, with a focus on corporate finance, capital markets, private equity and sustainable finance. His academic and professional interests extend into energy, mining, infrastructure and Africa’s just energy transition.
Beyond banking, Thabo is passionate about leadership, social impact, inclusion and developing Africa’s next generation. He represented South Africa at the Taekwondo World Championships in 2009 and 2011 and has supported educational and youth-development initiatives. In 2025, he participated in the G20 Empowerment of Women Working Group, contributing to discussions around gender-based violence prevention, and in 2026 was nominated for Social Impact Leader of the Year at the Future of Leaders Awards.
As a speaker, Thabo combines real-world investment banking experience with a deep understanding of African markets, addressing how capital, leadership and strategic partnerships can unlock sustainable growth across the continent.
Key Speaking Topics: Investing in Africa • African Growth & Economic Development • Corporate & Investment Banking • Partnership & Sustainable Growth • Infrastructure & Energy Investment • Leadership • Financial Strategy • Africa’s Just Energy Transition
Highlights: Head of Structured Lending Products, Absa CIB • Chartered Accountant CA(SA) • INSEAD Executive Master in Finance • 15+ Years in Corporate & Investment Banking • Experience across South Africa, UK & Mauritius • Projects across Six African Countries • G20 EWWG Participant • Former SA Taekwondo World Championship Representative
