Baneng is a distinguished South African economist, author, and entrepreneur whose work spans academia, public policy, and social impact. He holds a master’s degree in economics from the University of the Witwatersrand and is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Economics. His research focuses on financial inclusion, women’s economic empowerment, and tax reform, with several of his scholarly contributions published in leading international journals.
– June 2025
Baneng brings a wealth of experience, having built his career across several high‑profile institutions, including the World Bank Group, DNA Economics, the Competition Commission, the National Treasury, and the Competition Tribunal of South Africa. Through these roles, he has developed deep expertise in fiscal policy, antitrust law, and industrial policy.
Among his many accolades, Baneng won the prestigious Nedbank and Old Mutual Budget Speech Competition in 2019 and was recognised as one of South Africa’s Top 100 Future Leaders. In 2023, he was listed among the 30 Most Influential Young Economists in Sub-Saharan Africa by the Institute of Certified Chartered Economists and was subsequently featured in the Mail & Guardian’s 200 Young South Africans list.
As a respected public commentator, Baneng has penned thought‑provoking opinion pieces on key socioeconomic issues and regularly provides expert economic analysis on local radio stations and newspapers such as Thobela FM, Radio Turf, Energy FM, Power FM, and Polokwane Observer. He has also appeared on prominent television platforms, including Morning Live and Expresso. In addition to his media presence, Baneng actively participates in national and international policy dialogues, serving as a guest speaker and panellist at events such as the World Youth Forum and various Post‑Budget Dialogues.
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Baneng is deeply committed to philanthropy. He has volunteered for numerous non‑profit organisations, including the International Youth Society, Global Peace Chains, and the World Literacy Foundation. He is currently establishing the Baneng Naape Foundation, an initiative aimed at cultivating social change by empowering youth and providing financial and technical support to rural communities.
