Bongani Mankewu
Bongani Mankewu is a leading voice in infrastructure finance and industrial development across Africa. As Director of the Infrastructure Finance Advisory Institute (InfraFin) and founder of the Infrastructure Development and Engagement Unit (ID&EU) at Nelson Mandela University, he drives research and advisory work focused on project planning, industrialization, and governanceInfraFin also partners with AIH Econogistics to structure innovative financing solutions, ensuring the bankability and investability of Public‑Private Partnership (PPP) projects.
Beyond his leadership roles, Bongani collaborates with Wits Enterprise on infrastructure finance assignments for African development banks and finance institutions, and contributes his expertise as a member of the Technology Innovation Agency’s Expert Advisory Body.
His academic journey is as impressive as his professional one:
- Doctorate in Business Leadership (UNISA Graduate School of Business Leadership), with acclaimed research on barriers to PPP‑financed railway infrastructure.
- MBA (MANCOSA), focused on financing methods for rail infrastructure and rolling stock.
- Electrical & Industrial Engineering (Cape Peninsula University of Technology).
- Management Advancement Programme (Wits Business School).
Registered with the Engineering Council of South Africa and the South African Institute of Electrical Engineers, Bongani began his career at De Beers before founding Tshireletso Business Engineering, an engineering firm specializing in rail electrification that later expanded into manufacturing. His work has given him deep insight into industrial and financial policies shaping both developed and developing economies.
A passionate advocate for innovative financing models for African rail infrastructure, Bongani has published widely—authoring journal papers, opinion pieces, and contributing to peer‑reviewed research. He has also shared his expertise as a part‑time lecturer at Nelson Mandela Business School and as a Fellow of the Institute of Nigeria‑China Development Studies at the University of Lagos.
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