Trevor Manuel

With a distinguished career spanning activism, public service, and global economic leadership, Trevor has played a pivotal role in shaping South Africa’s development and influencing international policy. His early activism included leading youth movements, community initiatives, and civic campaigns, such as the launch of township newsletters Kenfacs and Grassroots, as well as organising Parents Supporting Committees during school boycotts. He served as General Secretary of the Cape Areas Housing Action Committee and later as Regional Secretary and National Executive Member of the United Democratic Front (UDF), during which he spent a total of 35 months in detention for his commitment to social justice (1985–1990).

Following his activism, Trevor transitioned into strategic public service, first as Policy Manager for the Mobil Foundation, and then as a full-time leader in the African National Congress. He was appointed Head of the ANC’s Department of Economic Planning in 1991 and became South Africa’s Minister of Trade and Industry from 1994 to 1996. His expertise has also been recognised internationally, serving on advisory boards and commissions including the United Nations, World Bank, African Development Bank, and the International Monetary Fund. He chaired the G-20 meetings in 2007 and served as Special Envoy for Development Finance for the UN Secretary-General.

An accomplished thought leader, Trevor has been appointed Chancellor of the Cape Peninsula University of Technology and has received multiple honorary doctorates in commerce, economics, law, and technology from leading institutions across South Africa. He has been recognised with numerous awards including the Africa Finance Minister of the Year (Euromoney, 1997; 2007), the Africa Prize from the German Africa Foundation, the Woodrow Wilson Public Service Award, and the MANEX Management Excellence Award. He was also elected by the World Economic Forum as a Global Leader for Tomorrow in 1994.

With decades of experience in governance, economics, and international development, Trevor is an authoritative voice on economic strategy, trade, and leadership — making him a sought-after speaker for conferences, executive sessions, and global forums.

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