%402x%20(1).svg)
.svg)
.webp)
.svg)
Thokozile Mcopele is the Founder of Base Afrika (pronounced in isiXhosa as “Bah-se Afri-k-a”) and operates under her signature brand, Change Convener—a term she coined to describe her unique talent for facilitating meaningful conversations that drive positive societal, organisational, and economic change.
With nearly 20 years of public speaking across South Africa, the rest of Africa, and internationally, Thokozile excels as a program director, panel facilitator, broadcaster, and trainer. She brings passion, presence, and proven impact to corporate conferences, leadership summits, industry forums, investment stages (including Investing in Mining Indaba’s Investment Stage), and professional development events.
Thokozile beings deep strategic insight from over 15 years in senior corporate leadership which further enriches her facilitation. Most recently, she served as Director at Visa, overseeing Government Solutions for Southern Africa. This was preceded with nearly a decade at Absa Corporate and Investment Banking where her last role was Vice Principal for Global Development and Humanitarian Organisatons. This blend of corporate insight and strategic expertise allows her to moderate high-stakes discussions with depth, empathy, and executive-level understanding.
Thokozile holds a Master of Philosophy (MPhil) in International Business from the Gordon Institute of Business Science (GIBS), where she was awarded Top Student in Strategy. She is an alumna of IMD Business School (a leading global institution), and University of Johannesburg and TSIBA University graduate, a proud Mandela Rhodes Scholar, and a member of the Golden Key International Honour Society.
1. “Beyond the Border: Unlocking SME Trade Across Africa”
A look at what’s really slowing down intra-African trade for small businesses — from payment friction to informal channels — and what it will take to make AfCFTA work on the ground, not just on paper.
2. “The Last Mile: Rethinking Cross-Border Payments from the Ground Up”
Why the real story of cross-border payments isn’t told in head office — it’s found at the border post, the trader stall, and the remittance queue. How last-mile insight into how SMEs actually pay and get paid should shape product design, not the other way around.
3. “The Missed Opportunity: Cross-Border Payments for African SME"Billions in SME trade still move through cash and informal channels every year — a massive missed opportunity for banks and fintechs. What’s driving this gap, and what it will take to close it.
4. “Voice as Strategy: Leadership and the Power of Speech Training for Afrca’s next Executives”
Why how African leaders speak — in boardrooms, on panels, in media — shapes influence as much as what they decide, and how targeted speech and communications training turns capable leaders into compelling ones.
5. “Sales from Both Sides: Managing Your Sales Strategy as an Owner”
Sales isn’t just about closing deals — it’s about looking outward at the market and inward at how you lead, structure, and hold your own sales function accountable. A practical look at building a sales strategy that owners can actually run and own, not just delegate.
1. “Beyond the Border: Unlocking SME Trade Across Africa”
A look at what’s really slowing down intra-African trade for small businesses — from payment friction to informal channels — and what it will take to make AfCFTA work on the ground, not just on paper.
2. “The Last Mile: Rethinking Cross-Border Payments from the Ground Up”
Why the real story of cross-border payments isn’t told in head office — it’s found at the border post, the trader stall, and the remittance queue. How last-mile insight into how SMEs actually pay and get paid should shape product design, not the other way around.
3. “The Missed Opportunity: Cross-Border Payments for African SME"Billions in SME trade still move through cash and informal channels every year — a massive missed opportunity for banks and fintechs. What’s driving this gap, and what it will take to close it.
4. “Voice as Strategy: Leadership and the Power of Speech Training for Afrca’s next Executives”
Why how African leaders speak — in boardrooms, on panels, in media — shapes influence as much as what they decide, and how targeted speech and communications training turns capable leaders into compelling ones.
5. “Sales from Both Sides: Managing Your Sales Strategy as an Owner”
Sales isn’t just about closing deals — it’s about looking outward at the market and inward at how you lead, structure, and hold your own sales function accountable. A practical look at building a sales strategy that owners can actually run and own, not just delegate.
