Development Bank of Southern Africa
Government fundMidrand · Growth · 15 people tracked
Investment thesis
DBSA is a South African government-owned development finance institution focused on 'Building Africa's Prosperity' through inclusive growth and sustainable socio-economic development in emerging African economies. It mobilises funding resources and channels them into infrastructure planning and development projects. Its work spans economic infrastructure (ICT, transport, water and sanitation, energy) and social infrastructure (health, education, human settlements). Strategic priorities include growing developmental impact, acting as an integrated infrastructure solutions provider, maintaining financial sustainability, and pioneering structured financial instruments and special purpose vehicles to catalyse investment in infrastructure across the continent.
Source: firm website, verified Jul 29, 2026.
Team · 15 people
from the firm's website
Independent Non-Executive Director since October 2023, an expert in banking IT, operations, and change management who helped modernize SARS and launch Discovery Bank.
DBSA's first woman CEO, appointed April 2023 and Executive Director since 2018. A Chartered Accountant (SA) with experience in financial services and prior roles at SABS, Triumph Venture Capital, Citigroup, and EY.
Independent Non-Executive Director since October 2020, a Chartered Accountant and founder of BN Africa Capital, with executive finance roles at Sasol, Shell Southern Africa, Eskom, and Anglo-American Platinum.
Independent Non-Executive Director since October 2023, with expertise in investment and corporate banking, ESG investments, and global climate change. Holds a PhD from the University of Sussex.
Independent Non-Executive Director since November 2022 and co-founder and Managing Partner of Maia Capital Partners. A CFA charterholder with expertise in capital markets and asset management.
Independent Non-Executive Director since October 2023, with over 25 years of experience in treasury, debt capital markets, and risk management across state-owned enterprises and financial services.
Independent Non-Executive Director since October 2023, Director of the African Centre for Cities and an authority on sustainable human settlements. Holds a PhD from the London School of Economics.
Independent Non-Executive Director since October 2023, executive director of MISTRA and a member of the Presidential State-Owned Enterprises Council, with strengths in policy formulation and strategic planning.
Independent Non-Executive Director since October 2023, an HR executive with over 30 years of experience in human resources and organisational transformation.
Non-Executive Director (Shareholder Representative) since November 2022, with experience in business development and public sector finance, including roles at Trade Capital Investments, Standard Bank, and the National Treasury.
Independent Non-Executive Director since October 2025, a Chartered Accountant (SA) with expertise in infrastructure and project finance, including roles at Deloitte, Eskom Treasury, and the New Development Bank.
Chairman and Independent Non-Executive Director since July 2025, with expertise in public policy, institutional governance, and stakeholder engagement. Holds an MSc in Public Policy and Management from the University of London.
Independent Non-Executive Director since October 2020 and Managing Director of Lion Infrastructure Africa, with expertise in water, roads, ports, and energy infrastructure project finance. Former CEO of Roads Agency Limpopo.
Deputy Chairman and Independent Non-Executive Director since August 2017, with a background in business, strategic, people, and policy management. Holds an MBA from Charles Sturt University.
Executive Director and CFO since October 2023. A Chartered Accountant (SA) who previously held General Manager of Finance, Acting CFO, and Group Executive: Transacting roles at the DBSA.
Frequently asked questions
- What stage does Development Bank of Southern Africa invest at?
- Development Bank of Southern Africa invests at the Growth stage.
- What sectors does Development Bank of Southern Africa focus on?
- Development Bank of Southern Africa focuses on Crypto & Web3, EdTech, Energy, Healthtech, Impact & Social Good, Logistics & Supply Chain, PropTech, Sector Agnostic.
- Where is Development Bank of Southern Africa located?
- Development Bank of Southern Africa is headquartered in Midrand, ZA.
Media · Podcasts & interviews
from their channelBeyond Finance | How Student Housing is Transforming Lives at the University of the Free State
DBSA Bank
Limpopo Central Academic Hospital | Building Healthcare Infrastructure for South Africa’s Future
DBSA Bank
DBSA Development Impact: Stanford Wastewater Project
DBSA Bank
Building Africa’s Strategic Trade Corridors | Huli Makhuvha | Africa Investment Forum #AIF2025
DBSA Bank
Rail Reform & Freight Corridor Investment in Southern Africa | Bothwell Manikai | #AIF2025
DBSA Bank
Africa Infrastructure Investment Opportunities 2025|Spiwe Sibanda at Africa Investment Forum#AIF2025
DBSA Bank
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