Thebe Ikalafeng

Thebe Ikalafeng is a Hall of Fame global African branding authority and a leading advocate for a brand-led African renaissance. Recognized among the 100 Most Influential Africans and 100 Most Reputable Africans, he has shaped branding and reframed the African narrative for over 30 years.

He is the founder of The Brand Leadership Group, Brand Africa, and Brand Africa 100: Africa’s Best Brands, the definitive barometer of brands in Africa. A respected executive, he has served on private and public sector boards, including Mercantile Bank, South African Tourism, and WWF.

Thebe has received Lifetime Achievement Awards from Financial Mail AdFocus and the Public Relations Institute of Southern Africa. An avid traveler, he has explored every African country, summited Mt. Kilimanjaro, and trekked silverback gorillas. His bestselling book, The Traveller, reflects on his journey building brands and inspiring Africa’s future.

Educated in the USA, Italy, and South Africa, he holds degrees from Marquette University and the University of Turin. In 2024, he was awarded honorary doctorates for his contributions to branding in Africa. African Business hails him as "the foremost branding authority in Africa."

‍