As African markets continue to evolve, the demand for locally grounded, strategically useful insights is rising. For Aurel Kinimbaga, founder of Africa Signal, the answer lies in creating a space that goes beyond headlines — one that listens to the field, connects perspectives, and helps leaders navigate complexity with greater clarity.
In this interview, Aurel reflects on how finance roles are expanding, how AI is reshaping decision-making, what early signals he’s seeing across the continent, and the thinking behind Africa Signal as a tool designed not for visibility, but for value.
Q: You’ve said the finance leader in Africa is no longer in the background. What led you to that conclusion?
There’s a quiet but meaningful shift happening. Finance professionals are becoming more engaged in strategy — influencing growth, assessing long-term risk, and shaping how value is defined. In Africa especially, where both potential and complexity are high, the role naturally expands. It’s not about seeking visibility, but about stepping in when thoughtful judgment is needed most.
Q: You’ve spoken about artificial intelligence recently. How is AI affecting leadership in your experience?
AI has already started changing how we work — from forecasting and modeling to simplifying operational processes. It improves speed and sharpens insights. But in many African contexts, data has its limits. The environment is nuanced, and AI can’t always capture that. We still need human judgment — and an understanding of people, institutions, and local dynamics. For me, AI is a complement, not a replacement.
Q: You mentioned you’re tracking a few “weak signals” in African markets. What are they?
Yes — they often show up in the background, but they matter.
- The growing integration of green finance into business priorities
- The rise of interoperable payment systems across fragmented markets
- The quiet return of local sovereign wealth funds in structuring key investments
None of these signals makes headlines on their own, but together they point to a deeper transformation. Africa is moving — and those who listen carefully will be better positioned to lead with relevance.
Q: What advice would you offer to emerging finance and strategy leaders across the continent?
First, stay close to where decisions are made. Don’t wait to be invited — bring your perspective with humility and preparation.
Second, get comfortable with both financial and non-financial dimensions of leadership. Topics like ESG, impact, and governance are no longer peripheral.
And finally, be intentional about learning from others. The most meaningful insights often come from candid peer exchanges, especially across industries and regions.
Q: What led you to create Africa Signal?
I was looking for a space that reflected the complexity of the decisions we face on the continent — not just surface-level news or external analysis, but grounded insights from those on the ground. I couldn’t find what I needed, so I started building a version of it myself.
Africa Signal is a modest attempt to create that space. A place to think out loud, share signals, and connect perspectives. It’s not about being definitive — it’s about being useful.
Q: How do you see this project evolving in the coming years?I still have a lot to learn, and I’m grateful for every opportunity to listen, exchange, and grow. With Africa Signal, my intention is simple: to build something useful — not flashy, but solid. A space where content is curated thoughtfully, where ideas are shared with sincerity, and where the complexity of the African business context is taken seriously. It’s not about claiming expertise — it’s about contributing to a collective effort to think better, together.
Q: What’s your editorial approach for Africa Signal?Focus and clarity. The goal isn’t volume, but value — content that’s grounded, relevant, and thoughtfully selected.
Everything is shaped by a simple question: Will this help someone think more clearly or act more wisely in an African business context? If the answer is yes, then it belongs in Africa Signal.
Are you a decision-maker, founder, investor, or operator working in Africa?
Africa Signal is launching a series of written interviews to highlight the perspectives of those building quietly, thinking deeply, and acting with purpose.
If you have a signal to share — an idea, a conviction, or an experience from the field — we’d be glad to hear from you. Your voice could spark new conversations and serve the wider community.
Contact: interviews@africasignal.com
