Pumela Salela, CEO at Invest Global

Pumela Salela is the CEO at Invest Global. With a vast network of international partners, investors, and businesses, Invest Global acts as a bridge, facilitating collaborations that drive economic development. Pumela considers herself a visionary catalyst that helps individuals, organisations and countries ignite their spark and fuel their fire. In 2022, she was awarded the ‘EuroKnowledge Leadership Award’ a prestigious award for excelling in leadership. In the same year, she was awarded the ‘Champion for Africa Award.’ She is considered one the United Kingdom’s most influential Africans. In 2019, she received the British Award for African Development. Pumela was also the former chief director for Economic Policy Development and Planning at the department of Economic Development in South Africa. The Rockefeller Foundation acknowledged her contribution and innovation in formulating systems which address poverty by selecting Salela to be one the 18 global recipients of the foundation’s inaugural Global Fellowship on Social Innovation–an only South African to receive the honour. Pumela has also worked as a consultant for the World Bank, based at the organisation’s headquarters in United States, Washington D.C. and a director: BPO at the dti, South Africa. The director role was preceded by her position as deputy director for Investment Promotion at Trade and Investment South Africa. She has also been a lecturer in Strategic Brand Management at VEGA, The School of Branding.

Salela studied to complete her MBA with distinction (cum laude) in England through a Nelson Mandela scholarship where she received the ‘Council Award’ for being the Best MBA student. Pumela is the chairperson of the ‘Nelson Mandela Scholarship Alumni Association’ and a mentor to Graca Machel Scholars. She is featured in the 2013 issue of the book, ‘South Africa’s Most Inspirational Women.’

For many years, Pumela has spearheaded, supported and collaborated with Africa focused organisations and entities across the world. She was also present at the African Union in Ethiopia in person, when the Agenda 2063: The Africa We Want, was set. Agenda 2063 is Africa’s blueprint and master plan for transforming Africa into the global powerhouse of the future.

Throughout her career, Pumela has been recognised as a thought leader and change agent, and has received numerous awards for her contributions to African development. She is a sought-after speaker and facilitator on issues related to economic growth, trade and investment, and has served on various advisory Boards and committees with a focus on Africa.

Pumela Salela’s extensive experience, influential leadership, and commitment to ESG principles make her a notable figure in the global ESG landscape. Her contributions to ethical outsourcing, impact investing, and social innovation have made a substantial positive impact on businesses, communities, and economies worldwide.