Lesetja Kganyago

Lesetja Kganyago has served as governor of the South African Reserve Bank since 2014. He served as chair of the International Monetary and Financial Committee (IMFC) — the policy-setting body of the IMF — from 2018 to 2022, making him one of the most prominent African voices in global monetary and financial governance. Kganyago is known for his strong commitment to central bank independence and inflation targeting in South Africa and has been a consistent voice on Africa's economic challenges at international forums. Prior to becoming governor, he served as Director-General of the National Treasury of South Africa and as South Africa's representative to the IMF and World Bank. His academic background includes a Master's degree in economics from SOAS, University of London. Under his leadership, the SARB maintained a formal inflation targeting framework even during periods of political pressure to ease. He has been a vocal advocate for the importance of credible monetary institutions in emerging markets and has co-authored research on financial integration and capital flows in Africa. His influence extends well beyond South Africa's borders into continental and global monetary policy dialogue.