Panashe Moyo CA(SA), 35

Finalist: Transformative Leader | SAICA Top-35-Under-35 Awards 2025

Panashe Moyo is a visionary Chartered Accountant whose leadership is defined by resilience, innovation, and impact. At 35, he serves as Senior Group Finance Manager at Nala Renewables, an international energy platform with operations across 14 countries in Europe, the Americas, and Asia. His work has transformed finance operations, empowered teams, and driven strategic growth — all under challenging circumstances.

Panashe joined Nala during a period of rapid expansion and operational strain. The finance team was underperforming, systems were newly implemented but error-prone, and leadership gaps created uncertainty. Rising to the challenge, Panashe restructured the team, introduced artificial intelligence tools, and automated key processes — improving efficiency by 67%, eliminating missed payments, and laying the foundation for scalable growth. His leadership contributed to the team’s nomination for Finance Team of the Year at the London and South East Finance Awards in the Energy and Natural Resources category.

His achievements span multiple organisations. At BTE Renewables, Panashe led the consolidation and reporting process across five countries, enabling the platform’s $1 billion exit transaction. He developed templates and processes that empowered team members and streamlined operations. At Kantar South Africa, he administered a complex merger of four entities, aligning systems, policies, and teams to create a unified, competitive organisation.

Panashe’s leadership philosophy is rooted in vision, harmony, and empowerment. He paints a compelling picture of success, creates environments that foster collaboration, and equips teams with the tools they need to thrive. His approach is adaptive — shifting between visionary, coaching, and situational styles depending on the needs of the moment. He has coached and mentored team members into leadership roles, introduced recognition programmes, and built a culture of accountability and innovation.

Beyond the boardroom, Panashe is a leader in social spaces. As Chairman of the Divisional Social Committee at Deloitte, he led a CSR campaign that transformed a children’s home in Kaalfontein — renovating facilities, installing a geyser, and providing food and clothing. He is also Co-Founder of Culcha SA, an events brand that celebrates African identity through music and fashion. Culcha SA has hosted events featuring artists like DJ Fresh, Zee Nxumalo, Jah Seed, and Brenden Praise, generating economic activity and cultural pride.

His journey is marked by personal transformation. Ranked 401 out of 480 in his CTA Honours class mid-year, Panashe defied the odds to pass outright — a turnaround that continues to inspire students at the University of Johannesburg. He leads with empathy, structure, and a relentless drive to uplift others.

Panashe Moyo is not just a finance professional — he is a builder of teams, systems, and legacies. His story exemplifies the spirit of a Transformative Leader: one who turns turbulence into triumph, and vision into impact.