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Leslie Ndawana - National Fund for Municipal Workers (NFMW)

Principal Officer and Chief Executive Officer
Dr Ndawana is the CEO and Principal Executive Officer of the National Fund for Municipal Workers (NFMW). With over 17 years of experience in South Africa’s retirement funds industry, he has served predominantly in advisory and fiduciary roles, driving strategic growth, governance, and stakeholder engagement. He currently sits as a Director on the Batseta Council of Retirement Funds and represents the organisation on the Financial Sector Transformation Council’s Reporting Working Committee. Dr Ndawana frequently speaks at industry conferences, seminars, and masterclasses on critical topics that shape the sector’s future. A Chartered Principal Executive Officer (CPEO) and professional Batseta member, Dr Ndawana holds Postgraduate Diplomas in Financial Planning and in Investments, both from the University of the Free State, an MBA from Henley Business School, and a Master’s degree in Development Finance from Stellenbosch University. In 2024, a Professional Doctorate in Leadership and Investments was conferred upon him by the European International University (EIU) in Paris. Fuelled by his passion for development finance, impact investing, and leadership development, Dr Ndawana steers NFMW’s strategic vision, providing leadership and fostering stakeholder partnerships to drive initiatives that deliver positive outcomes for members while advancing broader socio-economic transformation.

Speaking at

The rise of private credit in Africa: Is a new institutional asset class truly taking root?

09:10 AM - 09:50 AM 17/03/26
  • What is private credit in the African context, and why is it gaining momentum?
  • Which lending structures are most common (direct lending, mezzanine, distressed debt, structured finance)?
  • Which local and global institutional investors are currently allocating capital to African private credit markets? What are the drivers of interest and where is the capital flowing?
  • Tech, talent & tools: How can data, talent and tech improve origination, underwriting and risk management?
  • Is private credit just a stopgap while capital markets develop, or is it evolving into a long-term strategic asset class that supports African growth?

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About the Event

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Where Saudi Arabia’s leading issuers and investors set the agenda for 2026 and beyond

With Saudi Arabia’s next major GBM Festival scheduled for September 2026, this January Riyadh Boardroom serves as a high-level touchpoint for senior market participants to stay connected, share perspectives, and shape the agenda for the year ahead.

Against the backdrop of regulatory reforms, shifting growth dynamics, and evolving funding needs, it provides a timely opportunity to take stock of where the Kingdom’s capital markets are heading. 

Participants will gain a clearer picture of Saudi Arabia’s 2026 market outlook, hear directly from issuers, regulators, and investors on priorities and challenges, and take part in focused roundtable discussions addressing financing strategies, project cycles, and capital market development.

Attendees will also benefit from structured 1-2-1 meetings and intimate networking, ensuring conversations translate into actionable connections. 

How do we Deliver a High ROI for Attendees?

  • Meetings & Networking
  • Expert Market Insights
  • We are the only Event to

Meetings & Networking

Meetings & Networking

WE ARE THE NO. 1 BUSINESS MEETINGS FACILITATOR FOR SAUDI ARABIA'S CAPITAL MARKETS

Be part of the growth in Saudi Arabia's capital markets by networking with more than 800 senior decision-makers essential for advancing your business.

Be where capital formation is happening. In just two days, gain unmatched high-quality connections with regulators, issuers, banks, and investors in candid, structured discussions around market-making, product innovation, and financing strategies.

As part of the two-day GBM: Saudi Arabia festival, your pass allows you access to:

- Capital Markets & Financing Strategies Saudi Arabia
- Digital Infrastructure & Investment Saudi Arabia

- Private Credit Saudi Arabia
- Global Markets Saudi Arabia

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Expert Market Insights

Expert Market Insights

The only forum fully focused on advancing debt, equity, and structured finance in Saudi Arabia.

Complemented by an agenda of expert market insights provided by seasoned professionals and industry leaders.

Listen in on how the Kingdom is shaping its capital market evolution and financing innovation.

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We are the only Event to

We are the only Event to...

Fully focus on advancing debt, equity, and structured finance in Saudi Arabia.

Provide a forum for shaping capital market evolution and financing innovation in Saudi Arabia.

Bring together senior decision-makers to explore how Saudi Arabian corporates can deepen their capital markets and unlock new financing channels.

Connect Saudi borrowers and local & global capital while providing a bird's eye view on deploying capital in a fast-evolving market.

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Benefits of Sponsoring

Benefits of Sponsoring

To learn more about sponsorship opportunities, click the 'Enquire' button.

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Drive ROI with 1-2-1 meetings

Pre-select prospects, and then our concierge team schedules targeted meetings in an exclusive branded space.

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Save time & travel costs

Meet with hundreds of senior decision-makers from more than 22 countries in one location (87% director-level or above).

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Showcase your expertise

By speaking & presenting to a targeted audience of industry professionals: a room full of existing & potential clients.

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Boost awareness

Amongst 800+ key stakeholders by taking an exhibition space & demonstrating your products & services.

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Accelerate deals

Meet senior decision-makers ready to move deals forward.

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Win more business

Your prospects proactively seek out new business partners at the event & can request meetings with contacts they want to do business with.

Highlights Video From 2025


Highlights from last year's festival
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Accommodation

Looking to stay onsite?

We have a limited number of discounted rooms available to stay onsite at the Hilton Riyadh Hotel & Residences.

Available Rooms - Hilton Riyadh Hotel & Residences 

If you require assistance, please contact Danielle.Lall@GlobalBankingMarkets.com