Sir Mohamed Mansour, co-chair of B20 South Africa, is a name synonymous with business acumen and philanthropy.
Best known as the chairman of the Mansour Group, his influence stretches across automotive, consumer goods, technology, logistics, and more.
But Mansour is more than a businessman—he’s a bridge between Africa and the global economy, leveraging his expertise to drive social and economic progress.
Building an African and Global Empire
Born in 1948 into an entrepreneurial family, Mansour has grown the Mansour Group into one of Africa’s largest privately held conglomerates, operating in over 100 countries.
In South Africa, the group has a strong presence through Vanguard Logistics, while Man Capital, his London-based family office, invests in sectors ranging from renewable energy to sports and education.
His investments are diverse: from Right to Dream, a network of sports academies that includes a Major League Soccer club in San Diego, a Danish football club, and a Cairo-based academy, to supporting female founders through the Lead Foundation in Egypt.
Partnerships with global brands like Caterpillar, GM, and McDonald’s have fueled economic growth and job creation in emerging markets.
A Career Rooted in Education and Strategy
Educated at North Carolina State University and holding an MBA from Auburn University, Mansour began his career in academia before joining the family business.
His leadership has always emphasized strategic growth, innovation, and philanthropy—values that earned him a knighthood in 2024 by King Charles III for services to charity, business, and political engagement.
Investing in Technology for Social Good
Mansour has long been captivated by transformative technologies.
Inspired by early predictions that computers could one day assess patients, he and his investment team have scoured the globe for innovations with social and economic impact.
This includes investments in AI tools for educators, such as Mindjoy in South Africa, through partnerships with Africa-focused P1 Ventures.
“We seek technologies that transform societies and create opportunities for under-served communities,” Mansour explains.
Insights from the Digital Transformation Task Force
Working with the Digital Transformation Task Force (DTTF) has reinforced both the scale of the opportunity and the challenges ahead.
Mansour believes that AI is Africa’s biggest lever for closing gaps with developed nations and accelerating access to education, healthcare, and economic inclusion.
However, success will require bold moves:
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Funding: Mobilizing capital from pensions, endowments, and sovereign wealth funds to invest in privately held start-ups across Africa.
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Education: Preparing the next generation to use AI and other transformative technologies.
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Partnerships: Strong collaboration between the public and private sectors is essential.
“This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity for Africa. We need to start now, and we need to work together,” he emphasizes.
The Transformative Potential of AI in Africa
For Mansour, AI isn’t just a technological advancement—it’s a catalyst for inclusive growth.
If deployed strategically, it can empower under-served communities, create new economic opportunities, and reshape Africa’s trajectory on the global stage.
“With the right strategy, AI can transform the continent, but none of this is easy.
It requires vision, capital, and collaboration,” Mansour concludes.