The next five years will see technologies emerge and evolve faster than ever. Artificial intelligence will transform in ways we can’t yet imagine, redefining how we work. To stay ahead, companies will need to adapt – even reinvent themselves – turning potential disruption into a powerful competitive edge that benefits both business and society.

Yet, this technological revolution unfolds alongside deep human challenges. Over 400 million Africans still live on less than $2.15 a day, and inequality continues to grow, especially where marginalised groups lack access to education, work, and finance. The same technology driving progress could deepen the divide between those who have, and those who never will, unless growth is reimagined to lift everyone.

At the same time, we face mounting environmental pressures – from biodiversity loss and soil erosion to water pollution and climate change – that demand urgent, collective action. When the bees stop visiting our flowers, the chain of life begins to break.

It is in this context that the world needs bold business leaders who will stand up with a vision to lead their companies, sectors, and countries into a 2030 that is genuinely better and brighter. This cannot be achieved by being reactive, but rather through taking a proactive approach that scales advisory and industry-led solutions based on the best and ethical use of technology. This is the ethos behind our vision 2030 at SNG Grant Thornton, winning our way, turning growth into shared progress.

This is the ethos behind our Vision 2030, which turns business growth into shared progress. We need to leave businesses better than we found them, driving sustainable growth built on shared value by helping them grow responsibly, build resilience, navigate change, and reach their full potential. Through this, companies can drive sustainable growth not only within their own business, but also in the communities where they operate. Through this, growth becomes progress - progress that empowers people, protects the planet and propels Africa forward.

We see building home-grown expertise – skilling fresh graduates who understand their communities' needs instead of just importing solutions – as key to shared growth on the continent. Through adapting global best practices against rigorous reporting standards, it is possible to unlock the continent's potential, creating professionals who can drive change where it matters most.

To this end, we're focusing on developing industry-specific Centres of Excellence in sectors where disruption creates genuine opportunity: financial services extending access to the underbanked, renewable energy projects replacing dependence on fossil fuels, technology and telecommunications bridging the digital divide, higher education preparing the next generation, and partnerships with international donor agencies amplifying development impact.

These aren't just growth sectors – they represent ones in which deep sectoral insight, enables the implementation of strategies in areas in a way that allows business expansion and societal progress to genuinely align. Through this, companies can achieve growth aims alongside clear purpose.

When we work on business strategy and implementation, we're asking: does this create jobs? Does it build local supply chains? Does it extract value or generate it?

In this environment, it is important to have rigorous environmental, social, and governance reporting – not because it's fashionable, but because investors and communities deserve to see whether growth benefits everyone or just shareholders. Transparent environmental, social, and governance metrics let stakeholders choose wisely based on accountability, not promises.

Stricter compliance standards and vigorously upheld principles make companies investor-ready in the right way – attracting capital from those who share their values and want to build something that lasts beyond quarterly results.

The ripple effects are what need to be measured, and stringent audit and assurance processes help ensure that outcomes are quantifiable, allowing companies to demonstrate their positive impact across environmental, social, and governance dimensions.

A profitable company that creates 500 jobs transforms 500 families. A manufacturer meeting genuine environmental standards protects communities downstream. A bank extending credit responsibly multiplies entrepreneurship. A renewable energy project doesn't just generate megawatts, it powers clinics, schools, and small businesses that couldn't operate before.

These are the outcomes that define success in our Vision 2030 – where business growth means shared progress.

These aren't hypothetical scenarios. They're happening across the continent, and they demonstrate what becomes possible when business strategy aligns with genuine development needs. The multiplier effect of well-structured growth is profound: one successful business creates supply chain opportunities for dozens of smaller enterprises, employment that stabilises entire communities, and tax revenues that fund public services.

As we see it, success isn't market share alone – it's whether our clients' growth translates into employment, environmental stewardship, and stronger communities. Shareholder value and societal value aren't trade-offs; done right, they're inseparable.

By strengthening confidence in businesses, we strengthen the economy. If South Africa and Africa are to thrive, we, as a black-owned audit and advisory firm, must lead as both trusted advisors and catalysts for transformation, unlocking Africa’s potential by turning growth into shared progress that leaves no one behind.