At 32, Layton Nenzinane is already the CFO at renewables group Seriti Green. He offered some inspiration and insight on leadership, inclusion and opportunity to other up-an-coming professionals at the Youth Energy Summit in Cape Town, as JournalismWeb’s Dean McCoubrey writes.

The Youth Energy Summit (YES!), co‑hosted alongside the Africa Energy Forum at the Cape Town International Convention Centre from June 18 to 20, brought together more than 6 000 young professionals, graduates, and entrepreneurs.

Among the summit’s highlights was a session at the Executive Hub featuring Layton Nenzinane, CFO of Seriti Green. Tasked with mentoring Africa’s new energy leaders, he reflected candidly on his own journey – from advisory and investment banking to CFO at just 30, and now helping guide Seriti’s renewable energy transformation.

Drawing on those pivotal decisions, Nenzinane encouraged attendees to “dare to say yes”, as he had to accounting, investment banking, corporate finance, joining Seriti, and ultimately embracing leadership.

He also emphasised the importance of dedication during unguarded moments: “Fortune favours the brave. You make your own life. Work hard and show up when no one else does.”

Nenzinane spoke of working alongside engineers – civil, mechanical, and chemical – who design solutions to live problems. He also stated that, if not in finance, he’d likely be an engineer too, reflecting on the value of problem-solving minds in the energy ecosystem.

Reflecting on what he does beyond finance, Nenzinane noted that his remit includes growth strategy and operational innovation, reporting that Seriti Resources also manages billions of litres of water annually, runs its own water treatment plants, and is actively exploring ancillary businesses built around water as a resource.

He also tackled the theme of representation, with his own team comprising 80% black women, and championed the importance of giving voice and space to those historically marginalised.

Nenzinane then shared practical insights on ambition and boundaries: “Be discerning where your values lie. Sometimes it’s important to say no so that when you say yes, it is more impactful.”

His final message resonated with the youthful attendees, who packed the auditorium, even standing in the aisles: “Your hard work is what speaks for you…I just showed up and put my best foot forward.”

Throughout Cape Town this week, lines were drawn between ambition and action and Nenzinane’s message resonated: that leadership is not bestowed, but demonstrated, day in and day out.