For Gaone Segwe, a home begins long before the walls go up. It starts with an idea, the confidence to invest in it and someone willing to turn possibility into reality.
That intersection of finance and social impact has become the foundation of his career. Segwe is an investment manager at IHS Investments, where he structures private equity investments that unlock funding for affordable housing developments across South Africa.
Behind every transaction lies months of due diligence, financial modelling, negotiation and collaboration with developers, financiers and investors — work that transforms capital into communities and opportunity.
With an MBA, Segwe, 34, has established himself as one of the sector's rising leaders. He was among just 10 professionals selected for the inaugural South African Venture Capital and Private Equity Association Fellowship Programme.
He credits mentor Glad Dibetso with shaping his approach to leadership. His advice to prepare today for tomorrow's opportunities became a guiding philosophy, while his journey from humble beginnings reinforced his belief that success is built through discipline, curiosity and perseverance. That mindset continues to define his career: investing not only in projects but in people, places and South Africa's future.