At 33, Zaid Railoun is helping redefine the future of finance — where climate resilience and economic growth meet. A sustainability professional within commercial and business banking, Zaid equips South African SMEs to transition toward resilience in the face of regulatory shifts such as the EU’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism. He supports client-facing teams in developing tailored financing instruments, identifying green opportunities, and guiding businesses to adopt renewable energy, water reuse, and waste reduction practices. With an MSc (cum laude) in Conservation Ecology from Stellenbosch University, an Honours degree from UWC, and a Water Risk Assessment certification from Oxford, Zaid merges technical insight with financial strategy. His achievements include co-authoring the SADC Regional Water Infrastructure Master Plan (2022–2027), facilitating over R2 bil- lion in sustainable finance transactions, and receiving a Mark of Excellence award for co-developing Powerpulse, a digital platform connecting clients to vetted energy providers. Beyond his professional work, he co-founded Sporting Hands, a non-profit initiative that raises funds for socio-economic causes
Mentors and role models who have shaped my journey so far, and who I can see have truly impacted my career and growth, are Nyasha Muvirimi, Malango Mughogho, Deerosh Maharaj, Alvino Wildschutt-Prins, Dr Palesa Mothapo, Leo Crisp, Dr Salie Rhoda, Abdullah Gabier, Kalnisha Singh, the late Dennis Sakupwanya, Dr Shayne Jacobs, Kenwinn Wiener, Bongani Michael, Reese Tisdale, Zaid Moola, Adiel Cajee and, most importantly, my everyday adviser, Micaelyn Damons. I mention them all because, in my journey, each suggested or shared an opinion that shaped my career and personal growth to where I am today. Each individual left me with something that changed or improved my perspective.