Sankofa Capital has appointed veteran public administrator, former Deputy Minister and strategic management scholar Dr Bright Matonga as Vice Chairman and Chair of its Sovereign Advisory Council, marking a significant step in the London-based firm’s ambition to expand its government relations, strategic communications and sovereign advisory capabilities across emerging markets.
The appointment brings to Sankofa Capital more than two decades of experience spanning government, public administration, communications policy, infrastructure oversight and institutional leadership, at a time when governments and investors alike are seeking increasingly sophisticated advisory support to navigate a rapidly evolving global environment.
Dr Matonga joins the firm with a professional background that traverses ministerial office, public sector transformation, transport infrastructure management and international engagement. Holding a Doctorate in Strategic Management, he is widely recognised for his contributions to governance, organisational leadership and public policy development.
His appointment comes amid growing demand for advisory firms capable of operating effectively at the intersection of government, capital and strategic communications. Across Africa and other emerging markets, policymakers are seeking investment and technological partnerships capable of supporting economic growth, while investors are placing greater emphasis on political risk analysis, stakeholder engagement and institutional alignment.
Against this backdrop, Sankofa Capital has been expanding its advisory footprint, positioning itself as a strategic partner to governments, institutions, investors and technology providers seeking to establish and scale operations across complex jurisdictions.
Farai Muvuti, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Sankofa Capital, described the appointment as a milestone in the company’s long-term growth strategy.
“Dr Matonga brings a depth of experience that is increasingly rare in today’s advisory landscape. His career has combined public policy, executive leadership, communications strategy and institutional management at the highest levels. As Sankofa Capital continues to expand its sovereign advisory capabilities, his insight and experience will be invaluable.”
For much of his career, Dr Matonga has operated at the centre of public administration and national development initiatives. He served as Deputy Minister responsible for Information and Publicity, where he contributed to communication policy formulation and represented Zimbabwe at international forums focused on information technology and media development.
Prior to his ministerial appointment, he served as Chief Executive Officer of the Zimbabwe United Passenger Company (ZUPCO), one of the country’s largest public transport institutions, where he was responsible for strategic operations, budget oversight and organisational management. His leadership experience further extends to senior provincial administration roles overseeing finance, transport and welfare portfolios, providing him with extensive exposure to fiscal management, infrastructure planning and public service delivery.
Throughout his career, Dr Matonga has also maintained a strong connection to strategic communications and international engagement. His academic background includes studies in media production and technology, while his professional experience encompasses diplomatic and information-related responsibilities in the United Kingdom. This combination of governance expertise and communications acumen has become increasingly valuable in an era where public policy, reputation management and investor confidence are closely intertwined.
Industry analysts note that advisory firms operating across emerging markets are increasingly required to offer more than transactional expertise. Governments and institutions are seeking trusted partners capable of understanding the political, economic and social dimensions of investment and development projects.
The convergence of digital transformation, infrastructure development, artificial intelligence and geopolitical competition has heightened the importance of strategic advisory services capable of bridging public and private sector priorities. As a result, firms with access to experienced policymakers, senior administrators and strategic communicators are becoming increasingly influential in shaping investment outcomes.
Within Sankofa Capital, Dr Matonga’s role as Vice Chairman and Chair of the Sovereign Advisory Council will focus on supporting high-level engagement with governments, regulators, development finance institutions and strategic stakeholders. The council is expected to provide guidance on sovereign engagement strategies, public affairs, policy alignment and institutional partnerships.
The establishment and strengthening of such advisory capabilities reflects a broader trend within the international advisory sector. As governments seek to accelerate infrastructure development, attract foreign direct investment and modernise public services, demand has increased for firms capable of facilitating constructive dialogue between policymakers, investors and technology providers.
Commenting on his appointment, Dr Matonga said that successful development outcomes increasingly depend on collaboration between government institutions and private sector actors.
“The challenges and opportunities facing emerging markets today require thoughtful engagement between governments, investors and development partners. Strategic advisory platforms have an important role to play in fostering those relationships and ensuring that investment objectives are aligned with national development priorities. I am delighted to join Sankofa Capital at an exciting stage in its growth and look forward to contributing to its future success.”
The appointment also reflects the firm’s broader ambitions as it continues to develop capabilities in sovereign advisory, government relations, strategic communications, infrastructure facilitation and cross-border investment partnerships.
While many advisory firms focus narrowly on financial transactions or market-entry support, Sankofa Capital’s approach is increasingly centred on long-term relationship building and institutional engagement. The company believes that successful investment outcomes depend not only on commercial viability but also on stakeholder alignment, public policy awareness and effective communication.
As global capital continues to seek opportunities in high-growth markets, the ability to navigate political, regulatory and institutional environments is expected to become an increasingly important competitive advantage. For investors, governments and corporations alike, understanding the dynamics that shape decision-making can be as valuable as access to capital itself.
Looking ahead, Sankofa Capital intends to continue strengthening its Sovereign Advisory Council and expanding its network of senior advisors drawn from government, diplomacy, finance, infrastructure and technology sectors. The objective is to build a multidisciplinary advisory platform capable of supporting clients through the complexities of modern investment and development landscapes.
For the firm, the appointment of Dr Bright Matonga represents more than the addition of an experienced executive. It signals a strategic commitment to deepening its expertise in governance, communications and institutional engagement at a time when these capabilities are becoming increasingly central to successful cross-border partnerships.
As governments, investors and institutions navigate an increasingly interconnected and competitive world, the ability to bridge policy, capital and communication may prove to be one of the most valuable advisory functions of all. In appointing Dr Matonga as Vice Chairman and Chair of the Sovereign Advisory Council, Sankofa Capital has placed that capability firmly at the centre of its future strategy.
