Lerato Mbele: Business Emcee

    Business journalist and conference moderator Lerato Mbele combines BBC and CNBC Africa experience with global interviewing expertise to guide discussions on economics, investment and leadership.

    Lerato Mbele - Image 01 (October 8, 2026)

    Quick Facts:

      • Journalism career began at SABC in 1999.
      • Former senior business anchor at CNBC Africa.
      • Joined the BBC in 2012.
      • Interviewed international business leaders, policymakers and Nobel laureates.
      • Moderated discussions at major economic and development forums.
    • Formats:
    • Conference moderator, panel facilitator, event host and speaker.
    • Audiences:
    • Business leaders, investors, policymakers, financial institutions and development organizations.
    • Outcomes:
      1. Understand economic and development issues through clearly guided discussion.
      2. Explore different perspectives through informed questions and focused debate.
      3. Connect global business themes with African investment and development priorities.
    6 min read
    Reviews: (0 reviews)
    • Travels from: New York, NY
    • **US Fee range: $5,001 - $10,000

    Talent Services

    Hosting:

    Lerato Mbele is an experienced business emcee and conference moderator who brings economic insight, international broadcasting experience and confident stage delivery to corporate events. Drawing on her work with the BBC, CNBC Africa and SABC, she guides programs with clarity and engages speakers through informed, thoughtful questions.

    Her experience at platforms including the World Bank and IMF Annual Meetings, the African Development Bank and the United Nations makes her particularly well suited to investment conferences, leadership summits and executive forums. Comfortable engaging senior decision-makers, Lerato connects complex topics with audience interests while keeping discussions focused and the program flowing smoothly.

    Talent Short Bio

    Lerato Mbele is a South African journalist, broadcaster and international conference moderator with experience covering economics, business and development.

    She began her journalism career at SABC in 1999, anchoring News at 10 and presenting Public Interest and The Ambassadors. She later served as a senior business anchor at CNBC Africa before joining the BBC in 2012.

    Her interview subjects have included Christine Lagarde, Jim Yong Kim, Bill Gates, Aliko Dangote, John Kerry, Kofi Annan and Muhammad Yunus, as well as several African presidents.

    Lerato has moderated plenaries and hosted televised debates at international platforms including the World Bank and IMF Annual Meetings, the African Development Bank, the United Nations and the Nigerian Economic Summit.

    A Chevening Scholar, she holds an MSc in Development Studies from SOAS, University of London, with undergraduate and honors degrees from the universities of Cape Town and Stellenbosch respectively.

    She brings informed questions, clear communication and international perspective to conferences focused on business, investment and Africa’s economic development.

    Lerato Mbele is a South African journalist, broadcaster and international conference moderator whose career spans business reporting, current affairs and global development. She brings extensive interviewing experience and economic knowledge to conversations about investment, entrepreneurship, leadership and Africa’s place in the global economy.

    Lerato began her journalism career at the South African Broadcasting Corporation in 1999. She went on to anchor News at 10 and present Public Interest and The Ambassadors, building experience in news delivery, public affairs and interviews.

    She subsequently served as a senior business anchor at CNBC Africa, hosting programs and discussions covering economics, business strategy, stock markets, entrepreneurship and leadership. In 2012, she joined the BBC, taking her experience in African business journalism to an international broadcasting platform.

    Throughout her career, Lerato has interviewed influential figures from business, government and international institutions. These include Christine Lagarde, Jim Yong Kim, Bill Gates, Aliko Dangote and John Kerry, alongside Nobel laureates Kofi Annan and Muhammad Yunus. Her interviews with African presidents have included Paul Kagame, John Dramani Mahama, Ameenah Gurib-Fakim and James Michel.

    This experience informs her approach to live discussion. Lerato combines preparation and thoughtful questioning with the ability to make complex subjects accessible, helping audiences understand the implications behind a speaker’s perspective.

    As a conference moderator and event host, she has guided plenary sessions and televised debates at platforms including the World Bank and IMF Annual Meetings, the African Development Bank, the United Nations and the Nigerian Economic Summit. Her work is particularly relevant to events exploring economic development, business opportunities and investment in Africa.

    Lerato’s academic background complements her professional experience. A Chevening Scholar, she holds an MSc in Development Studies from the School of Oriental and African Studies at the University of London. She completed her undergraduate degree at the University of Cape Town and her honors degree at Stellenbosch University. She has also received a literary award from the World Association of University Women.

    For organizations seeking a knowledgeable host or moderator, Lerato Mbele offers international media experience and confidence engaging senior leaders. She helps connect different perspectives, maintain focused discussion and bring clarity to the issues that matter to an audience.

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