Salomo Hei is an alumnus of Stellenbosch Business School who completed his MPhil in Development Finance. He says he had the distinct privilege of doing all his degrees at different institutions of higher learning. “My first degree was obtained from the University of Namibia, the honours from the University of Johannesburg, and as fate would have it, the master’s degree had to be at Stellenbosch Business School. They say we do not make the most important decisions of our lives, they happen to us, and the MPhil in Development Finance happened to me.”

Salomo, who resides in Namibia, is an experienced managing director of research outfit named High Economic Intelligence (Pty) LTD, with a demonstrated history of working in the research industry with a strong focus on economics and investments and is currently the Namibia Statistics Agency Chairperson. “This year, we are conducting the Population and Household Census, the biggest national assignment in Namibia. In terms of High Economic Intelligence (Pty)LTD, we have built a reputable research institution that produces cutting-edge research in the Namibian economy and the continent. 

“We have done groundbreaking work on the Africa Credit Rating for the Africa Peer Review Mechanism under the African Union. We participated at the World Trade Organisation Congress as invited speakers. The work continues, nevertheless.”

He says the MPhil in Development Finance was a very fulfilling experience and continues to shape his thinking around the industrialisation of the continent. Highlights of his master’s journey include “the interaction with international professionals, the different experiences shared in understanding the diverse challenges on the continent, and the ability of the business school to initiate solutions that could assist the region as move Africa towards industrialisation”.

The business school has a strong focus on responsible leadership development. Salomo says responsible leaders should be able to deliver organisational performance while acting sustainably and innovating for long-term success. “In the current business environment, characterised by change and new and sometimes unpredictable challenges, it is important that leaders can act responsibly and deliver a business that meets those challenges. Leaders are under increasing pressure to inspire innovative endeavors responsibly,” he adds. 

His journey did not come without challenges, though. “Studies require a high level of commitment and dedication, which means you are, in essence, time-constrained. When I embarked on my MDevF studies, I had just started building a business that turns ten years old next year. So, I was nurturing two babies at the same time, and the challenge was balancing the two. Nothing beats commitment and dedication,” he says. 

Salomo says he will “definitely recommend” Stellenbosch Business School to aspiring students “because of the advancement in teaching methods that combine the practical business environment and theory”. “There is also a component of leadership that form part of this integrated learning that prepares future captains of the industry. Africa is a developing country that needs funding for its industrialisation and Development Finance is the right qualification to practitioners for the need,” he says. 

His advice to prospective students is, “Finish what you start!”