Published on September 5th 2025
Brett Sievwright, CEO of Platcorp, shares how building a startup in Zambia helped him understand the importance of localisation, which then grew into a greater understanding of the social and financial impacts that can challenge but also incentivise business owners like him to build more resilient businesses.
Where did you go to university and what did you study? What impact did this have on your current journey?
I completed a Bachelor of Commerce in Finance, Investment, and Law at the University of the Witwatersrand. My studies gave me a strong foundation in the mechanics of financial systems—such as a deeper understanding of cash flow and the legal frameworks that support them. It shaped the way I think about risk, value creation, and the broader economic forces at play.
Those early learnings have been invaluable throughout my entrepreneurial journey, particularly in navigating high-growth, complex markets where theoretical knowledge must be matched with practical execution.
Were you part of any sports clubs or societies at university and has this influenced your development?
Yes, I was active in the Rugby Club, Ski Club, and Investment Club. Each played a role in shaping my perspective.
Rugby taught me resilience and the power of collaboration under pressure. Skiing required sharp focus and adaptability, traits I’ve come to rely on in unpredictable environments. While the Investment Club gave me my first taste of applying theory to real-world markets which ultimately helped shape my career in microfinance and fintech.
Overall, those early experiences helped inform the way I lead: grounded in discipline, adaptable in strategy, and always team-oriented.
What was your first job in the industry and are there any lessons from this you still draw on?
My first role was as a stockbroker. It was a fast-paced, high-pressure environment that demanded clarity and discipline.
I learned that generating returns is one thing, but preserving value over time requires strategic thinking, sound judgement, and a long-term lens. That early exposure instilled a structured approach to managing risk and return, which has served me well in building financial institutions that operate in volatile, fast-evolving markets.
Who was your biggest role model—inside or outside of your industry—who continues to inspire you?
My father. He built businesses across diverse sectors in challenging environments. His ability to remain agile, grounded, and purpose-driven has had a lasting impact on me. He showed me that real leadership is about more than just vision – it’s about values, consistency, and having the courage to lead through uncertainty.
My father’s persistence and humility have always stayed with me. Those are principles I try to uphold every day.
When was your first big break in the industry and why was it significant?
Launching a microfinance company in Zambia in 2000 was a turning point. It was my first leap into a new market and a new segment of the financial services industry. Building that business from the ground up meant navigating regulatory frameworks, forging local partnerships, and staying close to the customer.
Partnering with a local bank gave me hands-on insight into building a business in a complex environment. That business grew to become the foundation of the Platcorp Group.
Was there a moment in the industry that really challenged you? How did you overcome it?
Macroeconomic and political instability, particularly currency volatility and shifting regulatory landscapes, is one of the toughest challenges to overcome and has tested us repeatedly.
This is something that is particularly unique when dealing with emerging markets in Africa compared to more mature systems in Europe. Succeeding through these challenges has required myself, my employees and our company to build adaptable, resilient business models and to cultivate deep local insight.
Strong local relationships on the ground, proactive risk management, and a flexible mindset have helped us maintain continuity in even the most unpredictable environments.
What are some of the skills you deem essential to starting in your industry, and how have yours developed?
To be successful in the ever-changing market-driven financial world requires patience, adaptability and discipline.
Over time, I’ve refined my ability to lead through complexity, to connect financial outcomes with social impact, and to design businesses that scale with purpose. I prioritise approaches that are both economically responsible and socially beneficial.
What advice would you give to someone starting out in this industry?
Think big, start small and scale fast. Build robust governance early, stay close to your customers, and focus on solving real problems. Sustainable success comes from clear vision, rigorous execution, and the values that guide your decisions.
If you lead with focus and a real desire to make a difference, your work will stand the test of time.
Published on Payment Expert ID:Check