ICYMI: Why PwC Africa’s Dion Shango Believes Collaboration Is Important Posted on September 8, 2025April 20, 2026 By Kekeletso Nkele, small.news Assistant (small.news) — In our first small.talk on Sept. 3, 2025, Silver Lining’s Founder and CEO Carissa Reiniger spoke with Dion Shango, the CEO for PwC Africa. Dion is one of the most influential leaders in PwC Africa’s network, serving his second term after being reelected. Carissa and Dion spent this small.talk discussing the economy and small businesses in Africa. Top Stories The Death of the Soloist: Why ‘Project Stacking’ is the Only Way to Outsmart the LinkedIn Algorithm If you post alone, your signal is thin. But when you stack projects, you create a high-density signal that the algorithm will amplify. Tax Overhaul Pushes Russian SMEs to the Brink as Revenue Collections Collapse Russia’s small business sector faces severe strain after sweeping tax changes took effect in early 2026, with survey data showing sharp declines in profitability, reports The Moscow Times. Q: We’re talking to PwC, one of the biggest consulting companies in the world. How does your role intersect with small businesses? A: PwC is the largest firm on the African continent. Our purpose, which we articulate as building trust in society and solving important problems. I always say to people that Africa needs a brand like PwC, and PwC has a deep responsibility to contribute towards the growth and development of Africa. Now, this role of mine involves leading a team of about 400 partners located across the continent and nearly 10,000 staff members who actually personify the PwC brand. I have the privilege of working with some highly talented and bright people, and it is really an honor for us to be able to attract and retain the best out of the best… On this particular continent of Africa, we do have a massive challenge with unemployment in many of our countries, and I’m a strong believer that small business is one of the key components that any country needs in order to unlock and address this challenge of unemployment. Q: What is the role of businesses, institutions, and structures that can do something about the problems in the world? A: Amongst all of the chaos and mayhem that we see geopolitically at the moment, somewhere in this crisis has to lie an opportunity. The role of businesses right now is to spot that opportunity, to capture it, and actually leverage it for the betterment of this continent. All of us need to decide how we are going to contribute to being a force for good, and businesses have a golden opportunity to actually assume that role. They have shown that they are much better at strategizing, implementing, and executing than governments. Q: When you put yourself in the shoes of a small business owner, with the context that you have, what’s the concern that could really harm small businesses who are trying to get through the next couple of years? A: If I were the owner of a small business, my biggest worry would be… if I can adapt and change to a world that is going through a type of transformation that we’ve never seen before. Simply put, do I have the resources, the infrastructure to maintain my relevance in the future in a way that will allow my business to still be in existence and thrive? What worries me about small businesses today… one of the things we’re seeing is that they’re probably not future-ready, which is the reality. Q: Why does the topic of small businesses matter to you? A: There’s often this misconception, amongst many small business owners whom I meet, that a brand such as PwC is not for them. PwC has a key responsibility to all businesses, including the tiniest ones. As part of my personal legacy, I want to look back one day and be satisfied that I did everything possible within my control to influence, assist, and support the best way I can, right from the tiniest business to the largest corporations. Q: If you could wave a Magic Silver Wand and you could make one change right now that would have a positive impact on the global economy, what would it be? A: Without even thinking twice, it’s collaboration. If we collaborate… and put aside ego and our own selfish needs, it can only be for the good and betterment of people. The best conversations lead to action. Let Silver Lining’s silv=r™ platform help you take your small business to the next step. Sign up now! Latest Stories
The Death of the Soloist: Why ‘Project Stacking’ is the Only Way to Outsmart the LinkedIn Algorithm If you post alone, your signal is thin. But when you stack projects, you create a high-density signal that the algorithm will amplify.
Tax Overhaul Pushes Russian SMEs to the Brink as Revenue Collections Collapse Russia’s small business sector faces severe strain after sweeping tax changes took effect in early 2026, with survey data showing sharp declines in profitability, reports The Moscow Times.