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Speaker & political economy analyst

Daniel Silke

Transform business strategy with Daniel Silke, speaker and political economy analyst. Daniel works with global corporations to decode political-economic trends and strategic foresight, delivering expert insights for Bank of America, Oracle, PwC and international forums.

Trusted by Bank of America, Oracle, PwC

Daniel Silke
Daniel Silke

Daniel Silke

Cape Town, South Africa

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Daniel Silke

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Cape Town, South Africa

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Daniel Silke's biography

At a glance

  • Political economy analyst and keynote speaker
  • Director of Political Futures Consultancy in Cape Town
  • Author and media commentator on global trends

Daniel Silke is a notable political economy analyst in South Africa and a sought-after keynote speaker. He combines economic and political insights in both physical and virtual presentations. As the Director of Political Futures Consultancy in Cape Town, Silke has become a prominent speaker for major global companies, offering keynotes, webinars, and workshops tailored to the events industry. With over 20 years of experience, he provides strategic insights on political and economic trends in South Africa, Africa, and globally.


Silke holds a Master’s degree in South African and International Politics from the University of Cape Town, where he also taught at the Institute for the Study of Public Policy within the Department of Political Studies. His public service includes serving as an elected Member of the Western Cape Provincial Parliament and as a City Councillor in Cape Town, where he held roles such as party whip and Portfolio Committee Chair for economic development. After launching his consultancy, he quickly gained recognition in the corporate speaking circuit and media, both locally and internationally. His client list includes Bank of America, Maersk, Barclays Africa, Oracle, PwC, and Estée Lauder, among others.


Silke has spoken at global forums, including the World Travel Forum in Istanbul and the African & Arabian Hotel & Investment Forum. He has lectured at universities in the United States, including Robert Morris University and Lynn University, and has worked as a political trend consultant for GLG in New York City. Silke is also a featured speaker for Duke Corporate Education. His insights are frequently sought by media outlets, and he has appeared on platforms such as BBC, Sky Australia, and France 24. He has contributed to CNBC Africa, Bloomberg, and other channels, and his expertise has been valued by various international missions in South Africa.


Silke authored the book "Tracking the Future: Top Trends that will Shape South Africa and the World" and contributes to Fin24/News24 and The Sunday Times in Johannesburg.

Daniel's showreel and videos

Topics, sessions and talks

South Africa & the World: International & Domestic Challenges facing the Nation

Daniel Silke will discuss the international and domestic challenges facing South Africa in the wake of the pandemic. He will explore how the nation’s economic recovery has lagged due to a power crisis and policy stagnation, while also examining global influences such as rising US interest rates, inflation, and geopolitical tensions, including the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Attendees will gain insights into the critical decisions needed from South Africa's leadership to navigate these challenges as Election 2024 approaches.

MegaTrends 2030: Key Political, Economic, Social & Tech Shifts for the Next Decade

Daniel Silke presents "MegaTrends 2030," exploring the significant political, economic, social, and technological changes shaping the next decade. Attendees will gain insights into the rise of political fragmentation, demographic shifts in Africa, and the challenges posed by ageing populations in the West and China. Silke will also address the ethical dilemmas of technology and AI, climate change, and urbanisation. Participants will leave with a comprehensive understanding of the key trends influencing the future.

Brave GNU World

Acclaimed political analyst Daniel Silke examines the South African Government of National Unity's efforts to revitalise its struggling economy amidst pressing domestic and international challenges. Attendees will gain valuable insights into the critical global and local factors influencing the nation's future, making this a compelling and timely discussion not to be missed.

The West & the Rest: The BRICS, Geo-Political Risk & Economic Competiton

Daniel Silke examines the shifting global landscape marked by rising tensions between the West, Russia, and China. He highlights the emerging opportunities in Africa and India, alongside the challenges posed by a sluggish China. As the BRICS nations expand, a significant power shift is underway, threatening the West's economic dominance. Attendees will gain valuable insights into navigating this complex environment and understanding the associated risks for businesses.

Tipping or Turning Point: South Africa's Tough Choices in a Crucial Year Ahead

Daniel Silke will explore the pivotal challenges facing South Africa as it approaches its most unpredictable national election since 1994. With the ANC grappling with severe electricity blackouts, stagnant economic growth, and rising public debt, the party must navigate a complex landscape to maintain its electoral majority. Attendees will gain valuable insights into the political and economic dynamics at play, learning how these factors could shape the nation’s future in this critical year ahead.

Why we recommend booking Daniel

Book Daniel Silke to gain unparalleled insights into the political and economic landscape. His engaging presentations will equip your team with strategic foresight, enhancing decision-making and fostering innovation. With a wealth of experience and a dynamic speaking style, he transforms complex topics into accessible knowledge that drives success.

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Trusted by Bank of America, Oracle, PwC

Testimonials

Daniel's presentation on South Africa's future under the current circumstances was once again amazing, well-crafted and appropriately suited to our local and global Chamber members. His in-depth understanding of South African politics and economics provide brilliant insight not only to local business people but also to international entities. Comparisons drawn to other global economies are meticulously researched and delivered, including a refreshing sprinkle of humour.

Evelyn Ralphs

General Manager, Swiss Chamber of Commerce SA

Daniel's presentation was a real eye-opener. He provided a deeply insightful perspective on the state of the African continent through multiple lenses – economic, political and social. His presentation gave us all pause to reflect on the vast opportunities that exist, aptly counterbalanced with the potential pitfalls and risks. Hugely valuable for our executive team.

Steve Felder

Managing Director, Maersk South Asia

An incredibly insightful, intellectually stimulating talk to the senior management team of Barclays Africa. Not only did he captivate the audience through his unique sense of storytelling and presenting but he gave valuable insight into very relevant topics not only for Barclays but the wider macro environment. I could not recommend using Daniel enough for a presentation – completely worth it!

Claudia Gwinnutt

Featured Projects

Daniel Silke - Tracking The Future: Top Trends That Will Shape South Africa And The World book cover
Daniel Silke - Be The ReGeneration Podcast - Surveying The Landscape: Economic Risks, Challenges & Opportunities podcast cover
Daniel Silke - Chai FM Overdrive Podcast: The Impact Of The US Elections On South Africa podcast cover

frequently asked questions

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How do I book Daniel Silke for my next event?

To book Daniel Silke, email daniel.silke@getapeptalk.com or call PepTalk on +44 20 3835 2929 (UK) or +1 737 888 5112 (US), and one of our speaker agents will contact you within hours to confirm Daniel's availability and speaking fee. If you can, please include your budget upfront – it helps us fast-track your request. It’s also helpful to know the date, format (virtual or in-person), location, and about your audience.

What is Daniel Silke's speaking style like?

Daniel Silke structures sessions around a trends-forecasting framework, grouping political, economic, social, and technological developments into named macro-categories — as seen in MegaTrends 2030 — to give audiences a forward-looking map of the decade ahead. This framework draws on his consultancy work, academic background, and direct political experience to ground projections in observable data points rather than speculation.

What topics does Daniel Silke specialise in?

Daniel Silke speaks on South Africa's political and economic outlook, global megatrends including AI, demographic shifts and climate change, and the domestic and international forces shaping the next decade. He is the author of Tracking the Future: Top Trends that will Shape South Africa and the World and has delivered keynotes for clients including Bank of America, Maersk, Barclays Africa, Oracle, PwC and Estée Lauder.

Does PepTalk charge a booking fee?

No. PepTalk adds no booking fee, so you pay the speaker's fee and nothing beyond it. The service, from shortlist through to contracts and event-day logistics, is included. For repeat or multi-event bookings, PepTalk can agree preferential rates with your procurement team.

What happens after I send a brief?

Share your event date, audience, format, objectives and budget, and PepTalk sends a hand-picked shortlist within 24 hours. Each suggestion comes with a profile, a fee and a recommendation on the strongest fit. Once you choose, PepTalk handles contracts, travel and logistics through to event day.

What does the typical fee range mean?

The typical fee range is the speaker's standard in-person fee in their home market, shown in their local currency. It moves with format, location, date and session length: virtual sessions and shorter slots usually cost less, while international travel and peak dates cost more. Send your brief to PepTalk and the team will confirm the exact fee in your currency.

Have all the speakers on the website worked with PepTalk before?

Not all of them, and it makes no difference to your booking. PepTalk's network of 15,000+ speakers covers talent the team works with directly alongside speakers represented by agents and agencies worldwide. PepTalk approaches the speaker, negotiates the fee and handles contracting either way.

How far in advance should I book a speaker?

Three to six months ahead is comfortable for most events, and 12 months is better for large conferences, peak-season dates or one specific in-demand speaker. Shorter timelines are workable, and PepTalk regularly fills last-minute and replacement bookings within days. Availability is the constraint, so get in touch as soon as you have a date.