David Pilling
Economics
Asia
Global Economy

David Pilling

Navigate the complexities of Africa's investment landscape with David Pilling, speaker, Financial Times journalist.

David Pilling Speaker Biography

PepTalk Speech Bubble
Experienced journalist covering global business and politics
PepTalk Speech Bubble
Africa editor and columnist at Financial Times
PepTalk Speech Bubble
Author of acclaimed books on economics and Japan

David Pilling is the Africa editor and a columnist at the Financial Times. He covers business, politics, and development across the continent and writes a regular column on various African topics. Previously, he served as the Asia editor and assistant editor and held roles as Tokyo bureau chief, pharmaceuticals correspondent, deputy features editor, and correspondent in Buenos Aires and Santiago.

David has authored two books: The Growth Delusion (2018), which was shortlisted for the Orwell Prize, and Bending Adversity: Japan and the Art of Survival (2016). He frequently moderates and speaks for the Financial Times and organisations such as the World Bank, OECD, and ADB. In 2023, he briefed a G7 meeting in Kamakura, Japan, on the concepts presented in The Growth Delusion.

Why We Recommend Booking David

Book David Pilling to gain invaluable insights on Africa's investment landscape, sustainability challenges, and the future of democracy. His expertise will empower your team to navigate emerging opportunities and foster informed discussions on global trends.

Topics, Sessions And Talks

Unveiling Insights: China, Asia, And The Global Economy

Join David Pilling, the Associate Editor and Africa Editor at the Financial Times, and author of 'The Growth Delusion' and 'Bending Adversity,' as he delves into insightful analyses on China, Asia, and the global economic landscape. Drawing from his extensive expertise and authoritative commentary, David offers a unique perspective on these topics.

The Rising Africa Narrative

David Pilling's talk, "The Rising Africa Narrative," explores the continent's economic growth, debunking stereotypes and highlighting Africa's potential as a burgeoning market and hub of innovation.

Sustainability Challenges In Africa

David Pilling discusses the pressing sustainability challenges facing Africa, focusing on environmental, economic, and social issues that hinder the continent's sustainable development.

Featured Projects

Thank You For Reaching Out!
Your message was received and our team will be in touch shortly!
Close This Message

Book 

David Pilling

Tell us what you’re planning, and we’ll match you with a speaker your audience won’t stop talking about. (We’re here to make it easy.)
Other ways to book:
Chat Icon
Chat Now
Chat live to our team

Similar Speakers

Big names trust us.
You should too.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about booking an expert speaker, facilitator, host or entertainment for your event.

How do I book a speaker for my event?
  • If you'd like to book one of our expert speakers, email us at hello@peptalk.com, send us a chat message or give us a call, and we’ll help you out.
  • We’ll take your event details — topic, audience, budget, date, and location — and create a custom speaker proposal for you within 48 hours.
  • If you already have someone in mind, that’s okay too; just let us know their name! Even if they aren't listed publicly on our website, we have a huge network and work with almost everyone.
  • Once you've reviewed our speaker propsal and have selected and expert shortlist, we'll double check availability and fees with your chosen expert.
  • You're welcome to have a chemistry call with the speaker before making the final decision, too.
  • Next, we'll send out contracts to confirm the booking. One of our experienced event producers will liase with both you and the talent on the finer details, and arrange travel if necessary, taking the stress off your plate.
Have all the speakers on the website previously worked with PepTalk?

Not necessarily. While the speakers listed on our website may not have worked with PepTalk in the past, they are recognized professionals in the industry and known to engage in similar events and engagements. We work with a wide variety of speaker agents and talent agencies to ensure we have the best selection of speakers, hosts, comedians and entertainers available.

Can I request a speaker to send a personal greeting?

We do not accommodate requests for birthday messages or any other personal, non-commercial contact with the speakers, comedians or entertainers.

How much do speakers and comedians cost?

We work with speakers across a variety of fee ranges, giving you the flexibility to choose someone who fits your event's needs. Virtual keynote fees in the UK and Europe typically start at £2,000, while in-person top-tier speakers can reach £25,000. In the US, virtual in-person fees range from $5,000 to over $100,000, depending on the speaker and format, such as after-dinner talks, conference keynotes, Q&As, or podcasts. Comedians generally start at £1,500 or $2,000 for a 20-minute set.

Our goal is to help you find the speaker who best matches your event’s goals and budget. We take the time to understand your event, objectives, and audience to recommend the right fit. The most expensive option isn’t always the best one, and our priority is finding the ideal speaker or expert for your needs; not the highest-priced one.

Reach out for personalised recommendations and detailed information on specific speaker fees. We’re here to offer a tailored service and are always happy to discuss your unique requirements!

How does PepTalk work? Is there a charge?

There’s no additional cost for our services beyond the speaker fee — simply contact us to find the right speaker for your next business or team event. We can also work with your corporate procurement team to negotiate favourable long-term rates, simply email hello@getapeptalk.com for more information.

Why work with PepTalk?

Partnering with PepTalk means elevating your events with our curated roster of top motivational speakers, industry experts, delivering punchy keynotes that leave a lasting impact. From talent selection, to contracts and logistics, we handle it all. We have global expert network, with over 3000 speakers from over 33 countries on our line-up.

We also provide a full range of talent, from event hosts and moderators to interviewers and corporate entertainment, ensuring your event’s success from start to finish.

What are PepTalk workshops?

PepTalk workshops are interactive learning experiences for leaders at all levels, blending theory with practical insights from industry experts. These programs, led by experienced facilitators, are designed to drive real mindset changes and equip participants with actionable skills. Workshops can be customised to meet your organisation's specific needs. Explore our workshop examples and contact us today to learn how your team can benefit.

How can I report an issue or make changes to an expert profile?

If you notice something that needs attention or have any queries regarding an expert speaker profile, feel free to email us at experts@getapeptalk.com, and we’ll be happy to assist.

Book this PepTalk

Choose the best date and time for your team and request it now.
Your details:
Event details:
In-Person In-Person
Virtual Virtual
Not Sure
Calendar
Participant
0 to 50
50 to 100
100 to 150
150 to 200
200 to 250
250+
Other ways to book:
Chat Icon
Chat Now
Chat live to our team