Sethu Tshabalala: Bridging Africa’s digital divide

What led you to choose the Cambridge MBA? 

As a teenager, I dreamed of studying abroad at a world-class university like Cambridge. That dream stayed with me and during the 2020 Covid lockdown I gave myself the time to explore it seriously. In 2023, I invested in a study trip to the UK. I reached out to the Cambridge admissions team, flew from Johannesburg and attended an MBA Open Day in June. 

What struck me immediately was the warmth. Even before meeting me, the admissions team welcomed me with humility. On campus, I saw the same in students, lecturers and staff, it felt like home. The moment that sealed my decision was hearing Sadia Cuthbert speak about Silicon Fen and Cambridge’s deep ties with the tech industry. I left Cambridge certain. This was the place to invest and pursue my dream of becoming a technology leader for Africa. 

What has been your biggest career accomplishment so far? 

Two moments stand out. The first was being named one of the Top 35 Chartered Accountants under 35 by the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants in 2023. The second was being promoted to Senior Product Manager in MTN Group’s FinTech arm at the start of 2025. 

Both matter because they reflect my values of impact and adventure. I chose the CA path because I wanted to create impact through business and finance and fintech has allowed me to do exactly that. The promotion was especially meaningful because it wasn’t a straight path. I started in finance, moved to strategy and later discovered my passion for consumer tech marketing. Curiosity kept me pushing forward and years of persistence finally paid off. 

How do you feel about receiving your scholarship?

This scholarship is both a blessing and a reminder. Without it, I may not have been able to accept my place at Cambridge Judge. To me, it feels like validation of years spent not only building my career but also serving others as a Global Shaper with the World Economic Forum in Pretoria, teaching high school students finance and simply giving back where I can, to graduates at MTN. 

It reminds me that service is never separate from vocation. No matter how busy we are, there is always time and resources to help others. 

What do you hope to gain from the MBA over the next year? 

I hope to leave Cambridge with more than knowledge, I hope to leave with a community. Friends, colleagues, business partners and mentors who will shape not only my career but my life. 

At the same time, I want to deepen my technical expertise, especially around artificial intelligence, machine learning and the technologies that will define the next century. And while I am excited to learn, I am equally excited to contribute, to bring to Cambridge the perspective of a young South African passionate about empowering others. 

Where do you see the MBA taking you in your future career? 

I see the MBA as a launchpad to deliver new technologies across Africa. Today, only about 33% of Africans have access to mobile internet, compared to roughly 85% in the UK. That gap troubles me deeply, because so much of modern life, education, work, healthcare, happens online. Without access, Africans, especially women, are left behind. 

After 7 years in telecommunications, I know this is the challenge I want to dedicate my career to solving. My ambition is to lead innovations in fintech and connectivity that bring more Africans into the digital economy, creating opportunities for many who are currently excluded. 

What does Cambridge mean to you?

To me, Cambridge means faith. Receiving my offer letter felt like an answered prayer. As a Christian, it reminded me to trust God with all my heart, knowing that he understands my aspiration to use my career for good. The verse that carried me throughout the process was Matthew 7:7:  

“Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.” 

Something few people know about you… 

Few people know that if I hadn’t become a CA, I might have become a dermatologist. My 12-year-old niece is convinced I studied it, given how much I know about skincare ingredients and their impact. For me, it’s always been a fun curiosity but it shows that I’ve never stopped being fascinated by learning new things.