Daniel Silke is a prominent figure in South Africa, renowned for his industry-leading expertise as a political economy analyst and his dynamic keynote speaking engagements. His unique approach involves seamlessly weaving economic and political insights into engaging and accessible physical and virtual presentations. As the Director of Political Futures Consultancy,... Read more
Daniel Silke is a prominent figure in South Africa, renowned for his industry-leading expertise as a political economy analyst and his dynamic keynote speaking engagements. His unique approach involves seamlessly weaving economic and political insights into engaging and accessible physical and virtual presentations.
As the Director of Political Futures Consultancy, headquartered in Cape Town, Silke has established himself as a sought-after speaker for major global blue-chip companies, delivering exceptional keynotes, webinars, and workshops tailored to the conference and events industries. With a career spanning over 20 years, he has consistently delivered flagship presentations on Global, African, and South African political and economic trends, providing invaluable strategic foresight to businesses of all sizes.
Silke’s academic background includes a Master’s degree in South African and International Politics from the University of Cape Town. During his tenure at the University’s Institute for the Study of Public Policy, he engaged in teaching within the broader Department of Political Studies.
His dedication to public service led him to the Western Cape Provincial Parliament, where he served as an elected Member of the Legislature after a stint as a City Councillor in the City of Cape Town. Notably, he held key positions such as party whip and Portfolio Committee Chair for economic development. Following the launch of his consultancy, Silke swiftly gained recognition on both the corporate speaking circuit and in media, garnering attention both in his home country and abroad.
Silke’s extensive client portfolio boasts prestigious names such as Bank of America, Maersk, Mazars, Barclays Africa, Marriott International, Oracle, CISCO, PwC, Investec, PPC, Actemium, FirstRand, Grant Thornton, Deloitte, Gartner, Momentum, Sanlam, Estée Lauder, FNB, BMW, and ABSA, among others. His influence extends to global forums and conferences, where he has delivered compelling addresses.
His engagements have included the World Travel Forum in Istanbul, the Transcontinental Trusts International Forum in Bermuda, the Cross Border Planning conferences in London and Singapore, and the African & Arabian Hotel & Investment Forum in various locations. Notably, he has also shared his insights with prestigious organizations such as the World Affairs Council, Fulbright Association in Washington DC, and the Australian Institute of Chartered Accountants in Sydney.
With a robust academic background, Silke has lectured extensively at universities in the United States, including Robert Morris University in Pittsburgh, PA, and Lynn University in Boca Raton, Florida. He has served as a global political trend/risk consultant for GLG in New York City and as a featured speaker on the panel of Duke Corporate Education.
Silke’s commentary and insights are consistently sought after by global and domestic media outlets. He has made appearances on leading platforms such as BBC, Sky Australia, Australian Broadcasting Company, France 24, CGTN (China), Newsmax, and TRT Turkey. His contributions span various media channels, including CNBC Africa, ENCA, SABC, Newzroom Africa, Bloomberg, Reuters, AFP, RTL, Deutsche Welle (Germany), Cape Talk 567, 702, and Business Day TV. His expertise has also been valued by the Australian, British and South Korean missions in South Africa.
Silke has authored the influential business book “Tracking the Future: Top Trends that will Shape South Africa and the World” (Tafelberg 2011) and is a contributor for Fin24/News24 and The Sunday Times (Johannesburg).
A forward-looking keynote previewing the political and economic forces shaping the future. Instead of reacting to disruption, Daniel equips audiences to anticipate and adapt with confidence.
US trade policies are redrawing alliances and reshaping the global economy. This timely keynote unpacks the ripple effects of tariffs and disruption on business and geopolitics.
Donald Trump’s return has unsettled trade, foreign policy, and the global order. Daniel explores how shifting US priorities are reshaping geopolitics and what this means for strategy and stability.
As the BRICS+ expand and global South gains influence, fault lines with the West deepen. This session examines the new polycrisis era and the realignment of global power.
From trade wars and conflicts to climate change, AI and social unrest, disruption is the new normal. Daniel provides a roadmap for recognising risks and thriving amid uncertainty.
An engaging tour through the major political, economic, social and technological forces shaping the next decade — with customisable insights for any industry.
Africa is a prize in the race for resources and influence, but faces mounting risks. Daniel explores how reform, governance and investment choices will shape the continent’s future.
Tariffs, political tensions, and looming elections have put South Africa’s fragile economy under strain. This keynote dissects the risks — and potential resilience — in the year ahead.
South Africa’s Government of National Unity faces both promise and peril. Daniel highlights the critical tests that will shape economic revival and political stability.
Tailored for the travel and hospitality industries, this keynote connects global trends with sector-specific risks and opportunities.
What will tomorrow’s consumer look like? Daniel examines political and economic shifts with a special focus on retail and consumption trends.
A versatile keynote offering a macro-overview of the political and economic forces shaping markets. Customisable for industries and regions, it’s a must for executives navigating volatility.