SIYA
NHLAPO

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PROFILE

projects

articles

speaking

PROFILE

about

I’m Siyabonga “Siya” Nhlapo, a South African engineer with a background spanning artificial intelligence, financial analysis and strategic decision-making.I hold a BSc in Engineering (Hons) in Mechatronics from the University of Cape Town and recently completed a Master’s in Mechatronics, Machine Vision and Artificial Intelligence at Université Paris-Saclay in France.My experience has taken me from building computer-vision systems in European research environments to evaluating acquisition opportunities and developing financial models alongside senior decision-makers in South Africa.I am particularly interested in the intersection of technology, capital and strategy. I aim to keep building my understanding of how businesses create value, how emerging technologies reshape industries and how investment can support the next generation of African companies.Alongside my technical background, I have passed CFA Level I and am currently a CFA Level II candidate.Outside of work, I enjoy public speaking, travel, sport and telling stories that connect people with ideas.

From South Africa to the world

South Africa will always be at the centre of my story. It is where I studied engineering, developed my interest in business and technology, and learned to approach ambitious problems with resourcefulness and perspective.Studying and working in France and Belgium gave me the opportunity to operate in international engineering and research environments while broadening how I think about technology, business and global markets.I now want to bring those experiences together: combining technical understanding, commercial judgement and an African perspective to contribute to businesses and investments with long-term impact.

Driven by Precision | On and Off the Course

OTHER INTERESTS

travel

outdoor

art | Theatre

PROJECTS

Project

Real Estate Investment
& Valuation Model

Financial Analysis

Built an acquisition model for a Cape Town CBD property using discounted cash flow, cap-rate analysis and accretion/dilution modelling.The project assessed valuation, transaction economics and potential investment outcomes under different operating assumptions.Skills: Financial Modelling · DCF · Valuation · Scenario Analysis · Excel

IoT &
Product Development

Developed a secure IoT-enabled parcel locker concept combining embedded systems, sensors and blockchain-based verification to address challenges in last-mile delivery.The project required translating a real-world logistics problem into an integrated hardware and software solution.Skills: IoT · Embedded Systems · Product Design · Smart Contracts

Project

BlockBox

Quantitative Analysis

Developed a data-driven approach to a fraud-detection case study during FirstRand’s Quant Summer School, applying quantitative modelling and analytical reasoning to identify suspicious transaction patterns.The project was awarded Best Quant Project in the programme.Skills: Quantitative Analysis · Fraud Detection · Data Analysis · Financial Risk · Problem Solving

Project