Africa, home to the world’s youngest population, stands on the cusp of astounding economic success. This growth trajectory is being fueled by some of the most phenomenal African leaders. These leaders’ expertise and experience are redefining the continent’s economic story, driving innovation, igniting entrepreneurship, and unlocking the immense potential of young Africans. Sandeep Main, Tax Partner & Head of Private Enterprise at KPMG in Africa, is one such phenomenal leader. He is highly optimistic about the future of Africa’s business. This optimism stems from his own visionary outlook, international experience, and an inherent drive to change the narrative of what African businesses can achieve on the global stage.
Sandeep sees his work both as a responsibility and a legacy. He wants to redefine what African leadership looks like on the global stage. “By upholding teamwork, excellence, integrity, and innovation in my work,” Sandeep says, “I aim to model the kind of leadership that empowers others to lead boldly on the global stage.”
Professional Journey: From an Associate to Partner
Sandeep joined at KPMG to serve as an Associate. He joined the firm with an unbridled enthusiasm, a keen desire to learn, and a resolve to give his best and excel. Beyond mastering the technical foundations and building trust through reliability and precision.
He progressed to the position of Associate into roles of increasing responsibility. Every stage of progression, he says, brought a new set of challenges. They tested his resilience but never could overwhelm him. He used every challenge as an opportunity to sharpen his skills.
As he advanced to mid-level roles, he began to lead projects and demonstrate his exceptional capacity for problem-solving and delivering results. Today, as a Partner, Sandeep leads at the intersection of leadership and vision. He drives growth, shapes firm strategy, and fosters a culture of excellence.
“My journey from an Associate to Partner has been a transformative arc marked by continuous learning and deepening responsibility,” Sandeep points out.
Sandeep’s experiences as he progressed to the upper echelons of the corporate world have shaped him into a leader who now leads with example and purpose. According to him, his journey at KPMG has not only refined his leadership style but also instilled in him a profound sense of purpose.
Instead of being in the limelight, he wants to empower others, create lasting value, and lead with integrity.
Tailored, Forward-Looking Approach
Sandeep is a great listener and open to new ideas. And, most importantly, he values clients’ views, needs, and business goals. His regular engagements with clients have influenced his approach to business transformation. He recognises that a cookie-cutter approach does not produce sustainable outcomes, especially when engaging with a diverse clientele.
Sandeep expertise spans from advising multinational corporations to supports family-owned enterprises on the other. He helps clients navigate a complex regulatory environment through robust compliance, governance, and due diligence strategies. Every initiative Sandeep leads delivers real, measurable impact. He is successful because his experiences have deepened his understanding of diverse business models and reinforced the importance of tailored, forward-looking solutions.
One initiative that best captures his impact-driven mindset is the inaugural Female Founders in Africa competition, a platform designed to foster inclusive entrepreneurship across the continent.
“This program not only elevated the visibility of women-led ventures,” Sandeep points out, “but also provided tangible support through access to capital, mentorship, and strategic guidance, contributing to a more equitable and resilient innovation ecosystem.”
Visionary Leadership and Accomplishments
For Sandeep, humdrum routine work crackles with accomplishments under visionary leadership. According to him, visionary leadership means creating platforms that drive action. He explains that it is about building environments where change can thrive, convening the right voices, creating inclusive spaces for dialogue, and catalysing action.
A highly accomplished leader, he believes that the work they do with the support of strong leadership in Africa and globally has resulted in a series of achievements.
In collaboration with the Africa Leadership team, Sandeep and his team have crafted transformational technology strategies that are shaping the future of tax processes. They have also worked together for the African Venture Summit, an ecosystem orchestration with a shared vision for Africa’s entrepreneurial future. Sandeep says that their aim is to drive forward- looking and impactful initiatives, deliver quality service, and create exemplary client experiences across the continent.
Balancing Global Best Practices with a Local Perspective
Sandeep, born and brought up in Mombasa, Kenya, is familiar with local market dynamics, and his international experience has provided him with a comprehensive understanding of global needs, demands, and expectations. Real transformation, he believes, comes from adopting global best practices while keeping the local perspective firmly in mind. So, he combines his global expertise with an in-depth understanding of local markets to offer strategic insights.
Drawing on the strength of their global network, Sandeep and his team bring clients the advantage of global methodologies, technologies, and strategic insights shaped by diverse markets.
“By integrating global expertise with a local touch,” Sandeep says, “we help clients build transformation strategies that are resilient, relevant, and ready for the future.”
Wearing Different Hats
Sandeep wears many hats. His leadership extends well beyond his designated roles as Tax Partner and Head of Private Enterprise in Africa. In addition to supporting tax technology and the Mergers and Acquisitions Tax practice, he brings a multidisciplinary approach to the table. That enables him to support clients with a wider lens.
But he also understands that real value can only be achieved when these frameworks are adapted to reflect the nuances of local operating environments. “In practice, this means engaging deeply with local stakeholders and understanding the regulatory landscape,” Sandeep explains. “This approach not only ensures regulatory alignment but also operational feasibility.”
Creating an Inclusive Workplace
Africa is a diverse continent, if the firmly in mind. So, he combines his global expertise with an in-depth understanding of local markets to offer strategic insights.
Drawing on the strength of their global network, Sandeep and his team bring clients the advantage of global methodologies, technologies, and strategic insights shaped by diverse markets.
“By integrating global expertise with a local touch,” Sandeep says, “we help clients build transformation strategies that are resilient, relevant, and ready for the future.”
Wearing Different Hats
Sandeep wears many hats. His leadership extends well beyond his designated roles as Tax Partner and Head of Private Enterprise in Africa. In addition to supporting tax technology and the Mergers and Acquisitions Tax practice, he brings a multidisciplinary approach to the table. That enables him to support clients with a wider lens.
But he also understands that real value can only be achieved when these frameworks are adapted to reflect the nuances of local operating environments. “In practice, this means engaging deeply with local stakeholders and understanding the regulatory landscape,” Sandeep explains. “This approach not only ensures regulatory alignment but also operational feasibility.”
Creating an Inclusive Workplace
Africa is a diverse continent, if the is on creating an environment that is continually listening, learning, and evolving. It is in such a culture and environment that people usually thrive and deliver excellent results.
As a leader, Sandeep recognises people for the impact they make, the leadership they show, and the success they create with others. “They are all part of the firm we are creating together,” he says.
Creating Space for Personal and Professional Life
Sandeep’s work schedule is demanding. But he still finds time for his family and personal reflection. For him, work-life integration is about intentionality and the discipline to create space for both his professional and personal life.
He points out that managing high-impact responsibilities requires clarity and a sustainable routine. Because of that, he is able to manage peak project cycles and client engagements with focus and deliver excellence. At the same time, he makes sure to take time out for personal reflection, family, community, and wellness, which he considers vital.
Sandeep is a great proponent of technology. He highlights that, along with planning, technology plays a key role in work-life integration. “I leverage digital tools to stay on course,” he says. In addition to that, he has realised that working with strong teams helps a leader manage capacity and expectations. It also fosters a culture of empathy and accountability.
“Ultimately, work-life integration is a holistic process,” Sandeep says.
Mentoring CEOs, Founders, Emerging Talent
Sandeep has taken up the mantle of mentorship to help shape the leaders of tomorrow. According to him, he is intentional about supporting CEOs and founders, from mature enterprises to early-stage businesses, as well as emerging talent.
Knowledge sharing and creating opportunities are the two key aspects of his mentorship.
In his role as ACCA Board chairman, Sandeep has worked with the next generation of finance leaders in helping the team drive sustainable growth and professional excellence. And, in his spare time, he can be found mentoring young boys in vulnerable communities.
“I believe that the ripple effect of our actions today will shape a generation of leaders who are confident, globally competitive, and deeply rooted in the continent’s values and potential,” Sandeep says.
Ultimately, he wants to see his work connect aspiration with action and pave the way for future leaders to thrive anywhere in the world.
Advice for Aspiring African Leaders
Sandeep advises aspiring African leaders to make their mark. “Be recognised for the impact you make, the leadership you show, and the success you create with others,” he says.
