Nhlanhla Dlamini

Nhlanhla Dlamini is the founder and CEO of Maneli Pets, a South African company specializing in innovative pet treats. Born in Soweto, Dlamini has a strong academic background, holding degrees from institutions such as the University of the Witwatersrand, Oxford University, and Harvard Business School. His educational journey includes a Bachelor of Commerce, a Postgraduate Diploma in Management, an MPhil in Development Studies, and an MBA, with his thesis on youth unemployment earning him a distinction at Oxford.13

Dlamini's entrepreneurial path began after leaving a promising career at McKinsey & Company in 2015. He aimed to address unemployment in South Africa through entrepreneurship, leading to the establishment of Maneli Pets in 2016. The company focuses on producing high-protein pet treats using unique South African proteins, such as ostrich and venison, which have gained popularity in international markets, particularly the United States.123

Under Dlamini's leadership, Maneli Pets has made significant strides, becoming the first South African company to export pet food to the U.S. The company has expanded its product range and now exports to over 12 countries, including the UK, Europe, and Asia. Dlamini's vision is to grow Maneli Pets into a leading global exporter of pet products, similar to the success of Nando's, another well-known South African brand.345

Dlamini is also recognized for his commitment to social impact, having initiated scholarships during his tenure at McKinsey and actively working to create jobs through his business. His efforts have been supported by various funding initiatives from the South African government, which aims to promote black entrepreneurship in the food sector.23