2026 Speakers

Makhtar Diop is the Managing Director of the International Finance Corporation (IFC), a position he has held since March 2021. Previously, he was the World Bank’s Vice President for Infrastructure. Prior to that, Mr Diop served for six years as the World Bank’s Vice President for Africa. An economist by training, he began his career in the banking sector before joining the IMF and then the World Bank. He was also Minister of Economy and Finance of Senegal.

Amir Ben Yahmed graduated from INSEEC in 1993. After working for the investment banking and brokerage firm, Gruntal & co, based in New York City, he quickly joined Jeune Afrique Media Group where he has been managing the company and leading its development program.  In 2012, he founded the Africa CEO Forum, which within a few years has become the largest annual gathering of the African private sector.

Dr. Sidi Ould Tah is a distinguished economist, seasoned statesman, and transformative development banker, whose career spans over four decades of high-impact leadership across African and international institutions.

From 2015 until April 15, 2025, Dr. Tah served as President of the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa (BADEA), where he led a landmark institutional transformation that firmly repositioned the Bank as a leading force in Africa’s development finance landscape. Under his visionary leadership, BADEA attained prestigious AA+/AAA credit ratings, increased its total assets from $4 billion to nearly $7 billion, and established itself as a model of operational excellence and strategic foresight.

Dr. Tah’s tenure was defined by innovation and resilience. He crafted and executed the Bank’s first 10-year strategy, BADEA 2030, and articulated a bold long-term vision with BADEA 2074, aligning the institution with Africa’s Agenda 2063. Amid Sudan’s political crisis, he orchestrated the seamless relocation of BADEA’s headquarters from Khartoum to Riyadh—an extraordinary feat of crisis management and institutional continuity. Project approvals more than quadrupled under his leadership, digital infrastructure was significantly modernized, and the Bank maintained one of the lowest non-performing loan ratios among African DFIs (0.4% in 2024).

A champion of sustainable and inclusive finance, Dr. Tah established BADEA’s Sustainable Financing Framework and secured multiple ISO certifications in ESG standards and quality management. He has played an active role in advancing Africa’s position in global climate finance discussions, including through regular participation in the COP summits.

Prior to BADEA, Dr. Tah served as Mauritania’s Minister of Economy and Finance, where he also acted as National Authorizing Officer for the European Development Fund and represented Mauritania on the Boards of Governors of the AfDB, IsDB, World Bank, and more than ten other development institutions. His unique perspective—combining the policymaker’s insight with the financier’s strategic acumen—enabled him to pioneer context-sensitive solutions such as debt-for-equity swaps that strengthened African DFIs without increasing sovereign debt burdens.

Dr. Tah has also held board roles with leading regional institutions including Africa Export-Import Bank, Trade and Development Bank, Africa Finance Corporation, and the Central African States Development Bank (BDEAC). A respected voice in global economic forums, he is a frequent invitee to the World Bank Development Committee and other high-level platforms.

He holds a PhD in Economics from the University of Nice Sophia Antipolis in France, along with advanced degrees from Paris VII-Jussieu and the University of Nouakchott. He has completed executive education at Harvard University, the London Business School, and the Swiss Finance Institute. A polyglot, Dr. Tah is fluent in Arabic English and French, with working proficiency in Portuguese and Spanish.

In recognition of his contributions to economic development and regional integration, Dr. Tah has been decorated by several African states, including as Grand Officer in the National Orders of Burkina Faso and Niger, and Officer of the National Order of the Lion of Senegal.

Manuel António Tiago Dias has served as Governor of the National Bank of Angola (BNA) since June 19, 2023, following his appointment by the President of the Republic and confirmation by the National Assembly. With nearly three decades of experience at the central bank, he is recognized for his expertise in monetary policy, economic governance, and institutional management.

As Governor, Dr. Tiago Dias has prioritized stabilizing the foreign exchange market, reducing inflation to single digits, and strengthening the credibility and independence of the BNA. Under his leadership, the central bank continues to implement reforms aimed at improving monetary transmission, promoting credit to the productive sector, and consolidating Angola’s financial stability amid a challenging global economic context.

He previously served as Vice-Governor of the BNA from 2016 to 2023, where he contributed to key monetary and exchange rate policy decisions and oversaw the implementation of macroeconomic stabilization measures. Earlier in his career, he was successively Head of Division, Deputy Director, and Director of the Department of Studies and Statistics, roles through which he developed a deep understanding of Angola’s financial system and economic structure.

Mr. Tiago Dias joined the National Bank of Angola in 1997 after completing his Master’s degree in Economic Sciences at the University of Bordeaux I in France. His research focused on the stratification of the urban labor market in Luanda (1993-1996). He also holds a degree in Economics from the University of Lille I, where he began his academic and professional training.

Known for his technical competence and approachable leadership style, he has built a reputation as a dedicated public servant committed to monetary stability, institutional transparency, and the modernization of Angola’s financial system.

Emmanuel Mpawe Tutuba is the 8th Governor of the Bank of Tanzania, in office since January 2023 after being appointed by President Samia Suluhu Hassan. Born in 1973 in Kigoma Region, he holds an MBA from Mzumbe University. Before becoming Governor, he served as Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Finance and Planning, and has sat on more than ten local, regional, and international boards and committees over his career.

Jean-Claude Kassi BROU is the Governor of the Central Bank of West African States (BCEAO), appointed by the Conference of Heads of State and Government of UEMOA and sworn in on 8 July 2022.

From March 2018 to 2022, he served as President of the ECOWAS Commission. In 2012, he was Minister of Industry and Mines of Côte d’Ivoire. In 2010, he joined the World Bank as Resident Representative in Chad, after serving in 2009 as Special Advisor to the Prime Minister of the Democratic Republic of Congo on macroeconomics, private sector development, and public enterprise reform.

At BCEAO, he held several senior positions: Special Advisor to the Governor (2007‑2008), General Controller and Director of the Department of Economic and Monetary Studies (2006‑2007), Director of Studies (2003‑2006), and Director of International Relations (2000‑2003).

In Côte d’Ivoire, he was Chief of Staff to the Prime Minister and President of the National Investment Committee (1996‑1999), following his role as Economic and Financial Advisor to the Prime Minister (1991‑1995).

He began his career at the IMF in 1982, serving as Senior Economist for Guinea-Bissau, Togo, Cape Verde, and Senegal, before becoming Resident Representative in Senegal eight years later.

A polyglot, he speaks French, English, Portuguese, and Spanish. He is married with two children.

Economist and central banker with more than 28 years of professional experience, he serves as Governor of the Bank of Namibia. He holds a Master of Science in Economics from Addis Ababa University and a Bachelor of Economics from the University of Namibia, complemented by Senior Management Education from Stellenbosch Business School. He has also served as a Senior Fellow at the Harvard Kennedy School of Government and completed the Advanced Management Program (AMP-194) at Harvard Business School.

Before joining the Bank of Namibia, he worked as a Researcher at the Namibia Economic Policy Research Unit (NEPRU) and as an Advisor to the Executive Director at the International Monetary Fund in Washington, D.C.

Ethiopis Tafara is IFC’s regional Vice President for Africa. In this capacity, he oversees all investment and advisory operations in a region with a committed portfolio of $17 billion and nearly 800 staff working to expand the private sector’s role in addressing urgent development challenges in the financial, manufacturing, agribusiness and services, and infrastructure industries.

Previously, Mr. Tafara served as the Vice President, Chief Risk, Legal & Sustainability Officer and Partnerships for the World Bank Group’s Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA), where he was responsible for the supervision and oversight of MIGA’s Finance and Risk Management Group, the Economics & Sustainability Group, and the Legal Affairs & Claims Group, in addition to overseeing MIGA Partnerships.

Prior to this, Mr. Tafara served as Vice President and General Counsel for IFC where he was responsible for non-financial risk management, including the Legal, Compliance and ESG functions. In that role, he was named as Financial Times Global GC 25 in 2018.

Prior to joining IFC, Mr. Tafara served as the Director of the Office of International Affairs at the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. He practiced as a regulatory lawyer for close to 20 years, focusing on international securities regulation and cross-border law enforcement litigation. Mr. Tafara was the recipient of the prestigious Chairman’s Award and has been recognized for his work on facilitating cross-border investor access by promoting mutual recognition of comparable regulation.

Mr. Tafara also held leadership positions in several international bodies, including as the Vice Chairman of the Board of the International Organizations for Securities Commissions, the Chairman of the Public Interest Oversight Board Monitoring Group, and the SEC Deputy to both the Financial Stability Board and the IFRS Foundation Monitoring Board.

In 2019, he was appointed as a Public Governor on the Board of Governors for the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) and has also served as Vice Chair of the Trustees of the International Valuation Standards Council.

Mr. Tafara holds a JD from Georgetown University Law Center and an AB from Princeton University. Mr. Tafara is a US national of Ethiopian origin. He grew up in Ethiopia and Italy and speaks Amharic, French, Italian, and Spanish, in addition to English.

Mustafa Rawji studied at Babson College in Boston, Massachusetts from where he obtained a Master’s degree in finance. He had his first professional experiences at Calyon Bank in Geneva, Switzerland, followed by Crédit Agricole in Paris, France.

In 2002, he participated in the creation of Rawbank. Two years later, he took the initiative to acquire additional international banking experience and joined HSBC in Dubai, where he worked for five years as a sales executive in the Corporate, Investment & Merchant Banking department.

In September 2009, he joined Rawbank as Deputy Secretary General. He also served as Chairman of the Credit Committee, a role he assumes until this day.
In 2013, he successively held the positions of Director of Strategic Development and Vice-president of the Management Committee.

In July 2015, he was appointed Deputy Managing Director in charge of support and infrastructure.
Since May 2020, he has assumed the position of CEO.

Aivo Handriatiana ANDRIANARIVELO was appointed Governor of Banky Foiben’i Madagasikara by the Council of Ministers on 04 January 2023, after working for 30 years as an economist in banking and finance. An economist with in-depth knowledge of capital markets and a specialist in banking operations, he also has solid experience in business management, project diagnosis and set-up and financing, as well as in the management of public and private funds. Before becoming Governor of BFM, Aivo Andrianarivelo worked as an Executive Director and member of the Board of Directors of the International Monetary Fund, representing 23 countries in Africa II. He gained previous experience at bank level, then with Catholic Relief Services as Finance Director. He then became Managing Director and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Fonds de Portage et de Privatisation, a company that manages and sells shares on behalf of the Malagasy government. He then served as a technical adviser in the office of the Minister of Economy and Finance, prior to his position as Executive Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF). A graduate in economics and banking techniques, he has also completed a number of training programmes in foreign exchange, money markets, foreign exchange, capital markets, project structuring, management and leadership.

Serge EKUE takes office as President of the West African Development Bank (BOAD) in 2020.

Prior to joining BOAD, Serge EKUE had headed Natixis’ Corporate and Investment Banking (CIB) activities for the UK in London since 2016. He combined this responsibility with that of Market Solutions for Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA). Serge Ekue was also head of the Africa and Russia Departments at Natixis.

A recognized expert in Financial and Capital Markets, Serge EKUE headed Natixis’ Markets Activities for the Asia-Pacific region for almost six years (2010-2016) before taking over as Chief Executive Officer of the Hong Kong-based bank. He has over twenty years’ experience in International Finance, Structured Finance and Capital Markets, having exercised these broad responsibilities worldwide.

He holds an Executive MBA from HEC Paris, a DESS in Banking and Finance from Paris V, and a diploma from the Institut d’Études Politiques in Bordeaux, and has extensive international experience.

Jennifer Zabasajja is Bloomberg Television’s Chief Africa Correspondent and Anchor, based in Johannesburg.

She leads high-impact coverage across the African continent and regularly contributes to and co-hosts the daily “Horizons: Middle East and Africa” program, reporting on a wide range of topics, from business and finance to politics and innovation.

Jennifer also hosts Bloomberg’s monthly “Next Africa” program and the weekly podcast “Next Africa,” offering in-depth analysis and insights into the most pressing issues and reporting driving Africa’s development. 

In her role, Jennifer has conducted exclusive interviews with influential figures across industries, including African Heads of State such as Botswana’s President Duma Boko and Kenya’s President William Ruto, as well as business leaders such as Yvonne Ike, Head of Sub-Saharan Africa at Bank of America and Phuti Mahanyele-Dabengwa, CEO of Naspers & Prosus South Africa.

She has also interviewed global financial figures, including World Bank President Ajay Banga and African Development Bank President Sidi Ould Tah. Her interviews span government officials, C-suite executives, entrepreneurs, and thought leaders, offering a platform for diverse voices shaping the global economy.

Philip Sigwart is Group CEO of Baobab Group, a leading provider of inclusive finance in Africa. Since 2019, he has led a seven-country platform serving 1.6 million customers—including more than 600,000 active small businesses—through digital channels, agent networks, and branches. Baobab disburses over $1.2 billion in new loans annually, manages more than $1 billion in assets, and employs 4,000 people.

He previously led SME Banking at Equity Group Holdings (Kenya) and held several CEO and Board-level roles with the ProCredit Banking Group in Eastern Europe, Africa, and Latin America. He began his career at the EBRD’s Russia Small Business Fund. His focus throughout has been on how finance can drive economic transformation and deliver better outcomes for all. Philip holds a Master’s degree in Economics from the University of St. Gallen, Switzerland, and an MBA from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business.

Sofiane joined DPI in April 2010, bringing extensive experience in private equity, M&A investment banking, and option trading. He previously served as Partner and co-Chief Investment Officer at Kingdom Zephyr Africa Management, a pan-African private equity firm linked to Kingdom Holding Company. Before that, he was a Vice President in JP Morgan’s M&A group in New York, having started his career at FleetBoston in Boston.

Named a Financial News 100 Rising Star (2008) and recognized by Jeune Afrique as Africa Private Equity Manager of the Year (2010) and an Africa Leader of Tomorrow (2013), Sofiane holds a Master’s from Brandeis University’s International Business School and a Maîtrise in Management from Paris-Dauphine University. Born and educated in Algeria, he holds both Algerian and French citizenship.

Amol is CEO: South Africa since 2022, having focused on the continent for over a decade and led the Barclays’ strategic Africa market analysis post the Absa separation. 

Since 2020, he also specifically led the Private Bank: Africa business which comprises of wealth management across Affluent, HNW and UHNW market segments. Through organic and acquisitive expansion, this business has experienced accelerated growth: in 2022, Barclays successfully ‘acquired’ the Credit Suisse Private Client business across 9 African countries.

In 2026, Barclays won the Euromoney Private Bank Awards and in 2025 the Global Private Banker MEA Awards for Best International Private Bank in Africa and South Africa. Amol was also recognised by Global Private Banker as the Africa Private Banker of the Year.

He has extensive experience of media and public relations across: TV (Bloomberg, CNBC Africa), interviews (Forbes, Euromoney, Chatham House), podcasts (Business Day), and radio (The Money Show), with a focus on Barclays, Africa, Private and Global Banking. 

Amol has been with Barclays for over 20 years, with his entire career being focused on Emerging and Frontier Markets across businesses: Private, Investment and Corporate Banking and geographies, while being based in Dubai, Hong Kong, London and presently Johannesburg.

Amol is a Barclays’ Inclusion & Opportunity Ambassador and has held various Advisory Board positions focused on education (University of Bristol), ESG (the Green Investment Principles (Africa Chapter)) and trade (the British Chamber of Commerce for Southern Africa).

Amol graduated from the University of Cambridge with a Masters degree in Law and International Finance.

Dr Denny H. Kalyalya is the current Governor and Chairperson of the Board of Directors of the Bank of Zambia since October 2021. He is also the Co-Chair of the Financial Stability Board Regional Consultative Group for Sub-Saharan Africa (FSB-RCG SSA), and was Chairperson of the Association of African Central Banks (AACB) from August 2023 – August 2024. He also served as the Vice Chairperson of the AACB from August 2022 to August 2023. Prior to that, he was Chairperson of the Southern African Region of the AACB.

Dr Kalyalya is a Member of the Board of Directors of the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) since 2019. He served as an Independent Co-Chair of IDA 20 Replenishment, that is, the International Development Association, a member of the World Bank Group (WBG). He previously served as a Borrower Representative for the IDA 18 and IDA 19 replenishments. He also served as Governor and Chairperson of the Board of Directors of the Bank of Zambia from February 2015 to August 2020. Prior to that, he served as Executive Director (2012 – 2014) and Alternate Executive Director (2010 – 2012) for Africa Group One Constituency at the WBG, and Deputy Governor – Operations at the Bank of Zambia.

Dr Kalyalya served in other senior positions, including being Special Appointee at the International Monetary Fund, Director of Economics at Bank of Zambia, and Head of the Economics Department as well as Assistant Dean, Post Graduate Studies, School of Humanities and Social Sciences at the University of Zambia. He holds a PhD in Economics and a Master of Arts in Economics from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst in the USA as well as a Master of Arts and Bachelor of Arts in Economics from the University of Zambia.

Ms. Coura Sène is one of West Africa’s leading business executives, with more than 20 years of experience in electronic money, telecommunications, and insurance. She currently serves as Regional Director and Board Member of Wave Digital Finance. Under her leadership, Wave has experienced remarkable growth in Senegal and Côte d’Ivoire and has become an increasingly prominent player across the French-speaking African region. In her role, she oversees business operations, licensing processes, and the overall business environment for Wave’s products and services.

Ms. Sène began her career as a software engineer and later became a project manager in the insurance sector in France, where she worked for over a decade. In 2012, she returned to Senegal to contribute to the country’s growth and innovation ecosystem, becoming a leading figure in Africa’s digital transformation. She has supported numerous organizations in their digitalization efforts through technical advisory services and was among the early advocates of digital financial services as a driver of financial inclusion within the WAEMU (UEMOA) region.

Ms. Sène holds a Master’s degree in Engineering from the prestigious Polytech Lille, University of Lille (France). She is passionate about technology, the digital economy, and the transformative potential of fintechs across the African continent.

She also serves as an Independent Director on the Board of Auchan Sénégal, one of the world’s leading retail groups. A strong advocate for women’s economic empowerment, she actively supports and contributes to initiatives that promote opportunities and inclusion for African women.

Mr. Luís Roberto Gonçalves holds a degree in advanced management accounting from Lusíada University of Angola and completed postgraduate studies in Monetary and Financial Economics at the University of Évora, Portugal. His academic background also includes training in Anti-Money Laundering, Counter-Terrorist Financing and Sanctions from PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), an Effective Leadership Programme from the Nova School of Business & Economics, and an Interbank Markets programme delivered by Intermoney and the Financial Services Volunteer Corps (FSVC).

Mr. Gonçalves began his banking career at BFA in 1996, holding numerous high-profile and executive management positions over the years. In 2016, he was entrusted with establishing the BFA Asset Management Company (“BFA AM”), where he served as Chairman of its Executive Committee.

Until early 2020, Mr. Gonçalves served as Executive Director of Banco Crédito do Sul. He also held senior management positions at KEVE Bank. Since July 2020, he has served as Chairman of the Executive Committee of BFA’s Board of Directors (CEO).

For over 15 years Erwan GELEBART has been at the heart of economic development in emerging countries, and he has successfully managed several fintech companies and financial institutions in Africa and Asia.

He is acclaimed for his visionary and innovative approach, having established electronic payment systems that serve more than 17 million active users across leading groups in Mali, Madagascar, and Pakistan.

In this role as CEO – Open Innovation & Fintech, he is overseeing the transformation of Axian Group’s fintech, with the ambition of supporting over 18 million mobile money customers while maintaining the Group’s position as an essential and innovative reference in the digital transformation of the continent.   

Mr. Adilson Nelumba, born on March 6, 1983, in Luanda, is a Civil Engineer graduated from the University of Science and Technology of Namibia, with a specialization in Master Planning. He currently serves as Chairman of the Board of Directors of Copia Group of Companies, S.A.

With more than 11 years of experience in the sector, Mr. Nelumba has built a solid career in major strategic projects, standing out for his technical contribution and leadership in initiatives of national scope. Between 2006 and 2016, he was part of Sonangol E.P. as an Exploration Technician in the Geophysics Department, having participated in projects such as the 2D Seismic Acquisition of the Onshore Kwanza Basin.

He also led the right-of-way opening projects for the Transmission Lines between Laúca, Catete and Bita, as well as the demining project along those same routes.

He is also the Lead of the Fiscal Consortium for the Caculo Cabaça Hydroelectric Development, one of the largest ongoing energy ventures in the country. His areas of expertise include project management, strategic planning in civil engineering, and human capital management.

A graduate of the Mohammadia School of Engineers, Ouafae Mriouah began her career in organizational and digital transformation, first at BMCI before joining the CDG Group in 2000. There, she contributed to major projects, including the design and implementation of the IT master plan.

In 2006, she played a key role in the establishment of CDG Capital, the group’s investment bank, where she held various leadership positions in capital markets and asset management. In 2013, she was appointed CEO of CDG Capital Gestion, a subsidiary specializing in OPCVM management, while also serving as Deputy CEO of CDG Capital, overseeing all capital market and asset management activities.

In July 2023, leveraging her extensive experience and recognized leadership, Ouafae Mriouah was appointed CEO of Société Centrale de Réassurance, a strategic subsidiary of the CDG Group, with the mission of strengthening its position as a national and regional leader in the reinsurance sector.

Nasser Seddiqi has served as Chief Executive Officer of the Casablanca Stock Exchange since January 19, 2026, following his appointment by the Board of Directors in December 2025. With 25 years of experience in financial regulation, asset management, and market governance, he previously served as Head of Business Lines at the Moroccan Capital Market Authority (AMMC), where he oversaw markets, issuers, and asset management, while also leading initiatives on sustainable finance and the derivatives market.

He notably chaired the Derivatives Market Coordination Committee (2022–2025) and represented Morocco within international organizations such as IOSCO and IFREFI. A graduate in French State-certified public accounting, he also holds a certificate for capital markets regulators from Harvard Law School.

Dr. Jean Chrysostome Ngabitsinze is an applied economist and policymaker who served as Rwanda’s Minister of State for Agriculture and Animal Resources and later Minister of Trade and Industry between 2020 and 2024, shaping national policies on agricultural productivity and economic growth. He is also an Associate Professor of Agricultural Economics, whose research focuses on improving productivity and market access for smallholder farmers, bridging research and policy to advance food security and rural transformation.

In government, he championed investment, export expansion, private sector development, and regional value chain integration, actively engaging in platforms such as the Commonwealth Trade Ministers’ Meeting and initiatives aligned with the AfCFTA. He has also held legislative and political leadership roles, advocating for transparency, accountability, and evidence-based policymaking.

Cyrille Nkontchou is an accomplished entrepreneur and financier, recognized for his expertise in developing investment solutions across the African continent. In 2008, he co-founded Enko Capital, a pan-African asset management firm, with the ambition of connecting global capital to the unique opportunities offered by African markets. Before launching Enko Capital, Cyrille built extensive experience in international finance. He worked at Merrill Lynch, where he was responsible for financial and strategic analysis in the telecommunications and media sectors across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. As an entrepreneur, Cyrille is also the founder of LiquidAfrica Holdings, a pioneering platform dedicated to facilitating investment in Africa, which he established in 2000. A graduate of the London School of Economics (LSE), Cyrille Nkontchou combines strategic vision, deep knowledge of financial markets, and a strong commitment to promoting the economic development of the African continent.

Olivier is an MSc Economics graduate from SOAS, the School of Oriental Studies of the University of London; he holds a Master’s in Business Administration from ESCP Business School and completed INSEAD’s International Directors Program. 

He has 28 years of banking and financial services experience covering trade finance,  infrastructure and telecom finance as well as corporate finance and sovereign debt advisory services, all Africa-related :  

• General Secretary, AFIS – Africa Financial Summit, a platform bringing together key stakeholders and leaders, public and private, from Africa’s financial services industry.
• Founder and Managing Partner of Mokka Capital, a Paris-based financial advisory firm dedicated to African corporate clients. Focus on capital raise and debt restructuring for private and sovereign clients across various industry sectors: financial services, private equity, agribusiness and natural resources.  Strategic advisor to family-owned businesses and various African financial institutions. 
• Former Managing Director, First Bank of Nigeria UK’s French branch.  
• Held Management roles at IFC, the private sector arm of the World Bank Group, as Africa Sector Lead for Telecoms, Media & Technology Finance, IFC Region Head for the Central Africa region and Client Lead in the Financial Institutions Group for West & Central Africa. 
• Established and managed the regional merchant banking operations of Belgolaise Bank (Fortis Group) for West Africa after working with ING Bank on soft/agri commodities. 
• Current Board Directorships with prominent African financial institutions: Bank of Africa Group (16 countries footprint), Rawbank (DRC’s premier bank) and Activa Insurance Group as well as Enko Private Equity Fund.
• Investment Funds : Senior Advisor to Enko Capital for the launch of an Africa Impact Credit Fund and previous Fund Advisory Committee roles with Africinvest (Funds II and III) and Horizon, a South African tech fund. 

Cristina Lourenço, graduated in Management, from the London School of Economics and Political Sciences, London (United Kingdom), in 2012, having completed a Master’s in Investment Management, from Pace University, Lubin School of Business, New York (United States of America), in 2014 after a brief stay at BAI’s Investment Banking Department in 2012.

Returned to Luanda, in 2014, and began her professional career at the Angola Debt and Securities Exchange (BODIVA) and integrated the Trading Department where she worked as a market analyst, she was also responsible for training the first trading technicians for regulated markets.

In 2016, embraced a new challenge at the Ministry of Finance, more specifically implementing and structuring the Technical Unit for Monitoring Projects with External Financing (UTAP) where, in her role as Deputy General Director, her main task was to assess the degree of impact and preparation of investment projects financed by external resources, as well as ensuring their good physical and financial execution.

Currently, she holds the position of Chief Executive Officer, responsible for the market surveillance and audit after 4 year of assuming the position of Executive Director and Member of the Board of Directors of BODIVA, being responsible for the Finance and Assets and Communication and Exchange Departments

Elmer Vivaldo de Sousa Serrão, married, of Angolan nationality, was born on December 9, 1983.

He was appointed Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Capital Markets Commission in 2024 by Presidential Decree No. 308/24, of December 26.

He was a member of the Board of Directors of the Angolan Insurance Regulation and Supervision Agency (ARSEG), where he served as Chairman of the Board of Directors.

Elmer Serrão began his professional career at the CMC, where he served as Executive Director, Director of the Legal and Litigation Office, and Technician in the Supervision and Litigation Office.

Michael Jongeneel (1973) joined FMO in September 2021 from international consulting firm Bain & Company Michael Jongeneel joined FMO in September 2021. FMO is the entrepreneurial development from The Netherlands – with a total portfolio of around $ 13 B of which ~$ 4 B in Africa. FMO focuses on Financial Institutions, Energy, and Agriculture and Food including Forestry, with a mission to enable entrepreneurs to increase inclusive and sustainable prosperity.

Prior to FMO, Michael was a partner at consulting firm Bain & Company in Amsterdam, as well as the firm’s global lead for sustainable finance. In this capacity, Michael helped to transform banks and insurers toward inclusion of sustainability in their core businesses and to develop impact investing strategies and innovative solutions in sustainable finance. Additionally, he gained extensive experience working in and with not-for-profit organizations focused on positive social and environmental impact.

Prior to Bain, Michael spent eight years at Triodos Bank where he was the Managing Director of Triodos Investment Management BV, and initially joined as Triodos’ Chief Operating Officer and member of the Executive Board. Michael has a degree in Information Engineering from the University of Twente.

Michael is ensuring his family currently lives CO2 neutral, and aims to be cumulative net zero before 2030. Michael also authored a book on future leadership.

Abdeslam Alaoui Smaili is a visionary leader in the global payments industry, currently serving as the Chief Executive Officer of HPS, a fintech firm he co-founded in 1995. With over 30 years of experience, Abdeslam has driven HPS’s impressive growth, including its successful public listing, positioning the company as a pivotal player in the evolving digital payments landscape.

Abdeslam’s solid background in engineering and business management has enabled him to strategically guide HPS at the forefront of payment technology innovation. His leadership emphasizes adaptability and continuous technological advancement, resulting in secure, efficient, and accessible payment solutions that meet the diverse needs of global markets.

Renowned for his hands-on approach, Abdeslam is known for implementing complex payment solutions and crafting strategies that cater to the unique demands of various regions. His commitment to innovation and foresight has allowed HPS to anticipate and respond to rapid changes within the financial ecosystem.

A respected speaker at industry-leading conferences, Abdeslam is widely recognized as a thought leader in payments and fintech. He actively participates in global forums to advocate for best practices and regulatory frameworks that support financial innovation and inclusion, bridging the gap between emerging and established markets.

Abdeslam holds an engineering degree from Toulouse University and has completed executive programs at INSEAD and Harvard University. His leadership at HPS reflects his belief in the transformative power of technology in finance. Under his guidance, HPS has strengthened its competitive edge while contributing significantly to the global discourse on the future of digital payments.      

Risper Genga Ohaga is Group CEO of APA Apollo Group, a Kenya-based financial services group whose subsidiaries include APA Insurance, APA Life, APA Uganda, Apollo Asset Management, Gordon Court, and Reliance Insurance in Tanzania. She took on the role in July 2026 after serving as Group CFO and Executive Director of East African Breweries Limited (EABL) since February 2020.

An experienced finance professional, she also holds non-executive director roles at I&M Bank and APA Insurance. Prior to joining EABL, Risper served as CFO of Barclays Bank Zambia. She joined Barclays in 2008 as Regional Director for Internal Audit, moving on to Director for Africa in 2011, and later Managing Director for Africa RBB. Her time at Barclays followed a nine-year stint at KPMG.

Risper holds a BCom in Accounting from the University of Nairobi and became a Certified Public Accountant in 1993.

Temi Popoola is the Group Managing Director/CEO of Nigerian Exchange Group, having previously served as CEO of its subsidiary, Nigerian Exchange Limited. A Wall Street-trained investment banker, he began his career in London managing African energy assets before working as an equity derivatives trader at Bank of America Securities in New York.

He later led structured products at UBA and sales & trading at FCMB’s CSL Stockbrokers, advancing foreign investment into Nigeria. At Renaissance Capital, he rose to CEO for West Africa, driving revenue diversification.

An alumnus of the University of Lagos, MIT, and Harvard Business School, with a CFA charter. He serves on the Executive Committee of the African Securities Exchanges Association and chairs both Central Securities Clearing System and NG Clearing Limited, demonstrating his commitment to strengthening market infrastructure and transparency. His expertise spans investment, trading, banking, and global financial leadership.

A statistician-economist and financial engineer, Mr. KONE has gained extensive professional experience primarily in North America (Canada) and Africa. Prior to joining AFG Holding, he held several strategic positions at the Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec, one of the largest pension funds in North America. Within the Ecobank Group, he led the investment teams of the asset management division, before overseeing commercial activities in the Treasury Department as well as the development and distribution of market products in the WAEMU region and Cape Verde.

Karim holds an Executive MBA from HEC Paris, a Master’s degree in Financial Engineering from Université Laval (Canada), and a State Engineering degree in Statistics and Economics from INSEA in Rabat. He also holds CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst) and FRM (Financial Risk Manager) certifications, as well as several executive certifications in strategy, asset management, leadership, and management, obtained notably from HEC Paris and the Wharton Business School.

Dr. George Agyekum Donkor is the President of the ECOWAS Bank for Investment and Development (EBID), and the Chairman of the Board of Directors, a position he has occupied since 2020. EBID is a regional international financial institution owned by the fifteen (15) West African States.

Dr. Donkor had previously held the position of Vice-President, Finance and Corporate Services, for seven (7) years and prior to that, Head of Legal / Compliance Division for four (4) years in the same institution. His professional areas of interest include corporate law, leadership, change management, and improvement.

A lawyer by profession and a development banker by training, Dr. Donkor’s illustrious career, which spans three decades, has been marked by outstanding success. He focuses on implementing change to drive progress not only in the West African Sub-Region but also to stimulate a wider international impact through regional integration and engagement.

Under his visionary leadership, EBID has, and continues to achieve a wide range of remarkable successes. These successes include securing two major incremental upgrades of the Bank’s credit rating by Moody’s and Fitch Ratings, the attainment of Green Climate Fund accreditation, improvement in the financial and operational performance, tripling the loan book within six (6) years and earning the historic position as the first development finance institution to issue a Green, Social and Sustainable Bond Listing on one of Africa’s most vibrant regional stock exchanges, Bourse de Valeurs Regional (BRVM) in 2024.

The Bank has also won numerous awards, which include “2024 Financial Institution of the Year” at the Africa Sustainability Awards and the “Most Innovative Operation” for the year 2025 at the BRVM Awards.

Dr. Donkor is a distinguished academic, and holds numerous academic qualifications, which include a Doctorate in Business Administration (DBA) and a Master of Applied Business Research (MABR) degree, both from the SBS Swiss Business School, Zurich, Switzerland. He also holds an Executive MBA from the University of Ghana, Legon. He is an alumnus of Harvard University.

He is a Council Member of the University of Ghana and former Chairman of the Investment Committee of the University Council. He is also a Board Member of Ecobank Transnational Incorporated (ETI), ASKY Airlines, Labianca Company Limited, WAICA Re-Insurance, among others. He was an adjunct lecturer in the Department of Finance at the School of Business of the University for Development Studies (UDS), Tamale, Ghana, and currently a Visiting Faculty Member at the Regent University of Science and Technology, Accra, Ghana. He has published extensively in the areas of development finance and strategic management.

Dr. Donkor has been recognised with many awards, notable among which are the recent “Distinguished 2026 African Development Finance Leadership Award – Regional Integration & Economic Transformation”, at the 16^th Edition of the African Leadership Awards (ABLA) held at the historic House of Lords, London,  United Kingdom, “2025 CEO of CEOs” (Ghana CEO Vision and Awards), twice the winner of the “CEO of the year -Africa” 2023 & 2025, (Ghana CEO Vision and Awards), “2023 Development Champion Award”, at the Rebranding African Forum, Brussels, Belgium, “2022 Prix de la Foundation Award” at the prestigious Crans Montana Forum, Geneva, Switzerland. His name has been featured four consecutive times among the top 100 personalities transforming Africa by Financial Afrik, a renowned international magazine.

Dr. Donkor is the Chancellor of NiBS University in Ghana. He is also the current Honorary President of the Global Network for Export-Import Banks and Development Finance Institutions (G-NEXID), which is headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland. Dr. Donkor is a Public Speaker and Resource Person at numerous international conferences and fora.

Denis Charles Kouassi is a leading figure in social security management in Côte d’Ivoire. Currently the Director General of the Social Security Institution (IPS CNPS), he has built an impressive career marked by outstanding achievements and a forward-thinking vision.

A graduate in Economics in 1986, he joined the Ivorian Training Center for Social Security Executives (CIFOCSS), where he distinguished himself by graduating top of his class in 1988. His career began as a Research Officer, but his talent and leadership quickly led him to positions of greater responsibility. In 2014, he was appointed Director General of IPS CNPS.

Since taking office, Denis Charles Kouassi has driven a strong wave of modernization and performance within the institution. He spearheaded numerous initiatives that have made IPS CNPS a key player in social protection and a model of excellence in Côte d’Ivoire. Under his leadership, the institution was awarded the 2021 Public Administration Prize.

In 2024, he was named among the 100 most influential public figures by the Association of Lobbying and Public Affairs Advisors of Côte d’Ivoire (ACLAPCI). A true visionary, Denis Charles Kouassi has transformed IPS CNPS into a benchmark institution in the fields of social security and investment in Côte d’Ivoire. His innovative initiatives and proactive management have positioned the organization as a model for the rest of Africa and beyond.

Richard LOWE is one of the founding figures of the African insurance industry. A graduate of ESSEC Paris (Class of 1980), he led the Cameroonian operations of a major French insurance group for 17 years before turning to entrepreneurship. In 1998, convinced that Africa deserved world-class insurance institutions built on its own soil, he founded ACTIVA Group in Douala, Cameroon.

What began as a single operation is today one of the most significant insurance groups in Sub-Saharan Africa, operating through 10 insurance companies across seven countries, alongside a reinsurance company, a technology subsidiary, a financial holding, and a European office in Paris. IFC (World Bank Group) and PROPARCO (Agence Française de Développement) count among its strategic shareholders.

His ambition has always reached beyond his own Group. In 2007, he founded GLOBUS, the first pan-African insurance intermediation network, present in 49 countries. He also served as President of FANAF from 1996 to 2002. His work has earned him CEO of the Year (OAA, 2018) and Insurer of the Year (Financial Afrik, 2021).

Richard LOWE’s legacy is architectural: nearly three decades spent building the institutions, networks, and partnerships that underpin African insurance today.

Patty Karuaihe-Martin is the Chief Executive Officer of Namibia National Reinsurance Corporation Ltd (NamibRe). She has over 28 years of professional experience in the financial sector, including at PWC, where she served as Partner/Director of Tax and Advisory Services. She has worked and served on various boards of public institutions in the fields of finance, telecommunications, water, transport, and electricity.

▪ M. Youssef Rouissi : Directeur Général Délégué en charge du pôle Corporate & Investment Banking– 53 ans. 

▪ M. Youssef ROUISSI est diplômé de l’Ecole des Hautes Etudes Commerciales de Paris (HEC).

▪ M. Youssef ROUISSI rejoint la Banque Commerciale du Maroc en 1994. En 1996, il participe à la création de la banque d’affaires du groupe, Attijari Finances Corp, où il contribue à la réalisation de plusieurs opérations stratégiques de privatisation, fusions acquisitions et d’appels au marché financier en tant que responsable de projets, Directeur, Directeur Général Adjoint, puis en tant qu’Administrateur Directeur Général.

▪ En 2005, M. Youssef ROUISSI se voit confier la Direction de la Banque des Particuliers et des Professionnels, où il contribue à plusieurs chantiers et projets de développement post fusion dont : la fusion des réseaux d’agences ex BCM – ex Wafa, la spécialisation des réseaux particuliers et entreprises, l’implémentation du CRM dans le réseau.

▪ En 2008, M. Youssef ROUISSI prend en charge la direction de la Banque de Financement Groupe, entité comprenant la direction des grandes entreprises, les financements de projets, l’international (trade finance, correspondent banking, Attijari International Bank) ainsi que la gestion des flux. Il contribue à la réalisation de financements de référence au Maroc et dans les pays de présence du groupe.

▪ En 2012, M. Youssef ROUISSI prend la responsabilité de la Banque de Financement et d’Investissement groupe (BFIG), entité qui réunit outre les activités de banque de financement, les activités de banque d’affaires, de Private equity ainsi que l’immobilier hors exploitation.

▪ En 2015, M. Youssef ROUISSI se voit confier les activités de financement des corporates, marchés des capitaux, banque d’affaires, gestion d’actifs, private equity, intermédiation boursière, recherche, titrisation et conservation. Il mène alors une réorganisation des activités visant à renforcer la gouvernance, accroître les synergies et l’impact de tous les métiers à l’international.

▪ En 2020, M. Youssef ROUISSI se voit confier le nouveau pôle Corporate & Investment Banking. A ce titre, il consolide les lignes métiers dédiées à la clientèle des grandes entreprises, institutionnels et Etats aussi bien au Maroc, que dans les pays de présence du groupe. Il intègre le Comité Exécutif du groupe Attijariwafa bank.

▪ M. Youssef ROUISSI est membre du Club de Chefs d’entreprise France – Maroc, membre bénévole de Injaz Al Maghrib, ancien président du Conseil d’affaires Maroc-Turquie, et administrateur ou président du conseil de différentes filiales du groupe Attijariwafa bank.

Dr. Óscar Humberto Évora Santos has been serving as the Governor of Banco de Cabo Verde since January 4, 2021. Born on September 8, 1960, in Lém Ferreira, in the city of Praia, he is a Cape Verdean economist with a strong background in economic policy, public administration, and financial governance.

Before his appointment as Governor, Dr. Évora Santos held several leadership positions in the public sector. He served as Mayor of Praia from 2016 to 2020, after having been Councilor for Finance and Business at the Municipality of Praia between 2008 and 2016.

His earlier career was closely tied to Banco de Cabo Verde, which he first joined in 1991 as part of the Studies and Statistics Department. From 2002 to 2013, he served as Advisor, Coordinator of the Economic Studies Division, and member of the Monetary Policy Committee, contributing significantly to macroeconomic research and policy formulation.

Between 1994 and 2000, Dr. Évora Santos collaborated with international development institutions. He was appointed by the Government of Cabo Verde to work on a World Bank project aimed at restructuring the vocational training sector, and later became Coordinator of the Employment Promotion Project funded by the United Nations.

In addition to his public service, he has worked as a consultant and researcher, participating in several major studies, including the Evaluation of the Protocol for Decentralizing Social Promotion Services and the Evaluation of the Employment and Training Promotion Fund of the Employment and Vocational Training Institute (IEFP). He co-authored the White Paper on Vocational Training and Cabo Verde’s Strategic Plan for Vocational Training, and authored the study Analysis of the Impact of Cabo Verde’s Accession to the WTO. He also published works on GDP growth potential in Cabo Verde.

An experienced academic, Dr. Évora Santos has taught Economics at the Jean Piaget University, the Higher Institute of Economic and Business Sciences, and the Institute of Legal Studies. Beyond academia, he has been President of Cabo Verde’s Economists Association and President of the Cape Verdean Tae Kwon Do Federation.

He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Economic Theory and Quantitative Methods and a Master’s degree in Economics (Business and Finance specialization) from the American University in Washington, D.C., USA.

EXPERIENCE OVERVIEW 
Tom Gitogo, Bsc Eng, BFP, FCPA, FKIM, CPS, MBA.

Tom is an accomplished Financial Services Professional with a rich experience and diverse 
Background.  He is the Group MD & CEO of British American Holdings PLC (Britam) and sits on several boards including CIB Bank and Housing Finance. 

Insurance Leadership in Kenya 
Before rejoining Britam, Tom was the Group CEO of listed CIC Insurance Group where he was in charge of the group’s businesses in Kenya, Uganda, South Sudan and Malawi. 
Before CIC, Tom was the CEO of Pan Africa Life (now Sanlam Insurance) – which like CIC is 
also listed on the Nairobi Securities Exchange.  Tom had joined Sanlam from British 
American Insurance where he was the Finance and Strategy Director. 
He is the current Chairman of the Association of Kenya Insurers (AKI) www.akinsure.or.ke, 
the industry body that is charged with promoting the industry growth (raising awareness, 
lobbying and collaborating with regulators and other stakeholders). 

Other leadership Roles 
Tom is a member of the Steering Committee of the Insurance Development Forum (IDF) 
www.insdevforum.org, a global public-private partnership led by the international insurance industry and supported by multinational organisations.  Basically IDF aims to optimize and extend the use of insurance to build resilience and protection for people, communities and businesses that are vulnerable to disasters and their associated economic shocks. 
Tom also sits on the Board of UN Global Compact, the world’s largest corporate 
sustainability initiative, promoting responsible business practices. 
He is also the chairman of Endeavor Kenya http://kenya.endeavor.org, the Kenyan chapter of a leading Global Community that creates a multiplier effect by inspiring high-growth 
entrepreneurs to dream bigger – supporting and investing in them to scale faster. 
As a young man in the early 90s, Tom trained as a Chartered Accountant with 
PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) in London where he worked for several years before re
joining PwC in Kenya. He trained as a Civil Engineer at the University of Nairobi before joining PwC as a Graduate Trainee and has an MBA in Strategic Management. 

Abdoul Aziz Ndao is a senior ICT executive with over 20 years of experience in information systems governance, strategy, and digital transformation across the GovTech, RegTech, aviation, rail transport, gaming and lottery, telecommunications, and audit and consulting sectors. He brings deep expertise in IT governance frameworks and standards, including COBIT, ITIL, and ISO 20000, as well as information security under ISO 27001 and business continuity management under ISO 22301. Throughout his career, he has successfully led the implementation of regulatory platforms and the digitalisation of public services across Africa.

Uzoma Dozie is one of Nigeria’s leaders in the financial sector and the last Group Managing Director of Diamond Bank, Nigeria.

An experienced Financial Advisor, Economist, Technologist and Entrepreneur, Dozie has led the way in implementing large-scale technology solutions to drive sustainable economic reform in Africa’s financial services sector for over twenty years.
Uzoma has since launched Sparkle, a mobile-first platform for Nigeria’s retail sector, combining his vision for using technology to power financial inclusion, at scale, with his extensive background in retail and financial services.

Uzoma is an advocate for financial inclusion, focussing on providing best-of-breed financial and non-financial solutions to the millions of unbanked across Africa. He is bullish on the need for widespread mobile adoption in the finance sector. He is passionate about leveraging technology to play a definitive role in the social development and transformation of the people and businesses on the continent. He believes that technology, along with good governance, as well as support and education for SMEs, has the power to push Africa forward and continues to work towards this goal.

Kossi Tenou is Chairman of the UMOA Financial Markets Authority (AMF-UMOA). A Togolese economist and career central banker with over two decades of experience at the Central Bank of West African States (BCEAO), he served as National Director for Togo and later as Advisor to the Governor. In October 2025, he was appointed Deputy Minister for Trade and Quality Control in Togo, before being named head of AMF-UMOA.

Aruoture “Rotus” Oddiri is the host of the Global Business Report on Arise News which is broadcast across the African continent and in the United Kingdom. 

He holds a Bachelors degree in Economics from the University of Houston and has spent over two decades working in Banking and Finance from JP Morgan in the United States to Financial Derivatives Company Limited under the tutelage of renowned Nigerian Economist Bismarck Rewane.

He enjoys discussions around macroeconomics and takes every opportunity he can to remind individuals to save and invest as much as they can to defeat the enemy of mankind which is inflation

Sidimohamed Abouchikhi is Chairman of the Board of Directors of Creditinfo West Africa and Creditinfo Morocco, where he also continues to lead operations as Chief Executive Officer of Creditinfo Morocco. With over 11 years of experience in financial services and data analytics, he is committed to delivering innovative, strategic solutions for clients while building strong relationships with government stakeholders.

A firm believer that financial transparency and data-driven decision-making are key drivers of economic development, Sidimohamed places collaboration at the heart of his leadership approach.

Prior to joining Creditinfo, he served as Managing Director of Experian Morocco, which he joined in September 2010 as Sales and Business Development Manager. He has also held the role of Risk Manager at BMCE Bank, and previously served as Corporate Trust Administrator at JP Morgan Chase.

Sidimohamed holds an MBA in Finance and Financial Management Services from the Cameron School of Business, and a Bachelor’s degree in Business and Managerial Economics from Hassan II University.

Sam Aidoo brings over 20 years of experience in financial services, specializing in originating, structuring, and executing transactions for financial institutions, multilateral development banks, sovereign entities, and corporations. At TCX, he focuses on leadership and management, drawing on deep expertise in capital markets, structured finance, and risk management to support sustainable financial solutions.

His career spans senior roles across high-growth and complex markets, including West, East, Southern, and North Africa, as well as the UK. Sam is committed to building strategic partnerships, managing cross-border execution, and driving growth through disciplined relationship management, strong governance, and innovative financial strategies.

Dr Hugo Azevedo is Chief Financial officer of Grupo Opaia SA, a holding company based in Luanda, Angola, running projects in civil construction services, solar energy technology, drinking water systems, hotel service and tourism, agriculture, industry and finance. 

Jyoti Ball leads Amazon Web Services’ Sub-Saharan Africa business, driving strategic growth across cloud adoption, AI innovation, and digital transformation for businesses and governments throughout the region. With over 30 years of technology leadership experience spanning Hewlett Packard Enterprise, Capgemini, and Computer Sciences Corporation, she brings deep expertise in enterprise strategy, digital innovation, and building high-performing teams across diverse markets.

Her mission centers on accelerating Africa’s digital economy while creating opportunities that enhance citizens’ quality of life. A recognized voice on cloud computing, AI, digital transformation, and technology skills development, Jyoti champions initiatives that prepare young people for tomorrow’s job market. Her leadership philosophy – “lifting as you rise” -reflects her commitment to creating pathways for the next generation of tech leaders.

An active advocate for diversity in technology, Jyoti mentors emerging leaders and champions initiatives that build a more inclusive, representative industry. Her work extends beyond business metrics to creating lasting social impact across Sub-Saharan Africa.

Junaid Belo-Osagie is an Executive Director of Investment Banking at Mizuho, with a specific interest in clean energy investments in Europe, the Middle East and Africa. Mr Belo-Osagie is also the Chairman of the Financial Advisory Group of the African Hydrogen Partnership, based in London. He started his career in the energy sector before moving into finance in 2008.

After a career at Citi, Mr Belo-Osagie joined Mizuho in 2014, where he has played a pivotal part in the strategic and operational direction of the investment banking business that undertakes high-profile multi-billion dollar debt, equity and advisory transactions across the region. As an African executive occupying a strategic position in an eminent Japanese organisation, Mr Belo-Osagie is passionate about connecting the dots between Japanese capital and African growth stories.

Karim Benchekroun is Director of the Support Division at Royal Air Maroc, having previously served as the airline’s CFO. He led Royal Air Maroc’s integration into the Oneworld alliance, making it the first African carrier to join. Since April 2024, he has also chaired the Board of RAM Academy, Royal Air Maroc’s training subsidiary for aviation and air transport professionals.

Aurélie Benoit is an economic journalist for Jeune Afrique, based in Paris. Her work focuses primarily on economics and the African continent, with a particular interest in finance, private equity, and Africa’s start-up ecosystem.

Cláudia Conceição is Regional Director for Southern Africa at the IFC – International Finance Corporation. She joined the IFC in September 2023 and leads the organization’s strategy and operations across 12 countries in the Southern Africa region. As Director, Cláudia is responsible for increasing IFC’s impact and supporting development in sectors including agribusiness, infrastructure, and finance across the region, as well as supporting green and climate projects.

Before joining the IFC, Cláudia served as Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer for Angola at Standard Chartered Bank. Prior to that, she was based in Nairobi, where she demonstrated her leadership skills and expertise in managing key strategic assets across the East Africa region.

Before her role at Standard Chartered Bank, Cláudia was Director of Corporate and Investment Banking at Barclays Bank in Mozambique. In that position, she led a national team responsible for coverage, debt, structured finance, treasury, and trade finance products, as well as portfolio management for Lusophone and Francophone Africa.

Cláudia is a Mozambican and Portuguese national and holds a Master of Science in Economics from Eduardo Mondlane University in Mozambique.

Patrick Cooke leads Euromoney’s editorial strategy and institutional engagement across the Middle East and Africa, with a focus on banking, capital markets and financial innovation. He brings over 15 years of experience in international business media and economic intelligence, having worked extensively across emerging markets to analyse trends in financial integration, regulatory reform and cross-border investment. Before joining Euromoney, he was Managing Editor for the Middle East and Asia at Oxford Business Group. A frequent moderator and speaker at high-level forums, Patrick has interviewed presidents, prime ministers, central bank governors and CEOs across the emerging world.

Leanne de Bassompierre is the Business Editor of The Africa Report and a veteran broadcast journalist with over two decades of experience covering the continent’s economic and political landscape. A former foreign correspondent for Bloomberg and France 24, she has reported on major stories ranging from presidential elections to the intricacies of the mining and cocoa sectors. With deep regional expertise, particularly in West Africa and her native South Africa, where she was deputy editor for Eyewitness News and news anchor on Cape Talk,  Leanne is a sought-after moderator and media consultant. At this year’s Mining Indaba, she leverages her unique background in business reporting and strategic communications to lead high-level dialogues on capital deployment, policy alignment, and the future of African extractives.

Mareme is a Partner at 500 Global. She is also one of the Forbes Afrique 30under30 2022 nominees. She was the head of international partnerships and relations at Draper University and a member of Draper University Ventures. She had a 3 year experience working previously as a program manager for Draper University, an intensive entrepreneurship program in Silicon Valley before endorsing her current position. She is also current graduate nominee on the board of Trustees of Bennington College, and is involved in the decision making body of the College. She has also worked as the Hackathon Manager at Schoolab, an innovation studio based in Paris that offered consultancy in innovation to top European corporates. Mareme has created content for innovation workshops and been an active content developer for innovation and entrepreneurship programs. She has spoken at numerous conferences such as the Blockchain Summit, the AI Summit, Afric’Up Summit etc. Mareme has worked for research centers in Paris (CNRS) and Senegal (ISM). After having lived and worked in Senegal, South Africa, France and the United States, she devoted her work to human development and structuring systems that maximize individuals’ potential. She has worked with several educational organizations such as ISM Senegal and the Global Scholar Programs in Johannesburg, and has developed with them different educational models in order to promote entrepreneurship, leadership and innovation within the African education system. She has worked with the Global Startup Ecosystem on the programmation of the Ghana Tech Summit and the Haiti Tech Summit which both took place in 2018. She has also worked with the Lumina Foundation based in Indianapolis through a research project with Bennington College on investigating work integrated learning and the ways we prepare college students for the workforce

Muhamet Bamba Fall​ is Director for Industries of the Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA), the political risk insurance and credit enhancement arm of the World Bank Group. In addition to overseeing global business origination, strategy development, and client coverage for Industries (infrastructure, energy, agribusiness, services, and general industry), he is also responsible for co-managing the new World Bank Group Guarantee Platform.

Among his prior roles, Mr. Fall led MIGA’s Infrastructure, MAS, and Trade Finance business lines and served as Chief Underwriter and Asia-Pacific Region Head, overseeing business development, guarantee structuring, and client relationship management. In his earlier MIGA career, Mr. Fall served as Senior Underwriter on MIGA’s infrastructure sector team (water and transport) and as Investment Promotion Officer, where he worked closely with investment promotion agencies and government institutions to encourage activity in emerging markets.

Before joining MIGA, Mr. Fall was Division Head for Medium and Long Term Credit and Project Risks Underwriting with the insurance affiliate of the Islamic Development Bank Group. His background also includes work in management and development consulting.

Mr. Fall holds a master’s of international business and finance from Columbia University.

Farid Fezoua is Director of Equity, Funds, and Venture Capital and Creative Industries at the International Finance Corporation (IFC), part of the World Bank Group. He leads IFC’s strategy and investments across private equity and venture capital in emerging markets, developing bankable projects, expanding financing for creative businesses, and supporting enabling policies. Farid brings over 30 years of experience in financial services, private equity and leadership. Previously, he served as IFC’s Global Director of Disruptive Technologies & Funds and as President and CEO of GE Africa. He has also held leadership roles on several U.S.-Africa advisory councils.

Rose Goslinga has worked in the Agriculture, Insurance and Technology sectors for the last 20 years building pioneering and award winning programs for Insuretech Pula, Swiss-Chinese Agribusiness, Syngenta, and the Rwandan Ministry of Agriculture. These programs and companies have built up the resilience of millions of smallholder farmer families across Africa and Asia, created thousands of jobs for rural youth while securing billions of farm investments.