Ms Joanne Kubba
Visa
SVP, Head of Government Engagement CEMEA
Joanne Kubba is Senior Vice President of Government Engagement for Central Eastern Europe, Middle
East & Africa (CEMEA). She oversees Visa’s engagement with key government leaders and political
stakeholders including think tanks, academia, and other third parties to promote the growth of electronic
payments and foster financial inclusion. Joanne is responsible to advance public policy issues across
CEMEA on a range of issues including emerging technologies including artificial intelligence and
cryptocurrencies, privacy and tax.
Visa
SVP, Head of Government Engagement CEMEA
Joanne Kubba is Senior Vice President of Government Engagement for Central Eastern Europe, Middle
East & Africa (CEMEA). She oversees Visa’s engagement with key government leaders and political
stakeholders including think tanks, academia, and other third parties to promote the growth of electronic
payments and foster financial inclusion. Joanne is responsible to advance public policy issues across
CEMEA on a range of issues including emerging technologies including artificial intelligence and
cryptocurrencies, privacy and tax.
Mr Dele Kuti
Standard Bank
Global Head: Energy and Infrastructure
Dele is the Global Head, Energy and Infrastructure for Standard group. He started his career with the Nigerian Subsidiary; StanbicIBTC Bank as the Country Head for the Oil and Gas & Power and Infrastructure sectors. And was subsequently appointed as Nigeria Country Head of Client Coverage for Corporate and Investment Banking. Prior to this he held positions in Standard Chartered Bank in the Wholesale Banking group, and Citi Bank as a Relationship Manager with experience in Risk management. He is focused on delivering Standard Bank’s financing and advisory expertise in Africa and to clients around the world.
Standard Bank
Global Head: Energy and Infrastructure
Dele is the Global Head, Energy and Infrastructure for Standard group. He started his career with the Nigerian Subsidiary; StanbicIBTC Bank as the Country Head for the Oil and Gas & Power and Infrastructure sectors. And was subsequently appointed as Nigeria Country Head of Client Coverage for Corporate and Investment Banking. Prior to this he held positions in Standard Chartered Bank in the Wholesale Banking group, and Citi Bank as a Relationship Manager with experience in Risk management. He is focused on delivering Standard Bank’s financing and advisory expertise in Africa and to clients around the world.
MS Helen Kyeyune
Amazon
Lead, Licensing and Regulatory Affairs - EMEA, Project Kuiper
Helen leads licensing and regulatory efforts for Amazon Kuiper in EMEA. Previously, at Access Partnership, she advised companies on policy and regulation for efficient global market access. At Ofcom, the UK regulator, she helped develop Public Policy, notably working on the possibility of Open Communications. Helen was a long-time regulator at the Uganda Communications Commission where she led on regulation of the telecom, broadcasting, and postal sub-sectors. She advised on national ICT policy, developed regulatory frameworks and standards, managed radio spectrum, and designed and implemented rural access programs. Her background is in Electrical engineering with specialization in telecommunications.
Amazon
Lead, Licensing and Regulatory Affairs - EMEA, Project Kuiper
Helen leads licensing and regulatory efforts for Amazon Kuiper in EMEA. Previously, at Access Partnership, she advised companies on policy and regulation for efficient global market access. At Ofcom, the UK regulator, she helped develop Public Policy, notably working on the possibility of Open Communications. Helen was a long-time regulator at the Uganda Communications Commission where she led on regulation of the telecom, broadcasting, and postal sub-sectors. She advised on national ICT policy, developed regulatory frameworks and standards, managed radio spectrum, and designed and implemented rural access programs. Her background is in Electrical engineering with specialization in telecommunications.
Ms. Heather Lanigan
U.S. Trade and Development Agency
Regional Director, Sub-Saharan Africa
Heather Lanigan is the Regional Director for sub-Saharan Africa at the U.S. Trade and Development Agency (USTDA), where she is responsible for developing the Agency’s strategies, assistance activities, and innovative partnerships throughout the region. In addition to her regional responsibilities, she also leads USTDA’s Digital Infrastructure Industry Team.
U.S. Trade and Development Agency
Regional Director, Sub-Saharan Africa
Heather Lanigan is the Regional Director for sub-Saharan Africa at the U.S. Trade and Development Agency (USTDA), where she is responsible for developing the Agency’s strategies, assistance activities, and innovative partnerships throughout the region. In addition to her regional responsibilities, she also leads USTDA’s Digital Infrastructure Industry Team.
The Hon. Reta Jo Lewis
Export-Import Bank of the United States (2022–2025)
Former Chairman and President
Reta Jo Lewis is a distinguished global business leader, lawyer, and advisor with expertise in international trade, finance, economic development. From 2022 to 2025, she served as Chairman and President of EXIM Bank, overseeing $135B in financing authority and expanding its global reach. She authorized over $22 billion in financing products, diversifying portfolios and driving growth in critical minerals, digital technologies, nuclear, and clean energy, strengthening U.S. supply chains. Her extensive career includes senior roles at the Department of State, U.S. Chamber of Commerce, GMF, demonstrating her commitment to fostering global economic partnerships with a strategic focus on Sub-Saharan Africa.
Export-Import Bank of the United States (2022–2025)
Former Chairman and President
Reta Jo Lewis is a distinguished global business leader, lawyer, and advisor with expertise in international trade, finance, economic development. From 2022 to 2025, she served as Chairman and President of EXIM Bank, overseeing $135B in financing authority and expanding its global reach. She authorized over $22 billion in financing products, diversifying portfolios and driving growth in critical minerals, digital technologies, nuclear, and clean energy, strengthening U.S. supply chains. Her extensive career includes senior roles at the Department of State, U.S. Chamber of Commerce, GMF, demonstrating her commitment to fostering global economic partnerships with a strategic focus on Sub-Saharan Africa.
Dr. Joseph Lubega
Texas Children's Hospital
Associate Professor and Director - Texas Children's Global HOPE
Dr. Joseph Lubega is Associate Professor of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology at Baylor College of Medicine and Director of Texas Children’s Hospital’s Global HOPE Program. He is internationally recognized as a leader in global efforts to cure and improve outcomes for children with cancer and sickle cell disease in Africa. Dr. Lubega has broad experience in health systems having practiced medicine in Africa, Europe, and USA, in Surgery, Adult and Family Medicine, and Pediatrics. In addition to childhood cancer and blood diseases, he has formal qualifications in Public Health, Executive Physician Leadership, Implementation Science, and Health Cost Analysis.
Texas Children's Hospital
Associate Professor and Director - Texas Children's Global HOPE
Dr. Joseph Lubega is Associate Professor of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology at Baylor College of Medicine and Director of Texas Children’s Hospital’s Global HOPE Program. He is internationally recognized as a leader in global efforts to cure and improve outcomes for children with cancer and sickle cell disease in Africa. Dr. Lubega has broad experience in health systems having practiced medicine in Africa, Europe, and USA, in Surgery, Adult and Family Medicine, and Pediatrics. In addition to childhood cancer and blood diseases, he has formal qualifications in Public Health, Executive Physician Leadership, Implementation Science, and Health Cost Analysis.
Monsieur TEDDY LWAMBA MUBA
MINISTERE DES RESSOURCES HYDROLIQUES ET ELECTRICITE
MINISTRE DES RESSOURCES HYDRAULIQUES ET DE L'ÉLECTRICITE
MINISTRE DES RESSOURCES HYDRAULIQUES ET DE L'ÉLECTRICITE
MINISTERE DES RESSOURCES HYDROLIQUES ET ELECTRICITE
MINISTRE DES RESSOURCES HYDRAULIQUES ET DE L'ÉLECTRICITE
MINISTRE DES RESSOURCES HYDRAULIQUES ET DE L'ÉLECTRICITE
Ms Nono Malefane
Visa
Senior Director: Government Engagement
Nono Malefane joined Visa in 2020 as the Senior Director: Government Engagement for Sub-Saharan Africa, based in Johannesburg, South Africa.
She has more than 15 years experience in government relations, public policy and consulting. Prior to joining Visa, she spent seven years at Absa where she held senior positions in Government Relations, strategy and planning. She was also previously at EY leading Strategy and Public Affairs.
Nono holds a Masters in Business Administration from the University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa.
Visa
Senior Director: Government Engagement
Nono Malefane joined Visa in 2020 as the Senior Director: Government Engagement for Sub-Saharan Africa, based in Johannesburg, South Africa.
She has more than 15 years experience in government relations, public policy and consulting. Prior to joining Visa, she spent seven years at Absa where she held senior positions in Government Relations, strategy and planning. She was also previously at EY leading Strategy and Public Affairs.
Nono holds a Masters in Business Administration from the University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa.
Mr. Rodrigo Manso
Mitrelli Group
CEO
With nearly two decades at Mitrelli, Rodrigo Manso leads Mitrelli as CEO, driving its next phase of growth and impact. He previously served as CEO of Mitrelli Angola—its largest market—where he led dozens of national-scale projects across vital sectors. As CEO of Mitrelli’s Urbanization Sector, he delivered over 20,000 housing units, improving life for 1.5 million people. Deeply attuned to Africa’s evolving landscape and aligned with governmental and financial priorities, he champions transformative, sustainable development. Rodrigo’s expertise spans startups, IPOs, telecom, trade, and real estate. He holds a BA in Business Administration and an MBA in Finance.
Mitrelli Group
CEO
With nearly two decades at Mitrelli, Rodrigo Manso leads Mitrelli as CEO, driving its next phase of growth and impact. He previously served as CEO of Mitrelli Angola—its largest market—where he led dozens of national-scale projects across vital sectors. As CEO of Mitrelli’s Urbanization Sector, he delivered over 20,000 housing units, improving life for 1.5 million people. Deeply attuned to Africa’s evolving landscape and aligned with governmental and financial priorities, he champions transformative, sustainable development. Rodrigo’s expertise spans startups, IPOs, telecom, trade, and real estate. He holds a BA in Business Administration and an MBA in Finance.
Sr Armando Manuel
Fundo Soberano de Angola (Angola Sovereign Wealth Fund)
Presidente do Conselho de Administração e CEO
Profissional reconhecido pelas suas contribuições para a economia, finanças e governança, tanto nacional quanto internacionalmente. Com uma carreira rica e variada, desempenhou papéis cruciais na moldagem de políticas económicas e no fomento de liderança estratégica. Como PCA do FSDEA, impulsiona o desenvolvimento económico sustentável, fortalecendo a resiliência económica de Angola. Conselheiro do Presidente da República de Angola no Conselho Económico e Social, oferece insights estratégicos e recomendações de políticas, contribuindo significativamente para a agenda de desenvolvimento económico e social do país.
Fundo Soberano de Angola (Angola Sovereign Wealth Fund)
Presidente do Conselho de Administração e CEO
Profissional reconhecido pelas suas contribuições para a economia, finanças e governança, tanto nacional quanto internacionalmente. Com uma carreira rica e variada, desempenhou papéis cruciais na moldagem de políticas económicas e no fomento de liderança estratégica. Como PCA do FSDEA, impulsiona o desenvolvimento económico sustentável, fortalecendo a resiliência económica de Angola. Conselheiro do Presidente da República de Angola no Conselho Económico e Social, oferece insights estratégicos e recomendações de políticas, contribuindo significativamente para a agenda de desenvolvimento económico e social do país.
Sr. José de Lima Massano
Presidência da República de Angola
Ministro de Estado para a Coordenação Económica
Presidência da República de Angola
Ministro de Estado para a Coordenação Económica
Ms. Retselisitsoe Adelaide Matlanyane
Lesotho Government
Minister of Finance and Development Planning
Dr. Adelaide Retselisitsoe Matlanyane is the Minister of Finance and Development Planning of the Kingdom of Lesotho, where she has been instrumental in leading significant fiscal reforms. Under her leadership, Lesotho has transitioned from a prolonged period of fiscal stress—marked by a persistent budget deficit—to achieving a surplus, despite navigating a highly constrained fiscal environment. Her tenure is characterized by pragmatic fiscal consolidation, improved public financial management, and the promotion of sustainable economic policies.
Dr. Matlanyane is an accomplished economist and seasoned policymaker with over two decades of experience in finance, economics, and public policy.
Lesotho Government
Minister of Finance and Development Planning
Dr. Adelaide Retselisitsoe Matlanyane is the Minister of Finance and Development Planning of the Kingdom of Lesotho, where she has been instrumental in leading significant fiscal reforms. Under her leadership, Lesotho has transitioned from a prolonged period of fiscal stress—marked by a persistent budget deficit—to achieving a surplus, despite navigating a highly constrained fiscal environment. Her tenure is characterized by pragmatic fiscal consolidation, improved public financial management, and the promotion of sustainable economic policies.
Dr. Matlanyane is an accomplished economist and seasoned policymaker with over two decades of experience in finance, economics, and public policy.
Mr Wamkele Mene
AfCFTA
Secretary-General
H.E. Wamkele Mene was elected by the 33rd Ordinary Session of the Assembly of Heads of States & Government of the African Union, to the position of Secretary-General of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat. Prior to being elected Secretary-General of the AfCFTA Secretariat, he served as Chief Director: Africa Economic Relations, at the Department of Trade & Industry of South Africa. In this role, he was South Africa’s chief trade negotiator in the AfCFTA and Tripartite FTA negotiations. During his tenure as chief negotiator, South Africa ratified both the AfCFTA and Tripartite FTAs agreements.
AfCFTA
Secretary-General
H.E. Wamkele Mene was elected by the 33rd Ordinary Session of the Assembly of Heads of States & Government of the African Union, to the position of Secretary-General of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat. Prior to being elected Secretary-General of the AfCFTA Secretariat, he served as Chief Director: Africa Economic Relations, at the Department of Trade & Industry of South Africa. In this role, he was South Africa’s chief trade negotiator in the AfCFTA and Tripartite FTA negotiations. During his tenure as chief negotiator, South Africa ratified both the AfCFTA and Tripartite FTAs agreements.
Ms Vuyo Mjekula
MSD
Director: External Affairs
Vuyo joined MSD in June 2021 as Director for External Affairs where she leads a team responsible for supporting health systems strengthening as well as expanding and deepening patient access to MSD’s innovative portfolio of medicines and vaccines across sub-Saharan Africa. Prior to joining the pharmaceutical industry in 2019, she spent over a decade across multiple sectors including Energy, NGOs as well as the Foreign Service where she served as a Diplomat in Washington D.C. Vuyo studied International Relations and Economics and is passionate about innovation and its potential for resolving social challenges, especially health, in Africa.
MSD
Director: External Affairs
Vuyo joined MSD in June 2021 as Director for External Affairs where she leads a team responsible for supporting health systems strengthening as well as expanding and deepening patient access to MSD’s innovative portfolio of medicines and vaccines across sub-Saharan Africa. Prior to joining the pharmaceutical industry in 2019, she spent over a decade across multiple sectors including Energy, NGOs as well as the Foreign Service where she served as a Diplomat in Washington D.C. Vuyo studied International Relations and Economics and is passionate about innovation and its potential for resolving social challenges, especially health, in Africa.