H.E. Mrs Nardos Bekele-Thomas
African Union Development Agency (AUDA-NEPAD)
Chief Executive Officer
Mrs. Nardos Bekele-Thomas is a visionary leader with over four decades of experience driving transformative development across Africa. As the Chief Executive Officer of the African Union Development Agency (AUDA-NEPAD), she spearheads Africa’s strategic agenda for sustainable development leading the continent’s charge towards the attainment of Agenda 2063—a blueprint for a united, prosperous, and self-reliant Africa. Before joining AUDA-NEPAD, Mrs. Bekele-Thomas was a highly accomplished leader having held senior leadership roles within the UN which included Senior Director in the Office of the Secretary-General, UN Resident Coordinator and UNDP Resident Representative in South Africa, Kenya and Benin.
African Union Development Agency (AUDA-NEPAD)
Chief Executive Officer
Mrs. Nardos Bekele-Thomas is a visionary leader with over four decades of experience driving transformative development across Africa. As the Chief Executive Officer of the African Union Development Agency (AUDA-NEPAD), she spearheads Africa’s strategic agenda for sustainable development leading the continent’s charge towards the attainment of Agenda 2063—a blueprint for a united, prosperous, and self-reliant Africa. Before joining AUDA-NEPAD, Mrs. Bekele-Thomas was a highly accomplished leader having held senior leadership roles within the UN which included Senior Director in the Office of the Secretary-General, UN Resident Coordinator and UNDP Resident Representative in South Africa, Kenya and Benin.
Monsieur JEAN PIERRE BEMBA GOMBO
MINISTERE DES TRANSPORTS
VPM-MINISTRE TRANSPORTS
VPM-MINISTRE TRANSPORTS
MINISTERE DES TRANSPORTS
VPM-MINISTRE TRANSPORTS
VPM-MINISTRE TRANSPORTS
Dr Karim Bendhaou
Merck/IFPMA
Head of Africa
Dr Karim Bendhaou has been working in the pharmaceutical industry for almost 22 years, building up strong pan African organizations gaining extensive experience in biotech medicines and biosimilars, and leading a successful enterprise while keeping the patient in mind in increasing the commitment of the organizations to the UNDG and to high ethical values.
Merck/IFPMA
Head of Africa
Dr Karim Bendhaou has been working in the pharmaceutical industry for almost 22 years, building up strong pan African organizations gaining extensive experience in biotech medicines and biosimilars, and leading a successful enterprise while keeping the patient in mind in increasing the commitment of the organizations to the UNDG and to high ethical values.
Mme Amina Benkhadra
ONHYM
DIRECTEUR GENERAL
• Currently General Director of the National Office of Hydrocarbons and Mines
• Previous Minister in charge of Energy, Mines, Water and Environment 2007 - 2012
• Previous Secretary of State responsible for the mining sector development 1997 - 1998
ONHYM
DIRECTEUR GENERAL
• Currently General Director of the National Office of Hydrocarbons and Mines
• Previous Minister in charge of Energy, Mines, Water and Environment 2007 - 2012
• Previous Secretary of State responsible for the mining sector development 1997 - 1998
Mr Mikhail Berner
Visa Sub-Sahara Africa (Pty) Ltd
Group Country Manager South and Southern and East Africa
Visa Sub-Sahara Africa (Pty) Ltd
Group Country Manager South and Southern and East Africa
Mr. Rodrigue Bila
Coca-Cola
Vice-President West Islands & Mid-Africa Franchise
Rodrigue Bila is a seasoned executive with over 25 years in the Consumer-Packaged Goods industry. As Vice President of Operations, he oversees Coca-Cola's West Islands and Mid-Africa franchise, managing 30 markets. He has significantly contributed to growth and transformation within Coca-Cola’s African operations, benefiting both industry leaders and local communities. Before joining Coca-Cola, Rodrigue held leadership roles at ExxonMobil, where he gained expertise in lubricant operations, supply chain, sales, and engineering. A Polytechnical Engineer, Rodrigue is committed to Africa’s development, having volunteered as a professor in Senegal and serving on multiple corporate and social impact boards.
Coca-Cola
Vice-President West Islands & Mid-Africa Franchise
Rodrigue Bila is a seasoned executive with over 25 years in the Consumer-Packaged Goods industry. As Vice President of Operations, he oversees Coca-Cola's West Islands and Mid-Africa franchise, managing 30 markets. He has significantly contributed to growth and transformation within Coca-Cola’s African operations, benefiting both industry leaders and local communities. Before joining Coca-Cola, Rodrigue held leadership roles at ExxonMobil, where he gained expertise in lubricant operations, supply chain, sales, and engineering. A Polytechnical Engineer, Rodrigue is committed to Africa’s development, having volunteered as a professor in Senegal and serving on multiple corporate and social impact boards.
Mr. Scott Blacklin
Cybastion
SVP - Government Affairs & Strategic Partnerships
Scott Blacklin is SVP at Cybastion, advising leadership on U.S. government relations and strategic partnerships. He is also the founder of Blacklin Associates, a consultancy focused on emerging markets. A former U.S. Department of Energy official, he has led international operations for Westinghouse, Northrop Grumman, and Motorola. Blacklin served as president of the American Chamber of Commerce in Russia and held leadership roles at Cisco and the State of Maryland. With decades of experience in trade, project finance, and multilateral development banks, he has dedicated his career to strengthening U.S. commercial and political ties with emerging economies.
Cybastion
SVP - Government Affairs & Strategic Partnerships
Scott Blacklin is SVP at Cybastion, advising leadership on U.S. government relations and strategic partnerships. He is also the founder of Blacklin Associates, a consultancy focused on emerging markets. A former U.S. Department of Energy official, he has led international operations for Westinghouse, Northrop Grumman, and Motorola. Blacklin served as president of the American Chamber of Commerce in Russia and held leadership roles at Cisco and the State of Maryland. With decades of experience in trade, project finance, and multilateral development banks, he has dedicated his career to strengthening U.S. commercial and political ties with emerging economies.
Dr. Zeleke Temesgen Boru
Ethiopian Investment commission
Commissioner
Dr. Zeleke Temesgen serves as Commissioner of the Ethiopian Investment Commission. He holds a PhD in Public International Law from the University of Turin and multiple advanced degrees in law, economics, and diplomacy from leading institutions in Europe. He has held senior positions in Ethiopia’s federal government, including Chief of Staff and Legal Advisor to the Speaker of the House of Federation. He has also consulted for the ILO. He brings over a decade of experience in law, policy, and investment governance.
Ethiopian Investment commission
Commissioner
Dr. Zeleke Temesgen serves as Commissioner of the Ethiopian Investment Commission. He holds a PhD in Public International Law from the University of Turin and multiple advanced degrees in law, economics, and diplomacy from leading institutions in Europe. He has held senior positions in Ethiopia’s federal government, including Chief of Staff and Legal Advisor to the Speaker of the House of Federation. He has also consulted for the ILO. He brings over a decade of experience in law, policy, and investment governance.
Mr C. Derek Campbell
LVC Global Holdings
Executive Chairman
Executive Chairman of LVC Global Holdings, a natural resource asset acquisition platform, and AlphaSierra One, a platform addressing critical raw material supply chain gaps for U.S. government and commercial clients.
Also serves as an Executive Director of Seneca Commodities–Zambia, a Lusaka-based physical commodities brokerage advancing regional trade and resource development. Mr. Campbell brings deep expertise in capital mobilization, resource-backed investments, and public-private partnerships across the U.S.-Africa corridor. A retired Colonel in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve, he holds a B.S. from the University of Maryland and an MSS from the US Army War College.
LVC Global Holdings
Executive Chairman
Executive Chairman of LVC Global Holdings, a natural resource asset acquisition platform, and AlphaSierra One, a platform addressing critical raw material supply chain gaps for U.S. government and commercial clients.
Also serves as an Executive Director of Seneca Commodities–Zambia, a Lusaka-based physical commodities brokerage advancing regional trade and resource development. Mr. Campbell brings deep expertise in capital mobilization, resource-backed investments, and public-private partnerships across the U.S.-Africa corridor. A retired Colonel in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve, he holds a B.S. from the University of Maryland and an MSS from the US Army War College.
Mr Christopher Chege
Shelter Afrique Development Bank
Director Operations & Credit
Chris Chege is a Mortgage banker with passion for decent, sustainable, and affordable housing.
Director Operations & Credit -Shelter Afrique The only Pan-African Finance institution that exclusively supports development of housing in Africa.
Previously Head Wholesale Banking, Head Mortgage Banking - Co-operative Bank and Head Mortgage- Housing Finance- Kenya. With 25 years in real estate financing, including Project Finance, Mortgage finance, Bridging Finance, and Infrastructure Finance. Successfully provided leadership in financial structuring review, and implementation of residential, and infrastructural developments, in Africa.
Member African Real Estate Society last 10 years, resource and moderator for various real estate forums.
Shelter Afrique Development Bank
Director Operations & Credit
Chris Chege is a Mortgage banker with passion for decent, sustainable, and affordable housing.
Director Operations & Credit -Shelter Afrique The only Pan-African Finance institution that exclusively supports development of housing in Africa.
Previously Head Wholesale Banking, Head Mortgage Banking - Co-operative Bank and Head Mortgage- Housing Finance- Kenya. With 25 years in real estate financing, including Project Finance, Mortgage finance, Bridging Finance, and Infrastructure Finance. Successfully provided leadership in financial structuring review, and implementation of residential, and infrastructural developments, in Africa.
Member African Real Estate Society last 10 years, resource and moderator for various real estate forums.
MR ALISON CHIKOVA
SOUTHERN AFRICAN POWER POOL
CHIEF ENGINEER (PLANNING AND OPERATIONS)
Engineer Alison Chikova is the Chief Engineer responsible for Planning and Operations at the Southern African Power Pool. He holds a Master of Science Degree in Electrical Engineering. He has experience in generation and transmission planning and project planning. He has been instrumental in the market design and transmission pricing arrangements in SAPP. Before joining SAPP, he was the Head of the generation planning unit at the power utility in Zimbabwe. He is a Chartered Engineer and a Member of the Zimbabwe Institute of Engineers, IEEE (USA) and IET (UK).
SOUTHERN AFRICAN POWER POOL
CHIEF ENGINEER (PLANNING AND OPERATIONS)
Engineer Alison Chikova is the Chief Engineer responsible for Planning and Operations at the Southern African Power Pool. He holds a Master of Science Degree in Electrical Engineering. He has experience in generation and transmission planning and project planning. He has been instrumental in the market design and transmission pricing arrangements in SAPP. Before joining SAPP, he was the Head of the generation planning unit at the power utility in Zimbabwe. He is a Chartered Engineer and a Member of the Zimbabwe Institute of Engineers, IEEE (USA) and IET (UK).
Dr Jackie Chimhanzi
Tony Blair Institute
Regional Director
Dr Jackie Chimhanzi is Regional Director, Southern Africa; Tony Blair Institute. She was CEO of the African Leadership Institute which runs the Tutu Leadership Fellowship, developing new African leaders with Oxford University. Previously, she was Senior Strategist, Industrial Development Corporation South Africa (IDC). At Deloitte Consulting, as Strategy Lead, she engaged clients in power, oil and gas and steel and advised on accessing opportunities on the African continent. She has served on the WEF’s Africa Regional Strategy Group and the ONE Campaign, Econet Wireless Zimbabwe and ADvTECH Group boards.
Tony Blair Institute
Regional Director
Dr Jackie Chimhanzi is Regional Director, Southern Africa; Tony Blair Institute. She was CEO of the African Leadership Institute which runs the Tutu Leadership Fellowship, developing new African leaders with Oxford University. Previously, she was Senior Strategist, Industrial Development Corporation South Africa (IDC). At Deloitte Consulting, as Strategy Lead, she engaged clients in power, oil and gas and steel and advised on accessing opportunities on the African continent. She has served on the WEF’s Africa Regional Strategy Group and the ONE Campaign, Econet Wireless Zimbabwe and ADvTECH Group boards.
Mrs. Lisa Coppe
U.S. Trade and Development Agency
Senior Manager, Sub-Saharan Africa
Lisa Coppé is the Senior Manager for Sub-Saharan Africa at the U.S. Trade and Development Agency (USTDA). She has fifteen years of experience working on infrastructure projects across Africa and has originated transactions that have led to over $3 billion in sales for U.S. companies. She is responsible for business development, project preparation and evaluation, and supervision of USTDA’s activities in Africa. She has worked on deals in over 20 African countries. She is also the cybersecurity lead on the Digital Infrastructure Team at USTDA. Mrs. Coppé holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration from Bucknell University.
U.S. Trade and Development Agency
Senior Manager, Sub-Saharan Africa
Lisa Coppé is the Senior Manager for Sub-Saharan Africa at the U.S. Trade and Development Agency (USTDA). She has fifteen years of experience working on infrastructure projects across Africa and has originated transactions that have led to over $3 billion in sales for U.S. companies. She is responsible for business development, project preparation and evaluation, and supervision of USTDA’s activities in Africa. She has worked on deals in over 20 African countries. She is also the cybersecurity lead on the Digital Infrastructure Team at USTDA. Mrs. Coppé holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration from Bucknell University.
Mr. Adam Cortese
Sun Africa
Chief Executive Officer
Adam Cortese is CEO of Sun Africa, a U.S.-based energy developer with a global pipeline exceeding 15 gigawatts. Under his leadership, the company has delivered transformative projects, including Sub-Saharan Africa’s largest photovoltaic installation and award-winning deals recognized by TXF and U.S. EXIM Bank. Cortese champions innovative, community-focused energy solutions that integrate advanced technology and strategic financing to support sustainable infrastructure in emerging markets. His work has positioned Sun Africa as a trusted industry leader. He holds a B.A. in International Relations from Bucknell University and a Master of Global Management from Thunderbird at Arizona State University.
Sun Africa
Chief Executive Officer
Adam Cortese is CEO of Sun Africa, a U.S.-based energy developer with a global pipeline exceeding 15 gigawatts. Under his leadership, the company has delivered transformative projects, including Sub-Saharan Africa’s largest photovoltaic installation and award-winning deals recognized by TXF and U.S. EXIM Bank. Cortese champions innovative, community-focused energy solutions that integrate advanced technology and strategic financing to support sustainable infrastructure in emerging markets. His work has positioned Sun Africa as a trusted industry leader. He holds a B.A. in International Relations from Bucknell University and a Master of Global Management from Thunderbird at Arizona State University.
Mr Henrique Costa
Mitrelli
Managing Director
Henrique Costa is Managing Director of Mitrelli Urbanization, leading transformative urban development across Africa. He specializes in sustainable residential megaprojects that uplift communities and enhance quality of life. With over twelve years at Mitrelli, he has overseen the delivery of nearly 20,000 housing units with integrated infrastructure. Henrique works closely with governments to shape cities that align with national development goals. He bridges private-sector innovation with public-sector priorities, applying a strategic lens that balances feasibility, financial viability, and environmental stewardship. With a background in real estate and engineering, Henrique blends vision with execution to build inclusive, future-ready cities.
Mitrelli
Managing Director
Henrique Costa is Managing Director of Mitrelli Urbanization, leading transformative urban development across Africa. He specializes in sustainable residential megaprojects that uplift communities and enhance quality of life. With over twelve years at Mitrelli, he has overseen the delivery of nearly 20,000 housing units with integrated infrastructure. Henrique works closely with governments to shape cities that align with national development goals. He bridges private-sector innovation with public-sector priorities, applying a strategic lens that balances feasibility, financial viability, and environmental stewardship. With a background in real estate and engineering, Henrique blends vision with execution to build inclusive, future-ready cities.
Sr. Agostinho Cussomba
SODIAM E.P.
Director
- Over 20 years of experience in Finance Accounting related roles within the Oil and Gas and Mining Industry.
- Currently responsible for the Internal Auditing, Compliance and Standard and Quality Team at SODIAM EP.
- PhD in Finance
-Chartered Certified Accountant with CIMA and in ANGOLA with OCPCA
SODIAM E.P.
Director
- Over 20 years of experience in Finance Accounting related roles within the Oil and Gas and Mining Industry.
- Currently responsible for the Internal Auditing, Compliance and Standard and Quality Team at SODIAM EP.
- PhD in Finance
-Chartered Certified Accountant with CIMA and in ANGOLA with OCPCA
Mr Sam Ogbemi Daibo
PIND (Foundation for Partnership Initiative in the Niger Delta)
Executive Director
Sam Ogbemi Daibo is a distinguished executive with over 35 years of expertise in the private and development sectors. Renowned for his ability to harmonize diverse agendas and craft effective strategies, Sam has held senior positions in the oil and gas industry. His notable achievements include transforming Corporate Social Responsibility into a reputable enterprise in the Niger Delta and revolutionizing community engagement strategies. Currently, he serves as the Executive Director of PIND, championing sustainable development in the Niger Delta. Previously, Sam was the Director of Government Affairs and Area Manager for Policy, Government & Public Affairs at Chevron.
PIND (Foundation for Partnership Initiative in the Niger Delta)
Executive Director
Sam Ogbemi Daibo is a distinguished executive with over 35 years of expertise in the private and development sectors. Renowned for his ability to harmonize diverse agendas and craft effective strategies, Sam has held senior positions in the oil and gas industry. His notable achievements include transforming Corporate Social Responsibility into a reputable enterprise in the Niger Delta and revolutionizing community engagement strategies. Currently, he serves as the Executive Director of PIND, championing sustainable development in the Niger Delta. Previously, Sam was the Director of Government Affairs and Area Manager for Policy, Government & Public Affairs at Chevron.