Mr Martison Obeng-Agyei
Afrimoney Sierra Leone
Chief Executive Officer
Martison Obeng-Agyei is currently CEO of Afromoney Sierra Leone and Gambia, prior to which he was Director of Afrimoney Sierra Leone upon joining the company in De. 2021.
Martison has vast experience in the Fintech industry spanning 13 years from Airtel Money through Vodafone Cash (Mpesa) where he drove significant change and growth through business process reengineering, strategy and human capital development.
Prior to Fintech Martison has been a Marketing and Sales practioner across industries from FMCG, Media to Telecom.
Martison is passionate about people, sustainability and an ardent change driver.
Afrimoney Sierra Leone
Chief Executive Officer
Martison Obeng-Agyei is currently CEO of Afromoney Sierra Leone and Gambia, prior to which he was Director of Afrimoney Sierra Leone upon joining the company in De. 2021.
Martison has vast experience in the Fintech industry spanning 13 years from Airtel Money through Vodafone Cash (Mpesa) where he drove significant change and growth through business process reengineering, strategy and human capital development.
Prior to Fintech Martison has been a Marketing and Sales practioner across industries from FMCG, Media to Telecom.
Martison is passionate about people, sustainability and an ardent change driver.
Dr. Maria Oden
Rice University
Teaching Professor of Bioengineering, Co-Director, Rice360 Institute for Global Health Technologies
Maria Oden has 25+ years of combined academic, research, and clinical experience in biomedical engineering and engineering design where she teaches students to identify, innovate, and build devices and technologies that solve real-world problems. Oden fosters growth in student impact-driven design education including technologies to address health challenges identified by colleagues and clinical partners globally. Oden co-founded a novel, inter-institutional program to advance invention education (IvE), to improve healthcare and economies by establishing local ecosystems that foster technical innovation and entrepreneurship. IvE teaches a product development process to create high-impact technologies that address critical health gaps impacting their communities.
Rice University
Teaching Professor of Bioengineering, Co-Director, Rice360 Institute for Global Health Technologies
Maria Oden has 25+ years of combined academic, research, and clinical experience in biomedical engineering and engineering design where she teaches students to identify, innovate, and build devices and technologies that solve real-world problems. Oden fosters growth in student impact-driven design education including technologies to address health challenges identified by colleagues and clinical partners globally. Oden co-founded a novel, inter-institutional program to advance invention education (IvE), to improve healthcare and economies by establishing local ecosystems that foster technical innovation and entrepreneurship. IvE teaches a product development process to create high-impact technologies that address critical health gaps impacting their communities.
Ms. Toyosi Ogunseye
The Presidential Precinct
President & CEO
As President & CEO of the Presidential Precinct, Toyosi ensures strategic direction in the organization’s commitment to delivering world-class leadership programming that engages and inspires emerging leaders.
Toyosi has two decades of leadership experience in journalism, most recently serving as a Senior News Editor for News and Commissioning at the BBC. Prior to this, Toyosi was the first female editor in the 50-year history of Punch Newspaper, Nigeria’s most well-known newspaper.
While gaining experience across multiple disciplines and several continents, Toyosi’s steadfast commitment has remained in empowering young people who are committed to improving their community and country.
The Presidential Precinct
President & CEO
As President & CEO of the Presidential Precinct, Toyosi ensures strategic direction in the organization’s commitment to delivering world-class leadership programming that engages and inspires emerging leaders.
Toyosi has two decades of leadership experience in journalism, most recently serving as a Senior News Editor for News and Commissioning at the BBC. Prior to this, Toyosi was the first female editor in the 50-year history of Punch Newspaper, Nigeria’s most well-known newspaper.
While gaining experience across multiple disciplines and several continents, Toyosi’s steadfast commitment has remained in empowering young people who are committed to improving their community and country.
Mrs Akaego Okoye
African Business Stories
Founder & CEO
Akaego Okoye is the Founder of African Business Stories, a media and communications company amplifying female entrepreneurship and success in Africa. A dual-qualified lawyer and strategic advisor with 20+ years of global experience, she has held leadership roles at DLA Piper, EAN Aviation, and the Corporate Council on Africa. Akaego hosts the African Business Stories podcast and moderates high-level conferences across sectors. She serves on several boards, including 1952 Africa. Akaego holds an LLB from the University of Kent and an LLM from University College London, and is qualified to practice law in both the UK and Nigeria.
African Business Stories
Founder & CEO
Akaego Okoye is the Founder of African Business Stories, a media and communications company amplifying female entrepreneurship and success in Africa. A dual-qualified lawyer and strategic advisor with 20+ years of global experience, she has held leadership roles at DLA Piper, EAN Aviation, and the Corporate Council on Africa. Akaego hosts the African Business Stories podcast and moderates high-level conferences across sectors. She serves on several boards, including 1952 Africa. Akaego holds an LLB from the University of Kent and an LLM from University College London, and is qualified to practice law in both the UK and Nigeria.
H.E. Dr. Tidiane Ouattara
African Space Agency
President of the Council of the African Space Agency
Tidiane Ouattara, President of the Council of the African Space Agency (AfSA) since 2024, is a distinguished expert in space policy and sciences. He holds a PhD in Remote Sensing/GIS (Sherbrooke University, Canada) and has held leadership roles at Canada’s Space Agency (International Relations), Natural Resources Canada (Senior Science/Policy Advisor), and Environment Canada (Geospatial Management). Formerly at the African Union Commission, he coordinated the African Outer Space Programme including GMES & Africa program. Bilingual professional with tremendous experience in space R&D, policy and international relations, he pioneered Africa’s space governance as AfSA’s inaugural Council President.
African Space Agency
President of the Council of the African Space Agency
Tidiane Ouattara, President of the Council of the African Space Agency (AfSA) since 2024, is a distinguished expert in space policy and sciences. He holds a PhD in Remote Sensing/GIS (Sherbrooke University, Canada) and has held leadership roles at Canada’s Space Agency (International Relations), Natural Resources Canada (Senior Science/Policy Advisor), and Environment Canada (Geospatial Management). Formerly at the African Union Commission, he coordinated the African Outer Space Programme including GMES & Africa program. Bilingual professional with tremendous experience in space R&D, policy and international relations, he pioneered Africa’s space governance as AfSA’s inaugural Council President.
Dr. Allan Pamba
Roche Ltd
Executive Vice President
Dr. Allan Pamba is the Executive Vice President for Roche Diagnostics Africa, based in Nairobi. He leads Roche’s investments and access initiatives across the continent and is part of the EMEA-LATAM leadership team. Previously, he served as CEO of Nairobi Hospital and held senior roles at GSK, including VP & GM East Africa and Director of Public Engagement. His career spans the UK, US, and Kenya. Allan holds degrees in Medicine, Surgery, and a Master’s in Public Health for Developing Countries. He brings deep expertise in pharmaceuticals, healthcare access, and stakeholder engagement across public and private sectors.
Roche Ltd
Executive Vice President
Dr. Allan Pamba is the Executive Vice President for Roche Diagnostics Africa, based in Nairobi. He leads Roche’s investments and access initiatives across the continent and is part of the EMEA-LATAM leadership team. Previously, he served as CEO of Nairobi Hospital and held senior roles at GSK, including VP & GM East Africa and Director of Public Engagement. His career spans the UK, US, and Kenya. Allan holds degrees in Medicine, Surgery, and a Master’s in Public Health for Developing Countries. He brings deep expertise in pharmaceuticals, healthcare access, and stakeholder engagement across public and private sectors.
Mr. Richard Quest
CNN
Anchor, Quest Means Business
Denim Richards is an award-winning actor(Yellowstone),Producer,and entrepreneur with several businesses around the African Continent.He is the Founder/CEO of Opulent Entertainment Group.In 2024,he was appointed Ambassador to Botswana and Global Director of Arts & Culture by the African Union Sixth Region Global,recognizing his outstanding leadership in promoting African narratives through the creative sector.He leads creative initiatives across Africa,empowering talent and forging global partnerships.He is on a mission to create 10,000 hours of Original international African content and for every hour create one sustainable job annually.
CNN
Anchor, Quest Means Business
Denim Richards is an award-winning actor(Yellowstone),Producer,and entrepreneur with several businesses around the African Continent.He is the Founder/CEO of Opulent Entertainment Group.In 2024,he was appointed Ambassador to Botswana and Global Director of Arts & Culture by the African Union Sixth Region Global,recognizing his outstanding leadership in promoting African narratives through the creative sector.He leads creative initiatives across Africa,empowering talent and forging global partnerships.He is on a mission to create 10,000 hours of Original international African content and for every hour create one sustainable job annually.
Mr. Denim Richards
Opulent Entertainment Group
CEO
Denim Richards is an award-winning actor(Yellowstone),Producer,and entrepreneur with several businesses around the African Continent.He is the Founder/CEO of Opulent Entertainment Group.In 2024,he was appointed Ambassador to Botswana and Global Director of Arts & Culture by the African Union Sixth Region Global,recognizing his outstanding leadership in promoting African narratives through the creative sector.He leads creative initiatives across Africa,empowering talent and forging global partnerships.He is on a mission to create 10,000
Opulent Entertainment Group
CEO
Denim Richards is an award-winning actor(Yellowstone),Producer,and entrepreneur with several businesses around the African Continent.He is the Founder/CEO of Opulent Entertainment Group.In 2024,he was appointed Ambassador to Botswana and Global Director of Arts & Culture by the African Union Sixth Region Global,recognizing his outstanding leadership in promoting African narratives through the creative sector.He leads creative initiatives across Africa,empowering talent and forging global partnerships.He is on a mission to create 10,000
Dr. Rebecca Richards-Kortum
Rice University
Malcolm Gillis University Professor, Department of Bioengineering, Co-Director, Rice360 Institute for Global Health Technologies
Rebecca Richards-Kortum is the Malcolm Gillis University Professor of Bioengineering and Co-Director of Rice360 at Rice University. Her research develops miniature imaging systems to screen for oral, esophageal, and cervical cancer and their precursors at the point of care in low-resource settings. Motivated to improve global access to lifesaving technologies for high-quality health care, Richards-Kortum’s research and teaching focus is on the development of affordable, high-performance technologies for underserved areas. She is known for increasing access to innovative medical technologies that address diseases and conditions in vulnerable populations that cause high morbidity and mortality.
Rice University
Malcolm Gillis University Professor, Department of Bioengineering, Co-Director, Rice360 Institute for Global Health Technologies
Rebecca Richards-Kortum is the Malcolm Gillis University Professor of Bioengineering and Co-Director of Rice360 at Rice University. Her research develops miniature imaging systems to screen for oral, esophageal, and cervical cancer and their precursors at the point of care in low-resource settings. Motivated to improve global access to lifesaving technologies for high-quality health care, Richards-Kortum’s research and teaching focus is on the development of affordable, high-performance technologies for underserved areas. She is known for increasing access to innovative medical technologies that address diseases and conditions in vulnerable populations that cause high morbidity and mortality.
Dra. Ana Santos
INTERNET TECHNOLOGIES ANGOLA, SA
Legal Counsel
Born in Lisbon, grew up in Portugal, England, Macau before returning to Portugal and graduating from there in Law. Spent more than 20 years as a in-house counsel Banking sector in Europe. The financial crisis and personal circumstances led to Africa and later to Telecommunications industry as legal counsel and Board Member of Internet Technologies Angola and Paratus Holdings. Has also lectured In Portugal and Angola at the Law Faculties. In 2022 decided to go back to school to take a LLM in Digital Economy. Extremely exciting to read courses on digital age and study with new generation of lawyers.
INTERNET TECHNOLOGIES ANGOLA, SA
Legal Counsel
Born in Lisbon, grew up in Portugal, England, Macau before returning to Portugal and graduating from there in Law. Spent more than 20 years as a in-house counsel Banking sector in Europe. The financial crisis and personal circumstances led to Africa and later to Telecommunications industry as legal counsel and Board Member of Internet Technologies Angola and Paratus Holdings. Has also lectured In Portugal and Angola at the Law Faculties. In 2022 decided to go back to school to take a LLM in Digital Economy. Extremely exciting to read courses on digital age and study with new generation of lawyers.
Ms. Elizabeth Schwarze
Chevron
Vice President, Exploration
Liz Schwarze is vice president of Global Exploration based in Houston, Texas, a role she assumed in April 2018. In this role, she is responsible for Chevron’s worldwide exploration program and chairs the company’s Global Exploration Leadership Team.
Previously, Schwarze was general manager of Exploration for Chevron Africa and Latin America Exploration and Production Company in Houston overseeing exploration for this region and held a similar role as general manager of Exploration for Chevron Asia Pacific Exploration and Production Company, based in Singapore.
Chevron
Vice President, Exploration
Liz Schwarze is vice president of Global Exploration based in Houston, Texas, a role she assumed in April 2018. In this role, she is responsible for Chevron’s worldwide exploration program and chairs the company’s Global Exploration Leadership Team.
Previously, Schwarze was general manager of Exploration for Chevron Africa and Latin America Exploration and Production Company in Houston overseeing exploration for this region and held a similar role as general manager of Exploration for Chevron Asia Pacific Exploration and Production Company, based in Singapore.
Ms Tania Silva
Angola ALNG Marketing Ltd
CEO
Tania Silva leads Angola LNG Marketing Ltd managing global LNG and Liquids sales and LNG shipping operations. She began her energy sector career in strategy and business development at Sonangol Gás e Energias Revovaveis ER, a subsidiary of Sonangol. With over 18 years in the industry, she has held progressive leadership roles across Sonangol and ALM, including Planning, HES, Communications, and Marketing. Tania also partook in the Terminal Oceânico da Barra do Dande project and spearheaded Sonangol’s rebranding project. Tania holds degrees in Petroleum Engineering and Business Management, plus a postgraduate in Global Business from University of Oxford
Angola ALNG Marketing Ltd
CEO
Tania Silva leads Angola LNG Marketing Ltd managing global LNG and Liquids sales and LNG shipping operations. She began her energy sector career in strategy and business development at Sonangol Gás e Energias Revovaveis ER, a subsidiary of Sonangol. With over 18 years in the industry, she has held progressive leadership roles across Sonangol and ALM, including Planning, HES, Communications, and Marketing. Tania also partook in the Terminal Oceânico da Barra do Dande project and spearheaded Sonangol’s rebranding project. Tania holds degrees in Petroleum Engineering and Business Management, plus a postgraduate in Global Business from University of Oxford
Mr. Paul Sullivan
Acrow Bridge
President - International Business
Paul Sullivan, Acrow’s President – International Business, has enjoyed a long career working in Africa, the Americas, Asia, Europe and the Middle East, focusing over the past two decades on bridge infrastructure projects. Sullivan serves on the Board of Directors of the Corporate Council on Africa (CCA) in Washington D.C., as well as on the Board of Princeton in Africa (PiAF). Mr. Sullivan is also the Vice Chair of the United States Trade Representative's Trade Advisory Committee on Africa (TACA), and has served as a member of the Export-Import Bank of the United States Sub-Saharan Africa Advisory Committee (SAAC).
Acrow Bridge
President - International Business
Paul Sullivan, Acrow’s President – International Business, has enjoyed a long career working in Africa, the Americas, Asia, Europe and the Middle East, focusing over the past two decades on bridge infrastructure projects. Sullivan serves on the Board of Directors of the Corporate Council on Africa (CCA) in Washington D.C., as well as on the Board of Princeton in Africa (PiAF). Mr. Sullivan is also the Vice Chair of the United States Trade Representative's Trade Advisory Committee on Africa (TACA), and has served as a member of the Export-Import Bank of the United States Sub-Saharan Africa Advisory Committee (SAAC).
Mr. Admassu Tadesse
TDB Group
Group President and Managing Director
Admassu Tadesse is President and Managing Director of the Trade and Development Bank (TDB) Group. Since 2022, he has led its expansion into new markets, growing assets to USD 10 billion and doubling its investor base. Previously, he led PTA Bank’s transformation into TDB and was Executive VP at the Development Bank of Southern Africa. Recognized with multiple awards, including African Banker of the Year in 2019 and 2024, he serves on several boards across Africa, Europe, the U.S., and Asia. Tadesse is an alumnus of the LSE, Western University, Wits Business School, and Harvard Business School.
TDB Group
Group President and Managing Director
Admassu Tadesse is President and Managing Director of the Trade and Development Bank (TDB) Group. Since 2022, he has led its expansion into new markets, growing assets to USD 10 billion and doubling its investor base. Previously, he led PTA Bank’s transformation into TDB and was Executive VP at the Development Bank of Southern Africa. Recognized with multiple awards, including African Banker of the Year in 2019 and 2024, he serves on several boards across Africa, Europe, the U.S., and Asia. Tadesse is an alumnus of the LSE, Western University, Wits Business School, and Harvard Business School.
Mr. Haim Taib
Mitrelli
Founder and President
Haim Taib, founder and president of Mitrelli and Menomadin Group, is an accomplished entrepreneur, investor, and philanthropist with 30+ years’ experience in Africa. He has led numerous infrastructure projects, enhancing quality of life and economic growth. At Mitrelli, he has overseen 100+ national-scale projects in Angola, Côte d'Ivoire, Senegal, and Mozambique, across sectors such as urbanization, water and food security, energy, education, healthcare, and technology. He also leads Menomadin Group, driving global value through strategic investments in real estate, capital markets, and startups, aligned with ESG principles and the UN SDGs, delivering impactful projects across sub-Saharan Africa and beyond.
Mitrelli
Founder and President
Haim Taib, founder and president of Mitrelli and Menomadin Group, is an accomplished entrepreneur, investor, and philanthropist with 30+ years’ experience in Africa. He has led numerous infrastructure projects, enhancing quality of life and economic growth. At Mitrelli, he has overseen 100+ national-scale projects in Angola, Côte d'Ivoire, Senegal, and Mozambique, across sectors such as urbanization, water and food security, energy, education, healthcare, and technology. He also leads Menomadin Group, driving global value through strategic investments in real estate, capital markets, and startups, aligned with ESG principles and the UN SDGs, delivering impactful projects across sub-Saharan Africa and beyond.
Dr. Papa Demba Thiam
Value Chains Development
International Economist
Dr. Papa Demba Thiam is an international economist, an expert in value chains based industrial development, a professor and an entrepreneur. He is the author and co-author of several renowed publications.
Value Chains Development
International Economist
Dr. Papa Demba Thiam is an international economist, an expert in value chains based industrial development, a professor and an entrepreneur. He is the author and co-author of several renowed publications.