Mr Oluwabankole Falade
Flutterwave
Chief Legal & Public Policy Officer
Oluwabankole Falade is Flutterwave’s Chief Legal & Public Policy Officer, leveraging over 20 years of experience in law, regulatory affairs, and government relations across the financial and telecoms sectors. Previously, he held leadership roles at IHS Towers, VISA, and MTN, managing government interactions across Africa. He provides strategic oversight and drives government relations strategies to support Flutterwave’s vision. Bankole holds qualifications from the University of Aberdeen and Harvard Law School, and is a fellow of the Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administration, Nigeria, and an Associate Member of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators, UK.
Flutterwave
Chief Legal & Public Policy Officer
Oluwabankole Falade is Flutterwave’s Chief Legal & Public Policy Officer, leveraging over 20 years of experience in law, regulatory affairs, and government relations across the financial and telecoms sectors. Previously, he held leadership roles at IHS Towers, VISA, and MTN, managing government interactions across Africa. He provides strategic oversight and drives government relations strategies to support Flutterwave’s vision. Bankole holds qualifications from the University of Aberdeen and Harvard Law School, and is a fellow of the Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administration, Nigeria, and an Associate Member of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators, UK.
Mr. Justin Friedman
U.S. Department of State
Senior Advisor
Mr. Friedman serves as Senior Advisor for Commercial Competitiveness in Nuclear Energy in the Bureau of International Security and Nonproliferation (ISN) at the Department of State. He is responsible for developing and implementing whole-of-government strategies to support civil nuclear power projects which adhere to the highest international standards of security, nonproliferation, and safety while advancing energy security globally. A career diplomat, Mr. Friedman has served in multiple positions abroad including Deputy Chief of Mission in Bulgaria and Political Counselor in Turkiye, and domestically as Director of the Office of Export Control Cooperation and Special Assistant for Caspian Basin Energy Diplomacy.
U.S. Department of State
Senior Advisor
Mr. Friedman serves as Senior Advisor for Commercial Competitiveness in Nuclear Energy in the Bureau of International Security and Nonproliferation (ISN) at the Department of State. He is responsible for developing and implementing whole-of-government strategies to support civil nuclear power projects which adhere to the highest international standards of security, nonproliferation, and safety while advancing energy security globally. A career diplomat, Mr. Friedman has served in multiple positions abroad including Deputy Chief of Mission in Bulgaria and Political Counselor in Turkiye, and domestically as Director of the Office of Export Control Cooperation and Special Assistant for Caspian Basin Energy Diplomacy.
Ms. Naana Frimpong
DLA Piper
Partner
Naana Frimpong is a partner at DLA Piper, co-leading the U.S./Africa Practice and serving on the firm’s Africa Board. She also leads the Atlanta litigation group. A former U.S. federal prosecutor in Chicago, she has over 20 years of experience handling global investigations. Naana advises companies and executives on government investigations, litigation, and compliance strategies. Naana serves as Vice Chair of Yale University’s President’s Council on International Activities and as a trustee at Amherst College. Naana holds a B.A. from Amherst College and a J.D. from Yale Law School.
DLA Piper
Partner
Naana Frimpong is a partner at DLA Piper, co-leading the U.S./Africa Practice and serving on the firm’s Africa Board. She also leads the Atlanta litigation group. A former U.S. federal prosecutor in Chicago, she has over 20 years of experience handling global investigations. Naana advises companies and executives on government investigations, litigation, and compliance strategies. Naana serves as Vice Chair of Yale University’s President’s Council on International Activities and as a trustee at Amherst College. Naana holds a B.A. from Amherst College and a J.D. from Yale Law School.
Mr. Kalidou Gadio
DLA Piper US LLP
Co-Chair, US-Africa Practice
Kalidou Gadio’s represents developers, financiers, and sovereign states on financing structures and risk allocation. Kalidou also advises in disputes involving foreign investments in the energy and natural resources sectors.
Kalidou brings deep knowledge of the Sub-Saharan Africa and MENA regions, having previously spent 27 years at the AfDB, including as general counsel. He played a critical role in creating Africa50, an investment bank for continental African, and setting up the African Legal Support Facility, which provides legal and capacity building services for African governments negotiating major commercial and infrastructure contracts. His notable experience includes restructuring Shelterafrique into a full DFI.
DLA Piper US LLP
Co-Chair, US-Africa Practice
Kalidou Gadio’s represents developers, financiers, and sovereign states on financing structures and risk allocation. Kalidou also advises in disputes involving foreign investments in the energy and natural resources sectors.
Kalidou brings deep knowledge of the Sub-Saharan Africa and MENA regions, having previously spent 27 years at the AfDB, including as general counsel. He played a critical role in creating Africa50, an investment bank for continental African, and setting up the African Legal Support Facility, which provides legal and capacity building services for African governments negotiating major commercial and infrastructure contracts. His notable experience includes restructuring Shelterafrique into a full DFI.
Mr. Thomas Hardy
U.S. Trade and Development Agency (USTDA)
Director (Acting)
Thomas Hardy re-assumed the role of Director (Acting) of the U.S. Trade and Development Agency on January 20, 2025. He leads USTDA in the development of overseas infrastructure projects that strengthen U.S. national security, create export opportunities for U.S. goods and services, and support U.S. jobs. By funding project preparation and partnership-building activities, USTDA matches U.S. technological expertise with overseas infrastructure needs. Previously, Mr. Hardy was appointed by President Donald J. Trump to lead USTDA as Director (Acting) from 2017-2020, when he helped transform the Agency to take on the challenges presented in an ever-changing global landscape.
U.S. Trade and Development Agency (USTDA)
Director (Acting)
Thomas Hardy re-assumed the role of Director (Acting) of the U.S. Trade and Development Agency on January 20, 2025. He leads USTDA in the development of overseas infrastructure projects that strengthen U.S. national security, create export opportunities for U.S. goods and services, and support U.S. jobs. By funding project preparation and partnership-building activities, USTDA matches U.S. technological expertise with overseas infrastructure needs. Previously, Mr. Hardy was appointed by President Donald J. Trump to lead USTDA as Director (Acting) from 2017-2020, when he helped transform the Agency to take on the challenges presented in an ever-changing global landscape.
Miss Andrea Hotter
Fastmarkets
Special Correspondent
Andrea Hotter is the US-based Special Correspondent at Fastmarkets, a leading cross-commodity price reporting agency in the metals and mining, agriculture, forest products and new generation energy markets. She writes the 'Hotter Commodities' column and hosts the 'Fast Forward' podcast on energy security. Previously, she was Assistant Managing Editor at Dow Jones Newswires on its energy and commodities desk in London, where she was responsible for markets and equities coverage of metals, softs, grains and energy for EMEA. Andrea is also a Director on the board of The Copper Club, an organization that fosters the interests of the copper industry.
Fastmarkets
Special Correspondent
Andrea Hotter is the US-based Special Correspondent at Fastmarkets, a leading cross-commodity price reporting agency in the metals and mining, agriculture, forest products and new generation energy markets. She writes the 'Hotter Commodities' column and hosts the 'Fast Forward' podcast on energy security. Previously, she was Assistant Managing Editor at Dow Jones Newswires on its energy and commodities desk in London, where she was responsible for markets and equities coverage of metals, softs, grains and energy for EMEA. Andrea is also a Director on the board of The Copper Club, an organization that fosters the interests of the copper industry.
D. Eng Zolana Joao
Angolan National Space Program Management Office (GGPEN)
General Manager
Dr. Zolana Joao is the General Manager of Angola’s National Space Program Management Office (GGPEN), leading satellite missions and space strategy development. He was instrumental in Angola’s transformation into an emerging spacefaring nation, overseeing the launches of ANGOSAT-1 & 2 and the implementation of the Angolan Earth Observation Program. He holds dual master’s degrees and a Doctor of Engineering from George Washington University. A guest lecturer at MIT and ISU, he is also a published researcher. Dr. Joao has received international recognition, including awards from ROSCOSMOS, IRCAI–UNESCO, and a speaking invitation to the 2022 U.S.–Africa Leaders Summit.
Angolan National Space Program Management Office (GGPEN)
General Manager
Dr. Zolana Joao is the General Manager of Angola’s National Space Program Management Office (GGPEN), leading satellite missions and space strategy development. He was instrumental in Angola’s transformation into an emerging spacefaring nation, overseeing the launches of ANGOSAT-1 & 2 and the implementation of the Angolan Earth Observation Program. He holds dual master’s degrees and a Doctor of Engineering from George Washington University. A guest lecturer at MIT and ISU, he is also a published researcher. Dr. Joao has received international recognition, including awards from ROSCOSMOS, IRCAI–UNESCO, and a speaking invitation to the 2022 U.S.–Africa Leaders Summit.
Mr. Brian Kelly
Anzana Electric Group
Founder & CEO
Brian is the Founder & CEO of Anzana Electric Group, a company which develops, invests, owns, and operates private electricity distribution utilities and distributed generation projects in sub-Saharan Africa. He has over 18 years of experience focused on electricity sector development, investments, and financing in emerging markets. His career includes entrepreneurship, private equity, and power sector investment banking across Africa and Asia-Pacific. He holds a BA from the University of Pennsylvania.
Anzana Electric Group
Founder & CEO
Brian is the Founder & CEO of Anzana Electric Group, a company which develops, invests, owns, and operates private electricity distribution utilities and distributed generation projects in sub-Saharan Africa. He has over 18 years of experience focused on electricity sector development, investments, and financing in emerging markets. His career includes entrepreneurship, private equity, and power sector investment banking across Africa and Asia-Pacific. He holds a BA from the University of Pennsylvania.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Ms Gwen Ngwenya
Mastercard
Vice President, Public Policy, EEMEA
Gwen Ngwenya is Vice President, Public Policy, EEMEA at Mastercard. She has a distinguished career spanning public and private sectors—from leading policy at Airbnb MEA and covering EEMEA as an analyst at Bloomberg, to serving as a Member of Parliament in South Africa, where she served on the Standing Committee on Finance and as Head of Policy for the Democratic Alliance. Internationally, she’s contributed to election missions, addressed forums such as Chatham House, and advised on Africa’s development and governance. A seasoned strategist and compelling voice on tech policy, Gwen is a passionate advocate for responsible innovation.
Mastercard
Vice President, Public Policy, EEMEA
Gwen Ngwenya is Vice President, Public Policy, EEMEA at Mastercard. She has a distinguished career spanning public and private sectors—from leading policy at Airbnb MEA and covering EEMEA as an analyst at Bloomberg, to serving as a Member of Parliament in South Africa, where she served on the Standing Committee on Finance and as Head of Policy for the Democratic Alliance. Internationally, she’s contributed to election missions, addressed forums such as Chatham House, and advised on Africa’s development and governance. A seasoned strategist and compelling voice on tech policy, Gwen is a passionate advocate for responsible innovation.
Dr. Jude Nwokike
USP
Vice President, Global Health & Manufacturing Services
Dr. Jude Nwokike brings over 20 years of distinguished leadership in medical products development, quality assurance, regulatory systems strengthening, and pharmaceutical systems. As VP at USP he has led several global initiatives to ensure the quality and safety of medicines and spearheaded efforts to enhance the adoption of manufacturing standards and regulatory frameworks across nearly 60 countries, overcoming bottlenecks to accelerate access to life-saving medicines and vaccines.
Before joining USP, Dr. Nwokike served as the U.S. FDA liaison to the Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, supporting the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) antiretroviral drugs program.
USP
Vice President, Global Health & Manufacturing Services
Dr. Jude Nwokike brings over 20 years of distinguished leadership in medical products development, quality assurance, regulatory systems strengthening, and pharmaceutical systems. As VP at USP he has led several global initiatives to ensure the quality and safety of medicines and spearheaded efforts to enhance the adoption of manufacturing standards and regulatory frameworks across nearly 60 countries, overcoming bottlenecks to accelerate access to life-saving medicines and vaccines.
Before joining USP, Dr. Nwokike served as the U.S. FDA liaison to the Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, supporting the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) antiretroviral drugs program.