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.
Mr. David Okumale
Dieo Ventures
FOUNDING PRINCIPAL
David Okhumale is a business executive with over 20 years of experience in strategy, operations, risk, and sports innovation. He is the Founding Principal of Dieo Ventures and a Partner at TA Sports Ventures, investing in emerging sports assets and advising global brands. As former COO & CRO of the NBPA, he led operations and helped negotiate the 2023 CBA, unlocking $50 billion in player earnings. He previously held leadership roles at FTI Consulting, Deloitte, and PwC. A CPA, David holds a BBA from Howard University and an MBA from Oxford, and speaks globally on sports, governance, and innovation.
Dieo Ventures
FOUNDING PRINCIPAL
David Okhumale is a business executive with over 20 years of experience in strategy, operations, risk, and sports innovation. He is the Founding Principal of Dieo Ventures and a Partner at TA Sports Ventures, investing in emerging sports assets and advising global brands. As former COO & CRO of the NBPA, he led operations and helped negotiate the 2023 CBA, unlocking $50 billion in player earnings. He previously held leadership roles at FTI Consulting, Deloitte, and PwC. A CPA, David holds a BBA from Howard University and an MBA from Oxford, and speaks globally on sports, governance, and innovation.
Mr Kazeem Oladepo
IHS
SVP/ Chief Operating Officer
Kazeem Oladepo leads IHS Nigeria’s end-to-end operations, steering tower and FTTX deployment, rural telephony, IoT, data-center assets, and related value-added services. Previously, he directed corporate, commercial, and business-development functions for MainOne’s subsea cable, connectivity, and data-center portfolio across more than 10 West African markets, where he also served as commercial executive for carrier, OTT, and CDN services. Formerly Starcomms’ director of corporate strategy, Oladepo brings 16 years of C-suite expertise spanning strategy, finance, legal, and operations within telecom and digital-infrastructure sectors. He holds degrees from ABU Zaria, Strathclyde, and Duke’s Fuqua School of Business.
IHS
SVP/ Chief Operating Officer
Kazeem Oladepo leads IHS Nigeria’s end-to-end operations, steering tower and FTTX deployment, rural telephony, IoT, data-center assets, and related value-added services. Previously, he directed corporate, commercial, and business-development functions for MainOne’s subsea cable, connectivity, and data-center portfolio across more than 10 West African markets, where he also served as commercial executive for carrier, OTT, and CDN services. Formerly Starcomms’ director of corporate strategy, Oladepo brings 16 years of C-suite expertise spanning strategy, finance, legal, and operations within telecom and digital-infrastructure sectors. He holds degrees from ABU Zaria, Strathclyde, and Duke’s Fuqua School of Business.
Mr. John Olajide
Cavista Holdings
Chairman Cavista Holdings, Board Chairman, Corporate Council on Africa
John Olajide is Chairman of the Corporate Council on Africa and Chairman of Cavista Holdings, based in Lagos.
Cavista Holdings
Chairman Cavista Holdings, Board Chairman, Corporate Council on Africa
John Olajide is Chairman of the Corporate Council on Africa and Chairman of Cavista Holdings, based in Lagos.
Sr. Mário Augusto da Silva Oliveira Augusto Oliveira
Republic of Angola
Minister of Telecommunications, Information Technologies and Social Communication, Angola
Mário Augusto da Silva Oliveira, born on April 6, 1964, son of Mário Januário de Oliveira and Maria Augusta da Silva Oliveira, of Angolan nationality – Luanda, graduated in Telecommunications Engineering. He had a long career at Sonangol Group, having started at Sonair as a technician in 1991 and then held various positions at MSTelcom as Commercial Director in 2006, Director of Operations in 2009, Director of Engineering in 2012 and member of the Executive Committee of the Board of Directors. He was Vice President of the Angolan Handball Federation, President of Zone 6 SADC of the African Handball Confederation, member of the Executive Committee of the African Handball Confederation and member of the Angolan Olympic Committee. He carried out several technical, management and leadership training courses in Angola and Europe, participated in several fairs, workshops and work visits within the scope of the telecommunications sector at an international level. It has language in English and Spanish. His career in the Government began in October 2017 with his appointment as Secretary of State for Telecommunications and Information Technologies and currently serves as Minister for Telecommunications, Information Technologies and Social Communication.
Republic of Angola
Minister of Telecommunications, Information Technologies and Social Communication, Angola
Mário Augusto da Silva Oliveira, born on April 6, 1964, son of Mário Januário de Oliveira and Maria Augusta da Silva Oliveira, of Angolan nationality – Luanda, graduated in Telecommunications Engineering. He had a long career at Sonangol Group, having started at Sonair as a technician in 1991 and then held various positions at MSTelcom as Commercial Director in 2006, Director of Operations in 2009, Director of Engineering in 2012 and member of the Executive Committee of the Board of Directors. He was Vice President of the Angolan Handball Federation, President of Zone 6 SADC of the African Handball Confederation, member of the Executive Committee of the African Handball Confederation and member of the Angolan Olympic Committee. He carried out several technical, management and leadership training courses in Angola and Europe, participated in several fairs, workshops and work visits within the scope of the telecommunications sector at an international level. It has language in English and Spanish. His career in the Government began in October 2017 with his appointment as Secretary of State for Telecommunications and Information Technologies and currently serves as Minister for Telecommunications, Information Technologies and Social Communication.
Honorato Evita Oma
Ministerio de Transportes, Telecomunicaciones y Sistema de Inteligencia Artificial
MINISTRO
Honorato EVITA OMA, Ministro de Transportes, Correos, Telecomunicaciones y Sistemas de Inteligencia Artificial de Guinea Ecuatorial. Desde su nombramiento, ha liderado importantes reformas e iniciativas estratégicas para posicionar a G.E como un HUB logístico y tecnológico en África Central. Impulsa proyectos de conectividad regional, modernización portuaria y digitalización de servicios públicos. Destaca por su enfoque panafricanista, su visión de futuro y su capacidad de diálogo con socios internacionales, Su gestión combina infraestructura moderna, innovación digital y cooperación regional para el desarrollo sostenible de G.E.
Ministerio de Transportes, Telecomunicaciones y Sistema de Inteligencia Artificial
MINISTRO
Honorato EVITA OMA, Ministro de Transportes, Correos, Telecomunicaciones y Sistemas de Inteligencia Artificial de Guinea Ecuatorial. Desde su nombramiento, ha liderado importantes reformas e iniciativas estratégicas para posicionar a G.E como un HUB logístico y tecnológico en África Central. Impulsa proyectos de conectividad regional, modernización portuaria y digitalización de servicios públicos. Destaca por su enfoque panafricanista, su visión de futuro y su capacidad de diálogo con socios internacionales, Su gestión combina infraestructura moderna, innovación digital y cooperación regional para el desarrollo sostenible de G.E.
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
Richard Quest is CNN’s foremost international business correspondent and anchor of Quest Means Business. Based in New York, he also hosts Quest’s World of Wonder and serves as CNN Business editor-at-large. Known for his dynamic style, Quest covers global finance, aviation, and major international events including Davos and Brexit. He has interviewed world leaders and top CEOs, and authored The Vanishing of Flight MH370. Previously with the BBC, he holds a law degree from Leeds University. In 2013, he received the UNWTO Lifetime Achievement Award for his contributions to business journalism.
CNN
Anchor, Quest Means Business
Richard Quest is CNN’s foremost international business correspondent and anchor of Quest Means Business. Based in New York, he also hosts Quest’s World of Wonder and serves as CNN Business editor-at-large. Known for his dynamic style, Quest covers global finance, aviation, and major international events including Davos and Brexit. He has interviewed world leaders and top CEOs, and authored The Vanishing of Flight MH370. Previously with the BBC, he holds a law degree from Leeds University. In 2013, he received the UNWTO Lifetime Achievement Award for his contributions to business journalism.
Mr. Kanono Leronti Ramashamole
Lesotho Government
PS Communications
Kanono Leronti Ramashamole serves as Principal Secretary in the Ministry of Information, Communications, Science, Technology and Innovation, demonstrating exceptional leadership and strategic oversight in Lesotho. With a focus on Digital Transformation, Innovation and Information Services, he drives policy implementation and fosters sustainable development. Leveraging his extensive professional network, Kanono builds impactful partnerships to achieve organizational objectives. His career reflects a steadfast commitment to excellence and advancing ICT sector goals.
Lesotho Government
PS Communications
Kanono Leronti Ramashamole serves as Principal Secretary in the Ministry of Information, Communications, Science, Technology and Innovation, demonstrating exceptional leadership and strategic oversight in Lesotho. With a focus on Digital Transformation, Innovation and Information Services, he drives policy implementation and fosters sustainable development. Leveraging his extensive professional network, Kanono builds impactful partnerships to achieve organizational objectives. His career reflects a steadfast commitment to excellence and advancing ICT sector goals.
M Mustafa Rawji
RAWBANK
Directeur Général
Mustafa Rawji is CEO of Rawbank, DRC’s largest bank, overseeing \$5 billion in assets, 1,800 staff, and 120 branches. He drove the launch of IllicoCash, a mobile platform widening financial access nationwide. A fourth-generation Rawji leader, he has served as president of the credit committee and deputy CEO for finance and technology, shaping marketing and communications. Educated at Babson, he began in commodity trade finance at Crédit Agricole, debt capital markets in Paris, and corporate banking at HSBC and Barclays. A Choiseul “Africa 40 Under 40” honoree, he sits on the Atlantic Council’s International Advisory Board and co-founded YPO DRC.
RAWBANK
Directeur Général
Mustafa Rawji is CEO of Rawbank, DRC’s largest bank, overseeing \$5 billion in assets, 1,800 staff, and 120 branches. He drove the launch of IllicoCash, a mobile platform widening financial access nationwide. A fourth-generation Rawji leader, he has served as president of the credit committee and deputy CEO for finance and technology, shaping marketing and communications. Educated at Babson, he began in commodity trade finance at Crédit Agricole, debt capital markets in Paris, and corporate banking at HSBC and Barclays. A Choiseul “Africa 40 Under 40” honoree, he sits on the Atlantic Council’s International Advisory Board and co-founded YPO DRC.
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 hours of Original international African content and for every hour create one sustainable job annually.
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 hours of Original international African content and for every hour create one sustainable job annually.
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.
Ms. Anna Salkeus
Ministry of Industries, Mines and Energy
Personal Assistant to the Executive Director
Personal Assistant to the Executive Director, Industries Mines and Energy
Ministry of Industries, Mines and Energy
Personal Assistant to the Executive Director
Personal Assistant to the Executive Director, Industries Mines and Energy