Mr Honorato Evita Oma
Government of Equatorial Guinea
Minister of Transportation, Post and New Technologies of Information and Communication
Minister of Transport, Post Office and New Information and Communication Technologies since February 2003. Long trajectory on the private sector before that.
Government of Equatorial Guinea
Minister of Transportation, Post and New Technologies of Information and Communication
Minister of Transport, Post Office and New Information and Communication Technologies since February 2003. Long trajectory on the private sector before that.
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.
Sr. André Figueira
DLA Piper ABBC
Partner
André Duarte Figueira is a lawyer with nearly 20 years of experience in international infrastructure, energy, and natural resources projects, with a strong focus on Angola. He plays a key role in regulatory matters, concession agreements, lease negotiations, and participation agreements across the oil, gas, mining, and port logistics sectors. He has advised major companies including Galp, Chevron, BP, and Angola LNG, as well as service providers such as Halliburton and Schlumberger. Known for his strategic and multidisciplinary approach, André combines legal, tax, and financial expertise to structure and implement complex projects while mitigating risk in cross-border environments.
DLA Piper ABBC
Partner
André Duarte Figueira is a lawyer with nearly 20 years of experience in international infrastructure, energy, and natural resources projects, with a strong focus on Angola. He plays a key role in regulatory matters, concession agreements, lease negotiations, and participation agreements across the oil, gas, mining, and port logistics sectors. He has advised major companies including Galp, Chevron, BP, and Angola LNG, as well as service providers such as Halliburton and Schlumberger. Known for his strategic and multidisciplinary approach, André combines legal, tax, and financial expertise to structure and implement complex projects while mitigating risk in cross-border environments.
Mr. João Filipe
CABSHIP
FOUNDER & CEO
João Filipe is the founder and CEO of CABSHIP, a leading oil & gas asset management and logistics company revolutionizing supply chain solutions in Angola. With a career deeply rooted in the energy sector spanning over 20 years in leadership roles.
Under João’s leadership, CABSHIP has grown to over 600 direct employees, becoming a vital player in the logistics ecosystem, the company has earned recognition for its transformative impact in Angola, being awarded the best local company in 2024 by the Energy Capital & Power, while promoting local content and empowering African-led initiatives.
CABSHIP
FOUNDER & CEO
João Filipe is the founder and CEO of CABSHIP, a leading oil & gas asset management and logistics company revolutionizing supply chain solutions in Angola. With a career deeply rooted in the energy sector spanning over 20 years in leadership roles.
Under João’s leadership, CABSHIP has grown to over 600 direct employees, becoming a vital player in the logistics ecosystem, the company has earned recognition for its transformative impact in Angola, being awarded the best local company in 2024 by the Energy Capital & Power, while promoting local content and empowering African-led initiatives.
Mr. Thomas Flahive
CrossBoundary
Managing Partner
Tom Flahive is the Co-Founder and Managing Partner of CrossBoundary Group, an investment and advisory firm focused on unlocking capital in underserved markets. He co-leads CrossBoundary Advisory and serves on the Group’s investment committees. Prior to CrossBoundary, Tom held roles at Mongolia International Capital Corporation, Lazard Alternative Investments, and Jones Lang LaSalle. He holds an MBA from Harvard Business School and a BA from the University of Pennsylvania. Tom is currently based in New York City.
CrossBoundary
Managing Partner
Tom Flahive is the Co-Founder and Managing Partner of CrossBoundary Group, an investment and advisory firm focused on unlocking capital in underserved markets. He co-leads CrossBoundary Advisory and serves on the Group’s investment committees. Prior to CrossBoundary, Tom held roles at Mongolia International Capital Corporation, Lazard Alternative Investments, and Jones Lang LaSalle. He holds an MBA from Harvard Business School and a BA from the University of Pennsylvania. Tom is currently based in New York City.
Mrs. Jillian Foerster
U.S. Trade and Development Agency (USTDA)
Regional Manager, Sub-Saharan Africa
Jillian Foerster is a Regional Manager for Sub-Saharan Africa at USTDA. Based out of the U.S. Embassy in Accra, Ghana, Jillian is responsible for directing business development and managing strategic partnerships in the region.
Her prior professional experience includes working with a think tank and consulting firms in Washington, DC focused on security, conservation, and private sector development in Africa as well as two years working as a volunteer with an NGO in Yei, South Sudan.
U.S. Trade and Development Agency (USTDA)
Regional Manager, Sub-Saharan Africa
Jillian Foerster is a Regional Manager for Sub-Saharan Africa at USTDA. Based out of the U.S. Embassy in Accra, Ghana, Jillian is responsible for directing business development and managing strategic partnerships in the region.
Her prior professional experience includes working with a think tank and consulting firms in Washington, DC focused on security, conservation, and private sector development in Africa as well as two years working as a volunteer with an NGO in Yei, South Sudan.
Mr. Tomás Frade
Mitrelli
Managing Director Mitrelli Water & Food Security
Tomás Frade is a seasoned executive with over 20 years of experience leading infrastructure projects across Sub-Saharan Africa, Latin America, and Europe. His portfolio spans agrobusiness, water, energy, green hydrogen, mining, and oil & gas. As Managing Director of Mitrelli’s Water & Food Security sector, he leads landmark initiatives such as Angola’s and Côte d’Ivoire’s “Water for All” programs, as well as agrobusiness ventures like large-scale farming and agro-industrial park developments supporting food self-sufficiency and rural development. Tomás works with governments, DFIs, and private investors, bringing cross-sectoral insight and strategic vision to the US-Africa Business Summit.
Mitrelli
Managing Director Mitrelli Water & Food Security
Tomás Frade is a seasoned executive with over 20 years of experience leading infrastructure projects across Sub-Saharan Africa, Latin America, and Europe. His portfolio spans agrobusiness, water, energy, green hydrogen, mining, and oil & gas. As Managing Director of Mitrelli’s Water & Food Security sector, he leads landmark initiatives such as Angola’s and Côte d’Ivoire’s “Water for All” programs, as well as agrobusiness ventures like large-scale farming and agro-industrial park developments supporting food self-sufficiency and rural development. Tomás works with governments, DFIs, and private investors, bringing cross-sectoral insight and strategic vision to the US-Africa Business Summit.
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.
Mr. Derek Friend
Laserlight Africa
Regional President
Derek Friend is President of Laser Light Africa, a seasoned telecom executive with 30+ years' experience across Africa, APAC, UK, and U.S. He leads strategic initiatives and large-scale investments, integrating AI, cloud, and satellite tech to expand Africa's digital infrastructure. Derek advises Fortune 500s and governments on innovation, M&A, and regulation, and is pivotal in Africa's largest communications convergence project (terrestrial, subsea, space). Passionate about enabling AfCFTA/SADC trade, he champions digital transformation for inclusive growth via public-private partnerships. A strategic advisor and holds an Exec MBA, Yale/Harvard/LSE certifications, CISA, and is pursuing an LLB.
Laserlight Africa
Regional President
Derek Friend is President of Laser Light Africa, a seasoned telecom executive with 30+ years' experience across Africa, APAC, UK, and U.S. He leads strategic initiatives and large-scale investments, integrating AI, cloud, and satellite tech to expand Africa's digital infrastructure. Derek advises Fortune 500s and governments on innovation, M&A, and regulation, and is pivotal in Africa's largest communications convergence project (terrestrial, subsea, space). Passionate about enabling AfCFTA/SADC trade, he champions digital transformation for inclusive growth via public-private partnerships. A strategic advisor and holds an Exec MBA, Yale/Harvard/LSE certifications, CISA, and is pursuing an LLB.
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.
Sr. Gianni Gaspar Martins
Sporting Clube de Luanda
Presidente do Clube
Gianni Gaspar Martins is the Managing Director of Alfort Petroleum, an Oil & Gas Company in Angola. Mr. Martins sits on several Board of Directors like Alfort US and Sanlam Allianz Angola. On the social front, Mr. Martins is the President & Founder of the Gianni Gaspar Martins Foundation, a private non-profit organization, and the President of Sporting Clube de Luanda, a local sports club with over 100 years old. He earned both his Bachelor's and Master's Degrees in Petroleum Engineering from the University of Tulsa and played for the Men’s Basketball Team that won the WAC Championship in 2001.
Sporting Clube de Luanda
Presidente do Clube
Gianni Gaspar Martins is the Managing Director of Alfort Petroleum, an Oil & Gas Company in Angola. Mr. Martins sits on several Board of Directors like Alfort US and Sanlam Allianz Angola. On the social front, Mr. Martins is the President & Founder of the Gianni Gaspar Martins Foundation, a private non-profit organization, and the President of Sporting Clube de Luanda, a local sports club with over 100 years old. He earned both his Bachelor's and Master's Degrees in Petroleum Engineering from the University of Tulsa and played for the Men’s Basketball Team that won the WAC Championship in 2001.
Ph.D. Brook Gemeda
Ethiopian Investment Holdings
Chief Executive Officer
Dr. Brook Taye is the CEO of Ethiopian Investment Holdings, Ethiopia’s sovereign wealth fund serving as the Government’s strategic investment arm. He was formerly Director General of the Capital Market Authority, overseeing the securities market. He also advised the MoF on liberalization, liability management, debt resolution, & state-owned enterprise reform. He has worked as an Investment Fund Manager in Florida and as an Economist and Regulatory Analyst in New York. He holds a Ph.D. from Université Paris-Saclay on Ethiopian entrepreneurial firms, an LL.M. in law & economics from European universities, & an LL.B. from SOAS, University of London
Ethiopian Investment Holdings
Chief Executive Officer
Dr. Brook Taye is the CEO of Ethiopian Investment Holdings, Ethiopia’s sovereign wealth fund serving as the Government’s strategic investment arm. He was formerly Director General of the Capital Market Authority, overseeing the securities market. He also advised the MoF on liberalization, liability management, debt resolution, & state-owned enterprise reform. He has worked as an Investment Fund Manager in Florida and as an Economist and Regulatory Analyst in New York. He holds a Ph.D. from Université Paris-Saclay on Ethiopian entrepreneurial firms, an LL.M. in law & economics from European universities, & an LL.B. from SOAS, University of London
Ms Essognim Gnassingbe - Essonam
AfCFTA
Senior Advisor
Cynthia Gnassingbe serves as Senior Advisor to the Secretary General of the AfCFTA Secretariat, where she plays a pivotal role in promoting intra African trade and leading initiatives to enhance private sector participation in the continental free trade framework. With extensive experience in strategic partnerships and economic development, she advocates for private-sector-led growth as a driver of Africa’s economic transformation. Through her work, she helps businesses navigate AfCFTA opportunities, fostering a more integrated and self-sustaining African economy.
AfCFTA
Senior Advisor
Cynthia Gnassingbe serves as Senior Advisor to the Secretary General of the AfCFTA Secretariat, where she plays a pivotal role in promoting intra African trade and leading initiatives to enhance private sector participation in the continental free trade framework. With extensive experience in strategic partnerships and economic development, she advocates for private-sector-led growth as a driver of Africa’s economic transformation. Through her work, she helps businesses navigate AfCFTA opportunities, fostering a more integrated and self-sustaining African economy.
Mrs. Shanta Gyan
Cybastion
Communications Director
Shanta Bryant Gyan is Director of Communications at Cybastion, a U.S. tech firm operating in Africa. She previously led communications for Prosper Africa, including The Deal Room at the 2022 U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit, which earned praise from President Biden and a 2023 Sabre Award. A former journalist and founder of ContentFrontiers, she has over 15 years’ experience in strategic communications focused on Africa. She has worked with IGD, Shared Interest, and The Africa-America Institute, and holds degrees from Boston University and American University.
Cybastion
Communications Director
Shanta Bryant Gyan is Director of Communications at Cybastion, a U.S. tech firm operating in Africa. She previously led communications for Prosper Africa, including The Deal Room at the 2022 U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit, which earned praise from President Biden and a 2023 Sabre Award. A former journalist and founder of ContentFrontiers, she has over 15 years’ experience in strategic communications focused on Africa. She has worked with IGD, Shared Interest, and The Africa-America Institute, and holds degrees from Boston University and American University.
Mr. Aruna Handem
Cybastion
Managing Director - Infrastructure
Aruna Pereira Handem is a seasoned ICT executive with over 20 years of experience in digital transformation. As Senior Director at CYBASTON Tech, he leads strategic planning and tech implementation. Formerly Cape Verde’s Director General for Telecommunications, he led key initiatives including national datacenters, the TechPark, and Africa’s first government-owned submarine cable. He serves on The African Fund board and advises TCTS, ID4Africa, and SmartAfrica. Aruna holds degrees from Stony Brook, NYIT, and Erasmus University. A champion of mentorship and innovation, he is recognized for advancing Africa’s digital future.
Cybastion
Managing Director - Infrastructure
Aruna Pereira Handem is a seasoned ICT executive with over 20 years of experience in digital transformation. As Senior Director at CYBASTON Tech, he leads strategic planning and tech implementation. Formerly Cape Verde’s Director General for Telecommunications, he led key initiatives including national datacenters, the TechPark, and Africa’s first government-owned submarine cable. He serves on The African Fund board and advises TCTS, ID4Africa, and SmartAfrica. Aruna holds degrees from Stony Brook, NYIT, and Erasmus University. A champion of mentorship and innovation, he is recognized for advancing Africa’s digital future.
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.
Ms. Maureen Harrington
Standard Bank
Head, Client Coverage, FIG USA
Maureen Harrington is Head, Client Coverage, Financial Institutions for Standard Bank in the USA. Previously, she was responsible for building Standard Bank’s relationships with US and Canadian companies involved in power and infrastructure in Africa. She was Vice President for Policy and International Relations and Managing Director for Africa at the Millennium Challenge Corporation, and earlier led the Massachusetts Trade Office and held positions with a non-profit involved in elections and democracy related work. Ms. Harrington is a graduate of Harvard Business School, a member of the Council on Foreign Relations and a Board Member for the Election Reformers Network.
Standard Bank
Head, Client Coverage, FIG USA
Maureen Harrington is Head, Client Coverage, Financial Institutions for Standard Bank in the USA. Previously, she was responsible for building Standard Bank’s relationships with US and Canadian companies involved in power and infrastructure in Africa. She was Vice President for Policy and International Relations and Managing Director for Africa at the Millennium Challenge Corporation, and earlier led the Massachusetts Trade Office and held positions with a non-profit involved in elections and democracy related work. Ms. Harrington is a graduate of Harvard Business School, a member of the Council on Foreign Relations and a Board Member for the Election Reformers Network.