Mr. Mamadou Beye
Chervon, Middle East, Africa and South America E&P
General Manager
USG and Private Sector Programs to Support Women and Diaspora
Mamadou Marcel Blondin Beye is regional general manager Corporate Affairs for International Exploration and Production's Middle East and Africa regions, based in London, a position he assumed on October 1, 2022. He is responsible for overseeing Chevron’s government, public affairs, social investment activities throughout Africa and the Middle East, and the company’s regional efforts to identify and initiate new business development opportunities.
Beye holds a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Ecole des Hautes Etudes Commerciales de Montreal (HEC) and a master’s in business administration (MBA) from MIT’s Sloan School of Management. Beye is fluent in Bambara, English, French and Portuguese.
Chervon, Middle East, Africa and South America E&P
General Manager
USG and Private Sector Programs to Support Women and Diaspora
Mamadou Marcel Blondin Beye is regional general manager Corporate Affairs for International Exploration and Production's Middle East and Africa regions, based in London, a position he assumed on October 1, 2022. He is responsible for overseeing Chevron’s government, public affairs, social investment activities throughout Africa and the Middle East, and the company’s regional efforts to identify and initiate new business development opportunities.
Beye holds a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Ecole des Hautes Etudes Commerciales de Montreal (HEC) and a master’s in business administration (MBA) from MIT’s Sloan School of Management. Beye is fluent in Bambara, English, French and Portuguese.
Mr. Charles Anajemba
SPUD Consultancy & Services Nig Ltd
Managing Director
• Bachelors Degree in Electrical/Electronics Engineering, Masters in Business Administration, Member of NSE/COREN; PMP PMI certification.
• 11 years manufacturing experience working with Guinness Nigeria Plc (Diageo) in various diverse management roles. Accumulated experience in large scale CAPEX Engineering Projects, Manufacturing and Operations Improvement and Production Plant Maintenance.
• 10 years cumulative experience in the Oil and Gas sector, career start as a Rig Electrician on an offshore drilling campaign and eventually starting and owning an Oil and Gas service company in Nigeria.
• Avid Golfer
SPUD Consultancy & Services Nig Ltd
Managing Director
• Bachelors Degree in Electrical/Electronics Engineering, Masters in Business Administration, Member of NSE/COREN; PMP PMI certification.
• 11 years manufacturing experience working with Guinness Nigeria Plc (Diageo) in various diverse management roles. Accumulated experience in large scale CAPEX Engineering Projects, Manufacturing and Operations Improvement and Production Plant Maintenance.
• 10 years cumulative experience in the Oil and Gas sector, career start as a Rig Electrician on an offshore drilling campaign and eventually starting and owning an Oil and Gas service company in Nigeria.
• Avid Golfer
Mr. Adam Cortese
Sun Africa
CEO
Description automatically generated with medium confidenceAdam Cortese is the CEO of Sun Africa, a leading sustainable energy company headquartered in Miami, FL. With a deep-rooted commitment to environmental stewardship and renewable energy solutions, Adam has spearheaded Sun Africa's rapid growth and global impact. With a pipeline of over 15 GW, the firm, with its sister company UGT Renewables, has grown to become the largest US-based renewable energy developer operating internationally and is responsible for some of the most recognizable solar energy projects in emerging markets. These projects include the largest utility-scale solar PV installation in Sub-Saharan Africa, the TXF Deal of the Year in 2020, the EXIM Bank Deal of the Year in 2023, and a $2.1 billion power and water integrated infrastructure project recognized as a flagship endeavor by the Biden Administration’s Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment (PGI).
By employing a novel model outside of the prevailing IPP structure, Sun Africa has revolutionized the energy sector by providing innovative solar power solutions that address Africa's pressing energy needs swiftly and at scale. With a blend of expertise in sustainable technology and financing, alongside a passion for social impact, Adam has positioned Sun Africa as a trailblazer in the industry, empowering communities, driving economic growth, and illuminating a brighter future for the continent and beyond.
Mr. Cortese holds a B.A. in International Relations from Bucknell University and a Master of Global Management from the Thunderbird School of Global Management at Arizona State University
Sun Africa
CEO
Description automatically generated with medium confidenceAdam Cortese is the CEO of Sun Africa, a leading sustainable energy company headquartered in Miami, FL. With a deep-rooted commitment to environmental stewardship and renewable energy solutions, Adam has spearheaded Sun Africa's rapid growth and global impact. With a pipeline of over 15 GW, the firm, with its sister company UGT Renewables, has grown to become the largest US-based renewable energy developer operating internationally and is responsible for some of the most recognizable solar energy projects in emerging markets. These projects include the largest utility-scale solar PV installation in Sub-Saharan Africa, the TXF Deal of the Year in 2020, the EXIM Bank Deal of the Year in 2023, and a $2.1 billion power and water integrated infrastructure project recognized as a flagship endeavor by the Biden Administration’s Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment (PGI).
By employing a novel model outside of the prevailing IPP structure, Sun Africa has revolutionized the energy sector by providing innovative solar power solutions that address Africa's pressing energy needs swiftly and at scale. With a blend of expertise in sustainable technology and financing, alongside a passion for social impact, Adam has positioned Sun Africa as a trailblazer in the industry, empowering communities, driving economic growth, and illuminating a brighter future for the continent and beyond.
Mr. Cortese holds a B.A. in International Relations from Bucknell University and a Master of Global Management from the Thunderbird School of Global Management at Arizona State University
Mr. Paul Ryberg
African Coalition for Trade (on behalf of AREA)
President
Real World Suggestions about What Works under AGOA and How to Improve It
Paul Ryberg is a founding partner in the Washington, D.C. law firm of Ryberg and
Smith, L.L.C., where his practice focuses on international trade law, including in particular trade
between Africa and the United States, especially under the African Growth and Opportunity Act
(AGOA). Mr. Ryberg’s law practice also includes advising clients on agricultural trade, textile
and apparel trade, Customs issues affecting a variety of products and import programs, and
lobbying Congress on trade legislation. Prior to founding Ryberg and Smith, L.L.C. in 2000, Mr.
Ryberg was a partner in Pierson, Semmes and Bemis, L.L.P.
Mr. Ryberg is President and a Director of the African Coalition for Trade (ACT), a nonprofit trade association of African private sector entities dedicated to expanding U.S.-Africa
trade ties. ACT has been one of the leading spokespersons for the African private sector in the
development, enactment, implementation and amendment of AGOA. Mr. Ryberg has assisted a
number of AGOA beneficiary countries in developing the AGOA apparel visa system that is
required to export apparel under AGOA.
Mr. Ryberg has served as a member of the Steering Committee for many of the Private
Sector Sessions of the U.S. – Africa Trade and Economic Cooperation Forum. He co-chaired the
AGOA Forum Private Sector Session of the first AGOA Forum to be held in Africa, which was
in Mauritius in 2003.
Mr. Ryberg has been a featured speaker or expert panelist at numerous conferences and
seminars on international trade law, including a series of AGOA trade capacity building
conferences sponsored by the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative in 2002 and a series of 11
AGOA training seminars presented by ACT in 2000 and 2001 in five countries in southern
Africa. Mr. Ryberg is the author of numerous articles in various publications on U.S.-Africa
trade and investment and on AGOA in particular. Mr. Ryberg is also the editor of the U.S.-
Africa Trade Report, a monthly publication of ACT.
Mr. Ryberg is an honors graduate of Harvard Law School (J.D. cum laude 1977) and
Wichita State University (B.A. summa cum laude 1974).
African Coalition for Trade (on behalf of AREA)
President
Real World Suggestions about What Works under AGOA and How to Improve It
Paul Ryberg is a founding partner in the Washington, D.C. law firm of Ryberg and
Smith, L.L.C., where his practice focuses on international trade law, including in particular trade
between Africa and the United States, especially under the African Growth and Opportunity Act
(AGOA). Mr. Ryberg’s law practice also includes advising clients on agricultural trade, textile
and apparel trade, Customs issues affecting a variety of products and import programs, and
lobbying Congress on trade legislation. Prior to founding Ryberg and Smith, L.L.C. in 2000, Mr.
Ryberg was a partner in Pierson, Semmes and Bemis, L.L.P.
Mr. Ryberg is President and a Director of the African Coalition for Trade (ACT), a nonprofit trade association of African private sector entities dedicated to expanding U.S.-Africa
trade ties. ACT has been one of the leading spokespersons for the African private sector in the
development, enactment, implementation and amendment of AGOA. Mr. Ryberg has assisted a
number of AGOA beneficiary countries in developing the AGOA apparel visa system that is
required to export apparel under AGOA.
Mr. Ryberg has served as a member of the Steering Committee for many of the Private
Sector Sessions of the U.S. – Africa Trade and Economic Cooperation Forum. He co-chaired the
AGOA Forum Private Sector Session of the first AGOA Forum to be held in Africa, which was
in Mauritius in 2003.
Mr. Ryberg has been a featured speaker or expert panelist at numerous conferences and
seminars on international trade law, including a series of AGOA trade capacity building
conferences sponsored by the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative in 2002 and a series of 11
AGOA training seminars presented by ACT in 2000 and 2001 in five countries in southern
Africa. Mr. Ryberg is the author of numerous articles in various publications on U.S.-Africa
trade and investment and on AGOA in particular. Mr. Ryberg is also the editor of the U.S.-
Africa Trade Report, a monthly publication of ACT.
Mr. Ryberg is an honors graduate of Harvard Law School (J.D. cum laude 1977) and
Wichita State University (B.A. summa cum laude 1974).
Mr. Ahmed Bennis
Tanger Med Zones
CEO
Special Economic Zones: Linking Africa to Regional and Global Supply Chains
Ahmed BENNIS is a result driven and accomplished senior director with extensive experience in implementing large
investment projects in ports, industrial and logistics. He acquired a demonstrated expertise in the deployment of
successful business development strategies with strong focus on profitability, cost optimization & establishment of
strategic partnerships.
Ahmed Bennis is actually the CEO of Tanger Med Zones (TMZ). He oversees the development, implementation, and
management of Special Economic Zones within Tanger Med Industrial Platform.
He succeeded in the establishment of strategic partnerships, and maintain membership and leadership roles in
international organizations such as International Maritime Organization, UNCTAD, UNIDO, WTO, African Union
Commission…
Prior to his current position, Ahmed BENNIS led the international business development that consist of designing
investment and partnership agreements with several ports and government authorities in Africa. He was also
appointed director of economic zones since 2011, where he was in charge of the implementation of Tanger Med
Automotive Industrial Platform hosting the Renault Nissan car plant and a comprehensive tier1-n ecosystem.
Ahmed BENNIS played an instrumental role in setting up the Africa Economic Zones Organization (AEZO) and the
African Ports Task Force (APTF), where he currently serves as Secretary General of both organizations. He is also a
founding member of the Global Alliance of Special Economic Zones (GASEZ) , an initiative launched in May 2021 by
UNCTAD.
Ahmed Bennis began his professional career in 2001, in IT and Financial services at NEC computers International in
Paris, France. Then he moved to Luxembourg for a business development position at FlexFinance – Oracle Group, prior
to joining Thomson Reuters in Dubai in 2007, where he was appointed to drive sales and presales activities, providing
business solutions and consultancy services for large financial institutions in Middle East and Africa.
Ahmed BENNIS holds an MBA in Market Intelligence and Strategic Management from “Ecole de Guerre Economique –
Paris” and was graduated from HEC Business School. He has strong business communication skills in English, French,
Arabic, Italian and Spanish.
Tanger Med Zones
CEO
Special Economic Zones: Linking Africa to Regional and Global Supply Chains
Ahmed BENNIS is a result driven and accomplished senior director with extensive experience in implementing large
investment projects in ports, industrial and logistics. He acquired a demonstrated expertise in the deployment of
successful business development strategies with strong focus on profitability, cost optimization & establishment of
strategic partnerships.
Ahmed Bennis is actually the CEO of Tanger Med Zones (TMZ). He oversees the development, implementation, and
management of Special Economic Zones within Tanger Med Industrial Platform.
He succeeded in the establishment of strategic partnerships, and maintain membership and leadership roles in
international organizations such as International Maritime Organization, UNCTAD, UNIDO, WTO, African Union
Commission…
Prior to his current position, Ahmed BENNIS led the international business development that consist of designing
investment and partnership agreements with several ports and government authorities in Africa. He was also
appointed director of economic zones since 2011, where he was in charge of the implementation of Tanger Med
Automotive Industrial Platform hosting the Renault Nissan car plant and a comprehensive tier1-n ecosystem.
Ahmed BENNIS played an instrumental role in setting up the Africa Economic Zones Organization (AEZO) and the
African Ports Task Force (APTF), where he currently serves as Secretary General of both organizations. He is also a
founding member of the Global Alliance of Special Economic Zones (GASEZ) , an initiative launched in May 2021 by
UNCTAD.
Ahmed Bennis began his professional career in 2001, in IT and Financial services at NEC computers International in
Paris, France. Then he moved to Luxembourg for a business development position at FlexFinance – Oracle Group, prior
to joining Thomson Reuters in Dubai in 2007, where he was appointed to drive sales and presales activities, providing
business solutions and consultancy services for large financial institutions in Middle East and Africa.
Ahmed BENNIS holds an MBA in Market Intelligence and Strategic Management from “Ecole de Guerre Economique –
Paris” and was graduated from HEC Business School. He has strong business communication skills in English, French,
Arabic, Italian and Spanish.
Mr. Farouk Gumel
TGI Group
Chairman
Future of U.S .- Africa Trade and Investment: AGOA and Beyond
From Food Insecurity to Thriving Agribusinesses: The Case for a U.S. - Africa Strategic Agribusiness Partnership
Farouk is a Group Executive Director and Vice Chairman, Africa for Tropical General Investment (TGI) Group. TGI is a global conglomerate operating in 13 countries across Africa, the Middle East and Asia in various business verticals such as Food and Agribusiness, FMCG, Chemicals & Pharmaceuticals and Financial Services. Farouk is Chairman of some of the TGI Group companies including WACOT Rice and Union Bank – Nigeria’s second oldest bank. He is also the Chairman of the Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority and sits on the boards of Corporate Council on Africa and Africa Business Coalition on Health.
TGI Group
Chairman
Future of U.S .- Africa Trade and Investment: AGOA and Beyond
From Food Insecurity to Thriving Agribusinesses: The Case for a U.S. - Africa Strategic Agribusiness Partnership
Farouk is a Group Executive Director and Vice Chairman, Africa for Tropical General Investment (TGI) Group. TGI is a global conglomerate operating in 13 countries across Africa, the Middle East and Asia in various business verticals such as Food and Agribusiness, FMCG, Chemicals & Pharmaceuticals and Financial Services. Farouk is Chairman of some of the TGI Group companies including WACOT Rice and Union Bank – Nigeria’s second oldest bank. He is also the Chairman of the Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority and sits on the boards of Corporate Council on Africa and Africa Business Coalition on Health.
Dr. John Nkengasong
U.S. Department of State
Ambassador, U.S. Global AIDS Coordinator and Senior Bureau Official for Global Health Security and Diplomacy
High-Level Dialogue - Strengthening Health Systems in Africa
Dr. John N. Nkengasong is an Ambassador-at-Large and serves as the
U.S. Department of State’s U.S. Global AIDS Coordinator and Senior
Bureau Official for Global Health Security and Diplomacy (GHSD). In this
role, Ambassador Nkengasong oversees the Bureau of Global Health
Security and Diplomacy. The Bureau serves as the Department’s
coordinating body for work on strengthening global health security to
prevent, detect, and respond to infectious diseases, including HIV/AIDS;
as well as elevates and integrates global health security as a core
component of U.S. national security and foreign policy. As its Senior
Bureau Official, Ambassador Nkengasong leads U.S. diplomatic
engagement; leverages and helps coordinate U.S. foreign assistance;
and promotes international cooperation at the national, regional, and
multilateral levels to better protect the United States and the world
from health threats.
GHSD is home to the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), which the Ambassador
also oversees. PEPFAR is the largest commitment by any nation to address a single disease in history and
has prevented millions of HIV infections, saved more than 25 million lives, and has changed the course
of the HIV/AIDS pandemic. Under his leadership, the program is laser focused on ending HIV/AIDS as a
global health threat by 2030.
Previously, Ambassador Nkengasong served as the first director of the Africa Centres for Disease Control
and Prevention. Through his leadership, a framework for transforming Africa CDC into a full autonomous
health agency of the Africa Union was established. As Africa CDC director, Ambassador Nkengasong also
led the COVID-19 response in Africa, coordinating with heads of state and governments across the
continent, among other achievements to fight the COVID-19 pandemic, he helped secure 400 million
doses of COVID-19 vaccines at the height of vaccine scarcity. During his tenure, he was appointed as one
of the World Health Organization’s special envoys on COVID-19 preparedness and response.
Ambassador Nkengasong also served as acting deputy principal director of the Center for Global Health,
as well as the Division of Global HIV and TB’s chief of the International Laboratory Branch at the U.S.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
As a world-renowned public health leader, Ambassador Nkengasong’s contributions to global health
have been recognized by numerous prestigious awards and honors including the Bill and Melinda Gates
Foundation, 2020 Global Goalkeeper Award; Time Magazine, 2021 Time 100 List of Most Influential
People; Fortune magazine, 2021 World’s 50 Greatest Leaders; Bloomberg, 2021 Bloomberg 50 Influential
People; and U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Shepard Award and William Watson Medal
of Excellence. Last year, he was invited to join the National Academy of Medicine and he became the
first laureate of the Virchow Prize for Global Health. In 2023, he received the African of the Year Award
from All Africa Business Leaders Award in partnership with CNBC Africa and Forbes Africa. Dr.
Nkengasong also holds the rare honor of being knighted by the governments of Sénégal, Côte d’Ivoire,
and Cameroon.
U.S. Department of State
Ambassador, U.S. Global AIDS Coordinator and Senior Bureau Official for Global Health Security and Diplomacy
High-Level Dialogue - Strengthening Health Systems in Africa
Dr. John N. Nkengasong is an Ambassador-at-Large and serves as the
U.S. Department of State’s U.S. Global AIDS Coordinator and Senior
Bureau Official for Global Health Security and Diplomacy (GHSD). In this
role, Ambassador Nkengasong oversees the Bureau of Global Health
Security and Diplomacy. The Bureau serves as the Department’s
coordinating body for work on strengthening global health security to
prevent, detect, and respond to infectious diseases, including HIV/AIDS;
as well as elevates and integrates global health security as a core
component of U.S. national security and foreign policy. As its Senior
Bureau Official, Ambassador Nkengasong leads U.S. diplomatic
engagement; leverages and helps coordinate U.S. foreign assistance;
and promotes international cooperation at the national, regional, and
multilateral levels to better protect the United States and the world
from health threats.
GHSD is home to the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), which the Ambassador
also oversees. PEPFAR is the largest commitment by any nation to address a single disease in history and
has prevented millions of HIV infections, saved more than 25 million lives, and has changed the course
of the HIV/AIDS pandemic. Under his leadership, the program is laser focused on ending HIV/AIDS as a
global health threat by 2030.
Previously, Ambassador Nkengasong served as the first director of the Africa Centres for Disease Control
and Prevention. Through his leadership, a framework for transforming Africa CDC into a full autonomous
health agency of the Africa Union was established. As Africa CDC director, Ambassador Nkengasong also
led the COVID-19 response in Africa, coordinating with heads of state and governments across the
continent, among other achievements to fight the COVID-19 pandemic, he helped secure 400 million
doses of COVID-19 vaccines at the height of vaccine scarcity. During his tenure, he was appointed as one
of the World Health Organization’s special envoys on COVID-19 preparedness and response.
Ambassador Nkengasong also served as acting deputy principal director of the Center for Global Health,
as well as the Division of Global HIV and TB’s chief of the International Laboratory Branch at the U.S.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
As a world-renowned public health leader, Ambassador Nkengasong’s contributions to global health
have been recognized by numerous prestigious awards and honors including the Bill and Melinda Gates
Foundation, 2020 Global Goalkeeper Award; Time Magazine, 2021 Time 100 List of Most Influential
People; Fortune magazine, 2021 World’s 50 Greatest Leaders; Bloomberg, 2021 Bloomberg 50 Influential
People; and U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Shepard Award and William Watson Medal
of Excellence. Last year, he was invited to join the National Academy of Medicine and he became the
first laureate of the Virchow Prize for Global Health. In 2023, he received the African of the Year Award
from All Africa Business Leaders Award in partnership with CNBC Africa and Forbes Africa. Dr.
Nkengasong also holds the rare honor of being knighted by the governments of Sénégal, Côte d’Ivoire,
and Cameroon.
Dr Emma Andrews
Pfizer
VP Global Patient Advocacy
High-Level Dialogue - Strengthening Health Systems in Africa
Pfizer
VP Global Patient Advocacy
High-Level Dialogue - Strengthening Health Systems in Africa
Mr. Henok Teferra Shawl
Boeing
Managing Director, Africa
The Business of Aviation in Africa
Henok Teferra Shawl is the Managing Director for Africa at The Boeing Company. Appointed to this position in December 2023, he leads and supports government and stakeholder relationships of Boeing in Africa and coordinates to expand the company’s market presence and strengthen its competitive position in the continent.
Previously, Henok Teferra was Ambassador of Ethiopia in France, also accredited to Spain, Portugal, The Holy See, Monaco and served as Ethiopia’s Permanent Delegate to UNESCO. In this role, he represented Ethiopia in these countries and at UNESCO, promoting the country’s political, economic and cultural interests.
Prior to serving as Ambassador, Henok Teferra was Vice-President at Ethiopian Airlines in charge of Strategic Planning, Alliances and Corporate Communications. In this capacity, he led Ethiopian Airlines’ successful growth strategy and oversaw its network and fleet expansion as well as its infrastructure development, its commercial cooperation and equity partnerships.
During his tenure at Ethiopian Airlines, he was seconded to serve as Chief Executive Officer of ASKY Airlines, the most successful regional West African airline, where he led the airline to its first year of profitability in 2015.
Henok Teferra received a Master of International Economic Law from Panthéon-Sorbonne University in Paris and graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Public and Private International Law from the University of Nice - Institute of Peace and Development in France. Henok Teferra is married and a father of two
Boeing
Managing Director, Africa
The Business of Aviation in Africa
Henok Teferra Shawl is the Managing Director for Africa at The Boeing Company. Appointed to this position in December 2023, he leads and supports government and stakeholder relationships of Boeing in Africa and coordinates to expand the company’s market presence and strengthen its competitive position in the continent.
Previously, Henok Teferra was Ambassador of Ethiopia in France, also accredited to Spain, Portugal, The Holy See, Monaco and served as Ethiopia’s Permanent Delegate to UNESCO. In this role, he represented Ethiopia in these countries and at UNESCO, promoting the country’s political, economic and cultural interests.
Prior to serving as Ambassador, Henok Teferra was Vice-President at Ethiopian Airlines in charge of Strategic Planning, Alliances and Corporate Communications. In this capacity, he led Ethiopian Airlines’ successful growth strategy and oversaw its network and fleet expansion as well as its infrastructure development, its commercial cooperation and equity partnerships.
During his tenure at Ethiopian Airlines, he was seconded to serve as Chief Executive Officer of ASKY Airlines, the most successful regional West African airline, where he led the airline to its first year of profitability in 2015.
Henok Teferra received a Master of International Economic Law from Panthéon-Sorbonne University in Paris and graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Public and Private International Law from the University of Nice - Institute of Peace and Development in France. Henok Teferra is married and a father of two
Ms. Sylvia Megret
ACDI/VOCA
President and CEO
From Food Insecurity to Thriving Agribusinesses: The Case for a U.S. - Africa Strategic Agribusiness Partnership
President and Chief Executive Officer of ACDI/VOCA .Sylvia J. Megret serves as President and CEO of ACDI/VOCA Group, a leading global development and design and delivery partner. Working with sponsors, partners, and participants, ACDI/VOCA and its affiliates devise and apply development solutions based on over 60 years of expertise in sustainable agriculture, resilience, equity and inclusion, access to finance, and economic opportunity. ACDI/VOCA helps countries sustainably improve key economic sectors as partners in program development and implementation across the public and private sectors to foster broad-based economic growth, raise living standards, and support vibrant communities. AV Ventures provides innovative, catalytic financing to small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Africa, Central Asia, and Latin America. Tanager connects people and partners—including foundations and corporations—to unlock shared market opportunities. Fundación ACDI/VOCA Latin America (FAVLA) works with public and private entities in Colombia and throughout Central and Latin America to generate inclusion, positive social impact, economic prosperity, and sustainable development.
A global development executive with 30 years of experience, Sylvia joined ACDI/VOCA in December 2016, first serving as chief operating officer (COO) and later as president and COO from February 2021 to April of 2022. She has proven expertise in building high-functioning, diverse teams that bridge functions, cultures, and international borders to create sustained, positive change.
An active, dedicated leader in development and beyond, Sylvia currently serves as board chair of FAVLA and as a board member of the Society of International Development’s U.S. Chapter (SID-US). She led ACDI/VOCA’s role as a founding member of the Coalition for Racial and Ethnic Equity in International Development (CREED) and is also a founding member of Chief (Washington). Additionally, Sylvia serves as the Advisory Council Chair for the Center of Excellence for Global Food Security and Defense at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore. Sylvia holds a master’s degree in international development from American University and a bachelor’s degree in political science and French from the University of Michigan. She is fluent in English and French, and her work has taken her across Africa, Asia, Latin America, and the Caribbean.
ACDI/VOCA
President and CEO
From Food Insecurity to Thriving Agribusinesses: The Case for a U.S. - Africa Strategic Agribusiness Partnership
President and Chief Executive Officer of ACDI/VOCA .Sylvia J. Megret serves as President and CEO of ACDI/VOCA Group, a leading global development and design and delivery partner. Working with sponsors, partners, and participants, ACDI/VOCA and its affiliates devise and apply development solutions based on over 60 years of expertise in sustainable agriculture, resilience, equity and inclusion, access to finance, and economic opportunity. ACDI/VOCA helps countries sustainably improve key economic sectors as partners in program development and implementation across the public and private sectors to foster broad-based economic growth, raise living standards, and support vibrant communities. AV Ventures provides innovative, catalytic financing to small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Africa, Central Asia, and Latin America. Tanager connects people and partners—including foundations and corporations—to unlock shared market opportunities. Fundación ACDI/VOCA Latin America (FAVLA) works with public and private entities in Colombia and throughout Central and Latin America to generate inclusion, positive social impact, economic prosperity, and sustainable development.
A global development executive with 30 years of experience, Sylvia joined ACDI/VOCA in December 2016, first serving as chief operating officer (COO) and later as president and COO from February 2021 to April of 2022. She has proven expertise in building high-functioning, diverse teams that bridge functions, cultures, and international borders to create sustained, positive change.
An active, dedicated leader in development and beyond, Sylvia currently serves as board chair of FAVLA and as a board member of the Society of International Development’s U.S. Chapter (SID-US). She led ACDI/VOCA’s role as a founding member of the Coalition for Racial and Ethnic Equity in International Development (CREED) and is also a founding member of Chief (Washington). Additionally, Sylvia serves as the Advisory Council Chair for the Center of Excellence for Global Food Security and Defense at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore. Sylvia holds a master’s degree in international development from American University and a bachelor’s degree in political science and French from the University of Michigan. She is fluent in English and French, and her work has taken her across Africa, Asia, Latin America, and the Caribbean.
Ms. Rahama Wright
Yeleen
CEO
Turbocharging SMEs: Strategies for Accelerating U.S.-Africa Trade and Investment
Rahama Wright is a dis-nguished former Peace Corps volunteer who has
leveraged her passion for social change to become the Founder and CEO of Shea
Yeleen, a trailblazing social impact beauty brand. With an unwavering
commitment to ethical prac-ces, Wright has created a business model that
resides at the convergence of beauty, women’s economic empowerment, and
transforma-ve trade policy. Her endeavors are centered on fostering significant
opportuni-es for women across the supply chain in both the United States and
Africa.
Through Shea Yeleen’s partnerships with women-owned coopera-ves in Ghana,
the company has built an African supply chain enabling more than 800 women to
earn over five -mes the local minimum wage, resul-ng in economic and
community development. Shea Yeleen dis-nguishes itself by helping women
process raw materials into value added products ensuring their access to
increased benefits and financial returns.
As Wright’s entrepreneurial journey has evolved from bootstrapping to raising
capital and securing retail placement for her products, she has emerged as an
influen-al voice on U.S.–Africa trade. She has served on the U.S. President’s
Advisory Council on Doing Business in Africa since its establishment in 2014, cochairing since 2022. In 2022, Wright was appointed to the US Trade
Representa-ve Trade Advisory CommiWee on Africa (TACA) for a four-year term.
A sought-aZer speaker, Wright has graced the stages of the United Na-ons,
Sustainable Brands, and the World Bank, championing the nexus of
entrepreneurship, sustainability, and social impact. Wright's leadership and vision
have been recognized with numerous awards, notably being named DC Maker of
the Year, a Tory Burch Fellow, Halcyon Fellow, and a McKinsey Next 1B Founder.
Her interna-onal experiences, spanning 36 countries, have shaped her worldview
and influenced her business prac-ces, promo-ng cultural understanding and
global coopera-on. She is a resident of Washington, DC, and a proud alumnus of
SUNY Geneseo, holding a BA in Interna-onal Affairs and Poli-cal Science. Shea
Yeleen's products, which are synonymous with ethical beauty and impacdul
purpose, are available at popular retailers like Macy’s, MGM Resorts, Amazon, and select Whole Foods Market.
Yeleen
CEO
Turbocharging SMEs: Strategies for Accelerating U.S.-Africa Trade and Investment
Rahama Wright is a dis-nguished former Peace Corps volunteer who has
leveraged her passion for social change to become the Founder and CEO of Shea
Yeleen, a trailblazing social impact beauty brand. With an unwavering
commitment to ethical prac-ces, Wright has created a business model that
resides at the convergence of beauty, women’s economic empowerment, and
transforma-ve trade policy. Her endeavors are centered on fostering significant
opportuni-es for women across the supply chain in both the United States and
Africa.
Through Shea Yeleen’s partnerships with women-owned coopera-ves in Ghana,
the company has built an African supply chain enabling more than 800 women to
earn over five -mes the local minimum wage, resul-ng in economic and
community development. Shea Yeleen dis-nguishes itself by helping women
process raw materials into value added products ensuring their access to
increased benefits and financial returns.
As Wright’s entrepreneurial journey has evolved from bootstrapping to raising
capital and securing retail placement for her products, she has emerged as an
influen-al voice on U.S.–Africa trade. She has served on the U.S. President’s
Advisory Council on Doing Business in Africa since its establishment in 2014, cochairing since 2022. In 2022, Wright was appointed to the US Trade
Representa-ve Trade Advisory CommiWee on Africa (TACA) for a four-year term.
A sought-aZer speaker, Wright has graced the stages of the United Na-ons,
Sustainable Brands, and the World Bank, championing the nexus of
entrepreneurship, sustainability, and social impact. Wright's leadership and vision
have been recognized with numerous awards, notably being named DC Maker of
the Year, a Tory Burch Fellow, Halcyon Fellow, and a McKinsey Next 1B Founder.
Her interna-onal experiences, spanning 36 countries, have shaped her worldview
and influenced her business prac-ces, promo-ng cultural understanding and
global coopera-on. She is a resident of Washington, DC, and a proud alumnus of
SUNY Geneseo, holding a BA in Interna-onal Affairs and Poli-cal Science. Shea
Yeleen's products, which are synonymous with ethical beauty and impacdul
purpose, are available at popular retailers like Macy’s, MGM Resorts, Amazon, and select Whole Foods Market.
Ms. Sophie Bussman
City Cancer Challenge (C/Can)
Regional Director for Africa
Cancer Detection and Care: Importance of Diagnostics and Treatment Access
Sophie is the Regional Director for Africa and Europe at City Cancer Challenge Foundation (C/Can). She leads the Foundation's work in Africa and Europe, onboarding and supporting cities in the C/Can network as they work to improve access to quality cancer care and treatment.
Passionate about contributing to – and realizing – Africa’s transformation agenda, Sophie started her career in the private sector at Lenz & Staehelin, Switzerland’s largest business law firm and EY, a big four consulting in Geneva and later transitioned to the non-for-profit at the World Economic Forum (WEF) where she was responsible for key relationships and strategic initiatives with African governments and business leaders.
Sophie holds a Masters in Political Science as well as an MBA degree, and speaks French, English and Spanish.
City Cancer Challenge (C/Can)
Regional Director for Africa
Cancer Detection and Care: Importance of Diagnostics and Treatment Access
Sophie is the Regional Director for Africa and Europe at City Cancer Challenge Foundation (C/Can). She leads the Foundation's work in Africa and Europe, onboarding and supporting cities in the C/Can network as they work to improve access to quality cancer care and treatment.
Passionate about contributing to – and realizing – Africa’s transformation agenda, Sophie started her career in the private sector at Lenz & Staehelin, Switzerland’s largest business law firm and EY, a big four consulting in Geneva and later transitioned to the non-for-profit at the World Economic Forum (WEF) where she was responsible for key relationships and strategic initiatives with African governments and business leaders.
Sophie holds a Masters in Political Science as well as an MBA degree, and speaks French, English and Spanish.
Mr. Richard Nelson
Power Africa
Coordinator
Lighting the Path Forward: Scaling Energy Access Down to the Last Mile in Africa
Models of Procurement and Financing for Cleantech Energy Projects in Africa
As Power Africa Coordinator, Richard oversees the U.S. government’s decade long initiative to
double access to electricity in sub-Saharan Africa by 2030. With over 500 partners from the private
sector, African countries, other donor nations, and multilateral institutions, Power Africa is one of
the largest public-private initiatives in existence and collectively is transforming the face of Africa.
Richard joined Power Africa after serving as the Mission Director for USAID/Uganda. In that role,
he oversaw an expansive assistance portfolio encompassing health (HIV/AIDS, TB, malaria,
reproductive health, infectious diseases), economic growth, education, democracy/governance,
and humanitarian programs. Prior to Uganda he was the Deputy Coordinator for Power Africa
based in South Africa, supporting the initiative’s work directly on the continent. Before that,
Richard was a USAID legal officer based in Pretoria, Bangkok, Baghdad and Washington, D.C.
where he supported USAID numerous USAID missions working to advance the Agency’s
development objectives.
Prior to joining USAID as a Foreign Service Officer, Richard worked at Dell Inc in Austin, Texas,
where he helped lead global site selection efforts as well as Dell’s corporate social responsibility
activity in India. Before joining Dell, he was a Vice President at Wachovia Securities, an
investment bank in Charlotte, North Carolina, where he managed a $1B portfolio of syndicated
credit in the aerospace, health and government contracting sectors. Prior to joining the bank he
was an attorney with McGuireWoods, a major US law firm, where he primarily focused on capital
markets debt transactions.
Richard is a graduate of Harvard Law School (JD ’98) and Brigham Young University (BA ’95). He and his wife, Diana, have three daughters.
Power Africa
Coordinator
Lighting the Path Forward: Scaling Energy Access Down to the Last Mile in Africa
Models of Procurement and Financing for Cleantech Energy Projects in Africa
As Power Africa Coordinator, Richard oversees the U.S. government’s decade long initiative to
double access to electricity in sub-Saharan Africa by 2030. With over 500 partners from the private
sector, African countries, other donor nations, and multilateral institutions, Power Africa is one of
the largest public-private initiatives in existence and collectively is transforming the face of Africa.
Richard joined Power Africa after serving as the Mission Director for USAID/Uganda. In that role,
he oversaw an expansive assistance portfolio encompassing health (HIV/AIDS, TB, malaria,
reproductive health, infectious diseases), economic growth, education, democracy/governance,
and humanitarian programs. Prior to Uganda he was the Deputy Coordinator for Power Africa
based in South Africa, supporting the initiative’s work directly on the continent. Before that,
Richard was a USAID legal officer based in Pretoria, Bangkok, Baghdad and Washington, D.C.
where he supported USAID numerous USAID missions working to advance the Agency’s
development objectives.
Prior to joining USAID as a Foreign Service Officer, Richard worked at Dell Inc in Austin, Texas,
where he helped lead global site selection efforts as well as Dell’s corporate social responsibility
activity in India. Before joining Dell, he was a Vice President at Wachovia Securities, an
investment bank in Charlotte, North Carolina, where he managed a $1B portfolio of syndicated
credit in the aerospace, health and government contracting sectors. Prior to joining the bank he
was an attorney with McGuireWoods, a major US law firm, where he primarily focused on capital
markets debt transactions.
Richard is a graduate of Harvard Law School (JD ’98) and Brigham Young University (BA ’95). He and his wife, Diana, have three daughters.
Ms. Joycee Awosika
Oriki Group
CEO
Turbocharging SMEs: Strategies for Accelerating U.S.-Africa Trade and Investment
Joycee Awosika is an award-winning entrepreneur, energy economist and speaker. She has a history of
running companies, mainly ORÍKÌ, the first and only all-natural farm-to-skin brand to operate a
fast-growing premium product & wellness spa brand on the Continent of Africa. ORÍKÌ has developed 10
wellness spas in 8 years and distributes products globally as well as provides contract manufacturing
services for brands, hotels, and hospitality companies. Her wellness spas are rapidly growing across
Africa with a branch in Nairobi Kenya and more to come.
Her work has been featured in several global publications including: CNN, CNBC, The Huffington
Post, Ebony Magazine, and The Guardian. She has built a reputation for her expertise in creating
structure for businesses and home, and provides Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and templates
through her platform, SOAR.
Joycee is avidly passionate about impacting SMEs to be sustainable and scalable, realizing that
they form the backbone of any economy. Prior to building ORÍKÌ full time, she worked for the United
Kingdom’s Department for International Development’s (DFID) infrastructure assistance program in
Nigeria, with the Nigerian Infrastructure Advisory Facility (NIAF) as the Technical Adviser on Research,
Analysis and Informatics (Performance Monitoring) to the Honorable Minister of Power. Joycee
contributed to energy policy, the privatization of the power sector and multi-sector collaborations during the Power Sector Privatization Reform in Nigeria.
As the former Curator of the World Economic Forum Abuja Global Shapers Hub, a highly
selective group of young people around the world, creating valuable impact in their
communities, Joycee led a team of 21 entrepreneurial young leaders, on a number of
community initiatives focused on education, youth unemployment and entrepreneurship.
Joycee is a World Economic Forum Global Shaper Alumni, a nominee of The Future Awards
Prize in Public Service, 2013 & 2016, and selected into the African Leadership Network. She
sits on the board of Oxfam's Work in Progress Program and on two other charity organizations.
She is a Tony Elumelu Entrepreneurship Program Fellow. oycee speaks Spanish fluently and has spoken at over 100 events. She was selected as one of the 100
most inspirational female founders in Africa in March 2023, one of Nigeria’s 100 most inspiring women in
2015, and as a 2017 Woman of the Year for 'Her Network.' In September 2021.
She is currently on a mission to develop 500 ORIKI Spa locations in the next 5 years through
the ORIKI Franchise opportunity. In addition, alongside her passion of helping to solve the
unemployment gap in Africa, she spearheaded the launch of the ORIKI Training Institute (OTI)
in October 2021. A leading spa training institute committed to supporting spa, wellness
businesses and industry professionals across Africa by providing training, consultancy services
and influencing industry standards.
Her latest innovation is UNWIND, The Uber of Wellness which allows customers to book spa services on
demand in the convenience of their own space through a network of certified and verified spa
professionals.
Joycee is a mother to two boys and is married to Tola Awosika, a consummate
entrepreneur. Together, they are building global hospitality and wellness businesses across regions and
continents and own a boutique hotel in Lagos, Nigeria.
Oriki Group
CEO
Turbocharging SMEs: Strategies for Accelerating U.S.-Africa Trade and Investment
Joycee Awosika is an award-winning entrepreneur, energy economist and speaker. She has a history of
running companies, mainly ORÍKÌ, the first and only all-natural farm-to-skin brand to operate a
fast-growing premium product & wellness spa brand on the Continent of Africa. ORÍKÌ has developed 10
wellness spas in 8 years and distributes products globally as well as provides contract manufacturing
services for brands, hotels, and hospitality companies. Her wellness spas are rapidly growing across
Africa with a branch in Nairobi Kenya and more to come.
Her work has been featured in several global publications including: CNN, CNBC, The Huffington
Post, Ebony Magazine, and The Guardian. She has built a reputation for her expertise in creating
structure for businesses and home, and provides Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and templates
through her platform, SOAR.
Joycee is avidly passionate about impacting SMEs to be sustainable and scalable, realizing that
they form the backbone of any economy. Prior to building ORÍKÌ full time, she worked for the United
Kingdom’s Department for International Development’s (DFID) infrastructure assistance program in
Nigeria, with the Nigerian Infrastructure Advisory Facility (NIAF) as the Technical Adviser on Research,
Analysis and Informatics (Performance Monitoring) to the Honorable Minister of Power. Joycee
contributed to energy policy, the privatization of the power sector and multi-sector collaborations during the Power Sector Privatization Reform in Nigeria.
As the former Curator of the World Economic Forum Abuja Global Shapers Hub, a highly
selective group of young people around the world, creating valuable impact in their
communities, Joycee led a team of 21 entrepreneurial young leaders, on a number of
community initiatives focused on education, youth unemployment and entrepreneurship.
Joycee is a World Economic Forum Global Shaper Alumni, a nominee of The Future Awards
Prize in Public Service, 2013 & 2016, and selected into the African Leadership Network. She
sits on the board of Oxfam's Work in Progress Program and on two other charity organizations.
She is a Tony Elumelu Entrepreneurship Program Fellow. oycee speaks Spanish fluently and has spoken at over 100 events. She was selected as one of the 100
most inspirational female founders in Africa in March 2023, one of Nigeria’s 100 most inspiring women in
2015, and as a 2017 Woman of the Year for 'Her Network.' In September 2021.
She is currently on a mission to develop 500 ORIKI Spa locations in the next 5 years through
the ORIKI Franchise opportunity. In addition, alongside her passion of helping to solve the
unemployment gap in Africa, she spearheaded the launch of the ORIKI Training Institute (OTI)
in October 2021. A leading spa training institute committed to supporting spa, wellness
businesses and industry professionals across Africa by providing training, consultancy services
and influencing industry standards.
Her latest innovation is UNWIND, The Uber of Wellness which allows customers to book spa services on
demand in the convenience of their own space through a network of certified and verified spa
professionals.
Joycee is a mother to two boys and is married to Tola Awosika, a consummate
entrepreneur. Together, they are building global hospitality and wellness businesses across regions and
continents and own a boutique hotel in Lagos, Nigeria.
Mr. Clay Neff
Chevron Corporation
President
Navigating Africa's Energy Future
Clay Neff is President of Chevron International Exploration and Production (E&P). He is responsible for Chevron’s E&P activities across Africa, Eurasia-Pacific, and the Middle East. Clay joined Chevron in 1985 and has held numerous leadership positions including: President of Chevron Middle East, Africa, South America Exploration and Production Company; Managing Director of the Nigeria/Mid-Africa business unit; Managing Director of Chevron’s Southern Africa business unit; and General Manager of Operations for the Gulf of Mexico business unit. Clay currently serves on the boards of the Council of the Americas, the Corporate Council on Africa, and the U.S.-Saudi Arabia Business Council.
Chevron Corporation
President
Navigating Africa's Energy Future
Clay Neff is President of Chevron International Exploration and Production (E&P). He is responsible for Chevron’s E&P activities across Africa, Eurasia-Pacific, and the Middle East. Clay joined Chevron in 1985 and has held numerous leadership positions including: President of Chevron Middle East, Africa, South America Exploration and Production Company; Managing Director of the Nigeria/Mid-Africa business unit; Managing Director of Chevron’s Southern Africa business unit; and General Manager of Operations for the Gulf of Mexico business unit. Clay currently serves on the boards of the Council of the Americas, the Corporate Council on Africa, and the U.S.-Saudi Arabia Business Council.
Mr. Ovidiu Bujorean
ACDI VOCA/ AV Ventures
Sr. Director, Investments and Innovative Finance
Scaling Agribusiness Ventures: Opportunities and Challenges in Taking African Agriculture to the Next Level
Ovidiu drives AV Ventures' growth in Sub-Saharan Africa by building impactful investment and educational vehicles that support mid-sized ventures in agtech, food systems, renewable energy, blue economy ventures, gender, climate adaptation, access to finance. He has 20+ years’ experience as investor, serial entrepreneur, architect and implementer of global, regional, and national entrepreneurship initiatives in ICT, blue economy, agriculture, and healthcare. Designed and led U.S. Department of State’ GIST Initiative a dynamic entrepreneurial ecosystem in 80 countries across Africa, Middle East, Turkey, and Asia, won recognition from President Obama and Secretaries Kerry, Clinton and founded LEADERS Foundation the first nationwide organization to train 40,000 young leaders and entrepreneurs in Romania. MIT Sloan (MBA), Harvard Kennedy School (MPA). U.S. Department of State Speakers’ Program. He is designer/host of the RootsTofoods.com podcast.
ACDI VOCA/ AV Ventures
Sr. Director, Investments and Innovative Finance
Scaling Agribusiness Ventures: Opportunities and Challenges in Taking African Agriculture to the Next Level
Ovidiu drives AV Ventures' growth in Sub-Saharan Africa by building impactful investment and educational vehicles that support mid-sized ventures in agtech, food systems, renewable energy, blue economy ventures, gender, climate adaptation, access to finance. He has 20+ years’ experience as investor, serial entrepreneur, architect and implementer of global, regional, and national entrepreneurship initiatives in ICT, blue economy, agriculture, and healthcare. Designed and led U.S. Department of State’ GIST Initiative a dynamic entrepreneurial ecosystem in 80 countries across Africa, Middle East, Turkey, and Asia, won recognition from President Obama and Secretaries Kerry, Clinton and founded LEADERS Foundation the first nationwide organization to train 40,000 young leaders and entrepreneurs in Romania. MIT Sloan (MBA), Harvard Kennedy School (MPA). U.S. Department of State Speakers’ Program. He is designer/host of the RootsTofoods.com podcast.