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. 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.
Dra. Ana Santos
INTERNET TECHNOLOGIES ANGOLA, SA
Legal Counsel
Born in Lisbon, grew up in Portugal, England, Macau before returning to Portugal and graduating from there in Law. Spent more than 20 years as a in-house counsel Banking sector in Europe. The financial crisis and personal circumstances led to Africa and later to Telecommunications industry as legal counsel and Board Member of Internet Technologies Angola and Paratus Holdings. Has also lectured In Portugal and Angola at the Law Faculties. In 2022 decided to go back to school to take a LLM in Digital Economy. Extremely exciting to read courses on digital age and study with new generation of lawyers.
INTERNET TECHNOLOGIES ANGOLA, SA
Legal Counsel
Born in Lisbon, grew up in Portugal, England, Macau before returning to Portugal and graduating from there in Law. Spent more than 20 years as a in-house counsel Banking sector in Europe. The financial crisis and personal circumstances led to Africa and later to Telecommunications industry as legal counsel and Board Member of Internet Technologies Angola and Paratus Holdings. Has also lectured In Portugal and Angola at the Law Faculties. In 2022 decided to go back to school to take a LLM in Digital Economy. Extremely exciting to read courses on digital age and study with new generation of lawyers.
Mr. Witney Schneidman
Schneidman & Associates
CEO
Witney Schneidman is CEO of Schneidman & Associates, a CCA Board Member, a Nonresident Senior Fellow at the Brookings Institution, and a Senior Advisor to the Alistair Group. Over his four decades of experience in Africa, he has worked on projects in more than 30 countries. He has served as Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs and was the Chair of the Africa Practice at Covington & Burling. He has written widely on African issues and aired his views on CBS News, CNN, National Public Radio, the BBC, and the South African Broadcasting Corporation.
Schneidman & Associates
CEO
Witney Schneidman is CEO of Schneidman & Associates, a CCA Board Member, a Nonresident Senior Fellow at the Brookings Institution, and a Senior Advisor to the Alistair Group. Over his four decades of experience in Africa, he has worked on projects in more than 30 countries. He has served as Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs and was the Chair of the Africa Practice at Covington & Burling. He has written widely on African issues and aired his views on CBS News, CNN, National Public Radio, the BBC, and the South African Broadcasting Corporation.
Ms. Elizabeth Schwarze
Chevron
Vice President, Exploration
Liz Schwarze is vice president of Global Exploration based in Houston, Texas, a role she assumed in April 2018. In this role, she is responsible for Chevron’s worldwide exploration program and chairs the company’s Global Exploration Leadership Team.
Previously, Schwarze was general manager of Exploration for Chevron Africa and Latin America Exploration and Production Company in Houston overseeing exploration for this region and held a similar role as general manager of Exploration for Chevron Asia Pacific Exploration and Production Company, based in Singapore.
Chevron
Vice President, Exploration
Liz Schwarze is vice president of Global Exploration based in Houston, Texas, a role she assumed in April 2018. In this role, she is responsible for Chevron’s worldwide exploration program and chairs the company’s Global Exploration Leadership Team.
Previously, Schwarze was general manager of Exploration for Chevron Africa and Latin America Exploration and Production Company in Houston overseeing exploration for this region and held a similar role as general manager of Exploration for Chevron Asia Pacific Exploration and Production Company, based in Singapore.
Ms Tania Silva
Angola ALNG Marketing Ltd
CEO
Tania Silva leads Angola LNG Marketing Ltd managing global LNG and Liquids sales and LNG shipping operations. She began her energy sector career in strategy and business development at Sonangol Gás e Energias Revovaveis ER, a subsidiary of Sonangol. With over 18 years in the industry, she has held progressive leadership roles across Sonangol and ALM, including Planning, HES, Communications, and Marketing. Tania also partook in the Terminal Oceânico da Barra do Dande project and spearheaded Sonangol’s rebranding project. Tania holds degrees in Petroleum Engineering and Business Management, plus a postgraduate in Global Business from University of Oxford
Angola ALNG Marketing Ltd
CEO
Tania Silva leads Angola LNG Marketing Ltd managing global LNG and Liquids sales and LNG shipping operations. She began her energy sector career in strategy and business development at Sonangol Gás e Energias Revovaveis ER, a subsidiary of Sonangol. With over 18 years in the industry, she has held progressive leadership roles across Sonangol and ALM, including Planning, HES, Communications, and Marketing. Tania also partook in the Terminal Oceânico da Barra do Dande project and spearheaded Sonangol’s rebranding project. Tania holds degrees in Petroleum Engineering and Business Management, plus a postgraduate in Global Business from University of Oxford
Mr. Paul Sullivan
Acrow Bridge
President - International Business
Paul Sullivan, Acrow’s President – International Business, has enjoyed a long career working in Africa, the Americas, Asia, Europe and the Middle East, focusing over the past two decades on bridge infrastructure projects. Sullivan serves on the Board of Directors of the Corporate Council on Africa (CCA) in Washington D.C., as well as on the Board of Princeton in Africa (PiAF). Mr. Sullivan is also the Vice Chair of the United States Trade Representative's Trade Advisory Committee on Africa (TACA), and has served as a member of the Export-Import Bank of the United States Sub-Saharan Africa Advisory Committee (SAAC).
Acrow Bridge
President - International Business
Paul Sullivan, Acrow’s President – International Business, has enjoyed a long career working in Africa, the Americas, Asia, Europe and the Middle East, focusing over the past two decades on bridge infrastructure projects. Sullivan serves on the Board of Directors of the Corporate Council on Africa (CCA) in Washington D.C., as well as on the Board of Princeton in Africa (PiAF). Mr. Sullivan is also the Vice Chair of the United States Trade Representative's Trade Advisory Committee on Africa (TACA), and has served as a member of the Export-Import Bank of the United States Sub-Saharan Africa Advisory Committee (SAAC).
Mr. Admassu Tadesse
TDB Group
Group President and Managing Director
Admassu Tadesse is President and Managing Director of the Trade and Development Bank (TDB) Group. Since 2022, he has led its expansion into new markets, growing assets to USD 10 billion and doubling its investor base. Previously, he led PTA Bank’s transformation into TDB and was Executive VP at the Development Bank of Southern Africa. Recognized with multiple awards, including African Banker of the Year in 2019 and 2024, he serves on several boards across Africa, Europe, the U.S., and Asia. Tadesse is an alumnus of the LSE, Western University, Wits Business School, and Harvard Business School.
TDB Group
Group President and Managing Director
Admassu Tadesse is President and Managing Director of the Trade and Development Bank (TDB) Group. Since 2022, he has led its expansion into new markets, growing assets to USD 10 billion and doubling its investor base. Previously, he led PTA Bank’s transformation into TDB and was Executive VP at the Development Bank of Southern Africa. Recognized with multiple awards, including African Banker of the Year in 2019 and 2024, he serves on several boards across Africa, Europe, the U.S., and Asia. Tadesse is an alumnus of the LSE, Western University, Wits Business School, and Harvard Business School.
Mr. Haim Taib
Menomadin and Mitrelli Group
Founder and President
Haim Taib, founder and president of Mitrelli and Menomadin Group, is an accomplished entrepreneur, investor, and philanthropist with 30+ years’ experience in Africa. He has led numerous infrastructure projects, enhancing quality of life and economic growth. At Mitrelli, he has overseen 100+ national-scale projects in Angola, Côte d'Ivoire, Senegal, and Mozambique, across sectors such as urbanization, water and food security, energy, education, healthcare, and technology. He also leads Menomadin Group, driving global value through strategic investments in real estate, capital markets, and startups, aligned with ESG principles and the UN SDGs, delivering impactful projects across sub-Saharan Africa and beyond.
Menomadin and Mitrelli Group
Founder and President
Haim Taib, founder and president of Mitrelli and Menomadin Group, is an accomplished entrepreneur, investor, and philanthropist with 30+ years’ experience in Africa. He has led numerous infrastructure projects, enhancing quality of life and economic growth. At Mitrelli, he has overseen 100+ national-scale projects in Angola, Côte d'Ivoire, Senegal, and Mozambique, across sectors such as urbanization, water and food security, energy, education, healthcare, and technology. He also leads Menomadin Group, driving global value through strategic investments in real estate, capital markets, and startups, aligned with ESG principles and the UN SDGs, delivering impactful projects across sub-Saharan Africa and beyond.
Dr. Papa Demba Thiam
Value Chains Development
International Economist
Dr. Papa Demba Thiam is an international economist, an expert in value chains based industrial development, a professor and an entrepreneur. He is the author and co-author of several renowed publications.
Value Chains Development
International Economist
Dr. Papa Demba Thiam is an international economist, an expert in value chains based industrial development, a professor and an entrepreneur. He is the author and co-author of several renowed publications.
Mrs Hariana Veras
Get to Know Africa Corporation
Chief White House Correspondents for Africa
Hariana Verás Victória is a pioneering, award-winning Angolan journalist and Producer. She is the first Angolan journalist accredited as a permanent correspondent at key U.S. government institutions, including the White House, and the first African journalist in the official press pool covering a U.S. President.
She advocates for a more accurate portrayal of Africa in global media.
Hariana founded the Get To Know Africa Corporation which highlights Africa. She holds the distinction of having interviewed the most African Heads of State and her work has earned her numerous honors in both Angola and the U.S.
Get to Know Africa Corporation
Chief White House Correspondents for Africa
Hariana Verás Victória is a pioneering, award-winning Angolan journalist and Producer. She is the first Angolan journalist accredited as a permanent correspondent at key U.S. government institutions, including the White House, and the first African journalist in the official press pool covering a U.S. President.
She advocates for a more accurate portrayal of Africa in global media.
Hariana founded the Get To Know Africa Corporation which highlights Africa. She holds the distinction of having interviewed the most African Heads of State and her work has earned her numerous honors in both Angola and the U.S.
M. Kaniaru Wacieni
Africa50
Senior Investment Director
Senior Investment Director, Acting Head of Project Finance
has over 20 years of relevant professional experience. Joined Africa50 2019. Prior to Africa50, he was a Director at Globeleq in Nairobi focusing on power infrastructure investing across East and Southern Africa. Prior to Globeleq, he was an Executive Director at J.P. Morgan’s Power & Utilities group in New York where he advised on M&A, leveraged buyouts, restructurings and debt and equity financings across the energy sector, including several landmark transactions in the transmission and merchant power/IPP sectors. Began his career at Credit Suisse Boston, New York and London.
Africa50
Senior Investment Director
Senior Investment Director, Acting Head of Project Finance
has over 20 years of relevant professional experience. Joined Africa50 2019. Prior to Africa50, he was a Director at Globeleq in Nairobi focusing on power infrastructure investing across East and Southern Africa. Prior to Globeleq, he was an Executive Director at J.P. Morgan’s Power & Utilities group in New York where he advised on M&A, leveraged buyouts, restructurings and debt and equity financings across the energy sector, including several landmark transactions in the transmission and merchant power/IPP sectors. Began his career at Credit Suisse Boston, New York and London.
Mrs Emma Wade-Smith OBE
De Beers Group
Senior Vice President Government Affairs
Emma Wade-Smith OBE joined De Beers in February 2024 following a distinguished career as a British Diplomat.
Emma’s last government assignment was as His Majesty’s Trade Commissioner for North America and Consul General to New York. This followed five years as Her Majesty’s Trade Commissioner for Africa. Before working on trade and investment, Emma led foreign and security policy at the British Embassy in Washington D.C. and headed the UK Government’s International Crisis Response Team. She was awarded an OBE for helping British Nationals to safety from all around the world.
De Beers Group
Senior Vice President Government Affairs
Emma Wade-Smith OBE joined De Beers in February 2024 following a distinguished career as a British Diplomat.
Emma’s last government assignment was as His Majesty’s Trade Commissioner for North America and Consul General to New York. This followed five years as Her Majesty’s Trade Commissioner for Africa. Before working on trade and investment, Emma led foreign and security policy at the British Embassy in Washington D.C. and headed the UK Government’s International Crisis Response Team. She was awarded an OBE for helping British Nationals to safety from all around the world.
Mr Ian Wakefield
BD
General Manager Africa
Ian is a Medical Scientist by training and has completed his studies at the University of Cape Town. He has extensive experience in the healthcare sector in Africa and has built a rich career within the medical device field.
Ian has been the General Manager for BD Africa for the past 7 years. He is responsible for spearheading strategies to advance the company’s business goals for the region. He is passionate about advancing healthcare in Africa and believes that through public private partnerships a more efficient healthcare system can be developed to deliver better quality care to African patients.
BD
General Manager Africa
Ian is a Medical Scientist by training and has completed his studies at the University of Cape Town. He has extensive experience in the healthcare sector in Africa and has built a rich career within the medical device field.
Ian has been the General Manager for BD Africa for the past 7 years. He is responsible for spearheading strategies to advance the company’s business goals for the region. He is passionate about advancing healthcare in Africa and believes that through public private partnerships a more efficient healthcare system can be developed to deliver better quality care to African patients.
Mr. Herb Wallen
The Boeing Company
Executive Director, Commercial Sales & Marketing
Herb Wallen is Executive Director, with responsibilities for Commercial Sales
and Marketing in Southern Africa Countries, Indian Ocean and Atlantic Ocean
Islands. He previously had sales responsibilities in East Africa, West Africa and
Middle East Countries. Prior to sales, he served as Marketing Director with responsibilities in the Netherlands, France, Luxembourg, Poland and Africa.
He received his MBA from the Foster School of Business, University of Washington, and his Bachelor of Engineering from the Fred DeMatteis School of Engineering and Applied Science, Hofstra University. Herb is a native of Jamaica and lives with his family in Dubai, UAE.
The Boeing Company
Executive Director, Commercial Sales & Marketing
Herb Wallen is Executive Director, with responsibilities for Commercial Sales
and Marketing in Southern Africa Countries, Indian Ocean and Atlantic Ocean
Islands. He previously had sales responsibilities in East Africa, West Africa and
Middle East Countries. Prior to sales, he served as Marketing Director with responsibilities in the Netherlands, France, Luxembourg, Poland and Africa.
He received his MBA from the Foster School of Business, University of Washington, and his Bachelor of Engineering from the Fred DeMatteis School of Engineering and Applied Science, Hofstra University. Herb is a native of Jamaica and lives with his family in Dubai, UAE.
Dr. Thierry Wandji
Cybastion
CEO
Dr. Wandji is the CEO of Cybastion, an American tech company driving digital transformation across Africa. A U.S. cybersecurity expert of Cameroonian origin, he has expanded operations to over eight African countries, including building national data centers and launching cybersecurity agencies. He advises African Heads of State and the White House, and sits on the U.S. Chamber of Commerce's U.S.-Africa Business Center board. Dr. Wandji holds degrees in engineering and cybersecurity from Polytechnique Montréal, Morgan State, the University of Maryland, and George Washington University. Cybastion is also a member of the Corporate Council on Africa.
Cybastion
CEO
Dr. Wandji is the CEO of Cybastion, an American tech company driving digital transformation across Africa. A U.S. cybersecurity expert of Cameroonian origin, he has expanded operations to over eight African countries, including building national data centers and launching cybersecurity agencies. He advises African Heads of State and the White House, and sits on the U.S. Chamber of Commerce's U.S.-Africa Business Center board. Dr. Wandji holds degrees in engineering and cybersecurity from Polytechnique Montréal, Morgan State, the University of Maryland, and George Washington University. Cybastion is also a member of the Corporate Council on Africa.