Ms. Ehime Eigbe
Sweetkiwi Holdings
Founder and CEO
Ehime founded Sweetkiwi, a health-focused artisan creamery in Nigeria committed to strengthening the local dairy value chain. After a personal health scare, she studied nutrition, overhauled her diet, and created Sweetkiwi as a delicious, functional food brand. She has secured collaborations with LVMH, Pepsi, Guinness, Baileys and others. In 2019, she launched Sweetkiwi’s whipped Greek yogurt in the United States; the product now sits on shelves in Whole Foods, Walmart, Kroger and more than 2,000 additional stores. Her goal is to build Africa’s leading, most equitable dairy company.
Sweetkiwi Holdings
Founder and CEO
Ehime founded Sweetkiwi, a health-focused artisan creamery in Nigeria committed to strengthening the local dairy value chain. After a personal health scare, she studied nutrition, overhauled her diet, and created Sweetkiwi as a delicious, functional food brand. She has secured collaborations with LVMH, Pepsi, Guinness, Baileys and others. In 2019, she launched Sweetkiwi’s whipped Greek yogurt in the United States; the product now sits on shelves in Whole Foods, Walmart, Kroger and more than 2,000 additional stores. Her goal is to build Africa’s leading, most equitable dairy company.
Mr Jonathan Eigege
Albright Stonebridge Group
Associate Partner
Jonathan Eigege is an Associate Partner at DGA-Albright Stonebridge Group (DGA-ASG) and a trusted advisor to clients seeking to navigate risk, capture opportunities, and deepen their impact in Africa’s dynamic emerging markets.
Mr. Eigege manages firm-wide mandates focused on advancing healthcare delivery, energy security, technology access, and gender equality. Mr. Eigege has also been seconded to African governments seeking to develop progressive policies and structure multisectoral partnerships to advance economic development. Before DGA-ASG, Mr. Eigege worked with the Africa Program at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) and the D.C. Mayor’s Office on African Affairs.
Albright Stonebridge Group
Associate Partner
Jonathan Eigege is an Associate Partner at DGA-Albright Stonebridge Group (DGA-ASG) and a trusted advisor to clients seeking to navigate risk, capture opportunities, and deepen their impact in Africa’s dynamic emerging markets.
Mr. Eigege manages firm-wide mandates focused on advancing healthcare delivery, energy security, technology access, and gender equality. Mr. Eigege has also been seconded to African governments seeking to develop progressive policies and structure multisectoral partnerships to advance economic development. Before DGA-ASG, Mr. Eigege worked with the Africa Program at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) and the D.C. Mayor’s Office on African Affairs.
Mr Oluwabankole Falade
Flutterwave
Chief Legal and 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 and Public Policy Officer
Oluwabankole Falade is Flutterwave’s Chief Legal & Public Policy Officer, leveraging over 20 years of experience in law, regulatory affairs, and government relations across the financial and telecoms sectors. Previously, he held leadership roles at IHS Towers, VISA, and MTN, managing government interactions across Africa. He provides strategic oversight and drives government relations strategies to support Flutterwave’s vision. Bankole holds qualifications from the University of Aberdeen and Harvard Law School, and is a fellow of the Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administration, Nigeria, and an Associate Member of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators, UK.
Mr. 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.
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. 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.
Mrs. Naana Frimpong
DLA Piper LLP
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 LLP
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 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 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.
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.
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.
Mrs Karyn Harrington
Coca-Cola Africa
Vice-President Public Affairs, Communications and Sustainability
Coca-Cola Africa
Vice-President Public Affairs, Communications and Sustainability
Miss Andrea Hotter
Fastmarkets
Special Correspondent
Andrea Hotter is the US-based Special Correspondent at Fastmarkets, a leading cross-commodity price reporting agency in the metals and mining, agriculture, forest products and new generation energy markets. She writes the 'Hotter Commodities' column and hosts the 'Fast Forward' podcast on energy security. Previously, she was Assistant Managing Editor at Dow Jones Newswires on its energy and commodities desk in London, where she was responsible for markets and equities coverage of metals, softs, grains and energy for EMEA. Andrea is also a Director on the board of The Copper Club, an organization that fosters the interests of the copper industry.
Fastmarkets
Special Correspondent
Andrea Hotter is the US-based Special Correspondent at Fastmarkets, a leading cross-commodity price reporting agency in the metals and mining, agriculture, forest products and new generation energy markets. She writes the 'Hotter Commodities' column and hosts the 'Fast Forward' podcast on energy security. Previously, she was Assistant Managing Editor at Dow Jones Newswires on its energy and commodities desk in London, where she was responsible for markets and equities coverage of metals, softs, grains and energy for EMEA. Andrea is also a Director on the board of The Copper Club, an organization that fosters the interests of the copper industry.
Mr Kunle Iluyemi
IHS Towers
SVP Head Sub Sahara Africa
Kunle is currently a Senior Vice President and Head, Sub-Saharan Africa Region for IHS Towers overseeing Cameroon, Côte d’Ivoire, Rwanda, South Africa and Zambia.
IHS Towers is one of the largest independent owners, operators and developers of shared communications infrastructure in the world by tower count.
IHS Towers has over 39,000 towers across its eight markets, including Brazil, Cameroon, Colombia, Côte d’Ivoire, Nigeria, Rwanda, South Africa and Zambia.
IHS Towers
SVP Head Sub Sahara Africa
Kunle is currently a Senior Vice President and Head, Sub-Saharan Africa Region for IHS Towers overseeing Cameroon, Côte d’Ivoire, Rwanda, South Africa and Zambia.
IHS Towers is one of the largest independent owners, operators and developers of shared communications infrastructure in the world by tower count.
IHS Towers has over 39,000 towers across its eight markets, including Brazil, Cameroon, Colombia, Côte d’Ivoire, Nigeria, Rwanda, South Africa and Zambia.
D. Eng Zolana Joao
Angolan National Space Program Management Office (GGPEN)
General Manager
Dr. Zolana Joao is the General Manager of Angola’s National Space Program Management Office (GGPEN), leading satellite missions and space strategy development. He was instrumental in Angola’s transformation into an emerging spacefaring nation, overseeing the launches of ANGOSAT-1 & 2 and the implementation of the Angolan Earth Observation Program. He holds dual master’s degrees and a Doctor of Engineering from George Washington University. A guest lecturer at MIT and ISU, he is also a published researcher. Dr. Joao has received international recognition, including awards from ROSCOSMOS, IRCAI–UNESCO, and a speaking invitation to the 2022 U.S.–Africa Leaders Summit.
Angolan National Space Program Management Office (GGPEN)
General Manager
Dr. Zolana Joao is the General Manager of Angola’s National Space Program Management Office (GGPEN), leading satellite missions and space strategy development. He was instrumental in Angola’s transformation into an emerging spacefaring nation, overseeing the launches of ANGOSAT-1 & 2 and the implementation of the Angolan Earth Observation Program. He holds dual master’s degrees and a Doctor of Engineering from George Washington University. A guest lecturer at MIT and ISU, he is also a published researcher. Dr. Joao has received international recognition, including awards from ROSCOSMOS, IRCAI–UNESCO, and a speaking invitation to the 2022 U.S.–Africa Leaders Summit.
Mr. Brian Kelly
Anzana Electric Group
Founder & COO
Brian is the Founder & CEO of Anzana Electric Group, a company which develops, invests, owns, and operates private electricity distribution utilities and distributed generation projects in sub-Saharan Africa. He has over 18 years of experience focused on electricity sector development, investments, and financing in emerging markets. His career includes entrepreneurship, private equity, and power sector investment banking across Africa and Asia-Pacific. He holds a BA from the University of Pennsylvania.
Anzana Electric Group
Founder & COO
Brian is the Founder & CEO of Anzana Electric Group, a company which develops, invests, owns, and operates private electricity distribution utilities and distributed generation projects in sub-Saharan Africa. He has over 18 years of experience focused on electricity sector development, investments, and financing in emerging markets. His career includes entrepreneurship, private equity, and power sector investment banking across Africa and Asia-Pacific. He holds a BA from the University of Pennsylvania.
Mr Dele Kuti
Standard Bank
Global Head: Energy and Infrastructure
Dele is the Global Head, Energy and Infrastructure for Standard group. He started his career with the Nigerian Subsidiary; StanbicIBTC Bank as the Country Head for the Oil and Gas & Power and Infrastructure sectors. And was subsequently appointed as Nigeria Country Head of Client Coverage for Corporate and Investment Banking. Prior to this he held positions in Standard Chartered Bank in the Wholesale Banking group, and Citi Bank as a Relationship Manager with experience in Risk management. He is focused on delivering Standard Bank’s financing and advisory expertise in Africa and to clients around the world.
Standard Bank
Global Head: Energy and Infrastructure
Dele is the Global Head, Energy and Infrastructure for Standard group. He started his career with the Nigerian Subsidiary; StanbicIBTC Bank as the Country Head for the Oil and Gas & Power and Infrastructure sectors. And was subsequently appointed as Nigeria Country Head of Client Coverage for Corporate and Investment Banking. Prior to this he held positions in Standard Chartered Bank in the Wholesale Banking group, and Citi Bank as a Relationship Manager with experience in Risk management. He is focused on delivering Standard Bank’s financing and advisory expertise in Africa and to clients around the world.