MS Helen Kyeyune
Amazon
Lead, Licensing and Regulatory Affairs - EMEA, Project Kuiper
Helen leads licensing and regulatory efforts for Amazon Kuiper in EMEA. Previously, at Access Partnership, she advised companies on policy and regulation for efficient global market access. At Ofcom, the UK regulator, she helped develop Public Policy, notably working on the possibility of Open Communications. Helen was a long-time regulator at the Uganda Communications Commission where she led on regulation of the telecom, broadcasting, and postal sub-sectors. She advised on national ICT policy, developed regulatory frameworks and standards, managed radio spectrum, and designed and implemented rural access programs. Her background is in Electrical engineering with specialization in telecommunications.
Amazon
Lead, Licensing and Regulatory Affairs - EMEA, Project Kuiper
Helen leads licensing and regulatory efforts for Amazon Kuiper in EMEA. Previously, at Access Partnership, she advised companies on policy and regulation for efficient global market access. At Ofcom, the UK regulator, she helped develop Public Policy, notably working on the possibility of Open Communications. Helen was a long-time regulator at the Uganda Communications Commission where she led on regulation of the telecom, broadcasting, and postal sub-sectors. She advised on national ICT policy, developed regulatory frameworks and standards, managed radio spectrum, and designed and implemented rural access programs. Her background is in Electrical engineering with specialization in telecommunications.
Ms. Heather Lanigan
U.S. Trade and Development Agency
Regional Director, Sub-Saharan Africa
Heather Lanigan is the Regional Director for sub-Saharan Africa at the U.S. Trade and Development Agency (USTDA), where she is responsible for developing the Agency’s strategies, assistance activities, and innovative partnerships throughout the region. In addition to her regional responsibilities, she also leads USTDA’s Digital Infrastructure Industry Team.
U.S. Trade and Development Agency
Regional Director, Sub-Saharan Africa
Heather Lanigan is the Regional Director for sub-Saharan Africa at the U.S. Trade and Development Agency (USTDA), where she is responsible for developing the Agency’s strategies, assistance activities, and innovative partnerships throughout the region. In addition to her regional responsibilities, she also leads USTDA’s Digital Infrastructure Industry Team.
Dr. Joseph Lubega
Texas Children's Hospital
Associate Professor and Director - Texas Children's Global HOPE
Dr. Joseph Lubega is Associate Professor of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology at Baylor College of Medicine and Director of Texas Children’s Hospital’s Global HOPE Program. He is internationally recognized as a leader in global efforts to cure and improve outcomes for children with cancer and sickle cell disease in Africa. Dr. Lubega has broad experience in health systems having practiced medicine in Africa, Europe, and USA, in Surgery, Adult and Family Medicine, and Pediatrics. In addition to childhood cancer and blood diseases, he has formal qualifications in Public Health, Executive Physician Leadership, Implementation Science, and Health Cost Analysis.
Texas Children's Hospital
Associate Professor and Director - Texas Children's Global HOPE
Dr. Joseph Lubega is Associate Professor of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology at Baylor College of Medicine and Director of Texas Children’s Hospital’s Global HOPE Program. He is internationally recognized as a leader in global efforts to cure and improve outcomes for children with cancer and sickle cell disease in Africa. Dr. Lubega has broad experience in health systems having practiced medicine in Africa, Europe, and USA, in Surgery, Adult and Family Medicine, and Pediatrics. In addition to childhood cancer and blood diseases, he has formal qualifications in Public Health, Executive Physician Leadership, Implementation Science, and Health Cost Analysis.
Mr. Rodrigo Manso
Mitrelli Group
CEO
With nearly two decades at Mitrelli, Rodrigo Manso leads Mitrelli as CEO, driving its next phase of growth and impact. He previously served as CEO of Mitrelli Angola—its largest market—where he led dozens of national-scale projects across vital sectors. As CEO of Mitrelli’s Urbanization Sector, he delivered over 20,000 housing units, improving life for 1.5 million people. Deeply attuned to Africa’s evolving landscape and aligned with governmental and financial priorities, he champions transformative, sustainable development. Rodrigo’s expertise spans startups, IPOs, telecom, trade, and real estate. He holds a BA in Business Administration and an MBA in Finance.
Mitrelli Group
CEO
With nearly two decades at Mitrelli, Rodrigo Manso leads Mitrelli as CEO, driving its next phase of growth and impact. He previously served as CEO of Mitrelli Angola—its largest market—where he led dozens of national-scale projects across vital sectors. As CEO of Mitrelli’s Urbanization Sector, he delivered over 20,000 housing units, improving life for 1.5 million people. Deeply attuned to Africa’s evolving landscape and aligned with governmental and financial priorities, he champions transformative, sustainable development. Rodrigo’s expertise spans startups, IPOs, telecom, trade, and real estate. He holds a BA in Business Administration and an MBA in Finance.
Sr Armando Manuel
Fundo Soberano de Angola (Angola Sovereign Wealth Fund)
Presidente do Conselho de Administração e CEO
Profissional reconhecido pelas suas contribuições para a economia, finanças e governança, tanto nacional quanto internacionalmente. Com uma carreira rica e variada, desempenhou papéis cruciais na moldagem de políticas económicas e no fomento de liderança estratégica. Como PCA do FSDEA, impulsiona o desenvolvimento económico sustentável, fortalecendo a resiliência económica de Angola. Conselheiro do Presidente da República de Angola no Conselho Económico e Social, oferece insights estratégicos e recomendações de políticas, contribuindo significativamente para a agenda de desenvolvimento económico e social do país.
Fundo Soberano de Angola (Angola Sovereign Wealth Fund)
Presidente do Conselho de Administração e CEO
Profissional reconhecido pelas suas contribuições para a economia, finanças e governança, tanto nacional quanto internacionalmente. Com uma carreira rica e variada, desempenhou papéis cruciais na moldagem de políticas económicas e no fomento de liderança estratégica. Como PCA do FSDEA, impulsiona o desenvolvimento económico sustentável, fortalecendo a resiliência económica de Angola. Conselheiro do Presidente da República de Angola no Conselho Económico e Social, oferece insights estratégicos e recomendações de políticas, contribuindo significativamente para a agenda de desenvolvimento económico e social do país.
Mr Wamkele Mene
AfCFTA
Secretary-General
H.E. Wamkele Mene was elected by the 33rd Ordinary Session of the Assembly of Heads of States & Government of the African Union, to the position of Secretary-General of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat. Prior to being elected Secretary-General of the AfCFTA Secretariat, he served as Chief Director: Africa Economic Relations, at the Department of Trade & Industry of South Africa. In this role, he was South Africa’s chief trade negotiator in the AfCFTA and Tripartite FTA negotiations. During his tenure as chief negotiator, South Africa ratified both the AfCFTA and Tripartite FTAs agreements.
AfCFTA
Secretary-General
H.E. Wamkele Mene was elected by the 33rd Ordinary Session of the Assembly of Heads of States & Government of the African Union, to the position of Secretary-General of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat. Prior to being elected Secretary-General of the AfCFTA Secretariat, he served as Chief Director: Africa Economic Relations, at the Department of Trade & Industry of South Africa. In this role, he was South Africa’s chief trade negotiator in the AfCFTA and Tripartite FTA negotiations. During his tenure as chief negotiator, South Africa ratified both the AfCFTA and Tripartite FTAs agreements.
Ms Vuyo Mjekula
MSD
Director: External Affairs
Vuyo joined MSD in June 2021 as Director for External Affairs where she leads a team responsible for supporting health systems strengthening as well as expanding and deepening patient access to MSD’s innovative portfolio of medicines and vaccines across sub-Saharan Africa. Prior to joining the pharmaceutical industry in 2019, she spent over a decade across multiple sectors including Energy, NGOs as well as the Foreign Service where she served as a Diplomat in Washington D.C. Vuyo studied International Relations and Economics and is passionate about innovation and its potential for resolving social challenges, especially health, in Africa.
MSD
Director: External Affairs
Vuyo joined MSD in June 2021 as Director for External Affairs where she leads a team responsible for supporting health systems strengthening as well as expanding and deepening patient access to MSD’s innovative portfolio of medicines and vaccines across sub-Saharan Africa. Prior to joining the pharmaceutical industry in 2019, she spent over a decade across multiple sectors including Energy, NGOs as well as the Foreign Service where she served as a Diplomat in Washington D.C. Vuyo studied International Relations and Economics and is passionate about innovation and its potential for resolving social challenges, especially health, in Africa.
Mrs. Chilufya Mutale-Mwila
Eshandi
Co-Founder & Chief Visionary Officer
Chilufya Mutale-Mwila is a multi-award-winning entrepreneur and Co-Founder & Chief Visionary Officer of eShandi, a Pan-African Challenger Bank for SMEs. With over a decade of experience in financial services, she is transforming access to finance through digital lending and embedded finance solutions. Recognized among Africa’s 100 Most Influential Leaders and 100 Women Creating a Better Africa, she is also named one of the top women in fintech by TechBuild Africa. Chilufya is passionate about building inclusive financial ecosystems that empower businesses and individuals across Sub-Saharan Africa.
Eshandi
Co-Founder & Chief Visionary Officer
Chilufya Mutale-Mwila is a multi-award-winning entrepreneur and Co-Founder & Chief Visionary Officer of eShandi, a Pan-African Challenger Bank for SMEs. With over a decade of experience in financial services, she is transforming access to finance through digital lending and embedded finance solutions. Recognized among Africa’s 100 Most Influential Leaders and 100 Women Creating a Better Africa, she is also named one of the top women in fintech by TechBuild Africa. Chilufya is passionate about building inclusive financial ecosystems that empower businesses and individuals across Sub-Saharan Africa.
Mr. John Nevergole
ABD Group
CEO
John Nevergole is CEO of ABD Group, a leading infrastructure project developer in Africa. With two decades of experience, John has developed and delivered over $3 billion USD in large-scale infrastructure projects across 21 African countries. He has served on the President’s Advisory Council on Doing Business in Africa (PAC-DBIA) since 2019 and is a board member of Bio Ventures for Global Health. John holds degrees from the University of Maryland and Babson College.
ABD Group
CEO
John Nevergole is CEO of ABD Group, a leading infrastructure project developer in Africa. With two decades of experience, John has developed and delivered over $3 billion USD in large-scale infrastructure projects across 21 African countries. He has served on the President’s Advisory Council on Doing Business in Africa (PAC-DBIA) since 2019 and is a board member of Bio Ventures for Global Health. John holds degrees from the University of Maryland and Babson College.
Ms Gwen Ngwenya
Mastercard
Vice President, Public Policy, EEMEA
Gwen Ngwenya is Vice President, Public Policy, EEMEA at Mastercard. She has a distinguished career spanning public and private sectors—from leading policy at Airbnb MEA and covering EEMEA as an analyst at Bloomberg, to serving as a Member of Parliament in South Africa, where she served on the Standing Committee on Finance and as Head of Policy for the Democratic Alliance. Internationally, she’s contributed to election missions, addressed forums such as Chatham House, and advised on Africa’s development and governance. A seasoned strategist and compelling voice on tech policy, Gwen is a passionate advocate for responsible innovation.
Mastercard
Vice President, Public Policy, EEMEA
Gwen Ngwenya is Vice President, Public Policy, EEMEA at Mastercard. She has a distinguished career spanning public and private sectors—from leading policy at Airbnb MEA and covering EEMEA as an analyst at Bloomberg, to serving as a Member of Parliament in South Africa, where she served on the Standing Committee on Finance and as Head of Policy for the Democratic Alliance. Internationally, she’s contributed to election missions, addressed forums such as Chatham House, and advised on Africa’s development and governance. A seasoned strategist and compelling voice on tech policy, Gwen is a passionate advocate for responsible innovation.
Mrs Michelle Nsanzumuco
Global policy house
CEO
Michelle is a globally recognized Investor and Digital Transformation expert with over 11 years of experience in Artificial Intelligence, Blockchain, and Data. She advises governments, regulators, and central banks on technology-driven policy and regulatory frameworks that support sustainable development. As a Senior Adviser to African governments and the African Union, she contributes to the AfCFTA Digital Trade Protocol. Michelle also leverages her vast investment network of over 4,000 global investors to facilitate access to capital. Her work spans over 25 countries, focusing on digital trade, green financing, and linking Africa to global markets.
Global policy house
CEO
Michelle is a globally recognized Investor and Digital Transformation expert with over 11 years of experience in Artificial Intelligence, Blockchain, and Data. She advises governments, regulators, and central banks on technology-driven policy and regulatory frameworks that support sustainable development. As a Senior Adviser to African governments and the African Union, she contributes to the AfCFTA Digital Trade Protocol. Michelle also leverages her vast investment network of over 4,000 global investors to facilitate access to capital. Her work spans over 25 countries, focusing on digital trade, green financing, and linking Africa to global markets.
Dr. Jude Nwokike
USP
Vice President, Global Health & Manufacturing Services
Dr. Jude Nwokike brings over 20 years of distinguished leadership in medical products development, quality assurance, regulatory systems strengthening, and pharmaceutical systems. As VP at USP he has led several global initiatives to ensure the quality and safety of medicines and spearheaded efforts to enhance the adoption of manufacturing standards and regulatory frameworks across nearly 60 countries, overcoming bottlenecks to accelerate access to life-saving medicines and vaccines. Before joining USP, Dr. Nwokike served as the U.S. FDA liaison to the Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, supporting the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) antiretroviral drugs program.
USP
Vice President, Global Health & Manufacturing Services
Dr. Jude Nwokike brings over 20 years of distinguished leadership in medical products development, quality assurance, regulatory systems strengthening, and pharmaceutical systems. As VP at USP he has led several global initiatives to ensure the quality and safety of medicines and spearheaded efforts to enhance the adoption of manufacturing standards and regulatory frameworks across nearly 60 countries, overcoming bottlenecks to accelerate access to life-saving medicines and vaccines. Before joining USP, Dr. Nwokike served as the U.S. FDA liaison to the Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, supporting the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) antiretroviral drugs program.
Mr Martison Obeng-Agyei
Afrimoney Sierra Leone
Chief Executive Officer
Martison Obeng-Agyei is currently CEO of Afromoney Sierra Leone and Gambia, prior to which he was Director of Afrimoney Sierra Leone upon joining the company in De. 2021.
Martison has vast experience in the Fintech industry spanning 13 years from Airtel Money through Vodafone Cash (Mpesa) where he drove significant change and growth through business process reengineering, strategy and human capital development.
Prior to Fintech Martison has been a Marketing and Sales practioner across industries from FMCG, Media to Telecom.
Martison is passionate about people, sustainability and an ardent change driver.
Afrimoney Sierra Leone
Chief Executive Officer
Martison Obeng-Agyei is currently CEO of Afromoney Sierra Leone and Gambia, prior to which he was Director of Afrimoney Sierra Leone upon joining the company in De. 2021.
Martison has vast experience in the Fintech industry spanning 13 years from Airtel Money through Vodafone Cash (Mpesa) where he drove significant change and growth through business process reengineering, strategy and human capital development.
Prior to Fintech Martison has been a Marketing and Sales practioner across industries from FMCG, Media to Telecom.
Martison is passionate about people, sustainability and an ardent change driver.
Dr. Maria Oden
Rice University
Teaching Professor of Bioengineering, Co-Director, Rice360 Institute for Global Health Technologies
Maria Oden has 25+ years of combined academic, research, and clinical experience in biomedical engineering and engineering design where she teaches students to identify, innovate, and build devices and technologies that solve real-world problems. Oden fosters growth in student impact-driven design education including technologies to address health challenges identified by colleagues and clinical partners globally. Oden co-founded a novel, inter-institutional program to advance invention education (IvE), to improve healthcare and economies by establishing local ecosystems that foster technical innovation and entrepreneurship. IvE teaches a product development process to create high-impact technologies that address critical health gaps impacting their communities.
Rice University
Teaching Professor of Bioengineering, Co-Director, Rice360 Institute for Global Health Technologies
Maria Oden has 25+ years of combined academic, research, and clinical experience in biomedical engineering and engineering design where she teaches students to identify, innovate, and build devices and technologies that solve real-world problems. Oden fosters growth in student impact-driven design education including technologies to address health challenges identified by colleagues and clinical partners globally. Oden co-founded a novel, inter-institutional program to advance invention education (IvE), to improve healthcare and economies by establishing local ecosystems that foster technical innovation and entrepreneurship. IvE teaches a product development process to create high-impact technologies that address critical health gaps impacting their communities.
Ms. Toyosi Ogunseye
The Presidential Precinct
President & CEO
As President & CEO of the Presidential Precinct, Toyosi ensures strategic direction in the organization’s commitment to delivering world-class leadership programming that engages and inspires emerging leaders. Toyosi has two decades of leadership experience in journalism, most recently serving as a Senior News Editor for News and Commissioning at the BBC. Prior to this, Toyosi was the first female editor in the 50-year history of Punch Newspaper, Nigeria’s most well-known newspaper. While gaining experience across multiple disciplines and several continents, Toyosi’s steadfast commitment has remained in empowering young people who are committed to improving their community and country.
The Presidential Precinct
President & CEO
As President & CEO of the Presidential Precinct, Toyosi ensures strategic direction in the organization’s commitment to delivering world-class leadership programming that engages and inspires emerging leaders. Toyosi has two decades of leadership experience in journalism, most recently serving as a Senior News Editor for News and Commissioning at the BBC. Prior to this, Toyosi was the first female editor in the 50-year history of Punch Newspaper, Nigeria’s most well-known newspaper. While gaining experience across multiple disciplines and several continents, Toyosi’s steadfast commitment has remained in empowering young people who are committed to improving their community and country.
Mrs Akaego Okoye
African Business Stories
Founder
Akaego Okoye is the Founder of African Business Stories, a media and communications company amplifying female entrepreneurship and success in Africa. A dual-qualified lawyer and strategic advisor with 20+ years of global experience, she has held leadership roles at DLA Piper, EAN Aviation, and the Corporate Council on Africa. Akaego hosts the African Business Stories podcast and moderates high-level conferences across sectors. She serves on several boards, including 1952 Africa. Akaego holds an LLB from the University of Kent and an LLM from University College London, and is qualified to practice law in both the UK and Nigeria.
African Business Stories
Founder
Akaego Okoye is the Founder of African Business Stories, a media and communications company amplifying female entrepreneurship and success in Africa. A dual-qualified lawyer and strategic advisor with 20+ years of global experience, she has held leadership roles at DLA Piper, EAN Aviation, and the Corporate Council on Africa. Akaego hosts the African Business Stories podcast and moderates high-level conferences across sectors. She serves on several boards, including 1952 Africa. Akaego holds an LLB from the University of Kent and an LLM from University College London, and is qualified to practice law in both the UK and Nigeria.
Mr Kazeem Oladepo
IHS
SVP/ Chief Operating Officer
Kazeem Oladepo leads IHS Nigeria’s end-to-end operations, steering tower and FTTX deployment, rural telephony, IoT, data-center assets, and related value-added services. Previously, he directed corporate, commercial, and business-development functions for MainOne’s subsea cable, connectivity, and data-center portfolio across more than 10 West African markets, where he also served as commercial executive for carrier, OTT, and CDN services. Formerly Starcomms’ director of corporate strategy, Oladepo brings 16 years of C-suite expertise spanning strategy, finance, legal, and operations within telecom and digital-infrastructure sectors. He holds degrees from ABU Zaria, Strathclyde, and Duke’s Fuqua School of Business.
IHS
SVP/ Chief Operating Officer
Kazeem Oladepo leads IHS Nigeria’s end-to-end operations, steering tower and FTTX deployment, rural telephony, IoT, data-center assets, and related value-added services. Previously, he directed corporate, commercial, and business-development functions for MainOne’s subsea cable, connectivity, and data-center portfolio across more than 10 West African markets, where he also served as commercial executive for carrier, OTT, and CDN services. Formerly Starcomms’ director of corporate strategy, Oladepo brings 16 years of C-suite expertise spanning strategy, finance, legal, and operations within telecom and digital-infrastructure sectors. He holds degrees from ABU Zaria, Strathclyde, and Duke’s Fuqua School of Business.
