Africa Trade Development Forum
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Africa Trade Development Forum

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Africa Trade Development Forum
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Speakers
Rt.Hon._Dr
Right Honourable Prime Minister, Édouard Ngirente
Prime Minister, Republic of Rwanda
Hailemariam Boshe
H.E. Hailemariam Desalegn Boshe
Chair of the Board TMA and Former Prime Minister Ethiopia
Wamkele Mene
H.E. Wamkele Mene
Secretary-General, African Continental Free Trade Area Secretariat
Pascal Lamy
Pascal Lamy
Vice President, Paris Peace Forum Former Director General, WTO
Prudence Sebahizi
Hon Prudence Sebahizi
Minister of Trade and Industry, Rwanda
Sosten Alf
Hon. Sosten Alfred Gwengwe
Minister of Trade and Industry Malawi
Lucia Iipumbu
Hon. Lucia Lipumbu
Minister of Industrialisation and Trade, Namibia
Mr
Mr. Ole Thonke
Under Secretary for Development Policy Ministry of Foreign Affairs Denmark
image16
Dr. Kassahun Gofe
Minister of Trade and Regional Integration Ethiopia
Erastus Mwecha
Amb. Erastus Mwencha
Former Deputy Chair of AUC and SG of COMESA. 
Bellen Calvo
Ms Belen Calvo Uyarra
Ambassador of the European Union to Rwanda
Elizabeth Gitahun
Elizabeth Getahun
President, Ethio Logistics Sectoral Association
MukhisaKituyi_260x267
Dr. Mukhisa Kituyi
Former Secretary-General, United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD)
David Beer
David Beer
Chief Executive Officer, TMA
Jaqueline Mkindi
Dr. Jacqueline Mkindi
Chief Executive Officer, Tanzania Horticulture Association
Duncan Onyango
Duncan Onyango
Chief Executive Officer Trade Catalyst Africa
Antoine Sebara
Antoine Sebera
Chief Digital Officer, Rwanda Information Society Authority (RISA).
Patrick Obath
Engineer Patrick Obath
Vice Chair, International Chamber of Commerce
Ziad Hamoui
Ziad Hamoui
Founding member and National President, Borderless Alliance
annerose ngemu
Annerose Ngemu
Senior Manager, Digital Business (Global Trade), Afreximbank
Ozonnia
Dr. Ozonnia Ojielo
United Nations Resident Coordinator in Rwanda and Chairperson of the Development Partners Forum.
Mwumvaneza
Mr. Mwumvaneza Felicien
Commissioner for Customs, Rwanda Revenue Authority
Rojer
Mr. Roger Nkubito
Managing Director, Africa Global Logistics (AGL)
Flavia
Flavia Busingye
Director Customs, East Africa Community Secretariat
Mulualem Syoum
Mulualem Syoum
Chief Executive Officer AeTrade Group
Tobias Olando
Tobias Alando
Ag. Chief Executive & Chief Operations Officer, Kenya Association of Manufacturers
Allen Asimwe
Allen Asiimwe
Deputy CEO and Chief of Programmes, TMA
Paul Kwengwere
Paul Kwengwere
CEO, Malawi Investment and Trade Centre
Albert
Albert Atambo
Chief Manager Scanner Management & Business Transformation Office in Kenya Revenue Authority
Kampeta
Kampeta Pitchette Sayinzoga
CEO, Development Bank Of Rwanda Plc.
Lucy
Lucy Nshuti Mbabazi
Managing Director, Better Than Cash Alliance
Daniel Wilcox
Daniel Wilcox
Economic Counsellor and Head of Prosperity & Climate Change, BHC Nairobi
Hilda Moraa
Hilda Moraa
Founder and CEO Pezesha
innocent bagamba
Innocent Bagamba
Chief Executive Officer, Rwanda Information Society Authority (RISA)
Patrick
Patrick Buchana Nsenga
Chief Executive Officer, AC Group Ltd
floriana
Floriana Borino
Trade Analyst, International Trade Centre
Raphael
Raphael Kiptis
Head of Finance, Sian Flowers
Lukoye
Lukoye Erick
Head of Projects, KenTrade
Hon
Hon. Exaud Silaoneka Kigahe
Deputy Minister, Ministry of Investment, Industry and Trade, Tanzania
oparanya
Hon. Wycliffe Oparanya
Cabinet Secretary, Cooperatives and Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) Development, Kenya
Ahmed Farah
Ahmed Farah
Chief Executive Officer - Kenya National Chamber of Commerce
Ms_Veronica_Nduva
Veronica Nduva
Secretary General, East Africa Community Secretariat
Moses Kemibaro
Moses Kemibaro
Founder Dotsavvy, thought leader in Tech in Africa
Khomoso
Khomotso Letsatsi
Gauteng Growth and Development Agency, Executive Head- Lanseria Smart City Special Purpose Vehicle
Mohamed
H.E. Mohamed Warsama Dirieh
Minister of Commerce and Tourism, Djibouti.
Fredrick
Frederick Ngobi Gume
State Minister for Cooperatives, Ministry of Trade, Industry, and Cooperatives, Uganda
William Kosar
William Kosar
Trade Specialist, Senior Legal Advisor, Kenya
Patricia
Patricia Ojangole
Managing Director, Uganda Development Bank Limited
Lola Ekugo
Lola Ekugo
Digital Executive & Director, SWIT – Odu’a Investment Company (Nigeria)
Rosine Umwariya
Ms. Rosine Uwamariya
Country Director, TMA Rwanda
Antoinette
Ms. Antoinette Tesha
Investment Director, Trade Catalyst Africa
Umulinga
Umulinga Karangwa CFA
Co-Lead Asset Management Corporate Affairs & Investor Relations, Trade Development Bank
Wiliam Ruto
Captain William Ruto
Managing Director Kenya Ports Authority
Dom
Prof. Dominic McVey
Non Executive Director, TMA
Franc
Frank Matsaert
Senior Adviser and Global Lead, Trade and Infrastructure Tony Blair Institute
Julie Muthoni
Julie Mutoni
Country Manager, Multilines International Rwanda Ltd
Elizabeth
Ms. Elizabeth Kimani
General Manager, Sian Maasai Flowers
Bedi
Jaswinder (Jas) Bedi
EBS, MBS - Chairman, Kenya Export Promotion & Branding Agency
Bernice
Bernice E. Omiunu
Founder, Women in Block Chain
Dirk Williem
Dirk Willem te Velde
Director, International Economic Development Group, Principal Research Fellow, ODI Global
Gabriel-Negatu-1
Gabriel Negatu
Atlantic Council and TMA Board Director
Julie Crowley
Julie Crowley
High Commissioner for Canada in the Republic of Rwanda
Dr Joy Kategekwa
Dr. Joy Kategekwa
Director, African Development Bank (AfDB) Group’s Regional Integration Coordination Office
Makong tsotetsi
Dr. Tsotetsi Makong (PhD)
Chief Technical Advisor for Capacity Building, Trade Policy, and Negotiations at the Africa Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat.
David-Luke
Prof. David Luke
Professor in Practice and Strategic Director, Firoz Lalji Institute for Africa - The London School of Economics and Political Science
Annette Mutaawe
Annette Mutaawe Ssemuwemba
Deputy Secretary General, Customs, Trade and Monetary Affairs, East African Community
hannes-berggren
Hannes Berggren
National Board of Trade, Sweden
Gilbert-Ewehmeh
Gilbert Ewehmeh
Chairman, Accelerate Africa
merian sebunya
Dr. Merian Sebunya
Chairperson BTS and Chair National Logistics platform - Private Sector Uganda
Alwyn Hoffman-2
Prof. Alwyn Hoffman
North-West University (NWU)
Ndikumana_ Philippe
Philippe Ndikumana
President Federation of East Africa Freight Forwarders
erick-sirali-446x361
Erick Sirali
Director, Digital Trade, TradeMark Africa
Simon Mevel
Simon Mevel
United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA), Addis Ababa Economic Affairs Officer, RITD- African Trade Policy Center
Jens Munch Lund
Jens Munch Lund-Nielsen
Head of Global Trade and Supply Chain, IOTA Foundation
Adetola Onayemi
Adetola Onayemi
Founder, Nore Base and Technical Expert AfCFTA Digital Trade Protocol
Bruce-Byiers300
Bruce Byiers
Associate Director, Sustainable and inclusive economic development, ECPDM
Sanjay Rhugani
Mr. Sanjay Rughani
Chief Executive Officer , Standard Chartered Bank, Uganda
Stephane Miezan
Stephane Miezan
President Ghana National Chamber of Commerce and Industry
Samson Vese
Mr. Samson Vese
Vice President, Treasury & Financial Institutions, Africa Finance Corporation (AFC)
Abhisheck
Abhishek Sharma
Senior Director, Transport, TradeMark Africa
Naeem Pasta
Naeem Pasta
CEO and Founder, Container Technology Ltd (ConTech)
Strategic Partners
rwanbl
rcb
TMA-Approved-logo-1-1
102683_Edouard-Ngirente
Right Honourable Prime Minister Édouard Ngirente
Prime Minister, Republic of Rwanda
 
 

Session

Dr. Édouard Ngirente is the 11th Prime Minister of the Republic of Rwanda (after the country’s independence in 1962).

Prior to his appointment on August 30th, 2017, PM Ngirente occupied different posts: Senior Advisor to the World Bank Executive Director (2017); Advisor to the World Bank Executive Director (from 2011 to 2017); Senior Economic Advisor to the Rwandan Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning; Director General of National Development Planning and Research in Ministry of Finance and economic Planning; Senior Lecturer at the former National University of Rwanda (now University of Rwanda); Head of Department of Agricultural Economics at the same University, independent Consultant and Project Manager.

The Premier holds a Ph.D in Economics from the Catholic University of Louvain, Belgium (UCL); a Master’s degree (MSc) in Agricultural Economics  from the Catholic University of Louvain, Belgium (UCL), a Master’s degree (MA) in Financial Risk Management from the Facultés Universitaires Saint-Louis in Belgium; University certificate in Statistics from the Catholic University of Louvain, Belgium (UCL); and a Bachelor’s degree in Economics/International Economics from the National University of Rwanda.

Hailemariam Boshe
H.E. Hailemariam Desalegn Boshe
Chair of the Board TMA and Former Prime Minister Ethiopia

Session

H.E. Hailemariam Desalegn Boshe served as Prime Minister of Ethiopia from 2012 to 2018. During his tenure, Hailemariam was also the Chairperson of the African Union from 2013 to 2014.

Before becoming Prime Minister, he occupied the positions of Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Minister of Social Affairs and Government Chief Whip Minister. His leadership was marked by efforts to sustain economic growth and implement significant infrastructure projects.

H.E Hailemariam holds a degrees in civil engineering from Addis Ababa University and Tampere University of Technology, and a Master’s degree in Water and Environmental Engineering from Tampere University of Technology in Finland and a second Masters in  Organisational Leadership from Azusa Pacific University.  He currently chair’s TMA’s Board in addition to serving in several Boards of international organisations.

Wamkele Mene
H.E. Wamkele Mene
Secretary-General African Continental Free Trade Area Secretariat

Session

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.

From 2010 until 2015, H.E. Wamkele Mene represented South Africa at the World Trade Organisation (WTO) in Geneva, Switzerland. He was elected to the position of Chairman of the WTO’s Committee on International Trade in Financial Services.

Prior to joining the Department of Trade & Industry of South Africa, H.E. Wamkele Mene worked for Wall Street based law firms in the London and Hong Kong offices. H.E. Wamkele Mene has written and lectured internationally on international trade law, international investment law and international business law. He holds a Bachelor of Arts (Law) degree from Rhodes University in South Africa, a Master of Arts in International Studies & Diplomacy (with specialisation in International Economics) from the School of Oriental & African Studies (SOAS), University of London and a LL.M. (Master of Laws) in Banking Law & Financial Regulation from the Law Department of the London School of Economics & Political Science (LSE).

Pascal Lamy
Pascal Lamy
Vice President, Paris Peace Forum, Former Director General, WTO

Session

Pascal Lamy (pascallamy.eu) holds various mandates at the global, European, and French levels. He is notably the Vice President of the Paris Peace Forum, of the European branch of the Brunswick Group and coordinator of the Jacques Delors Institutes (Paris, Berlin, Brussels).

He has served two terms as Director General of the World Trade Organization (WTO) from September 2005 to September 2013.

Pascal is also the chair of the French National Committee of the Pacific Economic Cooperation Council (PECC), the European Starfish Mission (oceans), the Danone Mission Committee, and the Aspen Africa-Europe meetings. He serves on the Board of various international organisations including the Mo Ibrahim Foundation, the European Climate Foundation (ECF), Transparency International France, the Center on Regulation in Europe (CERRE), International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI), where he chairs the strategy and programs committee. Mr Lamy is an affiliated professor at École des Hautes Études Commerciales (HEC), a distinguished professor at China Europe International Business School CEIBS, Shanghai, and a Centre for Economic Policy Research fellow. He graduated from École des Hautes Études Commerciales in Paris, Faculty of Law (Sorbonne), Institut d’Études Politiques (IEP) and the Ecole Nationale d’Administration (ENA).

He has received the title of Doctor Honoris Causa from eight universities as well as numerous awards and distinctions in France and throughout the world

Prudence Sebahizi
Hon Prudence Sebahizi
Minister of Trade and Industry, Rwanda

Session

Mr. Prudence Sebahizi has more than 20 years of working experience in International Trade, Regional Integration and Policy Development, and has been extensively involvement in a wide range of development areas including global governance, leadership, international trade negotiations, regional integration, international relations, government policy formulation, institutional development and restructuring, strategic planning, private sector development and capacity building, training, and business counseling, programmes/projects design and management, implementation, monitoring and evaluation.

He has long-term experience working with international organisations and Regional Economic Communities including negotiations and implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

He has previously served as the Director for Institutional Matters and Programmes Coordination at the AfCFTA Secretariat, Accra, Ghana, Chief Technical Advisor on AfCFTA and Head of the AfCFTA Unit/Interim Secretariat, at African Union Commission. He led the process of AfCFTA negotiations since 2015.

Mr. Sebahizi advised the Government of Rwanda in the areas of International Trade and Regional Integration while working with the Ministry of Trade and Industry, Office of the President, and Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, respectively.

Sosten Alf
Hon. Sosten Alfred Gwengwe
Minister of Trade and Industry, Malawi

Session

Hon. Gwengwe currently serves as Malawi’s Minister of Trade and Industry and Member of Parliament for Lilongwe Msozi North.

Previously, he has held several Cabinet and ministerial positions, including roles within the Ministry of Transport and the Ministry of Industry and Trade. 

Between 2017 and 2019, he was Chairman of the Budget Committee in Parliament, where he led fiscal oversight and planning efforts.

Hon. Gwengwe holds a Master of Business Administration in Finance from Oxford Brookes University in the United Kingdom, along with a Bachelor of Accountancy from the Malawi University of Business and Applied Sciences. 

He is also a Chartered Management Accountant.

Lucia Iipumbu
Hon. Lucia Lipumbu
Minister of Industrialization and Trade, Namibia

Session

Hon. Lucia Lipumbu is the Minister for Industrialisation and Trade (MIT) for the Republic of Namibia. Before this role, she served as Deputy Minister of Industrialisation, Trade, and SME Development and as Deputy Minister of Economic Planning in the Presidency.

Her appointment to the Deputy Minister position at the National Planning Commission followed a long career with the Government Institutions Pension Fund (GIPF), where she worked from 2001 to 2015. She began as a Pension Administrator, was later promoted to Senior Benefits Administrator, and eventually became the Head of the Benefits Processing Unit. In 2017, she was elected to the board of the International Planned Parenthood Federation (IPPF) in Nairobi, Kenya. An advocate for sexual and reproductive health, especially among young women, she continues to serve on the board of the Namibia Planned Parenthood Association (NAPPA).

Hon. Lipumbu’s political journey began as a student at the University of Namibia, where her youth activism led her to the SWAPO Party Youth League National Executive Committee (NEC), serving as National Secretary for Finance and Administration for a decade.

After transitioning from the Youth League in 2012, she gained further political experience and was elected to the SWAPO Party Central Committee and Political Bureau—the party’s highest structures between congresses. Notably, she was one of the youngest female members to serve on the Political Bureau, a responsibility involving the direction of SWAPO Party policies and decision-making.

Hon. Lipumbu holds a Bachelor of Administration and a Master of Administration from the University of Namibia and is currently pursuing an LLB in Law.

Mr
Mr. Ole Thonke
Under Secretary for Development Policy, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Denmark

Session

Before his current position, Ole Thonke was the Ambassador of Denmark to Kenya, Somalia and had the responsibility for overseeing relations in the Seychelles and Malawi, with also being the Permanent Representative to the UN. 

Ole is an accomplished Diplomat and is a Knight of the Order of Dannebrog. Until his current appointment at the Ministry, he had headed three different departments at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Copenhagen: Consular, Green Diplomacy and Growth, Employment.  Prior to that, he was the Ambassador of Denmark to Pakistan from 2016-2017 and to Bolivia 2013-2016. Before his ambassadorial appointments, Ole served as the Deputy Head of Mission at the Embassy in Kenya and as a First Secretary at the Embassy in Benin. Ole has also been the Deputy Head of the African Department and head of section in the department of EU coordination at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in addition to working with the Danish Export Agency.

Ole has a Masters in Economics and is a proud father of three – Louis, Flora and Alfred. Ole’s career in the foreign service started off as an intern in 1997 at the Embassy of Denmark in Kenya.

Dr
Dr. Kassahun Gofe
Minister of Trade and Regional Integration, Ethiopia

Session

Dr. Kassahun Gofe serves as the Minister of Trade and Regional Integration (MoTRI) in Ethiopia. He was appointed to this position in July 2024, having previously served as the State Minister at the Ministry of Trade and Industry. He has been actively involved in initiatives to strengthen Ethiopia’s regional and international trade networks, integration and  economic resilience through various engagements. 

During his stint as State Minister, he also served as the chairman of the newly established board of the Ethiopian Commodity Exchange (ECX).

Erastus Mwecha
Amb. Erastus Mwenche
Chair of the Executive Board, The African Capacity Building Foundation (ACBF)

Session

Amb.  Erastus J.O. Mwencha is currently the Chair of the ACBF Executive Board. He was previously the Deputy Chairperson of the African Union Commission (AUC). During his time at the AUC, he oversaw the administration and finance of the Commission as its Controlling Officer, supervised the development of two AUC Strategic Plans (2009-12) and (2012-17) and participated in the development of Africa’s long-term vision of Agenda 2063. He also developed institutional cooperation between the World Bank and the African Union, leading to the roll out of the successful Institution and Capacity Building Program for the AU and implemented the Joint Support Office for the Secretariat for the partnership of ECA, AfDB and the AUC.

Before joining the AU Commission, he was the Secretary General of COMESA for 10 years (1998 – 2008). At COMESA, Amb. Mwencha was instrumental in leading COMESA into becoming the first regional body on the continent to achieve a Free Trade Area (COMESA FTA) in 2000. He represented the region in negotiating the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) with European Union (EU), the Doha Round of the World Trade Organization, as well as in promoting the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA). Prior to COMESA, Amb. Mwencha also served the Ministry of Industry of the Government of Kenya as Head of Industrial Promotion Department and Secretary to Industrial Sciences Advisory Research Committee (ISARC) and the Kenyan Industrial Survey and Promotion Centre as a Senior Economist.

Amb. Mwencha graduated from the University of York with an MA Economics and University of Nairobi with a B.A. (Hons) in Economics.

Bellen Calvo
Ms Belen Calvo Uyarra
Ambassador of the European Union to Rwanda

Session

Belén Calvo Uyarra has served as the EU Ambassador to Rwanda since September 2022. She is dedicated to strengthening and expanding the already robust partnership between the EU and Rwanda, working alongside the excellent and committed team at the European Union Delegation.

Ambassador Calvo Uyarra has been a European Union public servant since 2001. She began her career in the European Commission’s DG Development before joining the EU External Action Service, with postings in the EU Delegations to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Liberia, and South Africa. From 2020 to 2022, she was seconded to the Cabinet of the Spanish Minister of Foreign Affairs, European Union, and Cooperation, where she served as Senior Advisor for Africa. With over twenty years of experience in and with Africa, she is eager to continue learning on this journey.

Elizabeth Gitahun
Mrs Elizabeth Getahun
President, Ethio Logistics Sectoral Association

Session

Elizabeth is the President of the Ethio Logistics Sectoral Association and Chief Executive Officer of Panafric Global, one of the leading logistics companies in Ethiopia.

She has more than twenty-five years of professional experience in areas related to logistics and transport, which allowed her to contribute to Policy reforms, sustainable freight transport and logistics transformation in Ethiopia, as a board president of the two Logistics Associations. Elizabeth has been Keynote PANELLIST at several events and panel discussions.

She holds Post Graduate Diploma in Planning and Policy from the Netherlands Institution of Social Studies and Bachelor of Arts Degree in Sociology and Social Administration from Addis Ababa University.

MukhisaKituyi_260x267
Dr Mukhisa Kituyi
Former Secretary-General, United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD)

Session

Dr. Mukhisa Kituyi is known for his extensive contributions to trade and governance both nationally and internationally. He served as the Secretary-General of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) from September 2013 until February 202. Prior to his role at UNCTAD, Kituyi was the Chief Executive of the Kenya Institute of Governance, where he focused on bridging academic research with public policy development in East Africa

During his time as Minister of Trade and Industry, he played a pivotal role in regional trade diplomacy, chairing various councils such as the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) and leading negotiations for the European Union-Africa Caribbean and Pacific Economic Partnership Agreement.

His early career included significant roles such as Director at the African Centre for Technology Studies and Programme Officer at the Norwegian Agency for International Development (NORAD) in Nairobi

Throughout his career, Kituyi has been recognized for his expertise in trade negotiations and governance. He was instrumental in shaping policies that fostered economic collaboration within East Africa and has contributed to discussions at international platforms such as the World Trade Organization . His leadership at UNCTAD was marked by efforts to enhance global trade dynamics, particularly focusing on developing countries. Additionally, Kituyi has been involved with initiatives like International Gender Champions, advocating for gender equality in governance.

Kituyi holds a Master of Philosophy in Development Studies and a PhD in Social Anthropology from the University of Bergen in Norway and a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science and Philosophy from the University of Nairobi in Kenya and Makerere University in Uganda.

David Beer
David Beer
Chief Executive Officer, TMA

Session

David Beer took up his appointment as Chief Executive Officer at TradeMark Africa in September 2022.  He has over 20 years of senior international experience in aid for trade, diplomacy, multilaterals, and economic development.  

Prior to joining TMA, David was the UK’s High Commissioner to Malawi, and has been the UK’s Development Director in Burundi and Malawi. He has previously advised respective UK Executive Directors to the Boards of the World Bank and International Monetary Fund. He has worked for two decades across Africa, including Uganda, Sudan, Burundi, Malawi, the Democratic of Congo, and Ghana; where he has held senior leadership positions, designed and managed innovative programmes, and driven diplomatic and influencing strategies. He is a graduate of Oxford University.

Jaqueline Mkindi
Dr. Jacqueline Mkindi
Chief Executive Officer, Tanzania Horticulture Association

Session

Dr. Jacqueline Mkindi is a Development Manager specialized in Agriculture Business and Trade. She is the CEO for TAHA and Chairperson of TAHA Commercial Companies (TAHAFRESH Handling Ltd and GreenCert Ltd) and the chairperson Agricultural Council of Tanzania .

She has been very instrumental in creating and facilitating transformative partnerships with the Government of Tanzania and Development Partners such as USAID, EU, UNDP, International Trade Centre (ITC), the Dutch, Belgian, Finnish, Swedish (SIDA) and Danish (DANIDA) Governments, to mention but a few. 

Her involvement in various business and trade facilitation processes at the national, regional and international levels has significantly contributed to the rapid growth of the industry, TAHA and its subsidiaries. 

Jacqueline serves on the advisory boards the Agriculture Council of Tanzania (ACT) and sits on the executive council of the Board of the Tanzania Private Sector Foundation (TPSF). She also represents Tanzania on the Consultative Committee of the Common Fund for Commodities with headquarters in The Hague, The Netherlands.

In addition, she has been appointed a member of the International Steering Committee of Food and Forest Development Finland (FFD) – Hope, a platform to promote climate responsibility and sustainable development to mitigate climate change risks, where she represents the Southern Farmer Organizations World.

Jacqueline is a Certified Director and was awarded a Certificate in Directorship (CiDir) by the Institute of Directors in Tanzania (IoDT) in August, 2019. She has won several local and international awards as A Woman of Impact for transforming agriculture, particularly the horticulture industry in Tanzania.

Duncan Onyango
Duncan Onyango
Chief Executive Officer, Trade Catalyst Africa

Session

Duncan Onyango is an investment executive with over two decades of experience in trade facilitation, infrastructure finance, and impact investing. He is currently the Chief Executive Officer of Trade Catalyst Africa, bringing a wealth of experience from his work across the donor, development finance, private, and public sectors.

Before joining TCA, Duncan served as the CEO of Pharo Ventures East Africa, the for-profit arm of The Pharo Foundation, where he focused on investing in commercially viable and environmentally sustainable enterprises in the region.

Duncan is also the Board Chair of the Kenya Innovative Finance Facility for Water (KIFFWA) and serves as an International Advisory Board Member for Healthmetryx and Board Director at KCB Investment Bank.

He is an alumnus of Oxford University.

Mulualem Syoum
Mulualem Syoum
Chief Executive Officer, AeTrade Group

Session

Mulualem Syoum is the CEO of the African Electronic Trade Group (AeTrade Group), a social entrepreneurship initiative that leverages ICT and e-commerce to support SMEs and enhance both intra- and inter-African trade. In this role, he leads AeTrade Group’s comprehensive digital transformation, focusing on developing and implementing innovative solutions for e-commerce platforms, cross-border payments, trade facilitation, and data analytics.

His mission is to empower youth, women, and entrepreneurs with the skills, knowledge, and opportunities needed to participate in and benefit from the digital economy and the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA).

Previously, he served as the Chief Information Technology Officer at the Multilateral Fund and as an Information Technology Officer at MFS.

Tobias Olando
Tobias Alando
Ag. Chief Executive & Chief Operations Officer, Kenya Association of Manufacturers

Session

Tobias Ouma Alando is an accomplished leader with over 17 years of experience in corporate vision execution, public policy development, and government relations. 

Currently, he serves as the Acting Chief Executive Officer and Chief Operating Officer at the Kenya Association of Manufacturers (KAM), where he has successfully enhanced operational efficiency and driven revenue growth.

Tobias holds a Master of Management & Leadership from the Management University of Africa and a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science from Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Marathwada University in India. 

His professional development includes certifications in private sector development, the green economy, and corporate governance.

Allen Asimwe
Allen Asiimwe
Deputy CEO and Chief of Programmes, TMA

Session

Allen Sophia Asiimwe is a Ugandan advocate and policy leader with over 20 years’ experience as a development advisor and practitioner. 

She is passionate about shaping Africa’s narrative on governance, trade, regional integration, and development. She has designed and managed programmes for government agencies, private sector, civil society, and donors in Africa (including all EAC countries, Egypt, Ghana, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, South Africa, Botswana and Zimbabwe).

Previously, Allen served as CEO of AVID Development, a regional consulting firm working on trade, development, and governance issues in Africa. She also worked as a consultant for the African Export Import Bank (AFREXIMBANK) in Cairo, Egypt, supporting the implementation of the Intra Africa Trade Initiative to increase trade among African countries, and also served as TMA Uganda Country Director. Allen holds a Master’s degree in Public Administration from the Harvard Kennedy School (Edward Mason Fellow, 2017) and a Master’s in International Business Law from the University of Manchester, UK (1998).

Paul Kwengwere
Paul Kwengwere
CEO, Malawi Investment and Trade Centre

Session

Paul Kwengwere is the current Chief Executive Officer of Malawi Investment and Trade Centre (MITC), a government institution that is mandated to promote and facilitate trade and investment in Malawi.

As a CEO for MITC Paul is responsible for identifying and developing strategies that promote Malawi as an ideal investment and trade destination in Africa. Paul is driving the government of Malawi’s agenda on improving the inflow of Foreign Direct Investment into the country and also identifying international markets for Malawian products.

Before assuming his role at MITC, Paul has worked in various institutions including the Reserve Bank of Malawi, Malawi Common Service, Action Aid International, Investec Asset Management in London and World Education Inc. in USA holding technical, managerial and leadership positions.

He has vast experience in public finance, strategic management and leadership, and development economics.

Paul also founded PMK Associates, a consulting firm, and has been involved in formulating and assisting implementing economic and financial strategies for the Government of Malawi, inter-agencies, non-profit and donor organisations including UNDP, OXFAM, and FAO. He once served as President of Economics Association of Malawi between 2003 and 2005.

Paul holds a Master of Public Administration from Harvard Kennedy School – Harvard University (USA) and is Yale University (USA) World Fellow. He also holds a Master of Arts in Economics and a Bachelor of Social Science from University of Malawi.

Hilda Moraa
Hilda Moraa
Founder and CEO, Pezesha

Session

Hilda Moraa is the Founder & CEO of Pezesha, a digital financial platform licensed by the Central Bank of Kenya. Her company connects small and medium-sized businesses with working capital through a network of financial services providers. With over a decade of experience in fintech and entrepreneurship, Hilda has worked with global giants like Coca-Cola to pioneer mobility innovations in Africa. Her entrepreneurial journey began with WezaTele, a fintech startup she launched in Kenya, which was later acquired by AFB  Financial Group in 2015.

Hilda champions Kenya’s tech, innovation, and entrepreneurship sectors, where she shares her vast knowledge and experiences through various inspiring channels, including her debut book, “A Kenyan Startup Journey: 10 Key Lessons I Learned.”  A recognised thought leader, Hilda was a keynote speaker at the Global Entrepreneurship Summit in 2015 and a distinguished participant in the Obama Leaders Program in 2019. She was named one of the top 40 under 40 women in 2015 and featured in Quartz Africa’s top 30 innovators in 2018.

In 2020, she was appointed to the COVID-19 ICT & Innovations Advisory Committee for Kenya. Hilda holds a degree in Business Information Technology from Strathmore University.

innocent bagamba
Innocent Bagamba Muhizi
Chief Executive Officer, Rwanda Information Society Authority (RISA)

Session

Innocent Bagamba Muhizi is a senior technology and business executive with more than fifteen years of industry experience in the public and private sector. He was appointed in April 2017 as the first CEO for Rwanda Information Society Authority (RISA) a position he still holds to date.

Prior to that, Innocent served as the regional CIO for AccessHolding, including leading the digital transformation for three banks across Africa. He has also led digital transformation works in the rest of the telecom and banking sector in Rwanda, including deploying the first e-tax services in partnership with the Rwanda Revenue Authority.

Innocent holds a BSc (Double Major), Computer Information Systems, Business Administration and Management fro La Roche College as well MSc in Information Technology from University of Pretoria.

Patrick-B-Nsenga
Patrick Buchana Nsenga
Chief Executive Officer, AC Group Ltd

Session

Patrick Buchana Nsenga is the CEO of AC Group Ltd, a technology company that launched the Tap&Go smart transport solution for Rwanda’s public transport system under the Smart Africa manifesto. He also serves as a Board Director of the Rwanda ICT Chamber within the Private Sector Federation (PSF) and is a member of the Invest in Africa forum committee.

Patrick has received numerous ICT accolades, including Innovator of the Year at the ELE Excellence Awards in 2015 and Innovation Champion by the Innovation Prize for Africa in 2014, held in Abuja, Nigeria. He was also recognized as one of the Top 30 Young African Talents by Forbes Afrique and featured in the Top 100 Under 40 Most Influential People of African Descent in 2018 for Business and Entrepreneurship.

His extensive work in the ICT sector includes leading the Rwandan Youth ITU team, which contributed over 15 ideas to the BYND2015 ITU summit in 2013. He is passionate about empowering youth through ICT initiatives. Patrick also co-initiated TECH Support Incike, a USSD-based crowdfunding charity supporting survivors of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.

In addition to his work in technology, Patrick has a background in literature and is an accomplished writer, with a focus on creative fiction and ICT. He has contributed to The New Times publication and sits on the board of the Youth Literacy Organization.

Floriana Borino
Floriana Borino
Trade Analyst, International Trade Centre

Session

Floriana Borino is a Trade Analyst in the Research and Strategies for Export Unit of the International Trade Centre. 

She was previously an Economist in the Research Department of the International Labour Organisation. Floriana also worked as a Research Economist in the Economic Research and Statistics Division of the World Trade Organisation. 

Her research interests include MSMEs, international trade, development economics and labour. 

Floriana earned her PhD in economics from University of Genova. She holds a Master of Science in development economics from the School of Oriental and African Studies, University of London and a Master of Research from the European Center for Advanced Research in Economics and Statistics, Université Libre de Bruxelles.

Ahmed Farah
Ahmed Farah
Chief Executive Officer - Kenya National Chamber of Commerce

Session

Ahmed Farah, HSC is a visionary leader and strategist in trade, investment, and sustainable development, with over 20 years of dedicated experience advancing Africa’s economic transformation. Renowned for his dynamic approach to trade facilitation, investment promotion, and market competitiveness, Ahmed has driven transformative changes through partnerships that prioritize inclusivity and sustainable growth, aligning with national development goals.

He is the Chief Executive Officer of the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI) and the immediate former Country Director for TradeMark Africa (TMA) in Kenya, where he led high-impact programs advancing Kenya’s economic agenda and regional integration.

With a deep-seated commitment to empowering SMEs and promoting inclusive trade, Mr. Farah has pioneered initiatives under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) framework, particularly aimed at supporting women and youth entrepreneurs. His efforts in advancing sustainable trade and fostering an investment-friendly environment make him a valuable asset to KNCCI’s leadership team as it champions growth and resilience across Kenya’s economic landscape.

His role on Kenya’s National Investment Council, as appointed by President William Ruto, underscores his importance in shaping investment strategies and policies that attract global investors and stimulate sustainable growth. He has also served on a presidential think tank focused on rebuilding Kenya’s economy post-COVID-19, demonstrating his commitment to steering the country toward a more inclusive and resilient future.

Mr. Farah holds an MA in International Development from the University of Manchester, UK, and a Bachelor of Commerce from Kenyatta University.

Ms_Veronica_Nduva
H.E Veronica Nduva
Secretary General, East Africa Community Secretariat

Session

Her Excellency Veronica M. Nduva is the Secretary General of the East African Community (EAC). She serves as the Principal Executive Officer of the Community and also as the Secretary to the Summit of the EAC Heads of State. 

Veronica Nduva has served as the Principal Secretary (PS) for the State Department for Performance and Delivery Management.  Ms. Nduva was also the Secretary to the National Development Implementation Committee (NDIC) and the Joint- Secretary to the Principal Secretaries Meeting. She also served as the Principal Secretary to the State Department for Gender and Affirmative Action, following her appointment by H.E. President William Ruto in December 2022. She holds a track record of leading the development of Kenya’s Constitution and the National Policy and Action Plan on Human Rights Sessional Paper.

She holds a Master of Arts in Communication and a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Public Administration, both from the University of Nairobi.

Moses Kemibaro
Moses Kemibaro
Founder Dotsavvy, thought leader in Tech in Africa

Session

Moses Kemibaro is the Founder & CEO of Dotsavvy, Kenya’s first digital business agency, which conceptualises, develops, delivers, and manages high-performance business results for its clients via digital channels. Dotsavvy has been operational for 20+ years, spearheading next practices across a broad spectrum of digital offerings.

Previously, Moses was the Regional Manager for Opera Ads in East Africa, the Commercial Manager for East Africa at the Perform Group, now known as DAZN and Perform Content, as well as the Sales Director at InMobi for Africa, where he led sales in Kenya, Egypt, Nigeria, and Ghana. He was also the Founding Regional Manager at Dealfish East Africa (formerly known as OLX Kenya), Kenya’s leading digital classifieds platform, now known as Jiji Kenya.

Moses is a multiple award-winning Technology, Digital Media, and Digital Marketing Blogger and Industry Analyst at moseskemibaro.com where he rants and raves about all things digital in Kenya and Africa. Moses is an avid AI practitioner and enthusiast who developed the acronym ‘FESSBeC’ that captures the 6 key benefits of AI in work, life, and everything in between.

Khomoso
Khomotso Letsatsi
Gauteng Growth and Development Agency, Executive Head- Lanseria Smart City Special Purpose Vehicle

Session

Khomotso Letsatsi is a seasoned public sector leader with over 26 years of experience across various organisations including City of Johannesburg, National Treasury, South African Local Government Association and Public Investment Corporation (PIC). An experienced expert in municipal finance, Khomotso currently serves as the Executive Head for Lanseria Smart City Special Purpose Vehicle at the Gauteng Growth & Development Agency, where she set up  the project management office, developed the special economic zone (Lanseria Hi-Tech SEZ),  strategic planning  for the smart city and bulk financing initiatives. 

Formerly, Khomotso served as a Senior Municipal Finance Expert at the United Nations Capital Development Fund (UNCDF), contributing to local development and infrastructure finance projects. She has held roles such as the Chief Officer for Municipal Finance, Fiscal Policy, and Economic Growth at the South African Local Government Association (SALGA), and the Group Treasurer for the City of Johannesburg, where she was instrumental in the issuance of the city’s first municipal Green bond that won the C40 Innovation award in 2014.

Her consultancy roles have included working with the UNCDF, Gauteng Partnership Fund, Inter-Ministerial Task Team on Electricity Reticulation and Distribution, and the  Developmental Bank of Southern Africa’s Product Innovation Unit. Khomotso’s board experience includes positions as Non-Executive Director and Chairperson of the Coca-Cola Beverages South Africa Mintirho Foundation, and Non-Executive Director of the Association of Corporate Treasurers of South Africa (ACTSA) and the Sekhukhune Development Agency.

Khomotso’s expertise in municipal investment finance, fiscal policy, and public sector economic growth strategies, highlights her contribution to both South African and international development agendas.

Lola Ekugo
Lola Ekugo
Digital Executive & Director, SWIT – Odu’a Investment Company (Nigeria)

SESSION 5A: AFRICA’S DIGITAL CORRIDOR – A MARKET MOSAIC

Lola Aworanti-Ekugo is a distinguished digital and innovation expert with over 17 years of global industry experience. 

Her extensive background includes roles in steering organisations toward innovative and sustainable futures across various sectors. She has occupied significant positions, including Chief Digital Officer at FBNQuest and leadership roles at notable financial institutions such as Union Bank and First Bank of Nigeria. Notably, she played a crucial role in transforming these institutions into digitally led retail banks.

In recognition of her contributions to the tech industry, Lola has received numerous accolades, including the Woman in ICT Award at the Women Tech Global Awards in 2022 and being named one of the Top 40 CEOs under 40 in Africa by the Young Entrepreneurs Summit in the same year. 

Beyond her corporate achievements, she is an author and a mentor, actively involved in initiatives that empower women and youth in technology.

Lola holds an MBA from Imperial College Business School and a Bachelor’s degree with First Class Honours from Middlesex University.

Rosine Umwariya
Ms. Rosine Uwamariya
Country Director, TMA Rwanda

Session

Ms. Rosine Uwamariya is the Country Director, TradeMark Africa Rwanda.
Before joining TMA, Rosine worked with the Rwanda Revenue Authority as Commissioner of Internal Audit and Commissioner of Customs Services where she played an instrumental role in the promotion of women in cross border trade.

Rosine has been a thought leader in trade facilitation initiatives at national, regional and continental level focusing on regional economic integration having worked at UN Trade and Development (formerly UNCTAD) in Geneva.

Rosine holds a Master’s degree in International Customs Law and Revenue Administration from University of Canberra, Australia, and a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from the University of Rwanda. She is also a World Customs Organization accredited trainer.

Antoinette
Ms Antoinette Tesha
Investment Director, Trade Catalyst Africa

Session

Antoinette has over a decade of expertise in investment, finance, banking, and development. She has excelled in financial markets, development financing, and debt capital markets, and has a proven track record in programme management and enterprise development.

Antoinette recently led Gatsby Africa’s Regional Textiles and Apparel programme in Kenya, focusing on the export growth across East Africa. 

Her distinguished career spans various regions and roles, from her early days at Stanbic Bank in Tanzania to senior positions at Thomson Reuters and ABSA Capital in South Africa. 

She holds graduate degrees from the University of Surrey and the University of Cape Town, as well as a bachelor’s degree from the University of Sussex.

Umulinga
Umulinga Karangwa CFA
Co-Lead Asset Management Corporate Affairs & Investor Relations, Trade Development Bank

Session

Umulinga Karangwa is a Fund Manager and Investment Advisor with two decades of experience in financial services with a focus on investments in Africa over the past 15 years.

Umulinga has raised and managed funds investing in Africa through different asset classes, including listed equity, private debt and venture capital. She is passionate about developing home-grown asset managers and finding solutions for African investors to achieve impact and returns on the continent.

She is also an angel investor and passionate about supporting entrepreneurs with capital and mentoring. She is a member of several African angel groups including Nairobi Business Angels, Jozi Angels and Business Angels Rwanda, which she founded two years ago.

Umulinga holds an MSc. in Management and an Executive Master in Tax Management from Solvay Business School, Belgium. She is also a CFA Charter holder. She is multi-lingual with fluency in French and English and advanced abilities in German and Mandarin.

Wiliam Ruto
Captain William Ruto
Managing Director, Kenya Ports Authority

Session

Capt. William K. Ruto is a seasoned mariner who currently heads the Kenya Ports Authority management. He holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) Strategic Management option, from Jomo Kenyatta University of Agricultur​e and Technology (JKUAT).

He is an Associate Fellow of the Nautical Institute (AFNI) and a Member of International Harbour Master’s Association (IHMA – UK).

He has attended various local and international seminars and workshops on shipping, maritime, transport and logistics matters. He has done Port Security course at the University of Maryland (USA), IMO course on Port Management and Operations, in France – Port Le Havre France and several other short courses on port maritime and management.​

Dom
Prof. Dominic McVey
Non Executive Director, TMA

Session

Professor Dominic McVey is an award-winning business leader, entrepreneur and philanthropist.

Dominic  has a portfolio of multi-national business interests, spanning manufacturing, technology, cosmetics and management consultancy. He is an outspoken and committed advocate for increasing equitable trade with developing countries and promoting sustainable foreign direct investment into African countries.

Until recently he was Chairman of Hela Clothing and driving force behind this award-winning Sri Lankan garment manufacturer, which is widely recognised for its sustainable and ethical practices. Today, Hela generates almost $200 million in revenue employing 15,000 people directly in Ethiopia, Kenyan and Sri Lanka. He also sits on the Board of Ethical Apparel Africa, an apparel manufacturing and sourcing company focused on sustainable job creation in West Africa.

Reflecting his experience in promoting and encouraging sustainable economic development, he was recently appointed as Professor of Practice at the University of Wales Trinity Saint David (UWTSD). 

Dominic is the Chairman of Computer Aid International and a member of the Advisory Council for the Coalition for Global Prosperity. He is also an ambassador for the HALO Trust, the world’s largest de-mining company.

In 2022, Dominic received an MBE in the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Honours, in recognition of his services to private sector development in the continent of Africa.

Franc
Frank Matsaert
Senior Adviser and Global Lead, Trade and Infrastructure, Tony Blair Institute

Session

Frank has over 20 years of experience as a senior private sector development specialist with an extensive track record in strategy, programme delivery and management in fourteen countries in Africa and six in Asia. 

Prior to his current role, Frank was the Chief Executive Officer of TradeMark East Africa and a private sector adviser for DFID and Country Director for Care. 

Frank started his career in the financial sector, as an International Fund Manager and Investment Analyst in the UK. Over the years, Frank has designed and overseen over 40 major innovative and successful programmes totalling over $1 billion in the fields of trade, financial sector development, privatisation, investment climate reform, market development and skills development. 

Frank holds two Masters degrees in Economics and Archaeology, and is an IMRO certified Fund Manager.

Julie Muthoni
Julie Mutoni
Country Manager, Multilines International Rwanda Ltd

Session

Ms. Julie Mutoni is the Country Manager for Multilines International Rwanda Ltd. 

Prior to joining Multilines International Rwanda Ltd, she started her career with DHL Express in the year 1996 as the Customer Service Supervisor for Document Handling Limited (DHL), which was then an agent of DHL International in Rwanda. She then moved on to become Sales Manager for Speed Bird Ltd and later on as Country Manager for Gill Trading Ltd for 10 years, which were both agents of DHL International. She was instrumental in driving change and implementing new innovative processes and strategies that led to the growth of the DHL Express business in Rwanda, this facilitated the conversion of the status of the Gill Trading Ltd from being an agent representative to a full DHL brand in Rwanda, and she was made the Country Manager for DHL Express Rwanda. Julie was the Country Manager for DHL Express Rwanda for 6 years before joining Multilines International. Julie’s tenure as the Country Manager for DHL Express Rwanda saw a tremendous growth in revenue and customer base which earned her numerous awards within the DHL Group globally and locally in Rwanda. 

Elizabeth
Ms Elizabeth Kimani
General Manager, Sian Maasai Flowers

Session

Elizabeth is the General Manager, Quality and Standards at Sian Maasai Flowers.

She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in horticulture from Egerton University and a certificate in Environmental Auditing and Impact Assessment from Africa Nazarene University. 

She is also trained as a lead internal auditor, HACCP, EMS 14001, QMS ISO 9000/2001 (by SGS).

Bedi
Jaswinder (Jas) Bedi
EBS, MBS - Chairman, Kenya Export Promotion & Branding Agency

Session

Jaswinder (Jas) Bedi has established himself as a key player in the textile industry. He is Managing Director (MD) of Bedi Investments, one of the leading manufacturers of textiles and garments across sub-Saharan Africa. He is also the Executive Director of Fine Spinners Uganda, a manufacturer of premium quality cotton textiles; sustainably produced and globally exported from the Pearl of Africa.

Jas has been tirelessly involved in developing export market opportunities, particularly in trading bocks such as EAC, COMESA, SADC, AfCTA, USA and the European Union. Besides lobbying in the aforementioned trading blocs, Jas continues to open new markets for Kenyan exports such as China to help diversify Kenya’s export basket with a clear vision of Brand Kenya, Export Kenyan & Build Kenya.

Jas is a textile graduate (1984) and has attended numerous executive business courses at Harvard Business School, IMD and IIM. 

His business acumen has been recognized by the Government of Kenya whereby HE President Mwai Kibaki decorated Jas with a medal, Moran of the Burning Spear (MBS) in 2012. Further in 2016 Jas was nominated as a finalist in the Africa CEO forum awards and subsequently awarded Sikh CEO of the year. Thereafter in 2017, HE President Uhuru Kenyatta decorated Jas with a medal, Elder of the Burning Spear (EBS).

Bernice
Bernice E. Omiunu
Founder, Women in Block Chain

Session

Bernice E. Omiunu is the Founder of Women in Blockchain Africa (WiBA), an organisation dedicated to empowering women in the blockchain and cryptocurrency sectors by providing resources, education and networking opportunities. She is recognised for her contributions to increasing female representation and participation in the Web3 space. 

Her work focuses on fostering innovation and collaboration within the blockchain ecosystem, helping to break down barriers for women in this rapidly evolving field. Bernice’s efforts have garnered recognition, and she was nominated for the “Woman In Web3 Award” at the Women in Tech® Africa Awards 2023, highlighting her influence and commitment to advancing women’s roles in technology and blockchain.  

Dirk Williem
Dirk Willem te Velde
Director, International Economic Development Group, Principal Research Fellow, ODI Global

Session

Professor Dirk Willem te Velde is a Principal Research Fellow and Director of ODI’s International Economic Development Group. He is the Director of Supporting Investment and Trade in Africa and Supporting Economic Transformation programmes.

He has written and edited 20 books/monographs, 30 peer reviewed articles and 40 book chapters related mainly to investment, trade, macro-economics, aid for trade and economic transformation.

His research has featured in the BBC, China Daily, Economist, Financial Times, the Guardian, Asian and African newspapers and TV, with hundreds of media hits.

He has advised country governments and parliaments in Africa, Asia and the Caribbean, including both house of UK parliament, donor agencies such as FCDO, European Commission, UN and the World Bank, and government ministers and heads of state in Kenya, Tanzania, Ethiopia, Bangladesh, Cambodia and Nepal.

He was also Team Leader for the European Report on Development (ERD) on Combining Finance and Policies to Implement a Transformative Post-2015 Agenda, and on Confronting scarcity: managing the water-energy-land nexus for inclusive and sustainable growth.

He is Director of the Secretariat of the All Party Parliamentary Group Trade out of Poverty, a Member of the UK DIT Strategic Trade Advisory Group and an alternate on the UK NCP Steering Board (for the OECD guidelines for multinational enterprises).

He is Professor of Practice at the Centre for Global Finance at SOAS University of London and holds a PhD from Birkbeck College, University of London.

Gabriel-Negatu-1
Gabriel Negatu
Atlantic Council and TMA Board Director

Session

Gabriel Negatu is a nonresident senior fellow with the Atlantic Council’s Africa Center. He is also currently affiliated with Invest Afrique Inc., a strategy and advisory group promoting and facilitating investments into Africa. He regularly advises governments and corporations on matters of economic reform, good governance, and regional integration.

Until 2019, he was African Development Bank director general for Eastern Africa, with portfolio management responsibility for lending and non-lending operations valued at more than $9 billion across thirteen countries. His portfolio mix included power, transport, water/sanitation, agriculture, and human development, which was financed through sovereign, non-sovereign, policy-based, and sector-specific project finance instruments. He also oversaw transaction advisory services, analytics, and knowledge products.

Previously, Negatu established and directed the Bank’s Economic and Financial Governance Department, responsible for economic/financial reforms in over twenty-five countries during the global financial crisis. He started his career in the Bank’s Policy & Compliance Review Department where he managed relations with stakeholder groups and mainstreamed innovations such as impact assessments and the Paris Declarations on Harmonization and Alignment.

Negatu completed advanced studies at major institutions including the University of Pittsburgh, the Harvard University School of Business, and the University of Manchester. He is a widely sought-after PANELLIST and strategist, serves on several boards, and is featured in leading publications on Africa. 

Julie Crowley
Julie Crowley
High Commissioner for Canada in the Republic of Rwanda

Session

Julie Crowley is Canada’s first resident high commissioner in Rwanda, as well as ambassador-designate to Burundi. She joined the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade in 2003. At Headquarters, she served as a legal adviser on environmental and oceans law from 2003 to 2005 and as manager of corporate governance affairs from 2008 to 2010. Internationally, she has worked extensively on African issues, with diplomatic assignments in Zambia, Zimbabwe, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda, and Ethiopia, where she focused on Canada’s relations with the African Union.

From October 2019 until most recently, Ms. Crowley was the regional director for the International Development Research Centre’s Office for Central and West Africa, based in Senegal and responsible for overseeing activities in 24 countries.

She holds an LLB from Laval University (1998), a Certificate in Journalism from Laval University (1999), and an MA in Political Science from the University of Quebec in Montréal (2003).

Dr Joy Kategekwa
Dr. Joy Kategekwa
Director, African Development (AfDB) Bank Group’s Regional Integration Coordination Office

Session

Dr. Joy Kategekwa is an accomplished international trade and investment lawyer who has devoted her 20-year career to advancing Africa’s sustainable development through trade policy, negotiations, and regional integration. 

She holds a Ph.D. in International Trade Law from the University of Berne’s World Trade Institute. She has authored influential works, including Opening Markets for Foreign Skills: How Can the WTO Help? 

Currently, she serves as Director of the African Development Bank’s Regional Integration Coordination Office, where she leads transformative Integrate-Africa projects to foster industrialization and market integration.  Her previous roles include shaping the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) as UNDP Regional Strategy Advisor and serving as Founding Head of UNCTAD’s Africa Regional Office. Dr. Kategekwa is a seasoned negotiator who has contributed to global trade reforms and serves on advisory boards such as the AfCFTA Secretary General’s Advisory Council. 

She is passionate about mentorship, and has spent over 15 years lecturing on trade and development. 

Dr. Kategekwa is a dedicated classical vocalist, songwriter, and mother of five daughters.

Makong tsotetsi
Dr. Tsotetsi Makong (PhD)
Chief Technical Advisor for Capacity Building, Trade Policy, and Negotiations at the Africa Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat.

Session

Dr. Tsotetsi Makong (PhD) is the Chief Technical Advisor for Capacity Building, Trade Policy, and Negotiations at the Africa Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat. Previously, he served at the Eastern and Southern African Management Institute (ESAMI), specifically at its Trade Policy Training Centre in Africa (TRAPCA), where he was responsible for lecturing, research, and teaching in areas such as policy analysis, business law, transport law, trade law, climate change, and trade and environment.

Dr. Makong has held significant roles in international trade negotiations, including Chair of WTO Committees on Trade-Related Investment Measures and Import Licensing, Coordinator and Chief Negotiator of the G77 and China Geneva Chapter, and expert-level Coordinator and Chief Negotiator for the African Group on WTO issues. He has also served as a focal negotiator for the Geneva-based ACP Group on trade and environment, as well as for the LDCs on non-agricultural market access. Additionally, he was the expert negotiator for the LDC Group’s discussions on TRIPS flexibilities and the LDC Services Waiver and acted as the Chief Negotiator for the African Group on WTO’s Trade Facilitation Agreement.

With a wealth of experience in African and regional trade matters, Dr. Makong provides research and advisory support to individual countries, as well as regional and continental blocs. Notably, he contributed to the drafting and legal review of the AfCFTA. Currently, he is on the roster of arbitrators for the SADC-EU Economic Partnership Agreement and the SACU-MERCOSUR Trade Agreement.

Dr. Makong holds an MSc in International Trade Policy and Trade Law from Lund University, an LLM in Intellectual Property and Technology Law from the University of Liverpool, and an LLM in Computer and Communications Law from Queen Mary University of London. He also holds a Postgraduate Certificate in Trade Finance from Middlesex University.

David-Luke
Professor David Luke
Professor in Practice and Strategic Director, Firoz Lalji Institute for Africa - The London School of Economics and Political Science

Session

David Luke is professor in practice and strategic director at the London School of Economics Firoz Lalji Institute for Africa where he oversees a programme on African trade policy. 

He is a former director of the African Trade Policy Centre at the UN Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) where he led the technical work on the protocols that make up the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) agreement.  

His research interests include boosting intra-African trade; the AfCFTA initiative; Africa’s multilateral and bilateral trade relationships; and how trade policy intersects with industrialisation, structural transformation, inclusion, gender, public health, and climate change. 

He is a member of the Board of TradeMark Africa and of the Council of the Africa Trade Foundation.

Annette Mutaawe
Annette Mutaawe Ssemuwemba
Deputy Secretary General, Customs, Trade and Monetary Affairs, East African Community

Session

Annette Mutaawe Ssemuwemba is the Deputy Secretary General for Customs, Trade and Monetary Affairs at the East African Community

Ssemuwemba previously served as the Deputy Executive Director at the Executive Secretariat for the Enhanced Integrated Framework at the World Trade Organization. Ms Ssemuwemba was previously the Chief Strategy and Results Officer and member of the Senior Leadership team at TradeMark East Africa now TradeMark Africa.

She is an international development professional with over 20 years of experience in international trade and development, primarily trade policy formulation, regional integration, trade facilitation and trade-related capacity-building at national and regional levels.

Ms Ssemuwemba holds a wealth of experience in designing and implementing trade capacity-building programmes that address development needs of countries, particularly the LDCs.

She holds a Masters in Business Administration.

hannes-berggren
Hannes Berggren
National Board of Trade, Sweden

Session

Hannes Berggren is a Digital Trade Expert at The National Board of Trade Sweden. In his role, Hannes leads the Board’s work on digital trade policy, aiming to promote trade policies that advance the benefits of digitalisation.

Gilbert-Ewehmeh
Gilbert Ewehmeh
Chairman, Accelerate Africa

Session

Ewehmeh is the Chairman/(Continental Coordinator of Accelerate Africa, a leading continental organisation to unleash Africa’s economic growth by supporting SMEs and the private sector across Africa with country coordinators (focal points) in over 10 African Countries

With over 18 years working with startups and emerging SMEs across Africa, Ewehmeh, is the Founder & Managing Director of YES Cameroon a social innovation enterprise established since 2006 a leading actor in the Cameroon entrepreneurial ecosystem with special consultative status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council.

He is also  Business Development Consultant, expert on investment, innovative finance and trade related sectors. He is consulting for governments, GIZ – German Cooperation, the United Nations Development Programme, United Nations Conference on Trade and Development and the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa, Central Africa Regional Office and East Africa Regional Office and the Annual Investment Meeting (AIM) in UAE Etc.

Ewehmeh is the Chief Executive Officer of Startup’Nkap Inc. an Innovative Public Limited Company with offices in Cameroon and Rwanda, that offers Financial and Investment services to startups ventures, small and medium sized enterprises, governments and international agencies. He doubles as the Board Chair of Startupnkap Innovative Microfinance Finance (SIM) a financial institution that

works with micro-entrepreneurs to migrate them from informal to formal with focus on savings, microloans and fintech services.

merian sebunya
Dr. Merian Sebunya
Chairperson BTS and Chair National Logistics platform - Private Sector Uganda

Session

Dr. Sebunya has over 26 years of expertise and leadership in the freight forwarding industry. She currently serves as the Chairperson, BTS Clearing and Forwarding Limited and the Chairlady of the National Logistics Platform – Private Sector Uganda and the East African Freight Forwarders & Customs Agents Registration Board.

In addition to her current roles, Dr. Sebunya has held key leadership positions across several prominent organizations. She is a former Board Member of TradeMark Africa (TMA) and the East African Business Council (EABC), as well as a Past President of both the Federation of East African Freight Forwarders Associations (FEAFFA) and the Uganda Freight Forwarders Association (UFFA).

Alwyn Hoffman-2
Prof. Alwyn Hoffman
North-West University (NWU)

Session

Prof. Alwyn Hoffman is a professor in the School of Electrical, Electronic, and Computer Engineering at North-West University in Potchefstroom, South Africa. 

His research interests include artificial intelligence, radio frequency identification, and investment management.

He holds a Ph.D. in Electronic Engineering from the University of Pretoria.

Ndikumana_ Philippe
Philippe Ndikumana
President Federation of East Africa Freight Forwarders

Session

Philippe Ndikumana is a highly grounded professional practitioner in Burundi with over ten years of experience in the business of customs clearing and forwarding. He is the managing director of Customs Clearance Solutions, one of the leading freight logistics services providers in Burundi.

Mr. Ndikumana is also the chairperson of the Association Burundaise des Agences en Douane et Transitaires (ABADT), the national association of Customs Clearing Agents and Freight Forwarders in the republic of Burundi. He has been a member of the FEAFFA executive board for over ten years.

He is the Vice-Chair of the Stakeholders Consultative Committee (STACON) of the Central Corridor Transit Transport Facilitation Authority (CCFFFA).

He is also a trainer of the East Africa Customs and Freight Forwarding Practicing Certificate (EACFFPC) in Burundi.

erick-sirali-446x361
Erick Sirali
Director, Digital Trade, TradeMark Africa

Session

Erick is the Digital Trade Director at TradeMark Africa, with over 14-year track record in delivering digital trade systems. In his role, he provides crucial strategic and technical leadership for digital technology initiatives, overseeing the technical delivery of 50 projects across 14 African countries collaborating with both public and private trade entities in diverse sectors including agriculture, health, and logistics. 

Starting as a software developer, Erick’s career ascent equipped him with a holistic view of the digital trade landscape. Passionate about emerging technologies, he leverages innovations like Artificial Intelligence and Distributed Ledger technologies for transformative project delivery.

Erick’s notable achievements include automating the second-largest tea auction in the world, establishing a Digital Trust Infrastructure Global Trade (Trade Logistics Information Pipeline using DLT), enhancing E-Commerce services in Kenya, developing a commodities exchange, and establishing Business Intelligence Tool Kits for Transport and Logistics in the Northern and Central Corridors of Africa.

He holds a BSc and an MBA in Management Information Systems as well as certifications such as PMP, Business Process Management (BPM) etc.

Simon Mevel
Simon Mevel
United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA), Addis Ababa Economic Affairs Officer, RITD- African Trade Policy Center

Session

Simon Mevel is Economic Affairs Officer in the African Trade Policy Centre (ATPC) within the Regional Integration and Trade Division (RITD) of the UN Economic Commission for Africa (ECA). 

Prior to joining the UN in 2011, he had been working successively for the University of Pau (France), the Centre d’Etudes Prospectives et d’Informations internationales (CEPII) in Paris, the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) and the World Bank, both in Washington DC. 

He has 20 years of experience in assessing trade and environmental reforms with a focus on development issues, and more than 40 publications to date. He has developed and conducted various capacity building programmes, particularly on trade policy analysis, in Africa, Asia and Latin America. 

He was awarded the Global Trade Analysis Project (GTAP) Research Fellow distinction twice (for the period 2020-23 and 2024-27). Simon holds a PhD in international economics from the University of Bordeaux, France.

Jens Munch Lund
Jens Munch Lund-Nielsen
Head of Global Trade and Supply Chain, IOTA Foundation.

Session

Jens is the Head of Global Trade & Supply Chains at the IOTA Foundation. 

Jens is an expert advisor to the UK Parliament, World Economic Forum and multiple corporations. Previous employers include A. P. Moller – Maersk and PWC. Jens is a pioneer in building public-private partnerships to enable better trade for all, including co-founder of the Global Alliance for Trade Facilitation (www.trade facilitation.org) and the Logistics Emergency Teams with World Food Programme. 

Jens has an executive MBA from INSEAD and a master in Philosophy from Copenhagen University.

Adetola Onayemi
Adetola Onayemi
Founder, Nore Base and Technical Expert AfCFTA Digital Trade Protocol

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Adetola ONAYEMI, LLB, LLM(Cambridge), is the CEO of Norebase, a pioneering global compliance company using technology to construct robust frameworks that empower businesses to start, expand, and operate seamlessly across diverse continents, including every African country, Europe, and North America. Norebase also automates compliance for highly regulated businesses and provides Merchant-on-Record services that enables global companies to do business globally without the need to register in every market.

Adetola’s career includes a pivotal role as the Assistant Chief Negotiator for Nigeria and Head of Trade Remedies at the Nigerian Office for Trade Negotiations (NOTN). There, he played a key role in leading technical negotiations for the historic African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA)Agreement, transforming Africa’s 1.2 billion people market into a unified platform for trade and services. Adetola also spearheaded the design and implementation of trade remedies infrastructure for Nigeria, successfully establishing two critical policy mechanisms, namely the Nigerian Office for Trade Negotiations (NOTN) and the Enabling Business Environment Secretariat(EBES), within a remarkable four-year span.

Before his tenure at NOTN, Adetola served as a Technical Adviser to the Presidency of the Federal Republic of Nigeria on Industry, Trade, and Investment, operating within the Office of the Vice President. His impactful contributions led to Nigeria’s impressive ascent of 24 ranks in the World Bank’s global 2018 Ease of Doing Business ranking.

Adetola also co-founded and served as General Counsel at Future Africa, an early-stage venture fund dedicated to investing in mission-driven founders transforming Africa’s most challenging problems into global businesses. Future Africa has deployed over $10 million in funding to support over 100 African and US start-ups.

Recognized for his outstanding contributions, Adetola was awarded The Future Africa Awards (TFAA) 2019 Prize in Public Service. Renowned as one of Africa’s top technology lawyers, he has provided strategic counsel to over 100 prominent businesses within and beyond the African continent. Adetola Onayemi plays at the intersection of law, technology, and business. He is also currently providing technical advice on the negotiation of Africa’s Digital Trade Protocol, the first of such agreements globally.

Bruce-Byiers300
Bruce Byiers
Associate Director, Sustainable and inclusive economic development, ECPDM

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Bruce is a development economist whose work focuses on regional integration processes in Africa, particularly from a political economy perspective. This includes looking at regional organisations, but also at regional economic integration dynamics.

Prior to joining ECDPM in 2011, Bruce worked as a consultant for UNIDO, USAID, the World Bank and DANIDA, among others. Bruce also worked in the Mozambican ministry of planning and development and finance for five years, partly as an ODI fellow and subsequently as a consultant and researcher in the macro-economic projections unit of the national budget directorate, and the directorate for policy studies and analysis.

He holds a DPhil from the University of Sussex. 

Sanjay Rhugani
Mr. Sanjay Rughani
Chief Executive Officer, , Standard Chartered Bank, Uganda

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Mr. Rughani is the CEO for Standard Chartered Bank (SCB) in Uganda, and prior to this was the CEO for SCB in Tanzania. He has held various key positions with the bank which include Interim Head – Global Finance Shared Services (FSSC), Head of Finance Operations & Change Management – Africa, Executive Director Finance for Ghana and Area CFO (Ghana, Gambia, Sierra Leone and Cote d’Ivoire), Executive Director Finance for SCB Tanzania, and Regional Finance Manager for Africa based out of London, UK.

Mr. Rughani’s professional credentials and qualifications include being a Chartered Accountant through NBAA Tanzania, an ACCA member, MBA in Finance, a Fellow of Institute of Information Management Africa (Nigeria), Management post-graduation in HRD and a Bachelor of Commerce. 

He is passionate about and supports initiatives that increase capacity for the finance profession and human capacity, particularly in Africa.

In addition to his role on the IFAC PAIB Advisory Group, Mr. Rughani’s various governance representations include: Chairman of CEO Round Table Tanzania, Vice Chairperson for Tanzania Bankers Association (TBA), Non-Executive Director of Tanzania Private Sector Foundation (TPSF), Executive Member of Tanzania National Business Council (TNBC), Trustees of UDOM Endowment Fund and Non-Executive Director Association of Tanzanian Employers (ATE). 

His past engagements include: founding member of FSSC forum in Kenya, Non-executive Director Standard Chartered Bank Uganda, past Chairman of Ghana Business Coalition against HIV & AIDS (GBCA) and past President of Lincoln Community School (American International School in Ghana).

Stephane Miezan
Stephane Miezan
President, Ghana National Chamber of Commerce and Industry

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Stephane Miezan currently serves as the 2nd Vice President, Ghana National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GNCCI). Prior to GNCCI, he served as the Director of Trade Policy and International Relations at the Ghana Export Promotion Authority (GEPA) and Head of Business Development at the West Africa Trade Hub.

Stephen’s career also includes being a Senior Consultant at the World Trade Organization (WTO) – Ghana Chapter, where he provided expert guidance on global trade frameworks and their application in local and regional contexts. 

In 2023, he received the Ghana Business Leadership Award for his impactful work in driving economic development. Miezan’s influence extends beyond Ghana, having been named one of the Top 50 Influential Leaders in West African Trade in 2021 by the West African Business Forum.

Miezan holds a Master’s degree in International Trade and Development from the University of Ghana and a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology. He also completed a Certificate in Global Trade Policy from Harvard University, underscoring his commitment to staying abreast of global best practices in trade and commerce.

Africa Trade Development Forum

2-3 December 2024 | Kigali,Rwanda.

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