The Honourable Premier, Arthur Thamsanqa Ntuli hails from Vumanhlamvu, a deep rural or Nkandla in KwaZulu-Natal. He completed his high school education at Nkandla Secondary School and thereafter worked as a security guard in Ulundi. He then completed a Diploma in Education at Rand Afrikaans University.

He thereafter completed his Advanced Diploma in Education at the University of KZN and Bachelor of Education Honors in Law Management at the University of Pretoria. He was a teacher and principal for over 20 years before pursuing his career in Local Government.

In Local Government, he served as a PR Councillor and as a Ward Councillor from 2010-2024. During his time as a Councillor, he served as the Mayor of Nkandla Local Municipality from 2012 to 2021. He also served as District level, served as Mayor of King Cetshwayo District Municipality from 2021 to 2024. Post the November 2021 Local Government elections, Thamsanqa Ntuli was elected to lead the South African Local Government Association in KwaZulu-Natal SALGA KZN). In 2024.

Post the Provincial and National Elections, he was elected as a Member of the Provincial Legislature in KwaZulu-Natal. He subsequently was elected to the position of Premier of KwaZulu-Natal on 14 July 2024.

Cllr Xolani Ngwezi (42) has been the Mayor of the City of uMhlathuze since November 2021, deployed by his party, Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP). Cllr Ngwezi is an astute politician with a history of activism in his student years and having served in different political structures of his political party, the IFP and is currently the Chairperson of IFP uMhlathuze Constituency. He has extensive experience in governance, his former positions amongst others include being a Member of the Portfolio Committee on Basic Education; Member of the Portfolio Committee on Labour and Member of the Portfolio Committee on Cooperative Governance and Traditional affairs between the years 2017 to 2021 and serving in various National Council of Provinces (NCOP) Committees. Cllr Ngwezi is positioning the City of uMhlathuze as an investment destination of choice through such initiatives as TIFA and collaboratively works with various stakeholders in bringing much needed investment to the City. This is evident through the amount of strategic foreign direct investments that have been injected into the City of uMhlathuze driven by amongst others, the Richards Bay Industrial Development Zone (RBIDZ of which he is a board member. As a former mathematics and science teacher, having been in the field of education for 9 years, in various schools within the City of uMhlathuze; he is very passionate about the STEM education; and is working collaboratively with schools in the City to promote science and technology. His advocacy on STEM resonates with the skills needs of the industry in uMhlathuze. Under his leadership, the City continues to get various accolades in financial management and development planning; with 11 clean audits over the years. Cllr Ngwezi holds a Bachelor of Science (specialising in Maths and Science) from University of Zululand and is still furthering his postgraduate studies at the same institution.

Profile

Keith Musa Zondi, born on 19 February 1960 in Nkandla, KwaZulu-Natal, is a South African politician with a long-standing commitment to public service and community development. A dedicated member of the Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP), he has held various political positions since the dawn of South Africa’s democracy.

In 2024, he was appointed as the Member of the Executive Council (MEC) for Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs (EDTEA) in KwaZulu-Natal, where his focus is on advancing economic growth, fostering tourism, and addressing pressing environmental concerns within the province.

Early Life and Career

Zondi’s path in politics began at a young age when he joined the Inkatha Youth Brigade in 1976 while attending Dlangezwa High School, where he also served as vice-chairman of the Students Christian Movement. Despite facing numerous challenges during his education, including student boycotts and restrictions under apartheid, Zondi’s commitment to leadership development remained steadfast.

He initially worked in the government of the KwaZulu before joining the private sector at Khulani Holdings in 1984. A few years later, in 1987, Zondi co-founded the non-profit Foundation for Leadership Development, further underscoring his commitment to youth and leadership initiatives.

Mr. Nhlakanipho Nkontwana is a seasoned public administrator and currently serves as the Head of Department at the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs. He is married and a proud father of two children.

With a strong track record in both national and provincial government, he has held several senior managerial roles and has also contributed his expertise at the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC). He holds a BA in Social Sciences, a B.Com Honours in Industrial Relations, and various professional certificates, including one in Construction Management from the Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment.

Deeply committed to community development, Mr. Nkontwana serves as Patron of the Kwa-Thema Stimulation Centre for Children with Disabilities. He has also held leadership roles such as Chairperson of the Midrand Community Policing Forum and Deputy Chairperson of Mvula Trust. He currently sits on the Board of Directors of Grace Bible Church, where he serves as Chairperson of the Remuneration Committee. Mr Nkontwana has recently been appointed as a Member of the Durban University of Technology (DUT) Business School Advisory Board.

Mr. Nkontwana is widely respected for his professional integrity and his dedication to ethical, honest, servanthood, and transformative leadership.

Mark O’Connell is CEO and founder of OCO Global, one of the leading advisory firms in trade and investment with 180 staff and offices in the US, Lat-Am, Europe, Middle East, and Asia.

Prior to establishing OCO Global in 2001, Mark previously worked for the Irish Government Export Agency, Enterprise Ireland and for PwC consulting division. Mark has over 30 years of experience working extensively in trade promotion and foreign investment attraction in Europe, Asia and North America and has cultivated in-depth networks, and knowledge of doing business in these areas..

Mark has advised hundreds of exporters on market entry, expansion and diversification as well as supported corporate location, incentives, and business relocations. Mark also advises Government agencies such as UK Department of International Trade, Business France, Select USA and JETRO Japan and numerous US States on trade and investment strategies. Mark and OCO Global regularly publish thought leadership and insight papers on issues affecting global trade and investment.. Mark is also regularly cited as an international trade and FDI expert in leading publications such as the Economist, Wall St Journal and Financial Times and is a former board member of the International Economic Development Council.

Kevin Teeroovengadum is a strategist, investor, and thought leader in real estate, hospitality, infrastructure, and economic development across Africa and the Indian Ocean. With over two decades of executive experience, he has successfully led large-scale investments and regional expansion strategies for listed companies, and private equity funds. His expertise spans real estate, tourism and hospitality strategy, and policy design to attract high-value investment and talent. Kevin is a firm believer in data-driven decision-making and sustainable, inclusive growth. A regular speaker at global conferences and forums, he contributes actively to shaping conversations on smart cities, regional competitiveness, and value-added migration. He also serves on several boards and advisory panels, supporting both startups and institutional investors in navigating complex, high-growth markets. Through his work, Kevin continues to champion a future-focused vision for emerging economies built on innovation, resilience, and global connectivity.

Dr Shamilla Chettiar is the Deputy Director General: Destination Development at the South African Department of Tourism. This role encompasses planning, investment promotion, the enhancement of tourism spaces, places, routes and experiences and management of the Expanded Public Works Programme. Shamilla has gained management skills and experience in an unusually high number of varied disciplines. These range from strategy and policy development, research, monitoring and evaluation, land use and spatial planning to organisational development, public participation and public private partnerships. Shamilla holds a BSc, BSc Hons, HDip.Ed., an MSc and a PhD. Shamilla is a passionate public servant committed to high performance team delivery.

Kgomotso Ramothea is the Chief Executive Officer for ATTA® Memberships since September 2024 where she is responsible for growth and management of ATTA® membership and execution of strategic partnerships for exclusive member benefit. Kgomotso has 20 years working in marketing and communications in various fields. Her most recent experience was working as Acting Hub Head for South African Tourism in the United Kingdom where she directed the tourism board’s UK and Irish marketing strategy, implementing trade and media strategies to drive tourist arrivals from the UK and Ireland. Originally from outside Pretoria in South Africa, Kgomotso moved to the UK 14 years ago, after harnessing her communications skills at the World Summit on Sustainable Development, Forge Ahead and South African Agency for Science Advancement.

Senior Partner – Ankara & Lustar Hotel Development Advisory A distinguished hospitality and real estate development professional with extensive expertise in hotel investment, funding and market analysis across Africa. As a Director at Ankara & Lustar, a leading hotel development advisory firm, he plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of hospitality projects across the continent. With a strong background in hotel market dynamics, Apiyo specializes in providing strategic insights to investors, developers, and hotel operators. His work includes conducting capital raising for hotel development projects across Africa, in-depth feasibility studies, financial modeling, and brand/operator selection advisory, ensuring that hotel projects achieve optimal market positioning and financial returns. Apiyo has been instrumental in Ankara & Lustar’s key projects, including the upcoming 252 key Midscale Airport Hotel at Kotoka International Airport in Accra, luxury 238 key resort in Zanzibar and an ultra-luxury mixed-use development in Sandton, Johannesburg. His ability to blend market intelligence with investor expectations has made him a trusted advisor in the industry. Beyond his advisory role, Apiyo is an influential figure in the global hospitality space. He serves as a board member in key industry organizations, contributing to policies and strategies that drive hotel development in Africa. Additionally, he is a judge at the LIV Hospitality Design Awards, an international platform that recognizes excellence in hotel and hospitality design. His expertise in hotel market positioning and guest experience innovation allows him to evaluate and celebrate outstanding architectural and interior design achievements worldwide. A thought leader in African hospitality development, Apiyo actively participates in industry conferences, sharing his knowledge on hotel investment trends, financing models, and the role of infrastructure in shaping hotel success. His commitment to excellence, combined with his deep industry knowledge, makes him a key figure in advancing sustainable and profitable hotel developments in Africa.

Dr Geoffrey Manyara is currently an Economic Affairs Officer in charge of tourism for United Nations Economic Commission for Africa, having previously worked as a Senior Regional Tourism Advisor for the organisation. Dr Manyara has also worked for a number of years as a tourism researcher at the University of Wales, Cardiff in the United Kingdom (UK), as a senior tourism lecturer and head of the tourism departments at both Kenyatta University and the Technical University in Kenya. Dr Manyara holds a PhD from the University of Wales in Cardiff and has been a research fellow at National Economic and Social Council in Kenya and a visiting research fellow at the Centre for International Tourism Research at the Sheffield Hallam University in the UK. Dr Manyara’s main professional interests are on tourism planning, policy formulation, management and sustainable development with special emphasis on Africa. Dr Manyara is currently working closely with a number of Member States in Africa, the African Union, Regional Economic Communities including the East African Community and Inter-Governmental Authority on Development.

Samantha serves as Managing Director leading Business Development for Trianum Hospitality, East Africa’s leading third-party hospitality management firm specializing in the extended stay, aparthotels and holiday homes segments.’

She leads development of hospitality projects across East Africa due to her exceptional skills in handling intricate projects, negotiations outstanding outcomes and her knack for spotting market opportunities. Her wealth of experience in the field of hotel development and financing and her ability to cultivate strong relationships with stakeholders drives her ability to identify and secure growth opportunities in the region.

Samantha’s impressive 30-year career has taken her across three continents, including the USA, Europe, and Africa, where she has held various key roles in development, operations, management, consulting, and advisory. Her track record includes employment with both global giants like TUI, Hilton, HVS, and Walt Disney World, as well as regional firms such as the Tamarind Group.

Samantha’s extensive background also includes hospitality asset management in Boston, MA, where she worked on improving the performance of hotel assets under institutional ownership managed by leading hotel brands like Starwood, Marriott, Hilton, and Hyatt.

Samantha holds a Masters in Hospitality Management (MMH) with a specialization in hotel real estate finance from Cornell University, USA. She also earned a Bachelor of Science degree in International Hospitality Management from Hotel School Les Roches, Switzerland and a Diploma in Hotel Management and Administration from Kenya Utalii College.

Her commitment to excellence is reflected her memberships in esteemed organizations such as the Kenya Property Developers Association (KPDA), REITS Association of Kenya (RAK), International Society of Hospitality Consultants (ISHC), the Cornell Hotel Society (CHS), Kenya Chapter and the Kenya Association of Women in Tourism (KAWT).

Melvin is the CEO of Bremsons Investments & Advisory. After completing his Accountancy and Economics studies at Thames Valley University in England, he relocated to Australia 16 years ago where he has since become a citizen. He is now a chartered accountant and also a holder of an MBA from the University of New South Wales among other qualifications. Melvin has a wealth of experience in Corporate Strategy, Financial Analysis Project Management, Risk, Leadership, and Negotiation in a wide range of sectors including Mining, Advisory, Banking, Healthcare, Manufacturing, and Infrastructure development with large multi-national organisations. He has also travelled extensively around the world as part of his work. Melvin is passionate about strategic management and youth empowerment at both profit and not-for-profit levels. He has delivered several keynote addresses on these topics and many others at various international conferences including Singapore, England, South Africa, Australia, and United States of America.

Website : https://bremsons.com/

Eleanor Muller works with Transfrontier Parks Destinations, helping community-owned lodges like !Xaus Lodge and Witsieshoek Mountain Lodge build strong brands that reach the right guests. She uses financial and operational data to show when responsible tourism is doing more than just looking good – when it’s generating real economic value. That includes tracking what stays local, what returns to the state, and what makes an investment in community-based tourism more than just a feel-good story.

Katlego Mphahlele CA(SA) is a senior deal maker in the Tourism and Services Unit within the IDC. Katlego has over ten years’ experience in sourcing, structuring and leading investment proposals in Tourism. Katlego is also a director in a clean-tech innovation company as well as a member of the adjudication committees for the DTIC’s SPII and THRIP programmes.

Irene Costa is an experienced journalist and editor in the business events sector, with a career dedicated to connecting and informing the industry’s stakeholders. As the longstanding Editor of Business Events Africa magazine, Irene occupies a unique position in the event ecosystem, one that bridges tourism, events, and marketing through media. Her professional journey reflects extensive experience in destination marketing communications and industry development, which enables her to articulate the needs and influences of various stakeholders (from convention bureaus to event organisers and venues). Irene’s role in publishing and her engagement with industry associations have made her a key voice in how the events industry evolves. Industry Media Leadership: Irene Costa leads Business Events Africa, a prominent trade publication that is the official journal for several major event industry associations (including SAACI, the Southern African Association for the Conference Industry, EXSA, the Exhibition & Event Association of Southern Africa, EGF, the Event Greening Forum, and SITE, Society for Incentive Travel Excellence). In this role, she liaises with industry leaders and covers sectors like meetings, exhibitions, incentives, and special events. Her editorial work involves writing and publishing stories on venues, destination marketing efforts, and event innovations, which positions her as an informed stakeholder who disseminates best practices and trends across the ecosystem.

• Experience in Tourism and Marketing: Irene’s background extends beyond journalism; she has over 21 years of experience in tourism, advertising, and economic development. This includes marketing and civic leadership positions that have honed her understanding of how tourism and events contribute to regional growth. This experience in destination advertising and development initiatives means she brings a broad perspective on how events tie into tourism strategies and public-private economic goals. It enriches her editorial viewpoint, allowing her to align content with the strategic interests of destinations and venues (for example, highlighting how conventions boost local economies or how tourism boards attract events).
• Association and Sector Engagement: Through her magazine and professional activities, Irene is deeply engaged with both public and private stakeholders in the events industry. Business Events Africa’s status as an official journal for industry bodies requires her to work closely with association heads, event organisers, venue managers, and tourism authorities. She often moderates discussions, interviews stakeholders across sectors, and participates in industry forums. This engagement has made her a familiar figure in the event community, respected for facilitating dialogue among venues, service providers, and destination marketing organisations. Her involvement also includes supporting industry initiatives – for instance, she has served as a judge for event industry awards and contributed to sustainability and skills-development conversations in the MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, Exhibitions) field.
• Recognition and Influence: Irene’s influence in the events ecosystem is reflected in the accolades she has received. She was inducted into the EXSA Hall of Fame (Exhibitions industry recognition) and, notably, was honoured with the Godfrey King Integrity Award, the highest honour from SAACI for excellence and integrity in the business events industry. These honours underscore her reputation for leadership and ethical contribution to the industry’s growth. As an award-winning editor, her insights and stories have helped shape industry standards and shine a light on how stakeholders can adapt to challenges and drive positive change (such as adopting greener events, embracing technology, or fostering partnerships).

Through her role in industry media and her extensive experience, Irene serves as a connector and communicator among event ecosystem stakeholders. She provides a platform for different voices – from tourism board officials and venue CEOs to event planners and suppliers – to share knowledge and innovate. Irene’s career positions her as a stakeholder who champions collaboration and continuous improvement in the events sector, and her perspective is invaluable in understanding how various players (public and private) influence and respond to changes in the industry.

Cleola Kunene is an award-winning Start-up to Scale-up investment and growth expert. She is a minority partner in a small debt and equity fund and also serves as Head of SME Development at the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE). Cleola drives Economic development solutions, with a specific focus on SME growth, funding access, international market access, red tape reductions and strategic relationships, with a particular focus on public and private partnerships. Currently she serves as Chairman for Rentoza, and is a member of the B20, Trade and Investment committee. She is also an Independent Investment Committee director for Edge Ventures. She is the current winner of Future Leaders Awards, Entrepreneurial leader 2024 and the winner of the Mail and Guardian Winner, Women of Power for 2023. Prior to her current role, Cleola was the Head of SME, Strategic Initiative Incubation and Customer Experience at the JSE. In her role, she was responsible for organizational transformation, and driving new business solutions and strategy development. Before joining the JSE, Cleola was a co-founder of Say Siyabonga an e-commerce business that was successfully acquired and River Life a manufacturing company, she also founded Blaq Circle Consulting. She also worked for various multinational organizations such as MultiChoice, T-Systems and Media24. Cleola holds an Executive Development qualification from DUKE Fufua School of Business and a master’s degree in business administration from Henley Business school. She also holds a communications from University of Reunion Island, a bachelor’s degrees Linguistics, and a Financial Accounting qualification from Tshwane University of Technology, a post graduate qualifications from University of the Witwatersrand (WITS).

Bongiwe Nzeku holds a Masters Degree in Marketing from the Faculty of Business and Management Sciences, Cape Peninsula University of Technology. She also holds a Management Development Program from the University of Stellenbosch. She serves on the Marketing Department’s Advisory Committee of the Cape Peninsula University of Technology. She is currently ,the Head Business Development and Support Services at the South Africa National Convention Bureau, a division of South African Tourism.

Charlene is a seasoned legal and business executive with a strong track record in leadership, governance, and compliance. She holds a legal degree, an MBA, and advanced certifications in executive leadership and financial management. Her diverse experience spans the insurance, construction, investment banking, and fire and security sectors, where she has led high-level strategy, ethics, compliance, and corporate governance functions.

She has served in executive roles including General Counsel and Executive Director and held board positions across both the public and private sectors, including the National Arts Council, Companies Tribunal, National Lotteries Commission, and the University of KwaZulu-Natal.

Charlene has been widely recognised for her leadership, receiving the 2015 Businesswoman’s Association Achiever Award and nominations for General Counsel and Compliance Officer of the Year. She is a respected voice on corporate ethics, governance, and strategy, and brings this expertise to her role at BASA.

Ass. Prof Joyce M. Mdiniso is employed as a Senior lecturer/HoD in the Department of Anthropology and Development Studies in the Faculty of Human and Social Sciences, University of Zululand. She is a transdisciplinary scholar who publishes on tourism, conservation, rural development and indigenous knowledge systems. She is the Guest Editor of the Inkanyiso and reviewer for various journals. She has travelled extensively to participate and to present scholarly papers in international and national conferences and also has several scholarly publications to her credit. She has supervised and graduated Masters, and Doctoral students. Ass Prof Mdiniso has been involved in an international collaboration project, “Erasmus + SUCSESS” and in the “Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund Project” at Umlalazi Municipality. She has been awarded, Vice Chancellors Excellent Awards for Teaching & Learning, Supervision, Community Engagement, and Faculty Excellence Awards in Supervision at the University of Zululand.

Doudou Dia is a respected intellectual and prac”oner in the fields of democra’c governance, peacebuilding, and intercultural dialogue in Africa. As Execu’ve Director of the Gorée Ins’tute, he leads the organiza’on’s efforts to promote par’cipatory democracy, social jus’ce, and conflict transforma’on across the con’nent.

With an academic background in economics, marke’ng and communica’on, and social sciences, Doudou Dia bridges scholarly insight with grassroots engagement. He has contributed to numerous pan-African and interna’onal plaOorms addressing ci’zenship, historical memory, human rights, and culture as a vector for social cohesion.

Under his leadership, the Gorée Ins’tute con’nues to strengthen its role as a hub for poli’cal innova’on, dialogue, and media’on—deeply rooted in African reali’es and engaged in global dynamics.

Doudou Dia is a commiRed advocate for local development and heritage preserva’on. Currently serving as President of the Tourism Commission of the City of Gorée from 2012 to, he works to enhance the island’s historical, cultural, and natural heritage while promo’ng sustainable, inclusive tourism that honors Gorée’s memory. He collaborates closely with local authori’es, community organiza’ons, and interna’onal partners to strengthen the island’s appeal as a des’na’on while preserving its authen’city. His work is rooted in a par’cipatory governance approach and a development model that places local residents at the center.

He is a founding member of the T20 Africa Standing Group, which works on issues related to economic, social and political change in Africa and the global economy to influence G20 decisions in favor of Africa.

Mr Sibusiso Blessing Gumbi has 28 years’ experience in the public sector and has overseen some of the most challenging projects such as the restructuring of the province’s taxi industry. Born and bred in KZN, Mr Gumbi is a family man who has a spiritual connection with the beautiful landscape and the mountains of KZN, especially when it comes to the district of uMkhanyakude, the northernmost of the 11 districts in KZN and home to some of its most beautiful tourism spots, including the Isimangaliso Wetland Park, the Hluhluwe-Umfolozi, Ndumu and Mkhuze game reserves, Sodwana Bay, Kosi Bay and Lake Jozini. His family is part of the Gumbi tribe. Dispossessed of their land during the 1880s, the Gumbis finally had their land returned to them more than 100 years later. He grew up in and matriculated in Tongaat and went on to completed his Post Graduate Diploma in Transport Management at the University of Johannesburg and a Bachelor of Admin. Honours at the University of KwaZulu-Natal’s Westville campus before starting work with the provincial Department of Transport in 1996.

He went on to specialize in policy formulation and integrated planning related to public transport and infrastructure before moving on to the Rand Afrikaans University (RAU) in Johannesburg to study transport management. On his return to KZN, Mr Gumbi played a strategic role in the realignment and the integration of public transport, administering the subsidisation of buses. In 2012, he was appointed the Department of Transport’s Head of Department, a role that entailed everything from road safety to rail and freight and equipped him for this role as Interim Chief Executive Officer for the KZNTAFA. In 2019, he exited the KZN Department of Transport to take on the new roe as HOD for the Department of Community Safety from there, Mr Gumbi moved to the KZN Premier’s Office and to the KZN Department of Economic Development Tourism, and Environmental Affairs (EDTEA) where the insights into infrastructure challenges that he gained have equipped him for the many infrastructure related challenges that impact on the KZN tourism and film sectors.

In October 2023, Mr Sibusiso Blessing Gumbi was seconded from EDTEA to the role of Acting Chief Executive Officer at Tourism KwaZulu-Natal to lead and direct this entity by reporting to the Board of Directors on key responsibility areas, including developing and implementing a comprehensive strategic plan and detail business plan, managing and maintaining financial and administrative accountability through the establishment of effective policies and procedures. Controlling specific Tourism Development and Marketing Programs enabling the Authority to accomplish its mission of promoting the wise and sustainable use of tourism resources and products through the integration of research, marketing and development.

Mr. Gumbi’s leadership style is sober-minded, calm and fair, he believes in leading by example and plays a role much like that of a choir master in encouraging the different teams to fulfill their mandate and achieve its full potential.

Dr. Portia Pearl Siyanda Sifolo is the Centre for Sustainable Tourism & Innovation Director, a National Research Foundation (NRF) rated researcher and a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Tourism Management at Tshwane University of Technology (TUT), specialising in Strategic Management, Business Leadership, and Entrepreneurship. She was a candidate in the 2021/23 Future Professors Program (Department of Higher Education & Training). She holds a Doctorate in Business Administration (UKZN, 2017), focusing on the nexus between supply chain management and stakeholder engagement for the balanced and optimal growth of the tourism sector. With extensive experience in tourism, she began her career at Tourism KwaZulu-Natal (2003) and has served as a research supervisor, examiner, and editorial board member for journals like Tourism Planning and Development (2022–2024). Additionally, she served as a coach in the Innovation for African Universities project, focusing on youth entrepreneurship and innovation for sustainable tourism. Dr. Sifolo’s research centres on strategic entrepreneurial sustainability, emphasising the inclusion of SMMEs in tourism supply chains to drive inclusive economic development in Africa. Her work explores digital collaboration, stakeholder engagement, and innovative frameworks to enhance SMME competitiveness and resilience.

A Technology Specialist with over 20 years of experience in IT infrastructure, Technical support, and Smart technology integration. Currently designing AI-driven solutions (including Ai RAG systems, intelligent agent workflows, and custom automations), they bridge operational gaps across industries like e-commerce, customer service, and public-sector tech. His expertise spans deploying scalable AI tools, optimizing automation workflows, and leading IT projects for organizations ranging from startups to municipal governments. A former IT Support Technician and Field Engineer and Systems Manager- Business Analysis. They bring a deep technical foundation in network systems, compliance, and cross-functional collaboration to modern innovation.

Chuene Ramphele is a breakthrough, innovative and accomplished Executive with 25 years in managerial and leadership positions with expertise in business development, contract management, infrastructure development, policy development and implementation. A graduate of Harvard Business School trained in executive business management, entrepreneurship and leadership. Accomplished Master of Business Leadership (MBL) focusing on supply chains management and leadership in the contemporary era.

He has been spearheading infrastructure delivery and maintenance agenda for the past 15 years in the various sectors especially social sector such as Education, Human Settlements, Health, Industrial Parks, Water and Sanitation.

While working for the erstwhile National Department of Provincial and Local Government now CoGTA, he led the development of the National Capacity Building Strategy for Local Government and was instrumental in the finalisation of the Division of Powers and Functions between District and Local Municipalities that saw the existence of the Water Services Authorities and Water Services Providers.

He possesses sound knowledge of various legislative, policy and regulatory prescripts including PFMA, MFMA, Preferential Procurement Policy Framework Act, Intergovernmental Relations Framework Act, National Development Plan, Companies Act, King IV Corporate Governance, and Infrastructure Development Act. Served on the Board of Directors of the Centurion Aerospace Village NPC, an entity of the dtic.

Currently he serves as a Group Executive at the Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA). His role is to provide strategic leadership and deliver the infrastructure development mandate of the Bank, to run a financially sustainable business and deliver transformative developmental impact.

Ms. Ndonga holds a Master of City and Regional Planning from the University of Cape Town, a Bachelor of Social Science (Hons) and a Bachelor of Social Science from the University of KwaZulu-Natal. Ms Ndonga is employed as the Deputy City Manager – City Development at the City of uMhlathuze, a position she has held for the past 10 years. The City Development Department is responsible for statutory and forward planning, as well as local economic development. Ms. Ndonga’s career path in the Public Sector spans over 20 years, and she has been involved in policy implementation in the field of development planning and local economic development. She leads the land development portfolio of the City, including amongst others, the facilitation of land release, and the coordination of catalytic developments.

Ross Volk is a SAICA qualified Chartered Accountant (CA) and currently holds the role of Managing Director at MSC Cruises South Africa, a position that he has held for nine years. He leads and is responsible for a staff compliment of 447, across a total of 6 entities in the region and looks after the commercial operations, port operations, crewing and island operations in Mozambique. Prior to the Managing Director role, Volk served as the Chief Financial Officer for the company for a period of a year. Although a CA by profession, Volk has a passion for people and has travelled to over 75 countries around the world and has a deep understanding of diversity and different cultures. He is passionate about South Africa and its positioning as a premium holiday destination, about the world of cruising, growing cruising in the Southern African region, providing quality holiday experiences to the company’s customers and to taking South Africa to the world. He holds a BComm (Hons) in Accounting and Finance from the University of Witwatersrand.

Anita Sey, born in June 1983, holds the position of General Manager at TAF Salone and Group Chief Marketing Officer for TAF Africa Global. She earned Bachelor of Science degrees in Estate Management and a Master of Science in Facilities Management from the University of Greenwich, United Kingdom. Subsequently, she accrued over sixteen years of professional experience in the UK real estate sector, holding leadership positions across diverse segments and consistently driving sales and revenue generation. In 2021, she returned to The Gambia, her country of origin..

Upon her return, Ms. Sey was recruited by TAF Africa Global, a pan-African real estate development firm established in 1990, with the ambitious objective of constructing one million homes in Africa by 2038. In her initial role as Marketing Manager, Ms. Sey orchestrated campaigns to stimulate sales and promote the company’s vision via comprehensive social media and online outreach initiatives, with a particular focus on prospective buyers in the diaspora. Within eighteen months, she elevated the company’s public profile and transitioned to the role of Group Chief Marketing Officer. Concurrently, she was appointed Country Manager for TAF Salone in Sierra Leone. In her capacity as General Manager, she oversees a joint venture agreement with the Government of Sierra Leone aimed at delivering 5,000 affordable housing units.

Ms. Sey demonstrates exceptional proficiency within the traditionally male-dominated construction industry, approaching her professional responsibilities with resolute determination and demonstrable enthusiasm. She exhibits both effective problem-solving skills and unwavering resolve when confronting challenges. As an innovative leader, Ms. Sey operates with consistent determination and passion,maintaining a steadfast focus on TAF Africa Global’s mission to deliver one million homes across the African continent.

Despite encountering challenges associated with societal expectations concerning female leadership in Africa, she views societal expectations around female leadership in Africa as opportunities for growth. She overcomes gender challenges with determination, experience, and results, establishing credibility in the construction industry.

Simthembile Mapu is an accomplished property and investment professional with over 18 years of experience in real estate development, strategic investments, and infrastructure projects. Currently serving as the Executive Manager of Business Development and Support at the Richards Bay Industrial Development Zone (SOC) Ltd (RBIDZ). His leadership focuses on attracting and facilitating investments worth over R247 billion, including transformative projects such as a R1.5 billion edible oils refinery and a R14.5 billion titanium dioxide plant. Simthembile also oversees major energy initiatives, including Eskom’s planned 3,000 MW gas-to-power project.

Before joining RBIDZ, he served as Chief Investment Officer at EMRE Fund Managers, spearheading retail property developments in townships and secondary towns. He also held executive roles at Oteo Properties and Mandulo Property Partners, where he led significant infrastructure projects, including a R500 million public transport intermodal facility. His career began in 2007, coordinating non-residential valuations for Nelson Mandela Bay Metro’s inaugural General Valuations under the Municipal Property Rates Act.

Simthembile holds a BCom in Economics, Finance, and Management from Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, a Postgraduate Diploma in Enterprise Management from Rhodes University, and advanced certifications in property development, finance, and leadership from institutions such as the University of Cape Town, Stellenbosch University, and the University of Pretoria. He is currently pursuing a Master’s in Development Finance at Stellenbosch University.

Passionate about fostering economic growth and sustainable development across Africa, Simthembile leverages his extensive expertise to position RBIDZ as a cornerstone for industrial and economic transformation in South Africa

Jabu Matsilele is the chairperson at the Small Tourism Enterprise Association (STEA) with over 15 years championing sustainable tourism “leave no one behind”. He runs a family owned and managed outbound to Africa tour company called Buja Tours that was established in 2005, He is responsible for Business Development. Jabu has served in numerous Boards that includes Tshwane Tourism Association (TTA), Southern Africa Tourism Services Association (SATSA, Tourism Empowerment Forum (TEF), Tourism Dialogue Forum (TDF), currently serving at Laerskool Edleen School Governing Body (SGB) responsible for safety and building terrain. Jabu holds a Diploma in Tourism Management and is currently studying Business to Business Marketing with UNISA.

Givemore Chidzidzi is a seasoned tourism specialist with over 38 years’ experience in the sector. He is the Managing Consultant of TAGIV Consultancy, a newly formed family business, focusing on consulting in the tourism sector. He served as the Chief Operating Officer and Acting Chief Executive of the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority (ZTA). His responsibility included tourism promotion, planning, research and development, investment promotion into the tourism sector and regulation of the tourist industry, and the day to day operations of the ZTA while leading a team of 130 members. He holds a Bachelor of Business Studies (BBS) Degree in Tourism and Transportation (Germany) and a Master’s Degree in Business Administration (MBA) in Marketing (USA). From 1996 – 2001, he served as a Diplomat (Tourism Attaché) for Zimbabwe in Germany responsible for Continental Europe. He held the posts of Marketing and Communication Director (2001 -2009) and Chief Operating Officer (2010 – 2023) of the ZTA.

Givemore was involved in the development of tourism legislation and policy, marketing strategy, corporate and destination branding and institutional capacity building. He represented Zimbabwe on the then Regional Tourism Organisation of Southern Africa (RETOSA), the Kavango Zambezi (KAZA) Transfrontier Conservation Area, as well as the African Union and United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) tourism initiatives. He also served as a tourism resource person for the Diplomatic Training Institute of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, the Zimbabwe National Defence University and Africa Tourism Leaders Forum as well as Africa Tourism Partners MICE Masterclass.

His Board experience includes serving as Chairman of the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Corporation (SMEDCO), Council Member of the Manicaland State University of Applied Sciences, Tourism Business Council of Zimbabwe Board and Air Zimbabwe Board of Directors.

Givemore is married to Tabita and they have three children, two granddaughters and one grandson.

Lindiwe Sangweni-Siddo studied at the hospitality school, Ecole Les, in Switzerland and at Penn State University in the USA obtaining a BSc in Hotel, Restaurant and Institutional Management, graduating in 1993. Her hospitality career began at the Grand Hyatt Washington DC. She then joined the Park Hyatt Rosebank and was appointed to the executive committee as rooms director. Lindiwe was chief director of tourism support at the Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism in 1999 before being appointed as general manager of the InterContinental Sandton Towers Hotel.

Lindiwe started her own hospitality company and developed the first Holiday Inn in Soweto in 2007, later renamed the Soweto Hotel and Conference Centre. She was ceo of the Birchwood Hotel and OR Tambo Conference Centre before joining the City Lodge Hotel Group where she holds the position of chief operating officer. She served on the board of South African Tourism and was chairperson of the TTCSA (Tourism Transformation Council of South Africa) from 2019 until May 2022 and was shortly thereafter appointed as a member to the Academic Board of the Swiss Hotel School based in Ferndale, Johannesburg.

In mid-2024 Lindiwe’s book – The Syndicate of Twenty Two Natives, an elegy to her father, the late Professor Stan Sangweni – was published. In her spare time, Lindiwe surrounds herself in the company of her husband, Salifou, and her family.

Tshepo is a Director at Makhudu Hospitality Consultants & Property Valuers, a company based in Johannesburg and which operates throughout the African continent. The role entails ensuring that client’s property investment strategy is achieved through the acquisition, development, expansion and development of hospitality real estate. This could be in the form of Consultancy (market analysis and financial feasibility studies), Strategic Advisory, Transaction Management (fund-raising introductions and facilitation).

Professional expertise Tshepo is English speaking, and has over 20 years of Real Estate Experience covering South African markets and over 5 years covering African markets. Prior to joining establishing Makhudu, Tshepo was a Senior Executive at HVS.

Tshepo has provided value to key clients including Telkom, CTICC, Public Works Department, Hollard, Hospitality Property Fund and Dawn to name a few. He previously worked in the banking sector, as a Commercial Property Finance Manager dealmaker in the CIB Division at Standard Bank. Other major employers include Ernst & Young, Southern Sun/Tsogo Sun and Total Facilities Management Company as a senior executive. Tshepo is a Professional Associate Valuer.

Education & Memberships

• MSc Bldg. (Prop. Devt. & Mngmt. Field) Wits University
• BCom, Natal University
• Executive Leadership Programme, Wharton University
• Member, South African Council for the Property Valuers Profession
• Past President SAPOA Sub-Committee of Township Shopping Centre Development
• Founder Vice President South African Institute for Black Property Practitioners (SAIBPP)
• National Executive Committee Member, South African Institute of Valuers
• Deputy Chairman, Northern Branch, South African Institute of Valuers

Having worked in the banking industry for more than 23 years, I have gained valuable knowledge around banking and other related services. During my career, I have had exposure to various industries within the South African Economy. My banking experience includes Retail Banking, Private Banking, Business Banking and Corporate Banking. I have concluded complex deals including Structured Finance, Working Capital Facilities, Discounting, Commercial Property Finance and Generic Asset Based Finance (Full Maintenance Leases, Instalment Sale Agreements and Operating Rentals). I currently lead a team of 6 Business Bankers and 6 Transactional Bankers within the Premium and High Value Segment (Business Bank).

Mohau Polo Leteka is a highly accomplished and experienced entrepreneur and private equity investor. She is the Founder and CEO of IDF Capital – a South African based entrepreneurial financier and advisory firm. Through IDF Capital, Polo has contributed towards changeling investments into women owned SMEs across South Africa. In 2015, she co-founded AlitheiaIDF to continue investing in high growth businesses across Sub-Saharan Africa that are women owned and led.

Mohau is an accountant by training, and has varied experience in both the Public and Private sectors of South Africa which includes accounting and auditing, corporate finance, investment banking, public policy formulation, venture capital and private equity in the SME sector. At a fairly young age, Mohau was tasked with leading the process of developing South Africa’s first ever Codes of Good Practice on Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment which is a Government policy seeking to transform the South African economic landscape to be more reflective of its population demographics. As a result of this ground breaking work which has changed how Corporate South Africa interacts with the rest of the economy, she is considered a thought leader in areas of economic transformation and development.

Mohau is a an accomplished public speaker, contributor to thought leadership articles on transformation and entrepreneurship. She was also part of South Africa’s version of the Dragons Den show and is also a co-Author of a book called “…..and for all these reasons, I’M IN…..”, which seeks to assist entrepreneurs to become investor ready.

Mohau is the current President of Association of Black Securities and Investment Professional (ABSIP).

Anthony (‘Tony’) Moore has 50+ years experience in the global financial services industry having lived and worked in 6 countries, 9 cities and transacted business in another 30+ countries in his long and distinguished career. From 1968 to 1973, Tony worked in the London stockbroker market qualifying to become a member of London Stock Exchange. Between 1974- 1983, Tony held senior positions with the large French bank, Banque Nationale de Paris-BNP (Tony speaks fluent French) in London, Paris, Tokyo and New York where he was Executive Vice President responsible for BNP’s international finance activities in North America. Following his career with BNP, in 1983 Tony was recruited by Goldman Sachs (GS) in New York expressly to open and manage the Goldman Sachs (Asia) Ltd office based in Hong Kong which had responsibility for all of GS’s business in East Asia, including China. In 1986 Tony became the first Head of Investment Banking at Goldman Sachs Japan in Tokyo and a member of the Goldman Sachs Investment Banking Division Management Committee.

In 1988, Tony was appointed Executive Director at Goldman Sachs Ltd in London where he had responsibility for UK privatisations and relationships with a large number of Footsie 100 companies. Following his career at Goldman Sachs he held, among other positions, Member of the Board of Banker’s Trust Int’l and Chairman of Corporate Finance at BZW, Barclays Bank’s investment banking subsidiary. Tony has also held senior positions in industry including President & CEO of New Energy Ventures Technologies in Los Angeles, one of the early entrants into the deregulating US power industry.

Tony has served, and still very much serves, as Chairman and/or Board Director of large number of public companies. Most notably he was Chairman, CEO & President of Equus a NYSE listed closed end fund, as well as private companies in the USA, Europe and Asia/Pacific.

Tony’s experience covers capital markets financing, equity fund raising , cross-border mergers & acquisitions, project finance, real estate, precious metals, asset management (including alternative investments) and wealth advisory. He has particular experience in guiding start up and emerging companies through to an exit, either trade sale or IPO. Currently based in Istanbul, Tony is the Founder and Executive Chairman of the Evrensel Impact Group a merchant bank and fund management company. He is particularly interested in providing strategic and financial advise to companies that have a significant humanitarian/ “do good” aspect in their offering.

Tony has an extensive, global senior executive level network in government, public entities, financial institutions and corporations around the world. Tony very much believes in “giving back” including via public service. Doing business with and within Africa, above all to the benefit of this great Continent, is the primary geographic focus of the Evrensel Impact Group.

With over 25 years of leadership in media relations, corporate affairs, and strategic communications, Donald Kau is a seasoned storyteller and sustainability champion.

Career Highlights

• V&A Waterfront (since June 2017): As Head of Communications & PR, Donald oversees all media relations, public affairs, and corporate messaging for South Africa’s premier mixed-use destination.
• Santam Insurance (2011–2017): Served as Head of Corporate Affairs, overseeing reputation, stakeholder relations, and brand strategy.
• Meropa Communications (2005–2011): Led strategic communications and consultancy as Executive Director.
• Transnet (1995–2005): Began his career in media and stakeholder relations at South Africa’s state-owned transport firm.

Academic Background

• National Diploma in Public Relations – University of Johannesburg
• Graphic Design – AAA School of Advertising
• Further studies in Media Management and Project Management
• Executive Development Programme (MAP) – Gordon Institute of Business Science & University of Pretoria

Professional Affiliations

Current deputy chairperson of the Board of Trustees for Boys and Girls Town South Africa.

Nobuhle Ramotebele, the Managing Director of Ramo Group, exemplifies leadership, innovation, and commitment in the mining and power generation sectors. As a 100% owner and director of the company, Nobuhle stands out as a pioneering force in the critical mineral beneficiation sphere, a niche market requiring specialized metallurgy and engineering expertise. Nobuhle’s educational background from Monash University Australia, where she earned her knowledge in Psychology and Business Studies, complements her extensive experience in the entrepreneurial sphere. Nobuhle’s career is marked by her successfully expanding Ramo Groups’ footprint into new markets and managing significant client portfolios, contributing to significant growth in the mining and power generations sectors respectively.

Her responsibilities include stakeholder management, financial forecasting, and developing compliance policies. She is known for her dedication to business development and her ability to foster strong client relationships, whilst still in the youth category. Her technical experience spans across engineering, power generation and cement plants alike.

Nobuhle possesses strong leadership qualities and in-depth critical thinking skills which were on full display as she served on the City of Johannesburg board of directors City power entity between years 2023 – 2024. Her dynamic problem-solving skills and power generation experience were crucial in achieving the many successes attained by the City of Johannesburg board of directors City power as published in the public domain, media spaces. Nobuhle also made history by becoming the youngest City of Johannesburg City power board member which speaking volumes of her acute dynamic skills.

Nobuhle is not only a leader in her field but also a passionate advocate for community development. She actively supports young graduates, particularly women, by providing them with valuable skills and work experience. Her eYorts extend to sponsoring events and assisting individuals in need, demonstrating her commitment to making a positive impact. Nobuhle’s resilience and perseverance in a traditionally male-dominated and mature industry highlight her exceptional capabilities and unwavering dedication. In a country that encourages the culture and spirit of entrepreneurship, Nobuhle’s role as a young female leader in the above sectors underscores her significant economic contribution as a young entrepreneur coupled with her ongoing eYorts to drive sustainable growth and development within her community.

As the Founder of Agritourism Africa in 2017, Jacqui has significantly shaped the landscape of rural tourism by advocating for sustainable Agritourism and Rural development practices and community engagement. Her influence extends beyond national borders, marked by her numerous invitations to speak at international forums dedicated to rural, ecological, community and Agritourism development. Notably, Jacqui was the first African invited to address the EURAC International Agritourism Conference in Bolzano and has also spoken at major conferences in Saudi Arabia, Namibia, South Africa and Rwanda.

Jacqui’s work has consistently fostered international partnerships, enhancing brand visibility and market penetration for various top-tier entities. Other positions in her portfolio include being the Marketing & Communications Director for the Orient-Express African Collection of Properties; Marketing Director Cape Town Olympic Bid; Marketing Manager Durban Metropolitan region and Marketing & Communications Director for the Cape Town Metropolitan region. Jacqui has also worked in the UK for Chamberlin & Grant and in the USA for the Atlanta Olympic Games. Recognized for her contributions to the industry, Jacqui has been honored with the Mail & Guardian Power of Women 2021 Award. She also contributes as a co-chair of the Definitions, Standards, and Strategies Committee and as the Southern African Regional representative on the Global Agritourism Network Board.

Jacqui is an accredited IFAJ journalist and has qualifications in Marketing and Business Management. She has an extensive network around the world of similar minded influencers who have dedicated their lives to the empowerment of rural women and providing educational opportunities for the youth. A passion for agriculture, animals, nature and the principles of Ubuntu towards humanity provide her with the energy to embrace life with all the positive and passionate energy she needs to live life proactively.

Thina Nyathi is the Foundation Manager of the Babanango Foundation, the community and development partner to Babanango Game Reserve—a Big Five reserve in northern KwaZulu-Natal. She previously served as Senior Manager for Stakeholder Engagement at Black Umbrellas, an enterprise development partner to the Cyril Ramaphosa Foundation. With over a decade of experience in SME growth and community development, Thina is passionate about driving systemic impact, particularly for women and youth in underserved communities.

Thina is a trustee of the Social Policy Initiative, focusing on strategy and sustainability. She is also a Common Purpose Africa Venture Fellow and has completed an executive leadership programme with Lagos Business School in Nigeria.

She holds a Master’s degree in Business Management from the University of Pretoria among other business related qualifications.

Hafsa H. Mbamba is a trailblazer in sustainable tourism and public sector innovation, with nearly 20 years of leadership experience transforming Zanzibar’s tourism landscape. She is best known for her role as the former CEO of the Zanzibar Commission for Tourism, where she led the launch of Africa’s first AI-powered tourism innovation platform and spearheaded the Greener Zanzibar Campaign, an ambitious initiative that placed sustainability and community engagement at the heart of the island’s tourism strategy.

Now serving as Tourism Delivery Manager at the President’s Office Delivery Bureau, Hafsa plays a central role in executing the Zanzibar Tourism Strategy, aligning government priorities with measurable outcomes across the tourism ecosystem. Her portfolio also spans health and infrastructure, reflecting her appointment to the Zanzibar End Malaria Council and past service on the Board of the Zanzibar Airport Authority (ZAA).

Hafsa holds a degree in International Tourism Management from London Metropolitan University and is celebrated for her work in destination branding, policy implementation, and stakeholder-driven development. She also sits on the Advisory Board of the WAJAMAMA Foundation, advancing maternal and child health. In recognition of her impact, she was named Woman of the Year in Zanzibar in 2023.

Rachel Nxele is a strategic leader in tourism, sustainability, and public-private partnerships. As Managing Director of OTB Group and a Board Member of South African Tourism, she promotes ESG-led investment and governance reform across the sector. Rachel is also the founder of GlendonHill, a sustainability advisory firm supporting African destinations to meet global standards, which are context-specific and unlock inclusive growth.

Houda CHIHI : I hold a PhD in telecommunication , senior researcher at Innov’COM Laboratory of Sup’COM Tunisia, Techwomen Fellow 2019. My research focus includes wireless communication, mobile communication, signal processing, vehicular communication, Cybersecurity,AI, digital inclusion & equity. I am North Africa coordinator of IPV6 Cybersecurity.I am a member of ISOC chapter Tunisia , member of African Union Expert Cybersecurity Group , member of NCSG ICANN and reviewer in many IEEE conferences. I am ICANN & IETF fellow. After my PhD i worked as a temporary assistant in many engineering schools well ranked in Tunisia such as Sup’COM, ISET’COM , ESPRIT , ISAMM. I was selected as TechWomen Emerging Leader which is a funded program by IIE of US in 2019. I got the opportunity to spend a professional mentorship at Qualcomm California where i learned about 5G , V2X, WIFI 6 technologies. I am international speaker and trainer. Okore Lens William Owino Chief Technology Officer | furbsh Software Engineer | Full-Stack Architect | Hospitality-Tech Innovator Lead Architect of Africa’s Hospitality-Tech Revolution Furbsh Okore Lens is the technical force behind furbsh’s disruptive platform → transforming how hotels, lodges, and tour operators monetize underutilized capacity while integrating local artisans and vendors into the tourism economy. As furbsh’s CTO, he has spearheaded the build of its full-stack system (React/Node.js/AWS), ensuring scalability, security, and seamless UX for Africa’s fast-evolving hospitality sector.

Okore Lens is the technical force behind furbsh’s disruptive platform → transforming how hotels, lodges, and tour operators monetize underutilized capacity while integrating local artisans and vendors into the tourism economy. As furbsh’s CTO, he has spearheaded the build of its full-stack system (React/Node.js/AWS), ensuring scalability, security, and seamless UX for Africa’s fast-evolving hospitality sector.

Urs has more than 25 years of experience as innovator, entrepreneur and investor in digital media. Since 1998 he has always been at the forefront of newest Internet developments, first pioneering Internet Telephony, then Social Media. He early recognized the impact of Blockchain and as a leader of Web3 he supports the transition of the Internet from dominating centralized super platforms to decentralized democratic user-centric ecosystems. He already identified the need of Web3 in 2012 and has been consequently working on its realization. This led to the incorporation of DISEO to spearhead Web3 development. DISEO pursues a worldwide unique approach that disrupts social media by decentralizing control, sharing revenues with all stakeholders, enabling freedom of speech and applying democratic self-governance.

It providing each brand or organization their own mobile platform with integrated communications, social media and social commerce functionality. Such AI-powered platforms are interconnected with each other to share users and content. Users control their data and receive a digital wallet after verification to earn income for data and engagement.

DISEO is not the first pioneering enterprise of Urs. In 1998 he co-founded a VoiP pioneer in Germany, which after a merger became a unicorn with $100 million revenues only few years later. He was instrumental to create a youth portal with phone calls sponsored by global brands that attracted 500,000 users within 6 months reaching 1 million daily views in 80 countries.

Urs has been speaker on numerous conferences on topics such as VoiP, Blockchain and Decentralized Social Media. He has been recognized by BILANZ magazine in Switzerland as Top100 Digital Shaper and has a PhD in physics from Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH) Zurich. He is fluent in German, English, Spanish and French

Nazareen Ebrahim is a communications technology entrepreneur, AI ethicist, and international conference speaker based in South Africa. She is the founder of the former Naz Consulting International and currently leads Socially Acceptable, a research group focused on the social impact of artificial intelligence. A former advisory board member of the South African AI Association, Nazareen regularly features on South African and African media platforms—most notably on Cape Talk every Tuesday at 6:40 AM—providing expert commentary on AI developments, digital transformation, and ethical governance. She has successfully completed two AI Policy Clinics with the Centre for AI and Digital Policy (CAIDP), recently earning a certificate with distinction for her leadership as a team lead guiding a global research cohort. Nazareen has spoken at high-level events including the Global AI Summit, OPCW Women in Chemistry Symposium, Oracle South Africa AI Summit, World Travel Market Africa, and the Pakistan Travel Mart 2025. Her talks explore the intersection of technology, ethics, and social impact, delivered with a grounded and pragmatic style honed over 20 years in media and tech. Her first book, ‘Building a responsible digital citizenry’ is due for release in November 2025.

Jackie Motsepe has an extensive career in the South African film and television industry. A founding member of the National Film and Video Foundation executive, Motsepe is credited for positioning the South African film and television industry in the global market. Motsepe established the South African Film and Television awards (SAFTA’s) for the South African film industry. At the South African Broadcasting Corporation, Motsepe served the first democratic SABC Board as board administrator, and worked in various capacities in the television channels at SABC 2 and 3. The last position Motsepe held at the SABC was the General Manager of International Content Acquisitions. Motsepe was the Chief Operations Officer at the KwaZulu Natal Film Commission and is now the Chief Operations Officer of the newly established KwaZulu Natal Tourism and Film Authority

Entertainment Marketing/Business Development Executive Nolan M. Baynes is an accomplished entertainment marketing executive and production veteran with a wealth of experience in media, music, and brand partnerships.

Based in New York City, he recently served as the General Manager of 300 Studios, the Emmy Award-winning Film/TV division of 300 Entertainment (Warner Music Group) and home to some of the biggest names in music, including Mary J. Blige, Megan Thee Stallion, Gunna, and Young Thug.

Baynes also serves as managing partner at IAS Agency, a New Orleans-based think tank specializing in international brand marketing and tourism with a focus on Ghana, South Africa, and New Orleans.

Additionally, he lends his expertise as a senior consultant to entertainment clients such as DECO Recording Group, home of Grammy Nominee and Broadway star, Deborah Cox. The agency also produces The International Arts Fest: NOLA, a global festival spotlighting international acts from Africa, the Caribbean, Latin America, and the US.

Previously, Baynes held the role of Head of Marketing at Music Choice, a streaming and TV music network with a presence in over 75 million U.S. homes. There, he led high-profile campaigns and partnerships with record labels, corporate brands, and media giants, collaborating with artists like Taylor Swift, Chris Brown, and A$AP Rocky.

Prior to his stint at Music Choice, Baynes founded JBF Entertainment, LLC, alongside former NFL quarterback Jay Fiedler, leading projects for BET, Rolling Stone, MTV, and NBA legend Grant Hill. He also facilitated partnerships for 21 Music, Inc., working with international stars like Alessia Cara and Nelly Furtado.

He began his career at the global media giant MTV Networks. He oversaw content development and music marketing programs for today’s most celebrated artists such as Beyoncé, Usher, Kanye West, and Coldplay. Baynes led music marketing for the network’s marquee events including the Video Music Awards, $2 Bill Concert Series, and Campus Invasion. During his time at the network, he helped launch MTV2, serving as the Production Manager, and MTV Tempo, a network dedicated to Caribbean culture and lifestyle. He would later serve as the Head of Music Marketing, Tours & Events.

Mpumi Mabuza is the General Manager: Stakeholder Relations at Brand South Africa, where she leads the organisation’s engagement with Government, Business, and Civil Society. She is responsible for building and managing strategic partnerships that strengthen the country’s reputation and advance its national brand positioning.

She also serves as Project Lead for Brand South Africa’s G20 and World Economic Forum (WEF) strategic programmes, driving high-level global engagements that showcase South Africa’s competitiveness and thought leadership.

With extensive expertise in international business development, management consulting, strategic marketing and communications, stakeholder management, and strategy development, Mpumi plays a central role in elevating Brand South Africa’s visibility and influence on the global stage.

Before joining Brand South Africa, she served as Country Manager for Business Sweden, overseeing its South African operations, and previously held a senior role in the Business Intelligence Unit of the South African Revenue Service (SARS).

Judith O’Doherty is the founder and Director of eutopia, a specialist consultancy providing place-based analytics, creative and advisory services for economic development and destination organisations that are leading place transformation. Eutopia is recognised as a leading innovator in the UK and Ireland in relation to place-based analytics and secured funding from Innovate UK to support its Vista platform development. Vista enables informed decision making to support sustainable economic growth for towns and cities. Eutopia is a leader in place branding and has developed and implemented brands for a range of cities and regions including the US Virgin Islands, the Dublin region, Cork and the North West City Region (a cross border initiative in Ireland).

Prior to eutopia, Judith worked at OCO Global as part of the senior management team for ten years where she was responsible for Operations and client Marketing Services. She also worked at Wavteq, Ulster University, Invest Northern Ireland and in the tech sector. Judith has 30 years experience across all areas of marketing including development of strategic marketing plans, place branding and marketing, proposition development and marketing communications. She regularly contributes to publications including fDi Intelligence (from the Financial Times) and Investment Monitor. Judith holds MSc in Place Management and Leadership and is a Fellow of the Institute of Place Management.

Mimi Kalinda is a global communications expert with 26+ years of experience in developing, implementing and measuring impactful strategies across Africa, Europe and the United States.

In 2012, Mimi co-founded Africa Communications Media Group (ACG), Africa’s leading, pan-African public relations and communications agency headquartered in Johannesburg, South Africa, supporting clients across Sub-Saharan Africa. ACG clients include MTN Group, the Global Alliance for People and Planet (GEAPP), Roche Pharmaceuticals and Diagnostics, Wikimedia Foundation, ONE Campaign, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, the African Development Bank (AfDB), Ethiopian Airlines, Barloworld, IFC/the World Bank, the Mastercard Foundation, HID Global (China), the African Innovation Summit, Western Union, Lloyds (London), Dalberg Advisors, AFIG Funds, USAID, Nesta, the African Union and Mercedes. She also led the global communications team for Innovations for Poverty Action, the Bezos Earth Fund (energy portfolio) and the Global Development Incubator (GDI), headquartered in Washington, DC. Mimi is passionate about developing communications and marketing strategies that yield results and move stakeholders, both internally and externally, to concrete action. As an award-winning communications and marketing consultant, she was part of the country branding efforts for Ethiopia and the Invest in Morocco campaigns. Previously, as FleishmanHillard’s Africa Lead, Mimi was part of the team that won PRISM Awards for the Barclays Africa “Prosper” campaign as well as the African Union’s campaign against Ebola, for which her team raised USD$51 million. Mimi led her agency’s efforts to manage crisis issues for MTN across 45 markets. She also worked for Weber Shandwick, where she managed social impact accounts, such as the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and the Innovation Prize for Africa. As the Global Director of Communications for the African Institute for Mathematical Sciences (AIMS), she was an integral part of the historic launch of the Next Einstein Forum (NEF). From 2003 to 2006, Mimi worked in New York City for 40 Acres and a Mule Filmworks, specifically on the film Inside Man, directed by Spike Lee, as well as across various marketingroles for some of the biggest networks in the US, including HBO, Showtime, Lifetime and Oxygen. She was the recipient of the One World Media Award for Rien Que La Verite, a television program advocating the prevention of HIV/AIDS and an end to violence against women in the DRC.

Mimi is also passionate about supporting leaders as they strive to achieve exceptional results.

She frequently coaches and leads workshops on Storytelling and Leadership for the Obama Foundation Leaders: Africa program, LinkedIn, Absa Bank (one of Africa’s largest banks), as well as for the Gordon Institute of Business Science (GIBS) and the University of Cape Town Graduate School of Business. She is also an Adjunct Professor at IE University in Madrid. Mimi sits on the global Board of The Hunger Project and Catalyst for Growth (C4G), a solution launched by JP Morgan and Dalberg to support entrepreneurs across Africa. She also sits on the board of the African Capacity Building Foundation (ABDF) and is a former member of the board of trustees of the AKO Caine Prize. Mimi serves on the advisory board of Africa Works Ventures, a Hong Kong-based consultancy which facilitates investment from China for promising African companies. She is a member of the Africa Brand Counsel, and advises policymakers and private sector leaders on Africa’s reputation and how the continent’s brand equity can be leveraged for its economic development.

Recognitions:

• Africa Best PR Leader of 2022, World Communications Forum Association (WCFA).
• Official LinkedIn Influencer
• 2022 ASCOM (Association of Communicators in Africa) Grand Prix Excellence winner.
• Tropics Magazine Most Influential Africans 2022.
• Forbes Afrique 40 under 40, 2018
• Winner of PRISM Award 2015 for Pan-African Campaign of the Year for Barclays Prosper campaign
• Rebranding Africa Champion for Africa 2.0
• Archbishop Desmond Tutu Leadership Programme Fellow
• Reset Global People’s Top 100 Women CEOs in Africa of 2019
• Finalist: Women4Africa Awards; International African Woman of the Year 2016.
• 2019 Finalist for Standard Bank Top Women Awards- Entrepreneur of the Year.
• 2020 Finalist for Standard Bank Top Women Awards- Entrepreneur of the Year.
• International African Woman of the Year at the Women4Africa Awards 2016. Mimi graduated cum laude from New York University with a degree in Media Studies. Her first e-book, Talking to Africa: Considering Culture in Communications for a Complex Continent, was released in January 2017. Her second book, Echoes of Influence: Storytelling as Business Strategy, was released in June 2024. A fun fact is that Mimi was the first African woman to host a show on MTV Europe, based in Camden, London.

Mr Thabo Mokoena serves as the Managing Executive in the Office of the CEO at Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife. He holds a BSc (Mathematics and Physics), an Advanced Diploma in Project and Programme Management, and a Master of Business Administration (MBA) with a focus on Entrepreneurship and Economics. In his current role, Teboho also oversees the organisation’s Business Development unit, which leads the implementation of Ezemvelo’s Commercialisation Strategy. With over 20 years of experience in the conservation sector, his areas of expertise include project management, strategic and business planning, ecotourism operations (including sales and marketing), risk management, and the development of commercialisation initiatives.

Founder & Chief Executive Officer of Fortunatus Advisory LLC, Safiyya is a Dubai based South African Attorney & advisory professional, with more than thirteen years of law practice experience, coupled with business interests spanning FMCG, real estate, tourism and including wild game conservation. Safiyya is a dynamic, performance driven professional who has held leadership posts in multiple businesses and provides global expertise with legal insights to advise businesses and executives alike. Safiyya has an acute business acumen and foresight allowing her to advise her clients on the intricacies of cross border transactions and offshore establishment. Having gained a significant amount of experience representing various businesses & industry sectors.

Fortunatus Advisory has mandates representing clients in multiple diverse sectors of the economy including oil, gas & energy; travel, tourism & hospitality; food manufacturing; real estate & construction sectors. Representing high net worth clients through Africa & the Middle East, securing foreign direct investment, and advising on offshore strategy providing a complete suite of services, Safiyya is an astute legal & private advisor. Safiyya previously had success in completing foreign direct investment transactions, and practicing in commercial and corporate law matters, both litigious and non-litigious. Having successfully advised and represented international trade, company formation specialty and offshore company strategy.

Safiyya worked as Director of Thomson Wilks Inc. in association with DWF for thirteen years as the sole international attorney, focused on Middle East strategy & legal consulting. She speaks regularly at conferences on international investments and the international legal environment & regulations supporting business opportunities, whilst overcoming cross border and governmental challenges, in an ever-increasing multicultural society. She has also served as President of the South African Business Council, Dubai U.A.E as and represented South Africa in procuring foreign direct investment. Safiyya holds multiple degrees in Bachelor of Arts (Law, International Relations, English), University of Witwatersrand; Bachelor of Laws (LLB), University of South Africa; Post Graduate Certificate, Commercial & Corporate Law, University of London (awarded merit*); Post Graduate Diploma, Banking & Finance Law, University of London (awarded merit*); Masters of Law (LLM), Banking, Finance & Corporate Law, University of London

Connect with Safiyya Akoojee
Website: www.fortunatusadvisory.ae
Linkedin: Linkedin.com/in/Safiyya-akoojee-449817a1
Website: Safiyya@fortunatusadvisory.ae

Xiaxiahn (Zazi) Vaccalluzzo is the Founder and CEO of ONEZSM, a video-first digital trade platform designed to build trust and visibility for SMMEs, and the Executive Director of Global Chamber® Estonia | Baltics. Her work centres on video-powered marketplaces, cross-border trade enablement, and open collaboration between Africa and Europe. She has led ONEZSM’s pilot initiatives and public programming with Global Chamber®, moderating and speaking at globinars on e-commerce, AfCFTA-aligned policy, and digital trade. ONEZSM operates via ONEZSM OÜ (Estonia) and ONEZSM Botswana, with a publicly stated focus on video-based directories, marketplace tooling, and partnership-driven expansion.

Key roles and organizations
Founder & CEO, ONEZSM (Estonia, Botswana, Malawi & Mauritius (To be incorporated). Leads development of a video-powered trade gateway and marketplace; public footprint includes corporate pages and product narrative.
Executive Director, Global Chamber® Tallinn. Announced by Global Chamber® and partner channels.