Summy Smart Francis is a Nigerian entrepreneur based in South Africa, currently serving as the President of Africa’s Young Entrepreneurs, where he directs strategy and its implementation. He embarked on his entrepreneurial journey at a remarkably young age of 14, gaining early business experience at his father’s hotel in Lagos, Nigeria. By 17, he was …
Souleymane Diarrassouba currently serves as the Minister of Commerce and Industry for the Republic of Côte d’Ivoire. His career prior to joining the government in January 2017 was marked by significant accomplishments in the banking sector. He held the position of Managing Director at the Atlantic Business International Group, overseeing the financial, control, and development …
Shamika N. Sirimanne currently serves as the Director of the Division on Technology and Logistics at UNCTAD, where she oversees the organization’s trade logistics program. Her responsibilities include leading initiatives on trade facilitation, maritime transport, port management, and e-commerce and digital economy. She also supervises ASYCUDA, UNCTAD’s largest technical cooperation program focused on the Automated …
Mr. Quinton C. Lightbourne, originally from Nassau, Bahamas, currently serves as the Alternate Executive Director for the Caribbean Constituency on the Board of Directors of the IDB, IDB Invest, and IDB Lab. From 2021 to 2024, Mr. Lightbourne distinguished himself as a Senator and Chairman of The Bahamas Development Bank, demonstrating exceptional leadership. His strategic …
Paula Gopee-Scoon currently serves as the Senator and Minister of Trade and Industry. She was re-elected to represent the constituents of Point Fortin following the General Election of May 24, 2010, having initially been elected in November 2007, when she was appointed Minister of Foreign Affairs. Mrs. Gopee-Scoon holds a B.Sc. in Public Administration and …
Mr. Samaila Zubairu is the President & CEO of the Africa Finance Corporation (AFC). He is a prominent advocate for African value capture, job creation, and industrialization. Over three decades of leadership, he has successfully mobilized billions of dollars towards transformative infrastructure projects. During his tenure, Africa Finance Corporation (AFC), leading infrastructure solutions provider, has …
Rosa Whitaker is the President and CEO of The Whitaker Group, renowned as a visionary, entrepreneur, and former US government policy leader. With a distinguished career spanning diplomacy, trade negotiation, and business advocacy, she has been instrumental in driving investments into Africa. Notably, she made history as America’s first Assistant US Trade Representative, serving in …
Reta Jo Lewis is the President and Chair of the Board of Directors of EXIM (Export-Import Bank of the United States). Vice President Kamala Harris administered her swearing-in ceremony on February 16, 2022. Ms. Lewis brings more than 25 years of senior executive experience in international affairs, law, public policy, business, regulatory affairs, and subnational …
Rateneh Fassil is the Founder and Managing Director of Sinopia and World Trade Centre, Addis Ababa, with over 16 years of experience leading teams in developing and operating businesses that enhance trade and investment between Ethiopia, China, and the USA. In 2022, he spearheaded the introduction of the prestigious World Trade Center brand to Addis …
Rami El Dokany boasts over two decades of professional expertise in capital markets, private equity, investments, corporate finance, strategic planning, and business development. In August 2022, El Dokany was appointed as the Executive Chairman of The Egyptian Exchange (EGX), a role he held until August 2023. His extensive experience is complemented by a robust educational …