Wamkele Mene is a distinguished figure in international trade and diplomacy, currently serving as the Secretary General of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat. He made history in February 2020 by becoming the first Secretary General of the AfCFTA Secretariat. Prior to his current role, Wamkele Mene held significant positions that underscore his …
Uju Uzo-Ojinnaka is a dynamic entrepreneur and visionary leader, serving as the Founder and CEO, Traders of Africa (TOFA) and African Trade Invest (ATI), two pioneering platforms aimed at promoting Pan African trade and investment. With over 17 years of experience in Strategic Marketing, Retail Banking, and Business Development, Uju has honed her skills in Credit …
Uche Okugo holds a multifaceted role at the Economic Development Office of the City of Brampton, where he serves as the Lead on Investment Attraction from Africa and the Caribbean. His professional engagements are complemented by active community leadership roles, reflecting his commitment to civic and social development. He is a valued member of the …
Temi Popoola currently serves as the Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Exchange Ltd, the operational exchange of the demutualized Nigerian Stock Exchange. He is widely recognized as a successful C-suite leader with a distinguished career marked by significant achievements in business acumen, financial expertise, global market growth, and operational leadership. Temi began his career …
Tarik Senhaji currently serves as the Chief Executive Officer of the Casablanca Stock Exchange (CSE). Casablanca Stock Exchange underscores his commitment to advancing the capital markets in Morocco and fostering economic growth through strategic investment and financial innovation. He commenced his career as a finance manager at the International Finance Corporation (World Bank Group) in …
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 …