Schedule

Bernard Height, Senior Director, SAIC, Co-host, Master of Ceremonies
Shanthi Annan, Executive Director, Africa House
Mike Glatzer, Vice Provost for Academic Budgets, The George Washington University

Introduction:

Dr. Vanessa G. Perry, Interim Dean, Vice Dean for Strategy, and Professor of Marketing, Strategic Management and Public Policy, GW School of Business

Keynote Speaker:

Andrew Brown, President, Delphos International
Alec Milne, Founder, Vertria 

Join the CEO of NGSER in this fireside chat to explore the company’s journey from its 2007 founding in Côte d'Ivoire to becoming a leader in Africa’s digital transformation. Operating in over 10 African countries, NGSER has delivered innovative solutions across sectors like telecoms, banking, healthcare, and energy, leveraging technologies such as AI, blockchain, and IoT. Discover how NGSER’s tailored strategies have driven market dominance, from smart grid innovations to digital ticketing for marquee events like the Africa Cup of Nations. As NGSER expands into the U.S., the CEO will share plans to bridge Africa and the U.S., fostering cross-continental partnerships through collaborations with the Center for Cyber Diplomacy and The George Washington University. Learn how NGSER’s success highlights the transformative potential of digital innovation for global growth and the emergence of African firms on the world stage.

Introduction:

Ambassador Omar Arouna, Chairman, Center for Cyber Diplomacy and Leadership & President for Global Public Affairs and Engagement, Gunster Strategies Worldwide

Moderator:

Clark Gaylord, Director of Research Technology Services, The George Washington University

Speaker:

Sebastien Ellepo, Chief Executive Officer, NGSER

This session will focus on new ideas to drive equitable and sustainable growth in Africa. The conversation aims to increase awareness of the potential that new technologies and financial innovations have to spur economic growth, while also focusing on the needed advances in human capital and capacity-building. Panelists will reflect on the role the financial sector can have in advancing a greener and more sustainable future for Africa and the role major metropolitan areas can play. The panel will examine strategies and opportunities available through further developments in policy and partnerships, and it will include private sector providers of new digital solutions as well as development practitioners and finance specialists.

Introduction: 

Milion Zeleke, Founder & Executive Chairman, Grand Squared Corporation
Paul Nelson, Chief Executive Officer, Global Impact Industries Inc

Moderator: 

Femi Akinrebiyo, Global Manager, Manufacturing Investment & Trade, IFC

Panelists:

Sandy Kemper, CEO and Founder, C2FO
Hon. Dr. Marial Dongrin Ater, Minister of Finance, South Sudan
Slava Yanson, CEO, Stellenium
Wale Ayeni, Managing Partner, Helios Digital Ventures
Thierno-Habib Hann, CFA, Chief Executive Officer, Shelter Afrique Development Bank 

The fireside chat will feature distinguished participants from Central Banks and/or Ministries of Finance engaging in an open and intimate conversation about the future of Africa. The participants will share insights, experiences, and strategies for unlocking the full potential of finance in Africa while ensuring stability and promoting both social and environmental sustainability. Topics will include the role of central banking institutions in laying the groundwork for greater financial innovation, providing regulatory frameworks to support emerging technologies, and driving financial inclusion. Attendees will have the opportunity to connect directly with the speakers following the conclusion of the session. 

Introduction: 

Bobby Kia, Advisor to the CIO, S.K. Hart Management

Moderator:

Dr. Danny Leipziger, Prof. of International Business and International Affairs, GW

Panelists:

Hon. Adama Coulibaly, Minister of Finance, Republic of Côte d'Ivoire
Hon. Dr. Ibrahim Steves, Governor, Bank of Sierra Leone
Hon. Sheku Fantamadi, Bangura, Minister of Finance, Sierra Leone
Hon. Jolue Aloysius Tarlue, Governor and Chairman, Central Bank of Liberia

This discussion will explore dynamic entrepreneurial programs and collaborations between the United States and Africa. We will explore and discuss programs including the State Department’s African Women’s Entrepreneurship Program (AWEP), Maryland’s Global Gateway, and the DC government’s International Soft-Landing initiative. These programs support fair and resilient economic growth within Africa and greater integration of African/US businesses into both markets. Panelists will discuss how local, national, and regional ecosystems can collaborate to advance trade, investment, and innovation across diverse sectors. Topics will include enhancing access to finance for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), education and knowledge transfer, and addressing regulatory and logistical challenges that impede international expansion. The panel will outline actionable steps to build stronger, more inclusive economic ties between the U.S. and Africa and will include senior USG representatives.

Introduction: 

Tamara Zeidan, Director of Innovation, Department of Insurance, Securities and Banking

Moderator: 

Aisha Bond, President, The Greater Washington Black Chamber of Commerce

Panelists:

Dr. Ayman El Tarabishy, Prof. of International Business and International Affairs, GW
Charles H. DeBow III, President & Chief Executive Officer, National Black Chamber of Commerce 
Dr Christine Gulbranson, Chief Strategy Officer and Partner, Unified State Group
Hon. Dr. Kevin Greenidge, Governor, Central Bank of Barbados
Hon. Mr. Abdirahman M. Abdillahi, Governor of the Central Bank, Somalia

Join our esteemed panel of experts as they explore forward-thinking approaches to urbanization and infrastructure development. The panel will discuss how cities can harness digital solutions to transform urban planning and address the needs of Africa's growing populations. Attendees will gain insights into the vital role that infrastructure plays in connecting cities and states, fostering sustainable long-term growth, and creating thriving urban environments.

Introduction: 

Nnamdi Kalu Ezera, Director, Diaspora Africans in Trade and Investment 
Alexandria J. Maloney, BPIA President and Nonresident Senior Fellow, Atlantic Council's Africa Center

Moderator:

Dr. Stephen H. O'Connor, Professor and Chair, The Center for Real Estate Studies, GW

Panelists: 

Umar Ajiya Isa, Former CFO, Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited - NNPCL
Alan Kessler, Chief Executive Officer, African Food Security (AFS)
Paulo Gomes, Chairman, Orango Investment Corporation
Robert Johnson, Founder and Managing Partner, Solomon Group, LLC
Mark Grobmyer, Chairman, Global Solutions Institute

This discussion will focus on the best practices for navigating market entry, identifying high-growth sectors, and leveraging existing frameworks to drive sustainable investment. Panelists will highlight Africa’s robust investment ecosystem, including its vast natural resources, growing infrastructure, and strategic position. Emerging opportunities in oil and gas, critical minerals, agriculture, and renewable energy will take center stage, demonstrating the potential for transformative investments. The session will underscore the pivotal roles of governance, policy stability, and the support of investment promotion agencies. Attendees will gain insights into harnessing local resources, fostering partnerships, and creating value that aligns with Africa’s development goals while addressing poverty reduction and economic diversification. Panelists will include senior officials and government representatives, investment experts, and leaders from global corporations with successful operations in African markets.

Introduction:

Elizabeth Packer, Director of Economic Development, Golden Triangle Business Improvement District
Amal Ali, CEO and Founder, Elysium Strategy

Moderator: 

Dr. George Jabbour, Vice Dean, GW School of Business

Panelists:

Chase Kroll, Founding Partner, TSG Advocates
H.E. Ibrahima Touré, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Côte d'Ivoire to the United States
H.E. Dr. Santino Fardol W. Dicken, Ambassador of South Sudan to the United States of America
Hon. Dagmawit Moges Bekele, Director of the Peace Fund Secretariat, African Union
Dr. Nasser Bakr Alkahtani, Board Member & Executive Director, Arab Gulf Programme for Development-AGFUND

Introduction: 

Nancy Coblenz, Chief Operating Officer, Stellenium

Closing Remarks: 

Joseph A. Miranda, Assistant Dean, Operations, George Washington University, GW Business School

Keynote Presentation: 

Hon. Ndaba Nkosinathi Gaolathe, Vice President and Minister of Finance, Botswana 

By invitation only.

Hon. Nina Albert, Deputy Mayor, Planning and Economic Development, District of Columbia
Hon. E. David Burt, JP, MP, Premier, Bermuda