The 14th Emir of Kano, His Highness (HH) Muhammad Sanusi II was turbaned in June of 2014. Prior to ascending the throne, HH was the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria. He was also at a time the Chief Risk Officer and Group CEO of First Bank of Nigeria Plc which was then Nigeria’s largest bank. He is credited with reforming the financial sector of Nigeria and is currently working on attracting investments in energy and manufacturing in his capacity as chairman of the Kano state Investment Advisory Committee. HH holds degrees in economics and Islamic law. HH is focused on peace, public health, girl-child education advocacy, job creation and reforms of Muslim family law.

Professor Suwaiba Said Ahmad is a distinguished academic, educationist, and policy leader from Jigawa State, Nigeria. She holds a Ph.D. in Science Education from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, and rose through the ranks at Bayero University, Kano, where she attained the position of Professor of Science Education in 2024. Her career spans teaching, research, and leadership, including service as Director of the Centre for Gender Studies and Provost of the Jigawa State College of Legal and Remedial Studies. A passionate advocate for girl child education and women’s empowerment, Professor Ahmad has consulted widely with national and international development partners on education policy and reform. In October 2024, she was appointed Minister of State for Education by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR. In this role, she champions quality and inclusive education, driving two key pillars under the Nigeria’s Education Sector Renewal Initiative (NESRI); Education and Quality Assurance, and Girl Child Education through LUMINAH 2030. She also provides strategic leadership on the revitalization of the National Almajiri Policy and other critical education reforms. A prolific scholar, mentor, and advocate of excellence, Professor Ahmad continues to inspire a new generation of educators and leaders. She is happily married with children

Mr Mignot was previously the Ambassador of the European Union to Mexico. Before joining the European External Action Service in 2021, the career diplomat spent 26 years in the Foreign Service of his home country of France. He has diplomatic experience in some of the most demanding regions of the world, including Latin America.

Taimur Samad leads country engagement and delivery across a portfolio focused on macro-fiscal reforms, private-sector–led growth, infrastructure, and human capital. A seasoned urban and infrastructure specialist, Taimur has held leadership roles across regions, including Program Leader for Sustainable Development and Infrastructure in Colombia and Venezuela, and earlier posts in Indonesia and Latin America. He co-authored the World Bank’s Colombia Urbanization Review and has contributed to flagship work on cities, PPPs, housing, and economic competitiveness. Before Nigeria, he managed complex multi-sector investment and advisory operations, including development policy financing for productive and sustainable cities. Taimur joined the World Bank in 2001 and holds a graduate degree from Brandeis University. He frequently represents the Bank on Nigeria’s growth, reforms, and inclusion agenda, including the Country Private Sector Diagnostic and Nigeria Development Update, and structural transformation.

Hon. Mrs. Toke Benson-Awoyinka leads transformative initiatives to position Lagos as a year-round global tourism destination. A lawyer by training, she earned her LL.B from Lagos State University and was called to the Nigerian Bar in 1990. Her career spans legal practice, international consultancy, and public service, including her prior role as Special Adviser on Housing to the Governor of Lagos State. Since her appointment in 2023, she has championed cultural preservation, revitalized heritage festivals, and launched innovative water-based tourism projects. Her leadership has earned her the 2025 Best Commissioner Award at the Global Excellence Recognition Awards. She also received a California Legislative Honor for fostering global cultural exchange. Commissioner Benson-Awoyinka is widely recognized for integrating cultural vibrancy with economic development, empowering local creatives, and redefining Lagos as Africa’s cultural capital.

A globally recognized strategist and finance professional, Hon. Mrs. Folasade Ambrose-Medebem brings over two decades of leadership across corporate governance, sustainability, and trade advocacy. Her career spans senior roles at PwC, Diageo, Ford, and Lafarge Africa, where she led communications, public affairs, and sustainable development. She has served on the UN SDG Nigeria Private Sector Advisory Group, the Nigeria Economic Summit Group, and as a Senator at the World Business Angels Investment Forum. As Commissioner, she drives policies that promote industrialization, entrepreneurship, and inclusive economic growth, positioning Lagos as Africa’s premier investment destination. Folasade holds degrees from London Guildhall University and the Open University Business School, with executive training from Oxford and Lagos Business School. She is also the founder of Women Inspiring Impact Network (WiiN), empowering women in leadership and enterprise across Africa.

Christian Mulamula is the Principal Country Officer for the International Finance Corporation (IFC) in Nigeria, based in Lagos. With extensive expertise in commercial banking, corporate finance, infrastructure, mining, and creative industries, Christian brings a wealth of experience to his role supporting private sector development across Nigeria. He is recognized for his strategic leadership in advancing IFC’s mission to foster inclusive and sustainable economic growth through innovative financial solutions and partnerships. Christian’s work is instrumental in shaping IFC’s approach to private sector development in Nigeria, leveraging his expertise to address complex challenges and unlock new opportunities for growth. In recent years, Christian has championed IFC’s engagement with Nigeria’s creative industries, recognizing their potential to drive innovation, create jobs, and contribute to the country’s growth.

Dr. Munirat Antoinette Lecky, popularly known as "Anto Lecky", sprung to fame after being a semi-finalist on the 2018 season of Big Brother Naija. She is the current Senior Special Assistant to the Edo State Governor on Tourism and Creative Economy.

She is an event and television host, philanthropist, and one of the go-to speakers on youth, gender and good governance. She is the Founder of The Live Wire Project. The organization’s major campaigns are “Edo Babes are Fly,” an initiative promoting girl child education, empowerment, and skills acquisition to reduce the rate of gender-based violence and sex trafficking in Edo State, and “Arise N Vote," an influencer-led campaign encouraging active citizenship and good governance.

Aboki is an Experienced policy specialist and grassroots connector; She is the Gender Lead at the Albright Stonebridge Group in Nigeria. She was the Women’s Economic Empowerment consultant, providing technical assistance to the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs on the National WEE Policy Dialogue. The Dialogue culminated in the launch of the first Women's Economic Empowerment Policy in Nigeria. Rinmicit continues to support the FMWA on the WEE implementation and the Presidential High-Level Advisory Council on the support of Women and Girls in Nigeria. Which she is also a member of. Her areas of interest are Gender, Climate Change & Food Security. She holds a Master’s Degree in International Relations and Strategic Studies from the University of Jos.

For over a decade, she has explored her many talents in the media and entertainment industry, locally and internationally.

In her capacity as Compere, Chioma has perfected the skill of keeping guests laughing and entertained. She remains alert and attentive as she steers her captive audience through the protocol of different kinds of functions.

Chioma is a polyglot, proficient in French, English, Igbo & Hausa.

Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim is the Honourable Minister of Women Affairs, appointed to oversee the affairs of the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs. With a strong background in public service and a passion for women's empowerment, she is committed to advancing gender equality, protecting women's rights, and implementing policies that promote the welfare of women and children across Nigeria.

Moriam Ajaga is a visionary leader with a proven track record in driving impactful initiatives across various sectors, excelling in strategic leadership, project management, stakeholder engagement, and program development. 

Currently, Moriam serves as the Special Adviser to the President of Nigeria on Art & Culture, Office of the Honorable Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism & the Creative Economy. In this role, she leverages her strategic planning and coordination skills to spearhead policies and programs that promote the growth and sustainability of Nigeria's cultural sector. Her ability to mobilize resources, foster partnerships, and implement innovative programs has demonstrably advanced the Ministry's objectives and contributed to the development of the creative economy. She remains dedicated to advancing the Global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and fostering collaboration for a vibrant and inclusive cultural landscape, both in Nigeria and beyond. She holds a Bachelor's in Biological Sciences, from the University of Iowa.

Banke Ajagunna serves as an Aide to the Honourable Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy. A generalist, her work sits at the intersection of stakeholder engagement, digital literacy, and community development. She leads Build-a-thon, a national digital literacy initiative introducing adolescents aged 10–18 to maker culture and technology. In 2024, she co-led the National Artificial Intelligence Strategy Workshop, convening over 120 stakeholders from government, academia, civil society, and industry to shape Nigeria’s first AI strategy. She also led nationwide consultations on the National Digital Economy and e-Governance Bill, securing broad-based participation and state-level alignment. Banke oversees the strategic activation of innovation hubs and spaces, recognizing them as catalysts for creativity, collaboration, and equitable prosperity.

Iklima Musa Salihu is the Special Assistant to the Director General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), where she drives key policies and programmes advancing Nigeria’s digital economy. A dynamic IT professional and innovation strategist with nearly a decade of public and private sector experience, she has led initiatives such as the NITDA Strategic Roadmap and Action Plan (SRAP 1.0 & 2.0), training over 3.3 million Nigerians and enabling over 10,000 tech jobs. She also spearheaded the draft National Gender Digital Inclusion Strategy to bridge Nigeria’s gender gap in technology. Iklima holds master’s and bachelor’s degrees in Information Technology from Infrastructure University Kuala Lumpur, with executive certifications from Harvard, MIT, and London Business School.

Chalya M. Shagaya is a public sector leader with extensive experience in public service, economic development, and strategic communications, with a multidisciplinary background spanning the oil and gas sector, maritime industry, and public relations. She currently serves as Senior Special Assistant to the President on Entrepreneurship Development (Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy), where she leads initiatives that strengthen entrepreneurial ecosystems, accelerate digital transformation, and promote sustainable economic growth. Chalya specializes in entrepreneurship development, innovation strategy, policy formulation, business strategy, and capacity building. A Certified Forensic Crime Scene Investigator, Culinary Chef, and Photographer, she integrates creativity and strategic thinking into governance, using her diverse expertise to foster innovation, collaboration, and inclusive national development.

Aisha Adamu Augie is the Director-General of the Centre for Black and African Arts and Entertainment, recently appointed by the President of Nigeria. An internationally acclaimed creative artist, photographer, filmmaker, and communications specialist, she leverages creativity and strategic communication to drive community-building, policy development, and youth empowerment initiatives across Africa. Aisha previously served as Special Adviser to the Nigerian Minister of Finance, Budget & National Planning and as Senior Special Assistant on New Media to the Governor of Kebbi State, where she led statewide publicity and policy dissemination. She has spoken at over 100 events, and under her leadership, more than 40,000 young people have been trained with vital skills. Her career bridges public service, entrepreneurship, and the arts, fostering inclusive growth and leadership development.

Dr. Folake Olatunji-David is the Director of Basic Education at the Federal Ministry of Education in Nigeria and serves as the GPE Focal Point. With over 25 years of experience in program and project management, she has extensive expertise in government and donor-funded initiatives, working closely with international agencies, multilateral donors, the World Bank, and United Nations agencies. She has led numerous educational programs, projects, and research studies across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones. Passionate about humanitarian work, Dr. Olatunji-David has spent the past decade honing her skills to maximize impact in global charitable and humanitarian initiatives. Her work reflects a deep commitment to advancing education, policy development, and capacity building in Nigeria and beyond.

Wame Jallow is a global health, rights, and environmental advocate with more than 22 years of experience promoting equitable access to health services and medicines. She is the Executive Director of the MTV Staying Alive Foundation, where she oversees entertainment-education and mass media interventions addressing the intersections of rights, health, and the environment. Wame has led global programs on HIV and AIDS, tuberculosis, hepatitis C, non-communicable diseases, sexual and reproductive health, maternal and child health, and nutrition. She has been instrumental in strengthening community health systems through community-led monitoring, research, advocacy, and social impact communications, while championing the rights of women and young girls and empowering communities worldwide.

Johanna Blakley is the Managing Director at the Norman Lear Center, where she researches media impact, global entertainment, cultural diplomacy, disinformation, celebrity culture, fashion, digital media, and intellectual property law. She has delivered two TED talks—Social Media & the End of Gender and Lessons from Fashion’s Free Culture—and her work has been widely cited by leading outlets including The New York Times, The Economist, The Washington Post, and Forbes. With Marty Kaplan, she co-founded the Media Impact Project, a Gates Foundation–funded hub for advancing approaches to measure media impact. She has guided more than forty manuscripts through publication at the Lear Center and holds a PhD in English from the University of California, Santa Barbara.

Falalu Abubakar Dorayi is a leading filmmaker, director, producer, and actor in the Hausa-language film industry, Kannywood. With over two decades of experience, he has directed and produced some of the most acclaimed and socially impactful films in northern Nigeria. Falalu holds a diploma in Mass Communication and a professional diploma in Film and Television Production from Maitama Sule University, Kano, as well as advanced training from the Asian Academy of Film and Television in India. He gained national recognition for his films Kwagiri, Uwargida, Majalisa, and Basaja, as well as for the hit television series Gidan Badamasi. Known for his creative storytelling and social insight, Falalu is among Kannywood’s most respected and innovative directors.

Brenda is a cultural strategist and creative-economy leader with over 15 years of experience advancing youth empowerment and artistic innovation across Sub-Saharan Africa. As former Regional Lead for the Creative Economy and Head of Arts Nigeria at the British Council, she managed operations across 14 countries, forging high-impact partnerships and embedding digital models that expanded reach and efficiency. A passionate advocate for gender equity, she founded Women in the Arts – Nigeria, a national network supporting women through grants, storytelling workshops, and professional development. Brenda is also Co-Founder and Festival Producer of the Lagos Fringe Festival, building an open-access creative platform powered by digital innovation. Her leadership and cultural impact have earned her recognition as an Obama Leaders Africa Fellow (2018) and Brighton Fringe Award recipient (2023). Brenda continues to shape Africa’s creative landscape through programs that connect culture, technology, and social change.

Cecilia-Karen “CC” W’emedi is an enthusiastic storyteller and global visionary with a strong foundation in project management, communications, and strategy. She currently serves as Women In Film’s (WIF) Senior Project Manager of International Programs, where she leads narrative change and cross-sector collaborations that leverage storytelling to advance equity and cultural impact worldwide. Having lived in six countries—including Kenya, Nigeria, and South Africa—CC brings a unique international perspective to problem-solving and leadership in the entertainment industry. Her career has spanned strategy, development, and program management at organizations such as WME Group (formerly Endeavor), 160over90, IMG Fashion, and Cornett Integrated Marketing. She has successfully executed large-scale initiatives that have impacted over 24,000 students and 10,000 employees through corporate social responsibility and development-driven programs. Her work continues to champion narrative change as a catalyst for economic growth, cultural transformation, and global gender equity.

Nenrot is a prolific filmmaker with extensive experience working on major projects for USAID, the European Union, BBC Media Action, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, MTV Staying Alive Foundation, MacArthur Foundation, Save the Children International, and EbonyLife TV. She has contributed to over 50 productions, including Shadow Girls, which won Best Documentary at the Venice Shorts Awards and earned multiple international selections. A recipient of the prestigious Generation Africa grant, Nenrot has also served as Producer/Director of the World Bank–supported AGILE Project. She created and produced The Jos Chronicles for Arewa24 and currently works as Project Manager and Producer at Search for Common Ground on The Hustle, a youth empowerment reality TV show in Northern Nigeria.

Aric Noboa is Co-CEO and Executive Producer of Impact(Ed) International, where he oversees operations and leads efforts to create measurable change through entertainment-education. His work spans award-winning documentaries, feature films, animated series, and talk shows addressing education, gender equity, public health, life skills, and the environment. These productions have reached more than 800 million people worldwide and earned industry recognition, including a 2021 Peabody nomination for Shaina and a 2022 Emmy Award for My Better World. Aric also founded the Transformational Media for Social Impact Leadership Summit at St. George’s House, Windsor Castle, and has been a leading advocate for greater investment in media as a tool to achieve global development goals.

She was appointed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to this role in September 2024, and since then has worked actively to upgrade the viewer experience of Nigeria's national broadcaster and redefine national programmes content policy to appeal to younger audiences. Prior to that she served as the Senior Special Assistant to the Lagos State Governor on Environment. 

The core focus of her office as SSA was to generate community and stakeholder participation towards a clean and sustainable Lagos, a mission she executed with immense passion and dedication.

Tari is a seasoned media content development specialist with close to two decades experience working in Nigeria's media, entertainment and broadcast space.

Joseph Onaolapo, known as Jay On-Air, is a dynamic radio and TV broadcaster, content creator, actor, and host reshaping Nigeria’s lifestyle entertainment. From intern to prime-time voice, he now commands his own hit show, JAY ON-AIR, where culture meets candid conversation. Online, Jay is loved for his hilarious characters — The Finished Man, Madam Sheo, Mrs. Olaitan, and Tech Bro — reflecting everyday Nigerian life. But beyond the laughs, he gives back: from period-care drives to his 2025 9–5ers lunch outreach, he turns content into community. A Trendupp Award winner and TikTok Breakthrough Star, Jay has worked with MTN, Prime Video, First Bank, and more — building not just a fanbase, but a family that feels seen, heard, and entertained.

Mary is a seasoned Digital Innovations Expert and Media Executive. Currently the Chief of Staff and Head of Strategy at BellaNaija, Africa’s leading tech-driven media platform, she has successfully led and executed high-impact digital projects for global brands including Google, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, TECNO, MultiChoice, Unilever, and MAC Cosmetics. A Harvard Business School alum and passionate advocate for digital transformation, Mary is dedicated to leveraging new media technology to empower individuals and businesses across the continent. She has a keen eye for emerging digital trends and a talent for translating complex ideas into actionable strategies. In 2022, Mary was selected as a Foreign Media Representative to the U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit in Washington, D.C., and has been featured in publications such as The New York Times, BusinessDay, and The Business of Fashion, among others. She has taught and mentored young leaders through institutions and organizations including Warwick University, RedX Africa, Women in Africa, the U.S. Consulate in Lagos, Junior Achievement Nigeria, and Tech Summit Ogun.

Bolanle is a social impact advocate known for her powerful storytelling and dedication to community empowerment. She hosts The Scoop with Bolanle, a news commentary show offering insightful analysis of social and political issues. She began her media career on the pan-African talk show Moments and later hosted The Juice, interviewing influential figures such as Naomi Campbell, former Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari, and Oscar-winning actor Daniel Kaluuya. Bolanle made history as the first African to host the International Advertising Association Conference in Romania. Passionate about justice and social change, she founded the God’s Wives Foundation, which empowers widows and single mothers. Inspired by their resilience, she directed and produced God’s Wives, a documentary that raised awareness and funds for the foundation and was nominated for Best Documentary at the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards. She also served as a commentator for ElectHer during the 2023 Nigerian elections.

Stephanie Busari is an Emmy, Gracie, and Peabody award-winning journalist and a powerful force in African storytelling. With 25 years in global media, including 16 at CNN International, she launched the network’s first digital and multiplatform bureau, expanding its reach across Africa. She is now the Founder and CEO of SBB Media, helping organizations and leaders amplify their impact through strategic communication and authentic storytelling. Her groundbreaking reporting includes the proof-of-life interview with the Chibok schoolgirls, which led to the release of over 100 abducted girls, and her Emmy-nominated investigation into the Lekki tollgate shooting. A former Yale Maurice Greenberg World Fellow, Stephanie has been named among the UN’s 100 Most Influential People of African Descent and Africa’s 25 Most Powerful Female Journalists. A multilingual speaker and TEDx founder, she continues to champion African voices on global platforms from Lagos to London.

Chude Jideonwo is the host of #WithChude, one of Africa’s most-watched talk shows, and #WithChudeLive, the continent’s biggest talk concert. A lawyer and media entrepreneur with a 25-year career across advertising, television, and digital media, he co-founded RED | For Africa, leading campaigns that shaped social movements and national elections across Nigeria and beyond. In 2016, he founded Joy, Inc., a human flourishing company that partners with organizations like Ford and the Lagos State Government to promote mental and emotional well-being. His viral talk show #WithChude—syndicated across Africa and streamed globally—features transformative conversations on healing, resilience, and growth. Chude has advised global corporations, governments, and nonprofits, including Google, Heirs Holdings, the Gates Foundation, and the African Union. A Yale World Fellow and Desmond Tutu Fellow, his writing has appeared in The New York Times, BBC, and CNN. He is also the author of How Depression Saved My Life.

Jacob Arback has extensive senior executive business and media experience, including expanding the representation of African voices in global media. After serving as the Company’s CEO for 11 years, Jacob is currently the Executive Vice Chairman of AREWA24, the largest Hausa-language entertainment and lifestyle television network and production studio in Northern Nigeria and West Africa, reaching over 50 million viewers. Jacob previously was the Co-Founder and President of The Africa Channel, was Managing Director at Business Research International, and before that, a Vice President at DIRECTV International where he led the company’s global market expansion. He holds a Master’s degree in Middle East Studies and International Business from the University of Michigan.

Hajara is an education and humanitarian professional with expertise in program management, monitoring and evaluation (MEL), and knowledge management. She leads Impact(Ed) International’s Kano Social & Emotional Learning Project, managing program activities and teams while coordinating MEL and knowledge systems to strengthen education outcomes. She has contributed to large-scale initiatives such as the FCDO PLANE program, coordinating remedial learning efforts, and the FITILA Girl Education Challenge, where she advanced accelerated learning, teacher training, and classroom media use. Earlier, she worked with Discovery Learning Alliance as a lead trainer for teacher professional development and as a community mobilizer empowering girls and fostering school–community partnerships.

Mansir Nasir is a Senior External Affairs Officer at the World Bank, leading communications support for Nigeria, Ghana, Liberia, and Sierra Leone. He provides strategic guidance to deepen stakeholder engagement, particularly with civil society organizations, the media, youth, and academia, and supports reform communication initiatives and dialogue with key partners. In Nigeria, Mansir is a member of several operations task teams, including leading the Social Norms Component of the Adolescent Girls Initiative for Learning and Empowerment (AGILE). Before joining the World Bank in 2019, he gained extensive experience supporting communications and outreach functions for bilateral donor programs and the private sector. Mansir holds a Master’s degree in Marketing and Innovation from Anglia Ruskin University, United Kingdom.

David I. Adeleke is a media founder, strategist, and storyteller shaping Africa’s creative economy. He is the Founder and CEO of Communiqué, a media and intelligence company reaching over 140,000 creators, investors, and policymakers globally. David previously served as Africa Editor at Rest of World, led Business Insider Africa, and held editorial roles at Ventures Africa and TechCabal. His writing has appeared in The Guardian, Al Jazeera, Reuters, Semafor, and The Continent. A Media and Journalism Fellow with the Charles Koch Institute, David studied Mass Communication at Covenant University and holds executive education certificates from Yale, Copenhagen Business School, and London Business School.

Damilola Solesi is an acclaimed Animation Director, Producer, and Writer, as well as the Creative Director and CEO of Smids Animation Studios. Through her visionary leadership, she has played a pivotal role in shaping the global animation landscape while championing authentic African storytelling. Her critically acclaimed works, including Boxed, Uyi, and the award-winning short film Hadu, have garnered international recognition. Hadu has won prestigious accolades such as Best Animation at both the Fak’ugesi Festival and the Africa International Film Festival (AFRIFF). Her projects have also been featured at major global festivals, including the International Film Festival Rotterdam (IFFR), NollywoodWeek Film Festival, New York International Children's Festival, FESPACO, ANIMAGE Festival (Brazil), Silicon Valley African Film Festival (USA), and CINANIMA International Animated Film Festival (Portugal). Damilola’s dedication to pushing creative boundaries is evident in her role as a Juror for the International Emmy Awards (2020–2022) and her recognition as MIPTV’s Producer to Watch in both 2020 and 2022. She remains committed to elevating African narratives and driving innovation in the animation industry worldwide.

Tega Onojaife is a sports producer and presenter for Smooth 98.1 FM Radio and the founder of the Ladies in Sport Conference. Beginning her sports journalism career as a soccer pundit, Tega was soon covering live broadcasts of the English Premier League, UEFA Champions League, and Africa Cup of Nations. In 12 years, she has covered nearly every major soccer event and served as one of a small number of female pioneers in Nigerian sports journalism, joining the International Sports Press Association (AIPS) and serving as secretary of the Events Committee of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria. 

In 2016, Tega founded the Ladies in Sports Conference, a yearly conference networking female sports professionals in Nigeria. The conference has grown to include more than 120 participants, including registrants from Kenya, Ethiopia and Zambia, and has gained international recognition by forming partnerships with La Liga in Spain and Women in Football in the United Kingdom.

Chichi Nwoko is a visionary leader, entrepreneur, and Pan-Africanist dedicated to transforming Africa’s media and entertainment industry. With over 30 years of experience across film, television, broadcast, and sports, she has built a career defined by creativity, innovation, and cross-border collaboration. She is the Founder and CEO of What Media Group, a conglomerate of 16 brands spanning production, talent development, branding, broadcasting, technology, and CSR. Under her leadership, the Group has become a hub for sports, African storytelling, and entertainment, creating platforms that nurture talent and expand Africa’s cultural footprint globally.

A graduate of Columbia University, New York, Chichi has been recognized by Forbes Africa, MIPAD’s Top 100 Most Influential People of African Descent, and the National Association of Black Female Executives in Music and Entertainment. Her work in film (Lionheart, Road to Yesterday) and sports broadcasting (FIFA World Cup, NBA, NPFL) continues to position Africa on the global stage.

Mimi is one of Africa’s leading production companies known for The Black Book—Netflix’s global top 10 hit. With over 15 years of experience spanning film production, distribution, and film release strategy, Mimi has spearheaded over 20 co-productions and distributed more than 110 titles, including several of Nigeria’s highest-grossing box office releases. A Variety Magazine–listed top cinema producer, she has been featured by the Golden Globes and honoured with the Eko Star Award for her contribution to African cinema. Mimi is known for her passion for building sustainable creative ecosystems, advancing women in film, and harnessing storytelling as a tool for social and economic transformation.

Fu’ad is a groundbreaking initiative working to digitise Nigeria’s newspapers and make the nation’s history accessible to everyone. His work at Archivi.ng sits at the intersection of media, technology, and cultural preservation, using innovation to strengthen collective memory and inspire social progress. 

With over a decade of experience across media and startups, Fu’ad has led editorial and strategic roles as Editor-in-Chief at Big Cabal Media (TechCabal and Zikoko) as well as Pulse, Red Media, and Eden Life. He is passionate about storytelling as a tool for social impact, inclusion, and gender equality, and continues to explore new ways to connect technology with human stories across Africa.

Hugo Obi is a visionary leader and entrepreneur driving innovation in the African gaming industry. As the founder and CEO of Maliyo Games, he has spearheaded the development of culturally rich mobile games, including the groundbreaking collaboration with Disney on "Iwájú: Rising Chef."

He is also recognized for spearheading the Africa Games Industry Report, the most comprehensive report on the sector, and partnering with consulting giant KPMG on a joint industry report.

Furthermore, Hugo partnered with Google to establish GameUp Africa, a training program that has empowered numerous aspiring game developers across the continent and significantly impacted the growth of the African gaming ecosystem.Hugo, a renowned figure in the global gaming scene, has been featured on CNN, Le Monde, and Forbes and has spoken at prestigious conferences such as Nordic Games, Devcom, and GDC. His extensive industry network and expertise in fostering African game development talent make him a sought-after speaker and thought leader.

Keke is the CEO of Road14 Studios, a creative media and talent agency amplifying the representation of the African child, and the COO of Flytime Promotions, producers of Flytime Fest and Coca-Cola Rhythm Unplugged, West Africa’s longest-running music festival. With over two decades of experience in entertainment, she has pioneered initiatives such as The Future -a platform for young artists and Women Leading Music, promoting inclusion and gender equity in the industry. A Howard University graduate, Keke has collaborated with major partners including Disney on 

projects spotlighting African talent. She continues to champion creativity, youth empowerment, and women’s leadership in Africa’s entertainment landscape.

Abiola Adelana is transforming Nigeria’s tourism landscape through innovation and purpose. She pioneered Torrista, a groundbreaking platform that connects travelers with authentic cultural experiences while empowering local communities and creative entrepreneurs. In her role as Tourism and Creative Arts Business Manager at Sterling Bank, Abiola champions sustainable tourism and inclusive growth, using finance as a tool to celebrate Nigeria’s beauty and potential. Her work is inspiring a generation to rediscover Nigeria - not just as a destination, but as a story of innovation, creativity, and pride. She's an advocate for women inclusion.

Under her leadership, Accelerate Media Group has evolved into a dynamic media ecosystem comprising Accelerate Studios, Accelerate Plus (a streaming video-on-demand platform), The Accelerate creative Agency and The Phoenix Project, a capacity-building initiative that has trained over 12,000 young Nigerians across creative disciplines.With more than 23 years of experience spanning MNET (Multichoice Group) and Viacom International Media Networks Africa, Colette has led groundbreaking campaigns for global brands such as MTV including the award-winning MTV Shuga, BET and Nickelodeon. Through Accelerate, Colette and her team continue to drive Africa’s creative and cultural narrative, 

producing globally recognised projects such as Visa on Arrival, The Olive, Streets of Lagos, and The Decolonisation of Africa, featuring President Olusegun Obasanjo and other notable African leaders. Named among the Top 50 Leading Women in Corporate Nigeria, Top 100 Career Women in Nigeria, Top 15 most influential women in Nigerian Media and the Eko 100 Leading Women by the Lagos State Government, Colette also serves on the Board of LAIF – Lagos Advertising and Ideas Festival. She is a graduate of the University for the Creative Arts, United Kingdom and holds a Postgraduate Diploma in Digital Business Strategy from Columbia Business School (with MIT Sloan Management Institute, USA).

Mary-Ann is a dynamic producer with deep filmmaking expertise and a proven record of managing projects efficiently from concept to delivery. A Theatre Arts graduate from the University of Ibadan, she began her career as an actor before transitioning into production, where her theatre background honed her versatility and leadership. Rising from production assistant on Hantu to key roles on Gidi Up, Jemeji, and Ajoche, she built a reputation for excellence under pressure.

She has managed major campaigns for HBO, Netflix, Amazon, CNN, GQ, BBC, MTN, and more, contributing to acclaimed projects like Gangs of Lagos, Brotherhood, The Black Book, and The Smart Money Woman. Beyond production, Mary-Ann has taught at Accelerate TV’s Filmmaker Project and Ebonylife Academy and is now developing a framework to standardize filmmaking processes across Africa, prioritizing speed, quality, and efficiency.

Uche Pedro is a Nigerian entrepreneur. She is the founder and CEO of BellaNaija, a media tech brand known for entertainment and lifestyle content. Under her leadership, BellaNaijas social footprint has grown through its collective brands - BellaNaija.com, BellaNaija Weddings and BellaNaija Style - to be the largest on the African continent with more than 200 million impressions each month. In March 2019, Uche was honoured with the Forbes Woman Africa New Media Award for her innovative impact on media in Africa.

Uche is passionate about the progress of youth in Nigeria and across Africa. Uche holds a Bachelors degree – Honours Business Administration (HBA) from the Ivey Business School at Western University in Canada where she graduated with distinction.

Audu Maikori is a Nigerian media entrepreneur, entertainment lawyer, and creative economy strategist with over 20 years of impact across Africa. He is Co-Founder and Chairman of Chocolate City Group, which has developed top artists like M.I. Abaga and CKay. As CEO of Pixel Ray Studios, he leads film and content infrastructure projects across Africa and the Caribbean, including Barbados’ R.O.A.D. Project. In Nigeria, he has driven creative economy partnerships with government bodies aligned with the “Destination 2030” agenda. Earlier, he advised on major infrastructure reforms like the Nigerian Railways and Lagos Blue Line. A multi-award winner, Maikori is an alumnus of King’s College Lagos, University of Jos, MIT Sloan, and Pan-Atlantic University.

Nosarieme Garrick is an Emmy-nominated filmmaker whose work blends vérité intimacy with a deep curiosity for culture, politics, and identity. A recipient of the inaugural BPM 360 Grant and an award from the National Endowment for the Arts, her projects have been exhibited internationally, including in the landmark Making Africa exhibition.

She has produced acclaimed television across major networks and streamers, including the James Beard Award–winning World Eats and the Emmy-nominated The New York Times Presents: The Legacy of J. Dilla, the, Taste the Nation with Padma Lakshmi, Chasing Life with Sanjay Gupta, and United Shades of America with W. Kamau Bell.

Her debut feature documentary, Last Weekend in October, set against Lagos Fashion Week, builds on this foundation—offering an intimate portrait of ambition, artistry, and class in contemporary Nigeria.

Abdulrasheed’s influence bridges the worlds of music, film, and technology. Born in Kano, Nigeria, and raised between Nigeria and the United Kingdom, JJC Skillz rose to fame in the early 2000s as one of the pioneers who skillfully fused Afrobeats with hip-hop, shaping the sound that now dominates the global stage. His career spans award-winning music, TV productions, and Nollywood blockbusters, reflecting a deep passion for African storytelling. Beyond entertainment, he is the founder of SoKidzTV, an innovative children’s animation platform dedicated to African education, language, and culture—proving that JJC Skillz isn’t just creating art, he’s building legacy.

Sam Onyemelukwe is a global business development and partnerships executive with over 20 years of experience driving growth across media, technology, streaming, and entertainment sectors. He began his career at Walt Disney in California and has since led market expansion efforts across North America, Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. Sam is widely recognized for launching and scaling the Trace brand—often described as Africa’s MTV—achieving rapid audience and revenue growth across the region. As Managing Director of Trace Anglophone West Africa and founder of Venator Partners, he has built major partnerships with brands such as Amazon, Pepsi, YouTube, and Samsung. Sam holds an MBA and Master’s in ICT/Information Systems from Boston University and a B.A. in Fine Arts from the University of Southern California.

Jennifer is a distinguished leader in stakeholder management and engagement across Africa. As Senior Ecosystem Engagements Manager at AfriLabs, she drives influential convenings in the African technology and innovation ecosystem, fostering relationships with governments, international bodies, and key stakeholders. Jennifer previously led the F.C.T office of Empretec Nigeria Foundation (UNCTAD) and served as a political/diplomatic liaison for Abuja Times Newspaper. She actively volunteers to address refugee displacement and support cancer research in rural Africa. As Vice President of Gender Inclusion and Women’s Initiatives at the Ojiudu Foundation, she advances gender inclusion through the Pride initiative. Her career reflects dedication to meaningful change and navigating complex environments.

Nasiruddin is a Nigerian media entrepreneur, investor, and communication strategist passionate about youth empowerment, innovation, and ethical leadership. 

He hosts With Shuraim, a leading spiritual and lifestyle talk show airing in over 20 countries. He convened The Summit Africa, a platform for business, leadership, and morality. Shuraim serves as Secretary to the Presidential Envoy to Niger and is COO of Competro Oil & Gas. He founded Belraim Limited and The Space, a premium coworking hub in Abuja. He is Technical Assistant on Media to the Special Adviser to the President on Health. He also founded Space Studio, featured on Google Africa’s blog, and was honored by King Salman and the World Business Angel Investment Forum. He’s pursuing a Master’s at Sussex University.

Tonye Faloughi-Ekezie is a Nigerian entrepreneur, author, and advocate dedicated to inclusion through creativity. Inspired by her daughter Simone, she founded Simone’s Oasis Foundation, which uses storytelling and the arts to raise awareness and advocate for children with Down syndrome, autism, and other neurodevelopmental challenges. She created Ugo and Sim Sim, the world’s first picture book series featuring a Black main character with Down syndrome, and led the Black Child Down Syndrome Project with photographer Misan Harriman, showcased at Piccadilly Circus, London.

Her newest initiative, the Neurodiverse Creators Lab, funded and launching in January 2026 in Lagos, Nigeria, will equip neurodivergent youth with creative and digital skills for employment in the creative industries. Named by The Guardian UK among the “Ten Most Inspiring People” they met around the world in 2024, Tonye continues to champion representation, access, and inclusion globally.

Joel is an Emmy award-winning Nigerian documentary filmmaker whose work bridges storytelling and social impact. He is a pioneer of Virtual Reality (VR) storytelling in Nigeria, using both traditional and immersive formats to highlight human-centered narratives across Africa. His VR film Daughters of Chibok won Best Immersive Story at the 76th Venice Film Festival, making him the first African to receive the award. In 2021, he co-directed Disney’s MADU, which won Outstanding Arts & Culture Documentary at the 2025 News & Documentary Emmys—making him the first Nigerian to earn this honor. His latest film, Mothers of Chibok, has won awards at Encounters South Africa and Afrika Film Festival Cologne. A passionate advocate for storytelling as a tool for change, Benson has lectured at institutions including Oxford University, Morgan State University, University of Lagos, and the Biennale College Cinema’s VR Program in Venice.

Igho Arusi is a media entrepreneur and storyteller driving innovation in Africa’s creative economy. He is the Co-Founder and Head of Operations at Filmmakers Mart, a marketplace linking filmmakers with verified service providers, and Rollpay Africa, a payroll platform tailored to help the creative industry manage production expenses seamlessly.

Daniel uses storytelling through food to challenge gender norms and promote equity in media. Reaching millions of people monthly across social platforms, his content celebrates balance, care, and authenticity in everyday life. Daniel is currently a brand ambassador for Knorr Nigeria and a Champion at the Entertainment and Media Hub’s program, where he advocates for gender-equitable storytelling in Africa. He continues to inspire a new generation of creators to use media as a tool for social impact and gender equality.

Tobi is a Marketing and Communications professional with near to decade's worth of experience leading impactful campaigns across Africa and the diaspora. His career spans sports, entertainment, and technology, each shaped by his deep understanding of culture and brand storytelling.

He previously served as Marketing Lead for Nigeria at NBA Africa, where he helped define the league’s local brand strategy and fan engagement approach, driving the NBA’s growing cultural relevance across the country. Before that, he led marketing and communications initiatives at Universal Music Group, bringing a unique blend of creativity and audience insight to his campaigns.

As a co-founder of Ancore, a sports agency that bridges the worlds of sport and culture, Tobi has collaborated on impactful campaigns with the likes of NBA player Precious Achiuwa and England Rugby Captain Maro Itoje. His work consistently reflects a passion for celebrating African identity through sport and telling authentic stories that connect fans, brands, and athletes.

Fela is a leading executive in entertainment, media, talent, and sports, driving African and diaspora-led innovation across the global creative economy. He is Founder & CEO of Hyphen8 Media Partners, a UK-based incubator and IP holding company that builds creator-led businesses and scales talent into global brands. Fela works with Hollywood and British–Nigerian talent, producing original IP that delivers equity for creators and value for partners. With prior roles at MTV Africa, Trace TV, and Spinlet, he brings deep expertise in African media. He also leads initiatives like GETuP and The UPSkillED, aiming to upskill 100,000 creatives annually. A strategic dealmaker, Fela advises governments and global brands to build sustainable creative infrastructure across Africa and the diaspora.

Tiwa Medubi is a seasoned media and communications leader with over two decades of expertise spanning television and film project management, brand strategy, strategic communications, and stakeholder leadership. As Managing Director of Livespot360 Limited, she brings a rare blend of analytical rigour and creative vision to drive business growth, content innovation, and client engagement for one of Africa’s foremost creative-solutions companies. Her career has seen her architect large-scale campaigns, lead acclaimed productions, manage multi-million-dollar budgets, and build enduring partnerships across the media and entertainment ecosystem. Renowned for her strategic acumen, operational excellence, and passion for storytelling, Tiwa is committed to shaping market-leading multimedia experiences that deliver measurable impact for brands and audiences alike. She is also a member of the International Academy of Television Arts & Sciences—the body that presents the International Emmy® Awards—which underscores her alignment with global standards of excellence in television and content production.

Ejike Egbuagu, FICA, is a Pan-African financier with over 15 years of experience across commercial banking, international trade, and alternative finance. He is the CEO of Moneda Invest Africa, an investment firm bridging Africa’s financing gaps by providing alternative capital to SMEs in natural resource value chains. Founded during the 2015 FX crisis, Moneda has deployed over $200 million to empower local contractors, especially in the energy sector.

Ejike also champions creative industries through 1952Africa, Moneda’s CSR arm supporting African artists. The initiative runs a creative incubator, receives 500+ applications annually, and launched the Chizi Wigwe Prize for African Futurism to spotlight cultural visionaries.

He holds degrees from Harvard Business School (PLD29), Geneva Business School (MBA), University of Kent Law School, and the Access Bank School of Banking Excellence. A Fellow of the Institute of Credit Administration, Ejike is committed to building Africa’s future through capital, creativity, and community.

Jola Ayeye is the CEO of Carousel Network, and a Nigerian media personality, writer, and entrepreneur. She is the co-host of I Said What I Said — one of Africa’s most influential podcasts — where she explores culture, gender, work, and social change with candor and humor. Jola studied Politics and Philosophy at Durham University and began her career at Big Cabal Media. She is also a founding member of the Feminist Coalition. In 2018, she launched Salt & Truth, a production company focused on storytelling that centers complex African experiences. As a screenwriter, she has worked on major projects including Far From Home and The Smart Money Woman. She also founded Happy Noisemaker, a community and book club committed to joyful curiosity.

Dr. Busola Tejumola is a Nigerian media executive, and the Executive Head of General Entertainment Channels at MultiChoice. She holds an MSc in Management Information Systems from the University of Surrey and a PhD in the same field from Brunel University. Busola joined MultiChoice in 2012 as Consumer Insight Manager, and went on to lead Strategy and Insights in 2014. In 2017, she became GM, Content — where she launched Big Brother Naija. In 2018, she became Head of Production, leading the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards. In 2021, she was appointed Executive Head, Content and West Africa Channels. In 2023, she was elected a member of the International Academy of Television Arts & Sciences.

Katharina Link is a digital media and marketing executive with over nine years of experience in digital strategy, business development, product launch, content strategy, and monetization. She is currently CEO of Business Insider Africa and leads Pulse Africa, a leading media company with offices and publications across Nigeria, Ghana, Senegal, Kenya, Côte d’Ivoire, and Uganda, reaching the continent’s largest youth audience. Katharina excels at translating vision into actionable strategies, driving collaboration across diverse teams, and creating integrated campaigns that meet consumer needs while advancing business growth. Prior to joining Pulse in 2020, she held senior management roles at Axel Springer in Germany. She is recognized for her ability to foster innovation, people-centered leadership, and measurable impact in digital media.

Bobo Omotayo is an Executive Producer and communications leader with 16 years of experience across strategic communications, brand storytelling, and cultural production. He co-founded one of West Africa’s leading public communications consultancies, serving global companies including Coca-Cola, Guinness, and Nike, and earning multiple industry awards such as the CCA Honours, ADVAN Digital Marketing Awards, and the Drum Experience Awards UK. Bobo is also the founder of FUJI: A Opera — a platform reimagining indigenous West African music for contemporary audiences — which has hosted exhibitions and concerts for more than 50,000 people and reached over one million online. He is the creator of The EDE Prize for Language, and a published author whose books include London Life, Lagos Living and Honorable.

Tola Akerele is the visionary founder of Soto Gallery, a leading Nigerian art space renowned for exhibitions, roundtables, and the acclaimed Art of Collecting Art series. An influential figure in arts and culture, she serves as Deputy Director of the African Culture and Design Festival, curating events that bring together over 100 nations. Tola also founded iDESIGN Art for Emerging Designers, spotlighting more than 200 artists and promoting Nigerian talent globally. Her award-winning work in interior design includes Ebony Life Place, where she blends art, culture, and contemporary aesthetics. Co-founder of Bogobiri House and Orishirishi Kitchen, she celebrates Afrocentric culture and cuisine. Tola’s multifaceted work reflects her commitment to fostering creativity, cultural expression, and global recognition for Nigerian arts.

Iseolupo Adepitan is a British-Nigerian sports entrepreneur and co-founder of Flourish Sports Group. Raised in Houston, Texas, he trained extensively with NBA Champion Mike James and is an alumnus of John Lucas Enterprises Basketball Training and Development, where he honed his skills under the guidance of John Lucas, Assistant Coach and Director of Player Development for the Houston Rockets. Alongside his brother, Olutobi Adepitan, Iseolupo founded Educational Basketball, a platform dedicated to youth development and sports education, which later evolved into Flourish Sports Group to include American football. Through his work, he combines athletic expertise with entrepreneurship, fostering sports development, mentoring young athletes, and promoting structured training programs that cultivate talent and encourage personal growth both on and off the court.

Tolu Eros is a passionate entrepreneur and culinary professional specializing in the food and beverage industry. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in International Business Management from the University of Wolverhampton, United Kingdom. Beginning his career in the UK, he later returned to Lagos to launch his first venture, La Saison Café and Restaurant in Ikoyi. He is the founder and executive chef of Cookie Jar Gourmet Bakery and Eros & Gourmet Foods, where he combines creativity with culinary excellence to deliver high-quality dining experiences. In addition, he serves as Chef Ambassador for the German home appliance brand Miele in Nigeria, promoting innovative cooking solutions. His work reflects a commitment to elevating Nigeria’s culinary landscape and fostering a culture of gourmet excellence.

Chinaza Onuzo is the CEO of Inkblot Studios, an integrated media company driving Africa’s creative economy through premium scripted content and strategic partnerships. He is also a director at Inkblot Productions, a leading independent Nigerian film and TV producer behind hits such as The Wedding Party series, Up North, and Moms at War. In addition to his work in entertainment, Chinaza is a finance professional and contributes as an author to technology and finance platforms including TechCabal and The Scoop. He has built a rare dual career, combining executive leadership in finance with creative excellence in Nollywood. His work continues to scale Africa’s storytelling globally, developing content that resonates with local and international audiences while fostering strategic, financial, and creative growth in the industry.

Khadija Yusra Sanusi is a journalist, writer, and educator with extensive experience in media and storytelling. She published her first article with Mail & Guardian’s Voices of Africa in 2014 while a student at the African Leadership Academy. She officially began her journalism career in 2015 at the American University of Paris, contributing over 20 articles to the student-led Peacock Plume website and Peacock Magazine. Khadija Yusra has written for several notable publications, including Al Jazeera, African Leadership Magazine, Document Women, NewsWire NGR, and Isele Magazine, and has served as a writer and sub-editor at Republic Journal. In addition, she is a creative thinker, poet, editor, and currently a leadership teacher and coach at Noble Hall Leadership Academy for Girls.

Shawn Faqua is a Nigerian actor, director, model, choreographer, and singer renowned for his versatility and craft. He began his Nollywood career in 2010 and trained at the Nollywood Upgrade Training (affiliated with Boston University) and Relativity School, Los Angeles. Shawn has appeared in films such as Living in Bondage: Breaking Free, Ojukokoro, Lagos Cougars, and TV series including The Men’s Club and Oasis. His role in Lagos Cougars earned multiple nominations, and he won Best Supporting Actor at the 2018 Best of Nollywood Awards. A meticulous performer, he researches each character to deliver compelling and authentic storytelling. Beyond acting, Shawn showcases his singing talent and continues to collaborate with top artists across Nigeria and internationally, contributing to culturally impactful and socially conscious productions.

Anita E. Eboigbe is the Chief Operating Officer of Big Cabal Media, the parent company of TechCabal, Zikoko, and TC Insights. She is an operator, communications expert, researcher, journalist, and media strategist passionate about scaling African businesses sustainably through systems, processes, and long-term strategies. Working at the intersection of journalism, business strategy, and operations, Anita builds the structures that allow creativity to thrive while maximizing impact. She is a storyteller and media sustainability leader, dedicated to creating environments where African media can operate resiliently and tell compelling stories. Her work spans strategic leadership, operational design, mentoring emerging talent, and producing content that intersects culture, policy, and social issues, strengthening the ecosystem of media across the continent.

Folarin Falana, professionally known as Falz, is a Nigerian rapper, songwriter, and actor celebrated for his distinctive blend of music, storytelling, and social commentary. He began his creative journey in secondary school by forming a music group called The School Boys, later launching his professional music career in 2009. Falz gained wide recognition for his hit single Marry Me, featuring Poe and Yemi Alade, and has since released multiple albums including Wazup Guy (2014), Stories That Touch (2015), 27 (2017), and Moral Instruction (2019). Beyond performing, he is the founder of Bahd Guys Records, an independent label fostering emerging talent. Known for integrating humor, culture, and societal reflection, Falz continues to shape Nigeria’s music and entertainment landscape.

Dimbo Atiya is a Nigerian producer and director renowned for his work in Nollywood, including the acclaimed drama series Halita and Sons of the Caliphate. In 2022, he won the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Award for Best Africa Magic Original Drama Series. Originally trained in Urban and Regional Planning, Dimbo discovered his passion for filmmaking and honed his craft at the New York Film Academy. Since 2008, he has produced over 500 episodes of TV shows and five feature films, creating employment for hundreds of actors and crew members. Dimbo’s expertise spans producing, directing, co-writing, and photography, with projects broadcast on platforms like Africa Magic and Showmax. He continues to shape Nigerian storytelling through high-quality, culturally resonant productions.

Renos Vakis brings behavioral science to the forefront of policy design, shaping how governments address pressing development challenges. As Head of eMBeD at the World Bank, he leads an interdisciplinary team applying behavioral insights across education, health, public sector effectiveness, and climate adaptation. His work focuses on improving learning and health outcomes, strengthening policy uptake, increasing accountability, and shifting social norms around resource use. He also drives initiatives on knowledge diffusion, impact analytics, and AI integration through the Institute for Economic Development, advancing the scaling of behavioral solutions worldwide. Renos actively promotes the adoption of behavioral science through global advisory work, teaching, and speaking engagements. He holds a PhD in Economics from the University of California, Berkeley.

Leila is a development operational manager and strategist as well as a social impact leader specializing in human development, education, health, innovation, and civic engagement across Africa. She has steered programs in data-driven governance, education, especially for girls, health, youth empowerment, and social sector innovation. Leila has led strategic initiatives in collaboration with governments, international NGOs, and private sector partners, leveraging technology for inclusive development. Based in Nigeria and France, she holds a global outlook and has worked across multiple countries in West Africa and the Americas. She is passionate about building partnerships, designing scalable solutions, and mentoring emerging leaders in social impact. She is a tenured academic at the University of Poitiers and holds a PhD in Social Science from the University of Toulouse, France.

Ana Maria’s research focuses on gender, poverty, and inequality across Latin America, Europe and Central Asia, Africa, and South Asia. Prior to her current role, she led research and policy engagement in the World Bank’s behavioral science unit, advancing socio-emotional skills to reduce education and labor market gaps and shifting behaviors linked to poor human capital outcomes. She co-authored the World Development Report 2012: Gender Equality and Development, contributed to the South Asia Gender Innovation Lab, and led analytical research, impact evaluations, and technical assistance. Ana Maria holds a Master’s degree from the London School of Economics and pursued doctoral studies at University College London.

Mustapha Shehu is the Executive Secretary of the Katsina State Development Management Board and a former State Project Coordinator for the AGILE Project in Katsina. A trained monitoring and evaluation specialist and education planner, he brings deep expertise in Education Management Information Systems (EMIS) and strategic education planning frameworks such as MTSS, SESP, and SESOP. He has extensive experience in environmental and social safeguards, donor-funded project oversight, and capacity building aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and gender-based violence (GBV) prevention and awareness. His career includes key roles with UNICEF, the World Bank, and UNFPA, and he is an alumnus of London Business School and UNESCO’s International Institute for Educational Planning.

Dr. Anita Kemi DaSilva-Ibru is a consultant specialist in obstetrics and gynecology and a public health physician with over three decades of experience across three continents, dedicated to improving women’s health and gender equality. She founded the Women at Risk International Foundation (WARIF), a leading non-profit addressing sexual violence, rape, and human trafficking in Nigeria and across Africa, providing free, survivor-centered services and driving education and community initiatives for system change. 

She serves as Co-Chairperson of the UN ACT Program Global Steering Committee on Ending Violence against Women and sits on Nigeria’s Presidential High-Level Advisory Council supporting women. Recognitions include Forbes 50 Over 50 EMEA (2024), CNN COVID Hero, Nigeria’s National Council of Women Affairs’ Award of Excellence, Gold Award Thought Leader of the Year (2023), Silver Award Women Changing the World (2024), and Women Economic Empowerment Policy Champion (2025). She holds fellowships (FAPH, FAWASOG), is a WIHCN founding member, and serves on the Institute of Directors, Nigeria Health Committee.

Ummi is a gender rights activist and film maker with over ten years’ experience working in the development sector. Ummi is the founder and Programmes Director of PAGED Initiative an NGO that specializes in using media for advocacy to meet community needs. Ummi is the director of the award winning documentary Uprooted and several other film projects. She 

has been involved in the conceptualization design and implementation of several participatory development and media and advocacy projects.

Her core area of expertise is media advocacy and gender mainstreaming in the media, she strongly believes in providing a platform for direct voices especially for the underrepresented in Society with a core focus on underserved women and girls.

Dr Anyanti is a graduate of Medicine from Obafemi Awolowo University, Nigeria, and a Public Health expert with over two decades of experience in health advocacy, research, and programming funded by international donors. She has worked with local and international organisations in implementing public health interventions, participated in several health policy technical working groups, and serves on the boards of national and international health organisations. She specialises in applying public health principles to the design and evaluation of strategic behavioural communication, health systems strengthening, FP/MNCH, and HIV/AIDS/STI prevention programmes. She is interested in developing user-friendly M&E systems and has contributed to MERL system design in Nigeria.

A well-published author/co-author of over 70 peer-reviewed articles, she is a dedicated mentor and results-driven manager. Dr Anyanti is the Deputy Managing Director (Strategy and Technical) at the Society for Family Health, a Fellow of the West African Academy of Public Health, the recipient of the 2023 Physician of the Year Special Recognition Award, and the 2nd Vice President of the Healthcare Federation of Nigeria.

Nausheen is a research analyst at the World Bank specializing in impact evaluation, policy analysis, and data-driven research in fragile and conflict-affected contexts. She has worked on projects in Nigeria, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Egypt, and Tunisia, focusing on governance, education, and poverty reduction. Her work spans the full cycle of impact evaluations—from study design and survey development to data analysis, dissemination, and policy engagement with governments and donors. She previously worked with the Khan Foundation in Bangladesh on governance and rights initiatives and represented civil society at UN forums. Nausheen holds a Master’s in International Development Policy from Georgetown University and studied Social Innovation in a Digital Context at Lund University.

Oluwaseyi is a social scientist and a Research Consultant with the World Bank Group, where she supports gender-responsive research and strategy across global initiatives. She works jointly with the Development Impact Department and the Gender Group, contributing to two complementary streams of work: generating evidence on gender norms interventions through entertainment media and digital campaigns, and supporting the implementation of the World Bank Gender Strategy 2024-2030 through strategic partnerships.

Oluwaseyi is completing a Ph.D. in Geography and Environment at Western University, where her research examines the intersections of gender, climate change, and food security in Northern Nigeria. She holds an M.Sc. from the University of Oxford and dual Bachelor’s degrees in Economics & African Studies and Psychology from Carleton University

Abiodun plays a key role in structuring and executing investments that advance sustainable infrastructure and energy access across emerging markets. With over a decade of experience in finance and development, Abiodun has led strategic initiatives including the IFC DARES Platform, a $200 million blended finance program supporting decentralized renewable energy solutions in West and Central Africa. His work focuses on leveraging private capital to deliver inclusive, climate-resilient growth. Abiodun was appointed to the United Nations Technical Working Group on Finance and Investment for the High-Level Dialogue on Energy, contributing to global strategies for achieving SDG7 and net-zero emissions. He holds the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation and is recognized for his leadership in impact investing and public-private partnerships that drive transformational change in underserved communities.

Erikan is a global investor and creator on a mission to increase the wealth of Africans through edutainment. She is the Founder and Owner of Audacity Assets, a cultural asset management firm investing in venture capital, private equity, and real estate worldwide. She also serves as CEO of Audacity Entertainment, a media company that distributes viral live streams, shows, and films on social media.

Erikan was a Gates Foundation–funded malaria researcher in Northern Nigeria and a National Science Foundation–funded scientist focused on curing HIV. Today, she is a trade and investment advisor to the Mayor of Los Angeles and an alum of Microsoft, LinkedIn, Condé Nast, UCSF, and SFDPH. She earned a B.A. in Human Biology from Claremont McKenna College.

A barrister turned investment banker and private equity professional with over 15 years of experience in corporate finance, championing catalytic commercial capital across Africa, Asia, and the Middle East. Currently serving as Vice President at Kuramo Capital Management LLC, an $800 million multi-asset investment firm, they focus on unlocking capital for African businesses and SME-focused funds that improve the lives of young Africans and women while delivering strong investor returns. An expert in transaction structuring, portfolio construction, investment manager selection, capital raising, value creation, and exit strategy design, they lead investment teams, monitor portfolio companies and funds, and manage investor relations across New York, Lagos, Nairobi, and beyond. With a proven track record in engineering tailored debt and equity instruments for African SMEs, they have strengthened investor reporting, ESG tracking, and governance structures. A frequent speaker and panelist at industry forums, they advise on fundraising, investment strategies, and the evolution of private capital in Africa—and are deeply passionate about mentoring the next generation of finance professionals and African entrepreneurs.

Ojoma Ochai is the Managing Director of CcHUB, one of Africa’s leading creative and innovation ecosystem enablers, and co-founder of its Creative Economy Practice. She serves on UNESCO’s Global Expert Panel on the 2005 Convention on Cultural Expressions and the Global Reference Group on Diversity of Cultural Expressions in the Digital Environment, contributing to global policy on the creative economy and emerging technologies like AI.

As a 2023 Rockefeller Bellagio Center Resident, Ojoma researched the impact of AI and Blockchain on creative economy policy in Africa. With nearly 20 years of experience spanning international cultural relations and digital economy leadership, she has worked with the British Council, Swedish Arts Council, World Bank, and several national governments.

She also serves on various boards, including ₿ Trust—founded by Jay-Z and Jack Dorsey—to support Bitcoin development in Africa and beyond.

Oyinkansola “Foza” Fawehinmi is a creative industrialist and entertainment lawyer with a multifaceted career spanning entertainment law, business, and industry development. She is the Founder and Lead Consultant of Zaeda Oracle Limited, an award-winning entertainment law and management consultancy transforming the film and music industries for creatives and investors alike.

Over the past decade, Foza has become one of Africa’s most respected legal voices in the creative sector. In 2022, she received The Future Awards Africa (TFAA) Prize for Lawyers, recognizing her outstanding achievements and sustained commitment to the growth of Africa’s entertainment ecosystem. Her work has earned both local and international recognition, including her appointment as a Voting Member of the Grammy Recording Academy.

A graduate of Babcock University (Nigeria), the Nigerian Law School, and the Quantic School of Business and Technology (Washington, D.C.), Foza combines legal acumen with strategic business insight to navigate and shape the evolving creative economy.

Oluwaseun Dania is a Nigerian entrepreneur, technology innovator, and advocate for edutainment as a catalyst for social transformation. As Managing Director of Alpha-Geek Technologies, he develops cutting-edge solutions at the intersection of fintech, blockchain, and artificial intelligence to address Africa’s social and economic challenges. He produced Nimbe, an acclaimed social-impact film that explores substance abuse, peer influence, and community resilience. Featured in the 2019 Global Impact Report by the Friendship Ambassadors Foundation and streamed on Netflix for five years, Nimbe reached global audiences and sparked vital conversations on youth development. Oluwaseun contributes to Nigeria’s National Artificial Intelligence Strategy and participates in UN-led dialogues on ethical and inclusive AI governance. His work bridges technology, media, and education to drive equitable growth and sustainable impact across Africa. He holds a B.Sc. in Electronics and Computer Engineering from Lagos State University and has completed executive programs at Wharton, Harvard, and London Business School.

Habibah Waziri is a pan-African strategist and ecosystem builder advancing economic development through systems, platforms, and partnerships across Africa. She serves as Managing Director of BGR Consulting, which operates in Nigeria, Rwanda, and Ghana, where she has led talent development strategies and business growth roadmaps for startups, MSMEs, and multinationals. Her initiatives have upskilled over 5,000 professionals and driven expansion across sectors including technology, natural resources, and telecommunications.

She is also the Co-Founder of the HERitage Collective, a bold community closing the gap between access and ambition for emerging African women leaders. Launched at the UN General Assembly and showcased at HER.Circle—the continent’s largest women’s leadership gathering—the initiative redefines access and influence in business, development, and diplomacy.

Through public speaking and advisory roles across Nigeria, Rwanda, and the UK, Habibah champions women’s leadership and inclusion as essential to Africa’s sustainable growth and global competitiveness.

Lilian Olubi is a multifaceted leader and seasoned finance and investment professional with 25 years of experience in Nigeria’s capital markets, driving growth and transformation across organizations at all stages. She co-founded and led an equities trading firm that was later acquired by a global financial services group, where she served as CEO of its Nigeria arm until January 2025, strengthening the firm’s market presence and strategic positioning.

A passionate advocate for civic responsibility, Lilian champions social enterprises, SMEs, and the creative economy as catalysts for sustainable growth. She is the Founder and CEO of Gold Lilies Global Services, a platform advancing Africa’s creative industries through business and financial advisory, as well as film and stage production. Its acclaimed stage play Osamede sold out 12 performances and was adapted into a feature film that premiered at Cannes, with a global release across four continents.

Lilian is also the Co-Founder of the Drug Aid Africa Initiative and serves on multiple corporate boards, including the Nigerian Exchange Limited. A respected thought leader, she has been a boardroom judge on The Next Titan Nigeria for eight consecutive seasons.

Biola Alabi is an investor, venture builder, and media executive with over 20 years of experience advancing innovation across Africa. She is an Investment Partner at Delta40, a venture studio supporting early-stage climate, fintech, and agtech startups, and a General Partner at Acasia Ventures, where she backs transformative founders across emerging markets.

She has invested in over 50 startups through Delta40, Acasia, and as an angel investor. Biola also serves on the boards of Pulse Africa, Akili Network, and the Lagos Angel Network, where she is Deputy Chair.

A recognized thought leader, Biola has spoken at the AVCA Conference, Africa Prosperity Summit, Moonshot by Africa, and the World Economic Forum. She is a Yale World Fellow and a WEF Young Global Leader, with a strong focus on capital formation, creative economy financing, and inclusive innovation across Africa.

Abasiama is a distinguished technology entrepreneur and venture capitalist with extensive experience investing in African tech companies. Recognized by the UN-backed MIPAD (Most Influential People of African Descent) Top 100 and France’s Choiseul Institute as a Top 200 Under-40 Young Economic Leader in Africa, he is celebrated for his visionary leadership.

Under Idaresit’s guidance, Wild Fusion Holdings has diversified to include a Central Bank-licensed Agency Bank focused on Fintech-led financial inclusion, a Technology venture capital subsidiary, a Digital Training Centre, and a Digital Marketing agency network spanning Nigeria, Ghana, and Kenya.

Beyond his executive role, Mr. Idaresit serves on the Board of LEAP Africa, a youth-focused non-profit supported by Mastercard and the Gates Foundation, demonstrating his commitment to fostering youth leadership and development across the continent. His entrepreneurial spirit, strategic vision, and dedication to social impact establishes him as one of the leaders in African business and philanthropy.

Sade Dada is the Head of Public Policy for Anglophone West Africa at Meta, where she drives policy strategy, stakeholder engagement, and regulatory dialogue to advance safe, inclusive, and equitable digital environments across the region. She is an ICT policy professional with experience across the public sector, industry associations, and global corporations, giving her holistic perspective on the policy and regulatory levers that accelerate digital transformation and broadband connectivity. Sade holds a JD focused on ICT law, policy, and governance; an MA in Telecommunications focused on economics, business, and policy; and a BA in Journalism. She is also deeply engaged in civic leadership. As a former state office candidate, she brings strong organizing and advocacy experience to advancing technology for social good.

Adekunle oversees the investment division at MBO Capital Management, bringing over 15 years of experience spanning investment banking, consulting, telecommunications, operations management, and private equity. Before joining MBO Capital, he served as Corporate Finance Manager at PwC Nigeria, providing advisory on both buy-side and sell-side transactions. He previously held roles at Access Bank plc, first as Head of Private Equity and later as Team Lead in the Financial Markets Division. His international experience includes working with Lehman Brothers in New York and DHL in London. Adekunle began his career as a research analyst at Analysys, a UK-based telecommunications consultancy. He holds an MBA in Finance from the Kellogg School of Management and an MA/MEng in Manufacturing Engineering from the University of Cambridge.

Folajimi is an Assistant Vice President in MBO Capital’s investment division. He has over 13 years of legal and investment banking experience.

Prior to joining MBO Capital Management Limited, Folajimi worked in the Investment Banking division of FBNQuest Merchant Bank where he provided financial and structuring advice to clients in sectors such as Power, Oil & gas and infrastructure seeking to raise project and corporate finance from banks, development financial institutions and other multilateral investment guarantee agencies.

He also worked as an associate in the corporate commercial department of Aluko & Oyebode.

Folajimi holds a Law degree from the University of Reading, an LL.M in International Banking and Finance from University College London and a Masters in International Business and Global Affairs from the International University of Monaco.

Samer leads infrastructure investment efforts across Anglophone Africa. Based in London, Samer brings a strong background in energy, economics, and private sector development. Since joining IFC in 2020, he has contributed to upstream and investment projects in energy, utilities, and creative industries, including initiatives to expand digital production infrastructure in Africa. His work emphasizes innovative financing solutions that drive inclusive growth and sustainable development. Prior to IFC, Samer worked at Sia Partners in London and Castalia in Paris, advising on regulatory strategy, financial modeling, and investment planning. He holds a Master’s degree in International Economics, Energy, and Middle East Studies from Johns Hopkins SAIS, and a Bachelor’s in Business and Economics from the University of Bologna. Samer is passionate about leveraging private capital to address development challenges in emerging markets.

Eniola Mafe-Abaga is the Global Advocacy and Partnerships Director at Bridges to Prosperity (B2P), where she leads global advocacy strategies, cross-sectoral partnerships, and multilateral engagement to elevate rural connectivity as a core driver of inclusive development. She has 15+ years of experience shaping systems change, sustainable development, and strategic partnerships in emerging markets. Previously, she led the World Economic Forum’s global advocacy coalitions — including 2030Vision — mobilizing governments, UN agencies, and major technology companies to accelerate progress on the Sustainable Development Goals. Eniola is also the co-founder of #TheNewNigerian, a civic movement that emerged during #EndSARS. She has been recognized among OkayAfrica’s 100 Women in Africa and Foreign Policy’s “99 Under 33.”

Oler Oladele is an Accounting graduate and CFA Charterholder, with over 17 years of experience spanning treasury, money markets, fixed income, corporate strategy, and now financial education. She is the founder of the Money Wit Club, The Money Wit School, and The Money Wit Media—a financial education ecosystem dedicated to empowering individuals with financial literacy, economic education, and access to opportunities. Through her work, Oler has impacted over 10,000 individuals across the world and provided financial education services to leading organizations including Shell Nigeria, Banwo & Ighodalo, and Coronation. 

An IFC-LPI Certified Trainer, she serves as faculty at Tekedia Mini MBA and Joseph Business School Lagos, where she teaches on financial markets, the economy, and investments. She is also an alumna of the Oxford Executive Leadership Programme. In 2024, Oler received the Global Entrepreneurship Festival Award, and her insights have been featured on BBC Africa, Her Network, Arise TV, Channels TV, among others. 

She enjoys reading, swimming and boxing in her spare time and is married with two boys.

Wale Adeosun, CFA, is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Kuramo Capital Management, an independent private investment firm deploying catalytic commercial capital into high-growth African businesses. Under his leadership, Kuramo has catalyzed over $3.5 billion for companies across 30 countries in Sub-Saharan Africa, and manages the $800 million Kuramo Africa Opportunity Funds. Wale previously served as Treasurer and CIO at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, and as Managing Director in the Investments Group at the MacArthur Foundation. He has served on President Obama’s Advisory Council on Doing Business in Africa and was named LP Person of the Year in 2024 at the Private Equity Awards Africa. He holds a BA in Economics and Business Administration, an MBA in Finance, and is a CFA charterholder.

Chizoba “Chii” Onoh is an economics and development professional currently working with the World Bank Group in Country Advisory and Economics for North, West, and Central Africa. She previously served as Senior Special Assistant to the Governor of Enugu State on Infrastructure Investment and Climate Finance and as Climate Infrastructure Finance Advisor at the UK Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office. Chii has also contributed as an Investment Committee Member for the Clean Energy Local Currency Fund. She holds advanced training in European Climate Policy and EU Financial Markets from the University of Leicester and is pursuing a PhD in Economics at Nile University of Nigeria, having studied the History of Economic Thought at the University of Oxford. Her work focuses on sustainable development, financial inclusion, and climate finance in emerging markets.

Dr. Toyosi Akerele-Ogunsiji is a leading African voice in Artificial Intelligence for Development, EdTech, Media Innovation, and Policy Strategy. As the Founder of Rise Networks and Rise Interactive Studios, she drives AI governance, workforce transformation, and inclusive digital opportunities across Africa.

A Harvard Kennedy School alumna and Ph.D. holder in Defense and Strategic Studies from the Nigerian Defense Academy, her research examines the implications of artificial intelligence on Nigeria’s national and economic security. Under her leadership, Rise Networks launched West Africa’s first career chatbot and conducted a UK-FCDO–commissioned study on AI for border governance. Rise Interactive Studios also produced MAKEMATION (2025), Africa’s first AI-themed feature film, which has earned global acclaim for redefining African storytelling.

Recognized by Forbes as one of Africa’s 20 Most Powerful Young Women and by Swiss Cognitive as a Top 30 Global AI Ambassador, Dr. Toyosi serves on the UNDP #AI4Dev Reference Group and the AI for Public Interest Working Group at the 2025 French Government AI Action Summit.

Sam is a research scientist working at the intersection of computer science and the social sciences, using the digitization of daily life to study human behavior at unprecedented scale. His work has been published in Science, PNAS, Science Advances, and leading computer science conferences such as ACL, EMNLP, and ICWSM, and featured in The Wall Street Journal, The Economist, The Washington Post, Axios, and an award-winning documentary. At the World Bank’s Development Impact Evaluation Department (DIME), he develops machine learning methods and applications to scale development impact. He is also a visiting researcher at NYU Computer Science and a fellow at MIT Connection Science, where he advances the use of data and technology to address global challenges.

He directs the Computational Social Listening Lab, where his group builds predictive models and conversational agents to uncover insights into health outcomes and psychological states of individuals and communities. This research aims to supplement clinical diagnoses and facilitate early, personalized interventions to improve treatments and well-being. He develops computational models using large-scale user-generated text, image, and mobile sensor data to explore geospatial, cross-cultural, and temporal dimensions of human behavior. His work has been featured by the American Psychological Association, WIRED, Canadian Broadcasting Corporation, The Atlantic, U.S. News, and other prominent outlets.

Tomas is an education economist specializing in data-driven decision-making, impact evaluation, and large-scale survey design. He leads government engagement in Sierra Leone, working closely with the Ministry of Basic and Senior Secondary Education and the Teaching Service Commission to strengthen the use of data in education policy and teacher management. His work focuses on enhancing education systems through data, technology, and AI-driven tools, and on translating evidence into actionable strategies that improve learning outcomes. He co-leads the design and delivery of rigorous impact evaluations, the programming and implementation of large-scale survey instruments, and the management and analysis of education data. Tomas holds a master’s degree in economics from University College London and has taught at Middlesex University London.

Sharif works on AI product and research strategy, managing ImpactAI—a Google.org–funded evidence synthesis platform—and leading projects on LLM bias evaluation and machine-augmented social science. He coordinates partnerships, drives product development, and supports policy uptake through applied AI research. His prior experience includes consulting at Cairneagle, education strategy with the Aga Khan Development Network, and policy research with UNDP. Sharif is committed to advancing equitable, evidence-based solutions through AI and data. He holds a Master’s in International Affairs from Columbia University (SIPA), specializing in economic development and data analytics, and a first-class honors degree from the London School of Economics.

With a deep passion for creativity, education, and youth empowerment, Osaru Alile’s work spans multiple design disciplines under one guiding question: “How can we make this better?” She actively seeks opportunities to foster collaboration and unlock the growth potential of the people and places she encounters.

With over 20 years of experience in interior design, Osaru’s portfolio includes mixed-use developments, hospitality projects, commercial workspaces, retail, and residential spaces. Together with her team, she has delivered more than 150,000 square meters of distinctive spatial solutions. Her influence, however, extends well beyond interior design—she plays a dynamic role in fashion retail, product design, and the “design as a social activator” movement.

Osaru’s journey has been a natural response to the evolving needs of the creative industry, driven by a mission to tell authentic African stories through design while pushing artistic and cultural boundaries. A proudly pro-African creative force, her tenacity, innovation, and commitment to service have earned her features in Architectural Digest, Design Edit, Netflix, and House Beautiful Magazine.

DDK is the Managing Partner of Delmedia Productions, Nigeria’s leading narrative change company, and the Founder of Velocity Immersive Studios — a mediatech venture designed to leapfrog Nigeria’s creative economy infrastructure challenges by harnessing AI and game engine technology to amplify revenue and innovation across the creative value chain. An Eisenhower Fellow and Impact Producer, DDK began her career as a Writer, Producer, and Director on some of Africa’s most iconic television shows, including Tinsel, Jara, Date My Family, 53Xtra, and Viacom’s pan-African hit The Big Friday Show with Basketmouth on MTV Base.

Formerly the Executive Producer at Discovery Communications’ impact arm, Discovery Learning Alliance, Delmwa now leads efforts to build a mediatech ecosystem that integrates AI and virtual immersive tools to drive socio-economic mobility and empower marginalized communities across gender and economic divides.

Obinna Okerekeocha is a multidisciplinary creative leader with over a decade of experience in Nigeria’s advertising and design industry, where he helped build major brands. He has worked across TV, film, energy, branding, and philanthropy, notably as Brand Programs Manager at the Tony Elumelu Foundation, contributing to its $100M Entrepreneurship Programme. As the founding Creative Director of REDTV, he shaped a pan-African entertainment platform supporting young creators. Currently, he serves as Director of Content at Moniepoint Inc., a microfinance bank driving financial inclusion for African SMEs. A filmmaker, musician, and storyteller, Obinna thrives on shifting creative paradigms to stay relevant in a tech-driven world, while building vibrant creative communities across the continent.

Engr. Tobore Oru is a cyber and policy expert with 15+ years’ experience in the global energy industry, specializing in digital transformation and governance, petroleum data infrastructure, cybersecurity, and advising senior government leaders. He is currently providing expert advice to the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas). He serves as the National Security Adviser (NSA) to the President’s point-of-contact (POC) for cybersecurity in the oil and gas sector, overseeing collaboration with the National Cybersecurity Command Center (NCCC) and developing and overseeing implementation of all cyber-related policy programs for Nigeria’s oil and gas sector. 

He is an active member of the UN Internet Governance Forum (IGF) Policy Network on Artificial Intelligence (PNAI), coauthored its report on multistakeholder AI governance, and participates in the IGF Internet Rights and Principles Coalition (IRPC). He led a UN Global Digital Compact study on AI and Cross-Border Data Flows (CBDF). He holds a B.Eng., MSc., MBA, multiple certificates, and led the SPE Abuja data science study group (Apr 2024–Jul 2025).

Tinsley Galyean was among the first ten Ph.D. graduates from the MIT Media Lab and has spent decades pioneering children’s media and user experience design. He holds multiple patents and has created innovative media experiences for Disney, Warner Brothers, and Discovery Kids—earning an Emmy nomination for his work. As CEO and Co-Founder of Curious Learning, a global nonprofit, he’s driven by a mission to ensure every child has the opportunity to learn to read. Tinsley’s ever present curiosity fuels his latest book, Reframe: How Curiosity and Literacy Can Redefine Us, which explores how these powerful forces can shape individuals and societies. His work continues to push the boundaries of learning, technology, and human potential.

Dr. Stephanie Gottwald is Co-founder and VP of Content and Research at Curious Learning, a global nonprofit committed to making literacy education accessible to all. She led the adaptation of the award-winning app Feed the Monster into 50 languages, helping millions of children in marginalized communities learn to read. Before Curious Learning, she directed clinical research at Tufts University’s Center for Reading and Language Research and trained thousands of teachers in the science of reading. She holds a Ph.D. in Linguistics and Literacy from Tufts and co-authored Tales of Literacy for the 21st Century with Dr. Maryanne Wolf. Dr. Gottwald is a widely published researcher and international consultant on effective literacy programs.

Dr. Olubayo is a globally recognised artificial intelligence expert and innovation strategist, widely acknowledged as a leading voice in Africa’s AI-for-development landscape. With over 24 years of executive and technical experience, he leads transformative work as Founder of Data Science Nigeria and Co-Founder of EqualyzAI, where he champions inclusive, agentic AI tailored for emerging markets.

He holds a PhD from the University of London, with further executive training at Columbia, INSEAD and ETH Zurich. His AI innovations have earned international accolades from UNESCO Top 100 AI product and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Global Grand Challenge. Adekanmbi previously led data, analytics and innovation as a C-level executive at Africa's 2 largest telecommunication companies, MTN Nigeria and Airtel Africa UK - Africa’s two largest telecommunications companies - serving more than 300 million users across over 30 countries.

A key contributor to Nigeria’s National AI Strategy, he actively engages with global tech leaders such as Google, Meta, Microsoft, Nvidia and GSMA. He is also a published scholar and highly ranked data scientist dedicated to advancing Africa’s AI talent, innovation and policy ecosystem.

Peter Akinnusi is the Head of Programmes at TechHer, a social enterprise advancing women and girls through technology via training, mentoring, and research. With strong editorial and content expertise, he specializes in digital media, capacity building, and persuasive communication. He has led trainings for Google, Facebook, Voice of America, Access Bank, and various government ministries on social media, governance, and education. Peter has also supported initiatives by the European Union’s RoLAC, Hivos, and the Ford Foundation, focusing on ending gender-based violence. Passionate about leveraging digital tools for impact, he brings creativity, empathy, and technical acumen to advancing social and humanitarian causes.