The Speakers
Get inspired by a distinguished lineup of speakers, including Heads of State, government leaders, private sector innovators, and development experts. These influential voices will share insights, strategies, and real-world solutions driving agricultural transformation and job creation across Africa.
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Day 1: Monday, 7 July 2025
High-Level Opening Ceremony & Official Commemoration of Africa Integration Day – Pan African Hall - 09:00AM ~ 09:30AM
Her Excellency Muferihat Kamil currently serves as the first Minister of Labor and Skills of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia. Prior to this role, she made history as Ethiopia’s first Minister of Peace in 2018, where she led and coordinated six of the country’s major security institutions. From November 2009 to October 2011, she served as Minister of Women’s Affairs. In the House of Peoples' Representatives, she has held several prominent positions, including serving as the first female Speaker of the House from April to October 2018. Her other parliamentary roles have included Government Assistant Whip (with the rank of State Minister) and Chair of the Transportation Standing Committee. Beyond her parliamentary duties, H.E. Muferihat has contributed to leadership development and governance, notably serving as Vice President of the Meles Zenawi Leadership Academy and as a Social Affairs Adviser to the Prime Minister. Her academic background includes a Master’s degree in Transformation and Change Management from Greenwich University (London, 2012), a Postgraduate Diploma in Gender Development from the University of Antwerp in Brussels, and a Bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Extension from Haramaya University. Before joining federal institutions, she held several leadership roles at the regional level, including Deputy Head of the Southern Nations, Nationalities, and Peoples’ Region (SNNPR) Women’s Affairs Bureau, Head of Community Participation and Movement in Silte Zone, and Head of the Cooperative Office in Abeshge Woreda, Gurage Zone. She also served as an Advisor to the President of SNNPR. Her Excellency is widely recognized for her leadership in governance, gender equality, and institutional transformation in Ethiopia.
Her Excellency Muferihat Kamil
Minister of Labor and Skills, Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia
Mr. Mulualem Syoum Founder & CEO, AeTrade Group Mulualem Syoum is a digital economy strategist, fintech innovator, and Founder & CEO of the AeTrade Group. With over 30 years of experience in technology, cybersecurity, and institutional transformation, he leads one of Africa’s most ambitious digital trade and financial inclusion ecosystems. Mr. Syoum’s vision for AeTrade Group stems from his belief that public-private collaboration, youth and women entrepreneurship, and digital innovation are essential to Africa’s prosperity. Under his leadership, the AeTrade ecosystem has launched flagship initiatives such as Sokokuu.Africa, AeTrust (a multipayment and remittance platform), and the Africa Strategic Investment Alliance (ASIA), an SME finance aggregator. These platforms collectively aim to create millions of jobs and expand cross-border market access. Prior to founding AeTrade, Mr. Syoum served as Chief Information Technology Officer at the Multilateral Fund for the Implementation of the Montreal Protocol. He led efforts to enhance cybersecurity resilience, business continuity, and risk mitigation across multiple UN-supported environmental programs. Earlier in his career, he co-founded Micro-net Inc. in Montreal, which later merged with Cronomagic to become a regional leader in enterprise software and compliance consulting for international institutions. He holds a Master of Science in Information Systems Management from Roehampton University in London and certifications in Enterprise Risk Management from Harvard University, as well as credentials in global information security governance. Mr. Syoum continues to be a pan-African voice for digitally enabled, inclusive growth and institutional cooperation that accelerates sustainable development.
Mr. Mulualem Syoum
Founder & CEO, AeTrade Group.
H.E. Mahmoud Youssouf (Djibouti) is the former Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation and Government Spokesperson of the Republic of Djibouti where he served since 2005. During this time, he led the implementation of the Foreign Policy, managed and led international relations, agreements and cooperation with states and international organizations. From 2001 to 2005, H.E. Youssouf served as the Minister Delegate for International Cooperation at the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation. Prior to this position, from 1997 to 2001, he served as the plenipotentiary and Extraordinary Ambassador of the Republic of Djibouti to Egypt and Permanent Representative to the Arab League of States. At the same time, he served as the Non-Resident Ambassador plenipotentiary and Extraordinary of the Republic of Djibouti to Sudan, Lebanon, Syria and Turkey. He has also served as both the Chairperson of the Council of Ministers of the Arab League and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC). In the earlier years, he served as the Director of the Department of the Arab world and Deputy Director of the Directorate for International Organizations, among key other roles. He has a Master’s in Management from the University of Laval, Canada.
H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf
Chairperson, African Union Commission (AUC)
Plenary Panel I: Catalyzing Digital and Financial Inclusion in Agricultural Value Chains (ARBE/AeTrade Group) – Pan African Hall - 09:30AM ~ 11:00AM
His Excellency Moses Vilakati brings more than three decades of public service, agricultural leadership, and policy innovation to his current role as African Union Commissioner for Agriculture, Rural Development, Blue Economy, and Sustainable Environment. Elected to this post in 2025, he guides continental strategies to promote climate resilience, food sovereignty, and inclusive rural transformation.
H.E. Moses Vilakati
Commissioner for Agriculture, Rural Development, Blue Economy, and Sustainable Environment, African Union Commission (AUC)
To be added
Mr. Chiluba Mwape
Senior Advisor SPS , African Union Commission
H.E. Dr. Sofia Kassa is a distinguished agricultural researcher and leader, holding a PhD in soil sciences. She currently serves as a state minister at the Ministry of Agriculture, where she leads the Agricultural Investment and Input Supply Development sector.
H.E. Dr. Sofia Kassa
State Minister, Ministry of Agriculture, Ethiopia, Agricultural researcher and leader
Ms. Maureen Sumbwe is a Zambian business leader, entrepreneur, and advocate for women’s economic empowerment. She currently serves as the Chairperson of the COMESA Federation of Women in Business (COMFWB) in Zambia and plays a key role in promoting gender-inclusive trade and private sector development across the COMESA region.
Ms. Maureen Sumbwe
Chairperson, COMESA Federation of Women in Business, Zambian business leader, entrepreneur, and advocate for women’s economic empowerment
Nicholas Mudungwe is the Executive Director of the African Leather and Leather Products Institute (ALLPI), a specialized COMESA institution working to develop Africa’s leather sector for industrial growth and job creation. With over 30 years of experience in regional value chain development, Mr. Mudungwe has worked across Africa, the Caribbean, and the Pacific to advance inclusive, export-oriented industries.
Mr. Nicholas Mudungwe
Executive Director, African Leather and Leather Products Institute (ALLPI), COMESA
Plenary Panel II : The Africa Strategic Investment Alliance High Level Dialogue (AeTrade Group) - Pan African Hall - 11:30AM ~ 1:00PM
Dr. Monique Nsanzabaganwa is the first woman to hold the position of Deputy Chairperson of the African Union Commission (AUC). With over two decades of experience in public policy, institutional reform, and financial inclusion, she leads the Commission’s work on administration, strategic partnerships, and implementation of Agenda 2063.
H.E. Dr. Monique Nsanzabaganwa
Former Deputy Chairperson, African Union Commission (AUC), ASIA Advisory Board Member
H.E. Ahmed Shide has served as Ethiopia’s Minister of Finance since October 2018, leading the country’s economic reform agenda aimed at enhancing private sector participation and improving economic efficiency. He previously held cabinet positions as Minister of Transport and Minister of Government Communication Affairs, and earlier served for over eight years as State Minister at the Ministry of Finance and Economic Development, where he played a central role in regional integration and international economic cooperation. A long-time public servant, Minister Shide is also a member of the Ethiopian Federal Parliament. He holds a Master of Arts in Participation, Development and Social Change from the University of Sussex, an MBA from Greenwich University, and a Postgraduate Diploma in Managing Rural Resources and Conflicts from the Institute of Social Studies in The Hague. His leadership continues to shape Ethiopia’s fiscal policy, investment climate, and sustainable development trajectory.
H.E. Ahmed Shide
Minister, Ministry of Finance, Ethiopia
Prof. Amb. Charles Murigande is a distinguished academic, diplomat, and statesman from Rwanda with extensive experience in public service, international affairs, and higher education. He is currently a Board Member of the Africa e-Trade Group (AeTrade Group), where he provides strategic oversight for digital trade transformation and youth-focused economic development across Africa.
Ambassador Professor Charles Murigande
Vice Chairperson, AeTrade Group Board, Distinguished Academic, Diplomat, and Statesman from Rwanda
Yihenew Zewdie has 20 years of post-PhD professional experience at a senior level working in different international research and development organisations based in Africa and Europe in the spheres of development programme monitoring, knowledge management, and policy brokering in a wide range of themes, including resilience building, food security, agricultural science and technology partnerships, natural resource management, and agricultural value chains. For over four years since the late 2010 Yihenew worked in diverse programme development and management capacities for the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) based in Ethiopia, where he supported the recognition of the pastoral livestock insurance agenda in Ethiopia’s evolving agricultural policy review processes and played a leading part in the mobilisation of resources for the expansion of ILRI’s operations in livestock insurance in Ethiopia and poultry research-for-development in Southeast Asia.
Dr. Yihenew Zewdie
AGRA’s Representative to Ethiopia and the African Union
Mr. Mesfin Tasew was appointed as Group Chief Executive Officer of Ethiopian Airlines in March 2022. He joined Ethiopian in 1984 as Associate Engineer and progressed through the ladder and served in supervisorial and managerial positions in the Aircraft Maintenance and Engineering areas. In 1997 and 1999, he was appointed as Director Operations & Technical Systems Support and Chief Information Officer, respectively. In 2006, he was appointed as Vice President of Maintenance and Engineering. Mr. Mesfin also served as Chief Operating Officer of Ethiopian Airlines from 2010 – 2021, and Chief Executive Officer of ASKY Airlines from April 2021 to March 2022. Mr. Mesfin also serves as a member of the International Air Transport Association (IATA) Board of Governors. He holds BSC and MSc Degrees in Electrical Engineering from Addis Ababa University. He also holds Master’s in Business Administration (MBA) from Open University in the UK.
Mr. Mesfin Tasew
Chief Executive Officer of Ethiopian Airlines
Dr. Eskinder Asfaw serves as Vice President for Wholesale Banking at the Commercial Bank of Ethiopia, bringing over 14 years of banking experience to the role. He holds a PhD in Strategy and Risk Management, as well as an MBA and a BA in Business. His expertise spans corporate banking, strategic planning, and financial risk management Bottom of Form.
Dr. Eskinder Asfaw
Vice President, Wholesale Banking
Commercial Bank of Ethiopia (CBE)
Temesgen is the Chief Transformation Officer at Awash Bank S.C., with over 20 years of experience in the financial services industry. His areas of expertise include strategy development, transformation and change management, risk management and compliance, credit appraisal, project analysis, organizational development, system analysis and design, and performance management. Temesgen holds a Master’s degree in Business Administration (MBA) and a Bachelor’s degree in Management, both from Addis Ababa University.
Temesgen Busha Gemechu
Chief Transformation Officer
Awash Bank S.C., Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Mr. Marc Gauthier serves as Corporate Treasurer and Chief Investment Officer at Concordia University in Montreal, where he oversees the institution’s financial health through leadership in capital management, risk oversight, and long-term investment strategy.
Mr. Marc Gauthier
Treasurer Concordia University, Montreal, Canada, ASIA Advisory Board Member
To be added
TBC
Representative of the African Development Bank
To be added
Dr. Tsotetsi Makong
Director Programmes, Representative of the Secretary General, AfCFTA Secretariat
Mr. Mulualem Syoum Founder & CEO, AeTrade Group Mulualem Syoum is a digital economy strategist, fintech innovator, and Founder & CEO of the AeTrade Group. With over 30 years of experience in technology, cybersecurity, and institutional transformation, he leads one of Africa’s most ambitious digital trade and financial inclusion ecosystems. Mr. Syoum’s vision for AeTrade Group stems from his belief that public-private collaboration, youth and women entrepreneurship, and digital innovation are essential to Africa’s prosperity. Under his leadership, the AeTrade ecosystem has launched flagship initiatives such as Sokokuu.Africa, AeTrust (a multipayment and remittance platform), and the Africa Strategic Investment Alliance (ASIA), an SME finance aggregator. These platforms collectively aim to create millions of jobs and expand cross-border market access. Prior to founding AeTrade, Mr. Syoum served as Chief Information Technology Officer at the Multilateral Fund for the Implementation of the Montreal Protocol. He led efforts to enhance cybersecurity resilience, business continuity, and risk mitigation across multiple UN-supported environmental programs. Earlier in his career, he co-founded Micro-net Inc. in Montreal, which later merged with Cronomagic to become a regional leader in enterprise software and compliance consulting for international institutions. He holds a Master of Science in Information Systems Management from Roehampton University in London and certifications in Enterprise Risk Management from Harvard University, as well as credentials in global information security governance. Mr. Syoum continues to be a pan-African voice for digitally enabled, inclusive growth and institutional cooperation that accelerates sustainable development.
Mr. Mulualem Syoum
Founder & CEO, AeTrade Group.
Mr. Salvatore Mariani is a seasoned Canadian banker and international executive with over 35 years of leadership experience in corporate, retail, and small business banking across Quebec and Northwestern Ontario. He served in senior roles at Scotiabank and Banca Commerciale Italiana, where he played a pivotal role in market expansion and international corporate relations. Mr. Mariani is currently Vice-Chair of the Board of the Thoracique Surgery Research Foundation in Montreal and serves on the Board of the AeTrade Group, headquartered in Kigali, supporting digital trade, financial inclusion, and SME empowerment across Africa. He is also the Past President and Governor of the National Federation of Canadian Italian Business and Professional Associations (CIBPA), where he led a network of over 5,000 members. Mr. Mariani holds a Bachelor of Commerce in Finance and Marketing from Concordia University and has completed executive programs at HEC Montréal. He is a recipient of the King Charles III Coronation Medal for service to Canada and international cooperation.
Mr. Salvatore Mariani
Former Scotiabank Executive, Non Executive Director AeTrade Group, ASIA Advisory Board Member
His Excellency Moses Vilakati brings more than three decades of public service, agricultural leadership, and policy innovation to his current role as African Union Commissioner for Agriculture, Rural Development, Blue Economy, and Sustainable Environment. Elected to this post in 2025, he guides continental strategies to promote climate resilience, food sovereignty, and inclusive rural transformation.
H.E. Moses Vilakati
Commissioner for Agriculture, Rural Development, Blue Economy, and Sustainable Environment, African Union Commission (AUC)
Ministerial/Plenary High Level Panel III on Africa Integration Day Theme: “Consolidating AfCFTA implementation, Accelerating the Ratification of the Free Movement of Persons Protocol, and Establishing African Union Financial Institutions in Response to Global Dynamics” (ETTIM/AUC) - Pan African Hall - 2:30PM – 4:00PM
Dr. Patrick Ndzana Olomo currently serves as the Policy Officer for Investment and Resource Mobilization in the Economic Affairs Department of the African Union Commission (AUC). With more than 25 years of experience in public policy, development finance, education systems, and regional integration, Dr. Olomo is at the forefront of shaping Africa’s strategic investment frameworks under the AU’s Agenda 2063. At the AUC, he contributes to the design and implementation of high-impact initiatives that facilitate continental investment, sustainable development financing, and cross-sectoral collaboration among member states, private sector partners, and international donors. His leadership in mobilizing resources has been vital for several flagship projects aimed at economic transformation and job creation across Africa. Prior to joining the African Union Commission, Dr. Olomo served as Director of Education, Science and Technology at ECCAS (Economic Community of Central African States). In that capacity, he led policy harmonization in higher education and vocational training and helped align Central Africa’s education systems with continental employment goals. His work bridged the gap between academic systems and labor market demands, especially for youth and women. Dr. Olomo began his career in Cameroon’s Ministry of Education and has also worked as a consultant with multilateral development agencies on resource mobilization, education reform, and investment strategies. He holds a Ph.D. in Educational Policy and Development, and has authored publications on education-to-employment pathways and financing models for inclusive growth.
Dr. Patrick Ndzana Olomo
Acting Director Economic Development, Integration and Trade, AUC
Dr. Brian Mureverwi is a seasoned trade economist currently serving as Senior Trade Advisor at the African Union Commission. With over 12 years of expertise in international trade policy, regional integration, and trade data analysis, he has contributed to key trade initiatives across Africa through research and advisory roles with institutions such as the Commonwealth Secretariat, SADC, COMESA, and the World Bank. His technical specialization includes Computable General Equilibrium (CGE) modeling, trade facilitation, non-tariff barriers, and industrial policy. Dr. Mureverwi has played a critical role in designing national trade and industrial strategies, particularly in Southern Africa. He holds Master’s degrees in both Economics and Trade Policy & Law, with advanced training in WTO disciplines and dynamic CGE modeling from Purdue University. His policy research continues to inform the implementation of the AfCFTA and broader regional trade frameworks, making him a key voice in Africa’s economic transformation efforts.
Dr. Brian Murerwervi
Senior Trade Advisor, AUC
To be added
H.E. Mohamed Mouloud Mohamed-Fadel
Minister‑Advisor to the Presidency (Economic & Financial Affairs), Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic
To be added
Dr. Stephen Karingi,
Director, Macroeconomics, Finance and Governance, UNECA
Mr. Komi Tsowou is the Senior Advisor on Trade for the UNDP Africa Bureau, leading and coordinating the organization portfolio on the African Continental Free Trade Area at both the continental and country levels. He advises public and private actors on trade and investments and leads development programmes across Africa and beyond, focusing on issues ranging from trade, industrialization and value chain development. Before joining UNDP, Komi served in various positions at the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa in Addis Ababa, the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development in Geneva and in the financial sector in Togo and Canada.
Mr. Komi Tsowou
Senior Advisor on Trade for the UNDP Africa Bureau, UNDP Regional Service Centre in Addis Ababa
Mamo E. Mihretu is a prominent Ethiopian economist, lawyer, and policy expert currently serving as the 10th Governor of the National Bank of Ethiopia (NBE), a position he has held since January 2023. Before his appointment as Governor, he was the founding CEO of Ethiopian Investment Holdings (EIH), Ethiopia’s sovereign wealth fund, where he oversaw major state-owned enterprises including Ethiopian Airlines and Ethio Telecom. Prior to that, he served as Senior Policy Advisor to the Prime Minister and Ethiopia’s Chief Trade Negotiator, contributing significantly to the country’s economic and trade reform agenda. Mamo also worked for several years at the World Bank Group, focusing on investment climate reform, trade, and private sector development across East Africa. He holds a Law degree from Addis Ababa University, a Master’s in International Trade and Investment Law, and a Master of Public Administration in Leadership and Economic Development from Harvard Kennedy School. Throughout his career, Mamo has been at the forefront of major economic policy reforms, institutional modernization, and efforts to integrate Ethiopia more fully into the global economy.
Mamo E. Mihretu
Governor, National Bank of Ethiopia
Plenary Panel: Regional Integration as a Catalyst for Business and Investment in Africa (AeTrade) - Pan African Hall - 4:00PM – 5:30PM
Ambassador Zerihun Abebe Yigzaw currently serves as the Director General for African Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ethiopia. He has previously held key leadership roles within the Ministry, including Deputy Director General for African Affairs and Director for Neighboring Countries Affairs. With over a decade of experience, he is also a long-standing member of Ethiopia’s negotiating team on the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD). Ambassador Zerihun has represented Ethiopia in various diplomatic missions, serving at Ethiopian embassies in Kenya, the United Kingdom, Sudan, and Senegal. Before his diplomatic career, he worked as a Lecturer at Dilla University.
Ambassador Zerihun Abebe Yigzaw
Director General for African Countries Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Ms. Treasure Thembisile Maphanga has dedicated her career towards poverty reduction, establishing an enabling environment for private sector development, trade, investment and industrial development.
Ms. Treasure Maphanga
Former Director, Trade and Industry, AUC and Chief Operating Officer, AeTrade Group – Moderator
Dr. Abdi Zenebe holds a Ph.D. and a Master’s Degree in Political Science and International Relations from Addis Ababa University. Before his current position as the Deputy Director General of the Institute of Foreign Affairs of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, Dr. Abdi served as the CEO of the Ethio-Djibouti Railway. Dr. Abdi Zenebe also served as Head of the Delivery Team at the FDRE Ministry of Peace and as a Policy Advisor at the FDRE Ministry of Labor and Skills. His extensive career also includes roles as an Associate Professor of Political Science and International Relations at Bahir Dar University, Deputy Director at the Somaliland Institute for Peace and Conflict Studies, and Permanent Secretary General of the African Road Maintenance Funds Association. His publications and areas of interest include African political economy, African Security, African Political Thoughts and States in Political Transitions.
Dr. Abdi Zenebe
Deputy Director General Institute of Foreign Affairs, Ethiopia
Ms. Paulina Mbala Elago is a leading trade economist and strategic advisor with more than 25 years of experience in regional integration, international trade policy, and institutional development. As the former Executive Secretary of the Southern African Customs Union (SACU), she played a key role in modernizing customs systems, trade facilitation, and the strategic repositioning of SACU within Africa’s evolving integration landscape.
Ms. Paulina Elago
Former Executive Secretary of SACU, AeTrade Group Board Member
Dr. Tolina is the State Minister at Ethiopia’s Ministry of Finance, with over 18 years of experience shaping the country’s economic and social development. He previously served as the Minister in charge of Ethiopia's National Planning Commission and held various strategic roles across public, private, and international institutions, including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Trade, the IMF, World Bank, UNECA, COMESA, and the IFC. He has also served as Minister Counselor at the Ethiopian Embassy in Washington, D.C., advisor to Ethiopian governors at the IMF and World Bank, and held leadership roles in private equity and public-private dialogue, including as Director at SGI Frontier Capital and Manager of the Ethiopian Public Private Consultative Forum (EPPCF). Dr. Tolina is a political economist with expertise in strategic planning, policy analysis, private sector development, and advocacy. He holds a Master’s degree from George Washington University and a PhD in Political Economy from the University of Maryland School of Public Policy.
H.E. Dr. Eyob Tekalign Tolina
State Minister of Ethiopia’s Ministry of Finance
Mr. Boiki Matema Wabo Tema is the Board Chairman of Access Bank Botswana and brings more than two decades of experience in banking, corporate governance, and logistics. He began his career at First National Bank of Botswana in 1994 and went on to serve in several senior leadership roles within the FirstRand Group, including as Coverage Director at Rand Merchant Bank Botswana. Over the years, he has led key portfolios such as commercial banking, property finance, new business development, and the wholesale segment. Beyond the banking sector, Mr. Tema is Managing Director of Crossroads Distribution Botswana, a citizen-owned logistics company with operations extending into South Africa and Namibia. He currently serves on the boards of Access Bank, Associated Fund Administrators, and Farmers United. His previous board roles include Botswana Post, the Botswana Privatization Asset Board, FNBB Insurance Agency, and the Botswana Bureau of Standards. Mr. Tema holds a BA in Economics from the University of Botswana and an MSc in Strategic Management from the University of Derby in the UK. He also completed banking and financial management programs through the Botswana Institute of Bankers, Allenby College in South Africa, and an Executive Leadership Program at the University of Pretoria. Known for his grounded leadership and commitment to ethical governance, Mr. Tema continues to support efforts that strengthen Botswana’s financial services sector and advance inclusive economic growth.
Mr. Boiki Matema Wabo Tema
Chairman of the Agriculture Sector Business Botswana, Chairman of Access Bank Botswana
Mr. Kahuthu is a Private Sector Development Specialist, as well as an Expert in public private partnerships providing a wide range of business management and socio-economic development consultancy services to Governments, private sector institutions, development agencies and non-governmental organizations, among others.
Mr. Charles Kahuthu
CEO, East African Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture
Engineer Mansur Ahmed, OFR, is currently Special Adviser to the President/CEO of Dangote Group, Africa’s largest conglomerate. Until his retirement in 2023, he served as Group Executive Director for over a decade, where he led government relations and strategic engagements across the continent. With more than 40 years of experience, Eng. Mansur’s career spans Nigeria’s public and private sectors, academia, and international development institutions.
Eng. Ahmed Mansur
Interim President of the Pan African Manufacturing Association
Parallel Session I: Synergies and Strategies for Action towards deepening Integration (ETTIM) – Hidase Hall - 4:00PM – 5:30PM
To be add
Dr. Stephen Karingi
Director, Macroeconomics, Finance and Governance, UNECA
Secretary General, Ethiopian Chamber of Commerce and Sectoral Associations – Ethiopia Dr. Kenenisa Lemi Debela is an Associate Professor of Management Studies at Jimma University, originally from Metekel Zone in the Benishangul Gumuz region. He holds a BA in Accounting, an MBA, and a PhD in Management Studies from Punjabi University, India. He has held various academic and leadership roles at Jimma University, including Dean of the College of Business and Economics and Vice President for Administration and Student Affairs. He also served as Chair of the Jimma University Hospital Board and is currently a board member in several organizations. Dr. Kenenisa has published 65 research papers, advised over 150 master’s and 15 PhD students, and serves as Editor-in-Chief of the Horn of Africa Journal of Business and Economics. He is an experienced trainer in leadership, change management, and entrepreneurship, and has led international academic projects and partnerships. Currently, he is on sabbatical leave, serving as General Secretary of the Ethiopian Chamber of Commerce and Sectoral Association. He is married with two children.
Dr. Kenenisa Lemi Debela
Secretary General, Ethiopian Chambers of Commerce & Sectoral Associations
To be added
Dr. Jean Denis Gabikini
Head of Integration and Trade Division, AUC
Dr. Zerubabel Getachew is the Deputy Director General of the Situation Room at Ethiopia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. With a strong academic background in political science and international studies, he brings deep expertise in foreign policy, multilateral engagement, and sustainable development. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Literature and Political Science and a Master’s in International Relations, both from Addis Ababa University. He earned his Ph.D. in International Studies, specializing in Sustainable Development, from the University of Nairobi. Dr. Zerubabel is also a published scholar in the fields of multilateralism and sustainable development.
Dr. Zerubabel Getachew Tefera
Deputy Director General, Situation Room, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ethiopia
To be added
Ambassador Salvator Matata
COMESA Representative to the AU
Jean Jacques Demafouth Jean-Jacques Démafouth is a Central African statesman and diplomat currently serving as the Permanent Representative of the ECCAS Commission to the African Union and the UN Economic Commission for Africa in Addis Ababa. He was Defence Minister of the Central African Republic from 1999 to 2001 and later emerged as a key player in national peace efforts, leading the APRD rebel movement and helping broker a peace agreement in 2008. Démafouth has twice run for president (2005 and 2011). He also served as ECCAS representative to Burundi and the Great Lakes region. His career has been marked by a focus on conflict resolution, governance, and regional cooperation in Central Africa.
H.E. Jean-Jacques Demafouth
ECCAS Representative to the AU
To be added
M. Billy Ahmadou
CENSAD Representative to the AU
Ms. Valentine A. Atonde is a Senior Programme Officer with the ECOWAS Representation to the African Union, based in Addis Ababa. With over a decade of experience in peace and security, governance, and regional integration, she plays a key role in the implementation of the African Peace and Security Architecture (APSA), the African Governance Architecture (AGA), and Agenda 2063 flagship programmes. She serves as the ECOWAS focal point to the AU Peace and Security Council, fostering coordination between ECOWAS, the AU, and other Regional Economic Communities. Her work spans policy design, capacity building, monitoring and evaluation, and the facilitation of high-level dialogues with civil society, youth, and think tanks. A sociologist-anthropologist by training, Ms. Atonde holds a Master’s degree from Université d'Abomey-Calavi and a certification in Leadership in Project Management for Development Organizations from PM4DEV, Washington, DC. Her commitment to peace, governance, and inclusive dialogue has made her a key voice in continental cooperation.
Ms. Valentine Abegnonhou Atonde
ECOWAS Representative to the AU
To be added
Ambassador Maureen Adhiambo Achieng
IGAD Representative to the AU
To be added
Ms. Ethel Sirengo
EAC Representative to the AU
To be added
Ambassador Amina Selman
UMA Representative to the AUC
Cultural & Business Showcase (Ethiopia) – AeTrade Group - Pan Africa Hall - 5:30PM – 7:00PM
To be added
mr. Shimeles Lemma
Programme Director – MC
To be added
Ms. Menna Tafesse
Chief Impact Officer, Gebeya Inc.
To be added
Ms. Semhal Guesh
Founder and CEO of Kabana Leather (AfCFTA)
Day 2: Tuesday, 8 July 2025
Plenary Session IV: The Transformation of Labour Markets in Africa - Pan African Hall - 09:00AM ~ 10:30 AM
H.E. Solomon Soka is the State Minister at Ethiopia’s Ministry of Labour and Skills. He holds a Master’s degree in Computer Science and Technology from the University of Electronic Science and Technology of China. Mr. Solomon brings over a decade of experience in public service and technology leadership. He previously served as Director-General at the Information Network Security Administration (INSA), following roles as Software Developer and Deputy Director. He also held the position of Country Manager for Tech Mahindra in Ethiopia and later served as a Member of Parliament, where he was Deputy Chairman of the Standing Committee on Plan, Budget, and Financial Affairs. He has represented Ethiopia at several high-level international forums, including GITEX Global (Dubai), GITX Africa (Morocco), the Russia-Africa IT Forum, and the Internet Governance Forum (IGF).
H.E. Solomon Soka Gignarta
State Minister, FDRE Ministry of Labour and Skills, Ethiopia
Mr. Nebil Kellow is the Founder and Managing Partner of First Consult, Ethiopia’s leading economic development consulting firm. Under his leadership, the firm has grown into a key driver of market-based solutions and entrepreneurship support across the country, earning a reputation for introducing international standards to the local consulting industry. Nebil brings a strong investment and advisory background, having previously worked in the UK as an equity analyst at Bacon & Woodrow, where he specialized in corporate governance and fund management advisory for institutional investors. He has also worked with McKinsey & Company and served on the Project Management Committee of CapitaLink. Through First Consult, he has pioneered youth-focused and enterprise development initiatives in Ethiopia. He holds a BSc in Management Sciences from the University of Manchester Institute of Science and Technology (UMIST) and is a CFA Level III candidate. Mr. Kellow is fluent in English, French, and Amharic.
Mr. Nebil Kellow
Founder and Managing Partner of First Consult
Berhanu Ailka is a technology-driven project manager with a strong foundation in electrical and computer engineering and a growing specialization in cybersecurity and labor market systems. At the Ethiopian Labor Market Information System (ELMIS), he leads the development and implementation of digital tools that generate actionable insights to support labor market policy and planning across Ethiopia. He previously served as an advisor at Ethiopia’s Information Network Security Agency (INSA), where he contributed to the design and implementation of national cyber defense strategies. His work integrates forward-thinking approaches in digital ecosystems, influence operations, and digital resilience. Berhanu holds a Bachelor of Technology (BTech) degree in Electrical and Computer Engineering from Mekelle University. Passionate about innovation and public sector transformation, he is committed to leveraging data and technology to shape secure, inclusive, and adaptive systems that address the evolving needs of the labor force.
Mr. Berhanu Ailka
Manager, Ethiopian Labor Market Information System (ELMIS)
To be added
H.E. Mr. Tiny Ramos
Minister of Labour and Social Security, Sao Tome and Principe
Honorable General James Hoth Mai is the current Minister of Labour of the Republic of South Sudan since 2020. In 2018, Hon. James Hoth Mai served as the Minister of Labour, Public Service, and Human Resource Development before the Public Service and Human Resource Development was carved out as a separate docket after the peace agreement. Hon. Gen. James is a senior South Sudanese military leader and government official. The President appointed him for an additional role as a member of the National Mediation and Dialogue, in which he continues to participate actively in mediation and national dialogue efforts. After receiving early education in Malakal, he briefly worked before joining the Sudan People Liberation Army (SPLA) in 1983. Rising through the ranks, he held key commands during the civil war, received advanced military training, and played prominent roles in major operations and peace processes, including the 2005 Comprehensive Peace Agreement. Hon. Gen. James was Chief of General Staff of SPLA from 2009 to 2014. He holds a Master's degree in Public Administration (University of Fort Hare, South Africa) and another masters degree in Transformational Leadership and Change (University of Greenwich, UK ). Hon. Gen. James has a tremendous passion for reforms, especially for labour administration and skills development agenda.
Honorable General James Hoth Mai
Minister of Labour of the Republic of South Sudan
To be added
Dr. Sabelo Mbokazi
Head of Labour, Employment and Immigration, AUC
To be added
Mr. Khumbula Ndaba
Country Director ILO, accredited to AUC and UNECA
Baylie Damtie has served as the Vice Chancellor of Kepler and Kepler College in Rwanda since 2019, where he has led transformative initiatives to provide affordable, scalable, and competency-based education. Focusing on transferable skills and job readiness, he initiated and co-led the Graduate Employment Programs, which have supported over 6,200 graduates across Rwanda and Ethiopia, with 85% securing employment within a year. Under his leadership, graduates of Kepler College's regular daytime academic programs achieved a remarkable 90% employment rate within six months of completing their studies. During his tenure as the fourth President of Bahir Dar University (2011–2018), he significantly expanded access to higher education, increasing student enrollment from 12,663 to 52,900. He spearheaded the creation of one of the region’s largest medical schools, which includes a 500-bed teaching hospital that trains approximately 6,000 students. He also oversaw the growth of PhD programs from 2 to 32 and boosted annual research publications to 586. Additionally, he pioneered international employment opportunities for over 2,000 graduates through innovative public-private partnerships, facilitating placements in top global shipping companies. Baylie Damtie holds a PhD in Space Physics from the University of Oulu, Finland. He has published over 50 peer-reviewed articles and has successfully supervised several MSc and seven PhD theses.
Professor Baylie Damtie
Vice Chancellor, Kepler College AUC Representative
Eshetu Gurmu is a Professor of Population Studies at the Center for Population and Gender Studies of Addis Ababa University, and served there as a faculty member for the last 30 years. He teaches technical and methodological courses to graduate students admitted to the Master’s and PhD programs in Population Studies; in addition to engaging in research and community services. He has been conducting research on the issues of population dynamics, reproduction health, gender equality and women’s empowerment, employment, and climate change. He has also served as a consultant and advisor to a number of government offices and development partner organizations on population and development issues. Professor Eshetu has a Master’s degree in Demography from Addis Ababa University, and a PhD degree from University College London, UK, in Anthropology.
Professor Eshetu Gurmu
Professor Eshetu Gurmu, Addis Ababa University
To be added
Dr. Gashaw Haile
Vice President, Ethiopian Aviation Academy University
Parallel Session V. Africa Jobs Scenarios: Reimagining Work for Africa’s Next Generation (ETTIM/AUC/AeTrade) - Adwa Hall - 09:00 AM ~ 10:30 AM
Mr. Gashaw Haile is a renowned entrepreneur, trade expert, and policy advocate with more than 25 years of experience in private sector development and regional integration. As Executive Director of the Ethiopian Chamber of Sectoral Associations (ECSA), he works to strengthen industry associations and promote enterprise competitiveness across Ethiopia. Mr. Gashaw has advised on trade facilitation, export readiness, and SME development strategies under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). He is a leading figure in coordinating public-private dialogues to remove barriers to market access and accelerate inclusive trade policy. A graduate of economics and international trade policy, Gashaw has represented Ethiopia in numerous regional forums and is known for his practical approach to linking trade policy to job creation.
Mrs. Ron Osman Omer
Director of Industry, Minerals, Entrepreneurship and Tourism, AUC, ETTIM
Ambassador Aminou Akadiri is the Executive Director of the Federation of West African Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FEWACCI), a key regional institution that fosters economic integration and supports private sector development across ECOWAS member states. A seasoned diplomat, economist, and regional trade expert, Amb. Akadiri has dedicated his career to strengthening the business environment in West Africa and promoting inclusive growth through private-public sector collaboration. At the helm of FEWACCI, he has led numerous programs aimed at boosting SME competitiveness, harmonizing regulatory frameworks, and expanding market access under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). His leadership has helped align national chambers of commerce with continental trade goals, enabling thousands of entrepreneurs to tap into intra-African opportunities. Under his guidance, FEWACCI has also become a strategic partner in digital trade advocacy, value chain development, and enterprise formalization. Amb. Akadiri previously served as a senior advisor to ECOWAS institutions, where he played an instrumental role in shaping regional industrial policy and coordinating private sector engagement across thematic platforms, including youth entrepreneurship and digital transformation. He is also a regular voice in policy dialogues that address access to finance, investment facilitation, and the structural challenges facing African SMEs. He holds advanced degrees in economics and international relations and is a strong proponent of AfCFTA implementation that leaves no country or entrepreneur behind. His advocacy emphasizes building ecosystems that foster innovation, accelerate cross-border commerce, and empower local industries to scale.
Ambassador Aminou Akadiri
Executive Director of the Federation of West African Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FEWACCI)
To be added
Mr. Jouhanes Magok
Mineral Resources Development Expert, AUC
To be added
Mr. Nahom Teklewold
National Project Coordinator, International Labour Organization
Ms. Valentine A. Atonde is a Senior Programme Officer with the ECOWAS Representation to the African Union, based in Addis Ababa. With over a decade of experience in peace and security, governance, and regional integration, she plays a key role in the implementation of the African Peace and Security Architecture (APSA), the African Governance Architecture (AGA), and Agenda 2063 flagship programmes. She serves as the ECOWAS focal point to the AU Peace and Security Council, fostering coordination between ECOWAS, the AU, and other Regional Economic Communities. Her work spans policy design, capacity building, monitoring and evaluation, and the facilitation of high-level dialogues with civil society, youth, and think tanks. A sociologist-anthropologist by training, Ms. Atonde holds a Master’s degree from Université d'Abomey-Calavi and a certification in Leadership in Project Management for Development Organizations from PM4DEV, Washington, DC. Her commitment to peace, governance, and inclusive dialogue has made her a key voice in continental cooperation.
Mr. Peter Wilson
Co-Founder & CEO, African Leadership Institute (online)
To be added
Ms. Bulelwa Nkosi
SME Expert, African Union Commission
To be added
Mr. Regis Tade
Innovation Expert, African Union Commission
To be added
Mr. Elias Tesfaye
Deputy Programme Director, Gebeya Inc.
To be added
Mr. Frehiwot Bekele
Merq-Dagu
To be added
Mr. Richard Niwenshuti
Former Permanent Secretary of Ministry of Commerce in Rwanda, Project Manager in AeTrade Group
Parallel Session A: Transforming Agrifood Systems into Engines of Job Creation: Advancing the CAADP Youth Commitments and the African Agribusiness Youth Strategy (AAYS) - 09:00 ~ 10:30
His Excellency Moses Vilakati brings more than three decades of public service, agricultural leadership, and policy innovation to his current role as African Union Commissioner for Agriculture, Rural Development, Blue Economy, and Sustainable Environment. Elected to this post in 2025, he guides continental strategies to promote climate resilience, food sovereignty, and inclusive rural transformation.
H.E. Moses Vilakati
Commissioner for Agriculture, Rural Development, Blue Economy, and Sustainable Environment, African Union Commission (AUC)
Yihenew Zewdie has 20 years of post-PhD professional experience at a senior level working in different international research and development organisations based in Africa and Europe in the spheres of development programme monitoring, knowledge management, and policy brokering in a wide range of themes, including resilience building, food security, agricultural science and technology partnerships, natural resource management, and agricultural value chains. For over four years since the late 2010 Yihenew worked in diverse programme development and management capacities for the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) based in Ethiopia, where he supported the recognition of the pastoral livestock insurance agenda in Ethiopia’s evolving agricultural policy review processes and played a leading part in the mobilisation of resources for the expansion of ILRI’s operations in livestock insurance in Ethiopia and poultry research-for-development in Southeast Asia.
Dr. Yihenew Zewdie
AGRA’s Representative to Ethiopia and the African Union
To be added
Dr. Clement Adjorlolo
Principal Programme Officer, Agriculture and Rural Transformation at AUDA-NEPAD – Moderator
To be added
Ms. Nana Yaa Boakyewaa Amoah
Director – Gender, Youth and Inclusiveness, AGRA
To be added
Dr. Firew Tegegne
Deputy CEO, Agriculture Transformation Institute (ATI)
To be added
Ms. Ingrid Eepezagne
African Agribusiness Incubator Network AAIN, Director for West Africa, Côte d’Ivoire
To be added
Mr. Anselme Vodounhessi
Coordinator Common African Agro-food Park (CAAP), FARA
To be added
Mr. Matthias Reusing
First Counsellor – Policy Advisor, EU Delegation to the AU and UNECA, Team Europe Initiativetitute (ATI)
Plenary Session VI: Skills Development to Catalyze Infrastructure Investment in Africa –Pan African Hall - 10:30 ~ 12:00
Her Excellency Muferihat Kamil currently serves as the first Minister of Labor and Skills of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia. Prior to this role, she made history as Ethiopia’s first Minister of Peace in 2018, where she led and coordinated six of the country’s major security institutions. From November 2009 to October 2011, she served as Minister of Women’s Affairs. In the House of Peoples' Representatives, she has held several prominent positions, including serving as the first female Speaker of the House from April to October 2018. Her other parliamentary roles have included Government Assistant Whip (with the rank of State Minister) and Chair of the Transportation Standing Committee. Beyond her parliamentary duties, H.E. Muferihat has contributed to leadership development and governance, notably serving as Vice President of the Meles Zenawi Leadership Academy and as a Social Affairs Adviser to the Prime Minister. Her academic background includes a Master’s degree in Transformation and Change Management from Greenwich University (London, 2012), a Postgraduate Diploma in Gender Development from the University of Antwerp in Brussels, and a Bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Extension from Haramaya University. Before joining federal institutions, she held several leadership roles at the regional level, including Deputy Head of the Southern Nations, Nationalities, and Peoples’ Region (SNNPR) Women’s Affairs Bureau, Head of Community Participation and Movement in Silte Zone, and Head of the Cooperative Office in Abeshge Woreda, Gurage Zone. She also served as an Advisor to the President of SNNPR. Her Excellency is widely recognized for her leadership in governance, gender equality, and institutional transformation in Ethiopia.
Her Excellency Muferihat Kamil
Minister of Labor and Skills, Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia
State Minister for Technical and Vocational Education and Training, Ministry of Labour & Skills – Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia Dr. Teshale Berecha serves as Ethiopia’s State Minister for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) at the Ministry of Labour & Skills, appointed following the ministry’s establishment under Proclamation No. 1263/2022. A strong proponent of demand-driven skills development, he spearheaded the launch of the Agro-processing Sector Skills Body in August 2024, fostering industry-linked training through ILO-supported platforms. Dr. Teshale champions the modernization of TVET centers with green infrastructure and advanced technologies to boost training quality and employability. His leadership focuses on strengthening public–private partnerships and aligning skills development with regional economic corridors to drive youth employment and industrial growth. Dr. Teshale holds a PhD in Technology Management from Cebu Technological University in the Philippines. He also earned an M.A. degree in Project Management, an M.Sc. degree in Hydrogeology from Addis Ababa University, and a B.Sc. degree in Applied Geology from Mekelle University.
Dr. Teshale Berecha
State Minister, Ethiopian Ministry of Labor and Skills
entrepreneurial education. He led the design and implementation of several innovative and disruptive programs that strengthen public and private sector entrepreneurial ecosystems. He is a certified International Master Trainer under the UNCTAD-EMPRETEC Programme and a Master Instructional Systems Designer™, accredited by the American Association for Talent Development (ATD). His work spans across Africa, Asia, and the Middle East, with a particular emphasis on entrepreneurship education, Training-of-Trainers (ToT), and strategic program implementation in diverse socio-economic contexts.
Mr. Boru Shana
Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Entrepreneurship Development Institute (EDI), Ethiopia
To be added
Mr. Nicholas Ouma
Senior Youth Advisor – ESTI, African Union Commission
Ms. Sandra Nichol is the Chief Operating Officer at the Canadian Centre for Architecture (CCA) in Montreal, Canada, a globally recognized institution that fosters public understanding and engagement with architecture, urbanism, and the built environment. In her role, she leads strategy and operations across exhibitions, public programs, digital innovation, and international partnerships.
Ms. Sandra Nichol
Chief Operating Officer at the Canadian Centre for Architecture (CCA)
H.E. Alemu Sime Feyisa has been the Minister of Transport and Logistics since January 2023. Alemu was a deputy director of the Metals and Engineering Corporation (METEC) from 2019. Alemu is currently a member of Prosperity Party and previously the Oromo Democratic Party (ODPO).
H.E. Dr. Alemu Sime
Minister, Ministry of Transport and Logistics, Ethiopia
Mr. Gianluca Azzoni currently serves as the Head of Policy and Cooperation at the European Union Delegation to the African Union, based in Addis Ababa. In this role, he leads strategic engagement between the EU and the AU across peace and security, climate action, regional integration, digital transformation, and sustainable development. His work focuses on fostering high-level dialogue, coordinating joint programming, and strengthening multilateral partnerships that align with Africa’s Agenda 2063 and the EU’s Global Gateway strategy. Mr. Azzoni brings nearly three decades of experience in international development, diplomacy, and multilateral cooperation. Prior to his current post, he served as Senior Expert at the European Commission’s Directorate-General for International Partnerships (DG INTPA), where he contributed to shaping EU external action across Sub-Saharan Africa, the Mediterranean, and global development frameworks. His tenure spanned critical phases in the evolution of EU development policy, including the implementation of the Cotonou Agreement and the formulation of successor instruments like NDICI-Global Europe. Throughout his career, Mr. Azzoni has been recognized for his commitment to inclusive partnerships, institutional reform, and results-oriented development cooperation. He has worked extensively on joint programming with EU Member States, policy coherence for development, and sector-wide approaches in areas such as governance, education, and economic development. Mr. Azzoni holds a Laurea in Political Science from the University of Bologna and earned a Ph.D. in the History of International Relations from the University of Florence. His academic background informs his deep understanding of geopolitical dynamics and institutional development, making him a respected voice in Africa-Europe relations.
Mr. Gianluca Azzoni
First Counsellor – Policy Advisor, EU Delegation to the AU and UNECA, Team Europe Initiative
To be added
Mr. Habte Beyene
Toppan Security Ethiopia Representative
Parallel Session D: Cross-Border Trade Facilitation (ETTIM/AeTrade) - Hidase Hall - 10:30 ~ 12:00
H.E. Mrs. Yasmin Wohabrebbi Saeed is the State Minister of Trade and Regional Integration of Ethiopia, leading the country’s WTO accession, AfCFTA implementation, and national export promotion. She previously served as Deputy CEO of Ethiopian Investment Holdings, overseeing a portfolio of over 30 state-owned enterprises, and held senior roles including Deputy Mayor of Addis Ababa and State Minister of Finance. With over 17 years of experience, she has deep expertise in trade, finance, and development cooperation, and has served on the boards of institutions such as Ethiopian Airlines, the National Bank of Ethiopia, and the Commercial Bank of Ethiopia. She holds a Master’s in International Trade Policy and Law from Lund University and a BA in Economics from the University of Gondar.
H.E. Mrs. Yasmin Wohabrebbi Saeed
State Minister of Trade and Regional Integration Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia
To be added
Ms. Josephine Marealle Ulimwengu
UNECA – Moderator
Dr. Brian Mureverwi is a seasoned trade economist currently serving as Senior Trade Advisor at the African Union Commission. With over 12 years of expertise in international trade policy, regional integration, and trade data analysis, he has contributed to key trade initiatives across Africa through research and advisory roles with institutions such as the Commonwealth Secretariat, SADC, COMESA, and the World Bank. His technical specialization includes Computable General Equilibrium (CGE) modeling, trade facilitation, non-tariff barriers, and industrial policy. Dr. Mureverwi has played a critical role in designing national trade and industrial strategies, particularly in Southern Africa. He holds Master’s degrees in both Economics and Trade Policy & Law, with advanced training in WTO disciplines and dynamic CGE modeling from Purdue University. His policy research continues to inform the implementation of the AfCFTA and broader regional trade frameworks, making him a key voice in Africa’s economic transformation efforts.
Dr. Brian Murerwervi
Senior Trade Advisor, AUC
Azizew Chanie Abebe currently serves as Deputy Commissioner at the Ethiopian Customs Commission (ECC), where he oversees the Law Compliance Division, including departments responsible for Customer Education, Risk Management, Post-Clearance Audit, Intelligence, Contraband Prevention and Control, and Legal Affairs. Before assuming this role in 2023, he served as Deputy Commissioner for Operations, managing key directorates such as Customs Transit and Warehousing, Customs Procedures and Clearance, Manufacturing and Export Facilitation, Customs Valuation, and Tariff and Rules of Origin. Mr. Azizew began his career in customs in 2010 with the former Ethiopian Revenue and Customs Authority as a Customs Expert. After four years in technical roles, he was appointed Deputy Manager of Kality Customs Branch Office, one of the country’s largest customs branches. He later became Branch Manager, a position he held for four years before being promoted to Deputy Commissioner in 2018.
Azizew Chanie Abebe
Deputy Commissioner Ethiopian Customs Commission
Mr. Chikakula Miti is a seasoned trade policy expert and senior advisor in regional economic integration and development. He currently serves as the Principal Advisor at the African Union Development Agency-NEPAD (AUDA-NEPAD), supporting member states and regional economic communities in the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). Over the past 25 years, Mr. Miti has held several leadership roles in trade negotiation, capacity building, and private sector development. He was previously the Chief Technical Advisor to the African Union Commission on Trade and Regional Integration and served as Zambia’s Chief Trade Negotiator in bilateral and multilateral trade fora. He has also worked with COMESA and various development partners to strengthen Africa’s trade-related institutions. Mr. Miti is widely regarded for his technical expertise in designing and operationalizing trade facilitation strategies, regional value chains, and industrial policy coordination. His work spans cross-border infrastructure development, MSME competitiveness, and institutional capacity building to enhance trade outcomes across Africa. He holds a Master’s degree in International Trade Policy and Development from the University of Nairobi and several certifications in trade law, regional integration, and public sector management. At the Africa Job Creation Forum, Mr. Miti brings a practical and policy-based perspective on deepening intra-African trade and the role of regional integration in fostering inclusive economic growth.
Mr. Chakakula Miti
CEO, COMESA Federation of Women in Business, Malawi
To be added
H.E. Baboucarr O. Joof
Minister of Trade, Industry, Regional Integration and Employment of the Republic of The Gambia
Ms. Eilin is Director of Sales for Africa at Ultra Information Solutions, a global leader in digital vetting and compliance technologies enabling smarter, faster, and more secure international trade. She partners with governments, international institutions, and enterprises to advance trade facilitation, digital transformation, cross-border security, compliance, and sustainable economic development through innovative technology-driven solutions. Driven by a vision of a seamlessly connected world, Ms. Eilin leads complex strategic initiatives that bridge innovation, regulation, and policy - working to remove barriers, build trust, and promote inclusive, efficient global trade.
Ms. Hagere Eilin
Director of Sales, Africa
Ultra Information Solutions
Parallel Session A: Digital Finance for Rural SMEs (AeTrade) - Hidase Hall - 13:30 ~ 15:00
Semereta Sewasew is the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia’s State Minister of Finance for Economic Cooperation. In this role, she leads the Ministry of Finance’s international economic cooperation policies and operations, with a focus on ensuring external resources are effectively managed and mobilized to provide maximum benefit and results for the people of Ethiopia. She also oversees the Ministry’s public-private partnership (PPP) policies and operations in an effort to deepen private sector engagement in Ethiopia’s projects and infrastructure. Prior to her service as State Minister, Semereta served in several roles within the Ministry of Finance, including Director of Public Affairs, where she managed public communications and outreach on the Ministry of Finance’s activities. She also served as a senior communication advisor for the economic reforms and Privatization Secretariat Coordinator where she managed a range of initiatives and technical work. Semereta began her career over 20 years ago in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs where for seven years she provided guidance on strategic and diplomatic partnerships, economic and trade relationships, and related issues for countries in Asia and the Middle East. Semereta’s passion for improving the lives of disadvantaged and marginalized groups, including children, led her to work in senior leadership positions and on the governing boards of several civil society and international development organizations, including the Jerusalem Children and Community Development Organization (2007-2009) and the Christian Children’s Fund of Canada (2009-2019). Semereta holds a Master’s degree in Journalism and Communications and a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science and International Relations both from Addis Ababa University.
H.E. Semerita Sewasew
State Minister for Economic Cooperation, Ministry of Finance, Ethiopia – Moderator
Mr. Léandre Bassolé is the Director General for the Central Africa Region at the African Development Bank Group (AfDB), bringing over 19 years of experience in economic development, project management, and regional integration across Africa. Prior to this role, he served as Deputy Director General for the East Africa Region and Country Manager for Guinea, where he managed a $13 billion portfolio across 13 countries and led strategic engagements with governments, private sector actors, and development partners. Mr. Bassolé is recognized for his expertise in policy dialogue, private sector mobilization, and results-driven leadership in complex environments. His career includes previous roles with the World Bank and CNRS, where he led impact evaluations and research on decentralization and development. He holds a PhD in Development Economics from the University of Auvergne (CERDI), along with executive education certificates from Harvard, Wharton, and Berkeley. Mr. Bassolé is a multilingual leader known for his strategic vision and commitment to transformative development across the continent.
Mr. Leandre Bassole
Africa Development Bank, Director General, East Africa/ Country Manager, Ethiopia, Addis Ababa
Dr. Emebet Melese Zeleke is the President of the Development Bank of Ethiopia, bringing over 22 years of leadership experience in the banking sector. She previously served as CEO of NIB Bank and as Vice President for Strategy, Planning, and Transformation at the Commercial Bank of Ethiopia, where she played a central role in driving institutional reform and strategic development. Her academic background includes a PhD in Business Leadership from Addis Ababa University School of Commerce, as well as MSc and BA degrees in Accounting and Finance. Dr. Emebet has led major transformation initiatives, including the design and execution of service excellence models, compliance frameworks, and credit operations enhancements. She successfully coordinated a World Bank-funded institutional assessment and strategic planning project, demonstrating her strength in managing complex, multi-stakeholder programs. Her expertise spans risk management, strategic design, organizational development, and long-term impact measurement in Ethiopia’s financial sector.
Dr. Emebet Melese
President, Development Bank of Ethiopia
Ms. Melika Bedri is a trailblazer in Ethiopia’s banking sector, best known as the Founding CEO of ZamZam Bank, the country’s first full-fledged interest-free bank. With decades of leadership experience, she previously held senior executive roles at the Commercial Bank of Ethiopia, including Chief Finance Officer and Vice President of Information Systems. In these roles, she led major innovations in financial strategy, investment, and technology. At ZamZam Bank, Ms. Bedri introduced inclusive banking models, forged international partnerships, and earned accolades such as “CEO of the Year” (Islamic Retail Banking Awards, 2022) and “Best New Financial Inclusion Brand.” She holds a Master’s in Business Administration from the Open University of London, a BA in Economics from Addis Ababa University, and a diploma in Banking and Finance. Recognized among Africa’s Most Influential Women in Business and Government, Ms. Bedri is a champion for financial inclusion and women’s leadership in finance.
Ms. Melika Bedri
CEO, Zamzam Bank Ethiopia
Mr. Salvatore Mariani is a seasoned Canadian banker and international executive with over 35 years of leadership experience in corporate, retail, and small business banking across Quebec and Northwestern Ontario. He served in senior roles at Scotiabank and Banca Commerciale Italiana, where he played a pivotal role in market expansion and international corporate relations. Mr. Mariani is currently Vice-Chair of the Board of the Thoracique Surgery Research Foundation in Montreal and serves on the Board of the AeTrade Group, headquartered in Kigali, supporting digital trade, financial inclusion, and SME empowerment across Africa. He is also the Past President and Governor of the National Federation of Canadian Italian Business and Professional Associations (CIBPA), where he led a network of over 5,000 members. Mr. Mariani holds a Bachelor of Commerce in Finance and Marketing from Concordia University and has completed executive programs at HEC Montréal. He is a recipient of the King Charles III Coronation Medal for service to Canada and international cooperation.
Mr. Salvatore Mariani
Former Scotiabank Executive, Non Executive Director AeTrade Group, ASIA Advisory Board Member
Ms. Maureen Sumbwe is a Zambian business leader, entrepreneur, and advocate for women’s economic empowerment. She currently serves as the Chairperson of the COMESA Federation of Women in Business (COMFWB) in Zambia and plays a key role in promoting gender-inclusive trade and private sector development across the COMESA region.
Ms. Maureen Sumbwe
Zambian business leader, entrepreneur, and advocate for women’s economic empowerment
Parallel Session: Building Digital Public Infrastructure for Jobs, Inclusion, and Regional Trade under AfCFTA (AeTrade/AfCFTA) - Hidasse Hall - 13:30 ~ 15:00
Dr. Belete Molla Getahun serves as Ethiopia’s Minister of Innovation and Technology, leading national efforts to advance digital transformation, technology innovation, and inclusive development. A respected academic and public servant, he brings a unique blend of philosophical scholarship and political leadership to the role. Prior to his ministerial appointment, Dr. Belete served as Chairperson and founding member of the National Movement of Amhara (NaMA), and was a long-standing faculty member at Addis Ababa University’s Department of Philosophy. Dr. Belete holds a PhD in Philosophy from Addis Ababa University, with prior graduate degrees from Linköping University and the Norwegian University of Science and Technology in Applied Ethics. His academic work explores intercultural discourse, environmental ethics, and political philosophy, and he has published widely in both scholarly and public forums. He has presented papers at international symposia and served on Ethiopia’s Administrative Boundary and Identity Issues Commission. With his multidisciplinary expertise, Dr. Belete is at the forefront of shaping Ethiopia’s innovation ecosystem and digital future.
H.E. Dr. Belete Molla Getahun
Minister, Ministry of Innovation and Technology, Ethiopia
To be added
Dr. Tsotetsi Makong
Director Programmes, Representative of the Secretary General, AfCFTA Secretariat
To be added
Dr. Talkmore Chidede
AfCFTA Specialist on Digital Trade, Ghana
Mr. Richard Gariepy is an accomplished technology executive and innovation strategist with over two decades of leadership in IT operations, managed services, and digital transformation. He currently serves as Chief Technology Officer (CTO) of the Africa e-Trade Group (AeTrade Group), where he directs the organization’s technology vision, infrastructure architecture, and deployment of inclusive digital trade platforms across Africa.
Mr. Richard Gariepy
Chief Technology Officer (CTO), AeTrade Group
Ato Melaku Beshah is a seasoned leader with over 20 years of experience in IT services and business process outsourcing (BPO), including 15 years in the IT sector. He is a passionate advocate for digital transformation and youth empowerment in Ethiopia, contributing significantly to national efforts in job creation and economic growth. As Vice President of the Ethiopian Outsourcing Association, he leads initiatives in strategic member engagement, policy advocacy, ecosystem development, and public awareness. In his role as Country Director at Excellerent Technology Solutions, he successfully scaled the Ethiopian branch from inception to over 300 employees within three years. His leadership has also resulted in substantial financial contributions to the national economy through foreign exchange inflows, taxes, and pension contributions.
Mr. Melaku Beshah
Vice President, Ethiopian Outsourcing Association (EOA)
Country Director, Excellerent Technology Solutions Inc.
Day 3: Wednesday, 9 July 2025
Plenary Policy Dialogue: Aligning the CAADP Kampala Declaration and AfCFTA for Jobs (ARBE/AUDA NEPAD) - Pan African Hall - 09:00 ~ 10:30
Dr. Girma Amente currently serves as the Minister of Agriculture of Ethiopia and is a member of the Board of Management at the Development Bank of Ethiopia. With a distinguished career in public administration, Dr. Girma has held several strategic leadership roles, including Head of the Housing and Urban Development Bureau and Coordinator of Infrastructure for the Oromia Regional Government. His past positions also include Commissioner of the Oromia Investment Promotion Commission and Board Member of Oromia International Bank, Oromia Water Works Design & Supervision Enterprise, and Oromia Development Corridors Authority. A forestry expert by training, Dr. Girma holds a BSc in Forestry, an MSc in Production Forestry, and a PhD in Silviculture. In recognition of his leadership and public service, he was named an Archbishop Desmond Tutu Leadership Fellow in 2008. As Minister, Dr. Girma plays a pivotal role in advancing Ethiopia’s agricultural transformation, food systems resilience, and rural job creation through innovation, investment, and policy reform.
H.E. Dr. Girma Amente
Minister of Agriculture of Ethiopia and is a member of the Board of Management at the Development Bank of Ethiopia
Mr. Mulualem Syoum Founder & CEO, AeTrade Group Mulualem Syoum is a digital economy strategist, fintech innovator, and Founder & CEO of the AeTrade Group. With over 30 years of experience in technology, cybersecurity, and institutional transformation, he leads one of Africa’s most ambitious digital trade and financial inclusion ecosystems. Mr. Syoum’s vision for AeTrade Group stems from his belief that public-private collaboration, youth and women entrepreneurship, and digital innovation are essential to Africa’s prosperity. Under his leadership, the AeTrade ecosystem has launched flagship initiatives such as Sokokuu.Africa, AeTrust (a multipayment and remittance platform), and the Africa Strategic Investment Alliance (ASIA), an SME finance aggregator. These platforms collectively aim to create millions of jobs and expand cross-border market access. Prior to founding AeTrade, Mr. Syoum served as Chief Information Technology Officer at the Multilateral Fund for the Implementation of the Montreal Protocol. He led efforts to enhance cybersecurity resilience, business continuity, and risk mitigation across multiple UN-supported environmental programs. Earlier in his career, he co-founded Micro-net Inc. in Montreal, which later merged with Cronomagic to become a regional leader in enterprise software and compliance consulting for international institutions. He holds a Master of Science in Information Systems Management from Roehampton University in London and certifications in Enterprise Risk Management from Harvard University, as well as credentials in global information security governance. Mr. Syoum continues to be a pan-African voice for digitally enabled, inclusive growth and institutional cooperation that accelerates sustainable development.
Mr. Mulualem Syoum
Founder & CEO, AeTrade Group – Moderator
To be added
TBC
AUC Representative / Partner
Mandefro Nigussie is the Chief Executive Officer of Ethiopia’s Agricultural Transformation Institute (ATI). Prior to this role, he served as State Minister for the Agricultural Development Sector at the Ministry of Agriculture, Director General of the Ethiopian Institute of Agricultural Research, and Deputy Regional Director for Oxfam America in the Horn of Africa. Throughout his career, Mandefro has played a leading role in the design and implementation of a wide range of policies, programs, and projects. He has also authored and co-authored numerous publications in books, academic journals, proceedings, and research reports, covering areas such as genetics, biometry, agriculture and rural development, resilience, marketing and entrepreneurship, and emerging technologies. Currently, he is spearheading key national initiatives, including the Agricultural and Rural Development Policy, the Ethiopian Food System Transformation, and the development of a Digital Agriculture Roadmap. Mandefro is also a Fellow of the Ethiopian Academy of Sciences. He holds a BSc in Plant Sciences, an MSc in Agronomy, a PhD in Genetics and Plant Breeding, and an MBA in Organizational Leadership.
Mandefero Negussie
CEO, Ethiopian Agricultural Transformation Institute (EAT)
Parallel Panel : Monitoring and Reporting Frameworks for Job Creation (ARBE/AeTrade) - Hidasse Hall - 09:00 ~ 10:30
To be added
Mr. Sabelo Mbokazi
Head of Labour, Employment and Skills Development at AUC
To be added
Ms. Josephine Etima
Senior Monitor and Evaluation Officer, African Union Commission
To be added
Mr. David Adama
Senior Specialist; Continental & Regional Engagements| AGRA, Youth Agrifood Performance Index (YAPI)
Berhanu Ailka is a technology-driven project manager with a strong foundation in electrical and computer engineering and a growing specialization in cybersecurity and labor market systems. At the Ethiopian Labor Market Information System (ELMIS), he leads the development and implementation of digital tools that generate actionable insights to support labor market policy and planning across Ethiopia. He previously served as an advisor at Ethiopia’s Information Network Security Agency (INSA), where he contributed to the design and implementation of national cyber defense strategies. His work integrates forward-thinking approaches in digital ecosystems, influence operations, and digital resilience. Berhanu holds a Bachelor of Technology (BTech) degree in Electrical and Computer Engineering from Mekelle University. Passionate about innovation and public sector transformation, he is committed to leveraging data and technology to shape secure, inclusive, and adaptive systems that address the evolving needs of the labor force.
Mr. Birhanu Ailka
Manager, Ethiopian Labor Market Information System (ELMIS)
Mr. Kim Seong is the Chief Innovation Officer of the African Electronic Trade Group (AeTrade Group), where he leads cutting-edge strategies to advance digital trade and innovation across the African continent. As a central member of AeTrade Group’s executive leadership, he is instrumental in designing and deploying technology platforms that support SMEs, empower youth entrepreneurs, and deepen the impact of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
Mr. Seong KIM
Chief Innovation Officer of the African Electronic Trade Group (AeTrade Group).
To be added
TBC
ILO / World Bank
To be added
Dr. Sabelo Mbokazi
Head of Labour, Employment and Immigration, AUC
Closing Session
Mr. Mulualem Syoum Founder & CEO, AeTrade Group Mulualem Syoum is a digital economy strategist, fintech innovator, and Founder & CEO of the AeTrade Group. With over 30 years of experience in technology, cybersecurity, and institutional transformation, he leads one of Africa’s most ambitious digital trade and financial inclusion ecosystems. Mr. Syoum’s vision for AeTrade Group stems from his belief that public-private collaboration, youth and women entrepreneurship, and digital innovation are essential to Africa’s prosperity. Under his leadership, the AeTrade ecosystem has launched flagship initiatives such as Sokokuu.Africa, AeTrust (a multipayment and remittance platform), and the Africa Strategic Investment Alliance (ASIA), an SME finance aggregator. These platforms collectively aim to create millions of jobs and expand cross-border market access. Prior to founding AeTrade, Mr. Syoum served as Chief Information Technology Officer at the Multilateral Fund for the Implementation of the Montreal Protocol. He led efforts to enhance cybersecurity resilience, business continuity, and risk mitigation across multiple UN-supported environmental programs. Earlier in his career, he co-founded Micro-net Inc. in Montreal, which later merged with Cronomagic to become a regional leader in enterprise software and compliance consulting for international institutions. He holds a Master of Science in Information Systems Management from Roehampton University in London and certifications in Enterprise Risk Management from Harvard University, as well as credentials in global information security governance. Mr. Syoum continues to be a pan-African voice for digitally enabled, inclusive growth and institutional cooperation that accelerates sustainable development.
Mr. Mulualem Syoum
Founder & CEO, AeTrade Group – Moderator
His Excellency Moses Vilakati brings more than three decades of public service, agricultural leadership, and policy innovation to his current role as African Union Commissioner for Agriculture, Rural Development, Blue Economy, and Sustainable Environment. Elected to this post in 2025, he guides continental strategies to promote climate resilience, food sovereignty, and inclusive rural transformation.
H.E. Moses Vilakati
Commissioner for Agriculture, Rural Development, Blue Economy, and Sustainable Environment, African Union Commission (AUC)
Conference Date
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