Founder and CEO of One Million by One Million.(IM by IM)
Sramana Mitra
Founder and CEO of One Million by One Million.(IM by IM)
Founder and CEO of One Million by One Million.(IM by IM) a global virtual accelerator that aims to help one million entrepreneurs globally to reach $1 million in revenue and beyond.
Sramana Mitra is the Founder and CEO of One Million by One Million (1Mby1M), a global virtual accelerator that aims to help one million entrepreneurs globally to reach $1 million in revenue and beyond. She is a Silicon Valley entrepreneur and strategy consultant, she writes the blog Sramana Mitra On Strategy, and is author of the Entrepreneur Journeys book series. As an entrepreneur CEO, she ran three companies: DAIS, Intarka, and Uuma. Sramana has a master’s degree in electrical engineering and computer science from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. In 2015, Sramana was named one of LinkedIn’s Top 10 Influencers.
Co-chair of the UNESCO Women for Ethical AI Platform
Dr Alessandra Sala
Co-chair of the UNESCO Women for Ethical AI Platform
Global President of Women in AI | Co-chair of the UNESCO Women for Ethical AI Platform | Sr. Director of Artificial Intelligence and Data Science at Shutterstock
A Research and Scientific Leader in Artificial Intelligence, Alessandra is the Sr. Director of AI and Data Science at Shutterstock. Alessandra has over 15 years’ experience in research and innovation gained whilst working in academic and commercial environments. Alessandra has a strong technical background in Artificial Intelligence, machine learning, advanced analytics and ethical frameworks with the focus of transferring innovation from research to products.
As Co-chair of the UNESCO Women for Ethical AI Platform and Global President of Women in AI (a non profit do-tank working towards gender-inclusive AI that benefits global society) Alessandra is working with a strong community of women to foster diversity, inclusion and equality for women and minorities while encouraging a global ethical approach in AI. In an advisory capacity, Alessandra also serves as the Governance Committee Chair at the Science Foundation Ireland Centre for Research Training in Machine Learning.
Among several awards, Alessandra was the 2021 winner of the XV International Prize “Le Tecno- visionarie” in the AI – Industrial Research category. In her previous role Alessandra was Head of Analytics Research at Nokia Bell Labs where she was leading research teams in several locations and developing a successful strategy for the Data Analytics division while driving changes across different activities like her contributions to the Nokia AI Ethics Advisory Board.
Director of Innovation of the National Entrepreneurship & Innovation Programme (NEIP)
David A. Ofori
Director of Innovation of the National Entrepreneurship & Innovation Programme (NEIP)
Director of Innovation of the National Entrepreneurship & Innovation Programme (NEIP) of the Government of Ghana
David is an accomplished Executive Manager with multifaceted experience and proven ability to re-energize and restructure organizations, develop strategic initiatives and capture emerging business opportunities. He is a results-oriented and decisive leader, adept at forging lucrative relationships with key partners, vendors and clients, and recognized for turning around struggling company operations to achieve sustained growth.
He is also adept at identifying potential risks and suggesting recommendations for improvements to achieve business objectives.
Until recently, David served as the Head of Operations at the Ghana Digital Centers Limited (GDCL); Ghana’s foremost Science and Technology Park, which has provided Entrepreneurship and Innovation support to over 200 technology start-ups and SMEs. During his tenure, he led the roll out of the “Digital Skills Development for Youth from disadvantaged backgrounds” initiative and oversaw the on-boarding of over 40 Technology Companies including anchor tenants like Docupro, World Vision, VFS Global, and MTN Ayo Intermediaries.
David also served as the Executive Director of the Ghana Oracle Digital Enterprise Program (GODEP), an initiative focused on mentoring and nurturing startup companies in Technology and Innovation.
He is currently the Director of Innovation of the National Entrepreneurship & Innovation Programme (NEIP) of the Government of Ghana. Here, David supervises the innovation directorate of the NEIP, and is accountable for the leadership, strategic direction and oversight of the operation, management, and delivery of the institution’s innovation function.
David is passionate about technology, entrepreneurship, and innovation, and has facilitated, participated in, and supported the organization of several events and conferences in that space.
Notable among them include:
• Member of the Expert Panel of Judges for innovation at the International Telecoms Union (ITU) based in Geneva, Switzerland,
• Permanent guest speaker at the bi-annual Tech-in-Ghana conference since its inception in 2017,
• Guest speaker at the United Nations conference on Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) in May 2020,
• Member of the Expert Panel of Judges for the North Africa Region, as part of the Annual Digital Innovation Competition for African Startups, facilitated by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce,
• Guest speaker (opening panel) at the Ghana Digital Innovation Week,
• Guest Speaker, RAIL (Responsible AI LAB) Inception Workshop, KNUST, Ghana.
• Permanent Speaker, TechGulf Annual Digital Forum,
• Participated in the “AI for Good Global Summit” in Geneva, Switzerland – 2018
• Participated in the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, Spain – 2019
• Participated in the Transform Africa Summit in Kigali, Rwanda – 2019
• Spoke at ITU Telecoms World Conference in Budapest, Hungary – 2019
• Participated in the Oracle Open World Festival in San Francisco, California – 2019
• Spoke at the African Startups Summit in Tunis, Tunisia – 2019
• Led a delegation of Startups and Innovators to New York City at the invitation of the Mayor, New York – 2019,
• Participated in the Consumer Electronics Summit in Las Vegas, Nevada – 2020,
• Regular speaker at the Ghana Digital Innovation Week since its inception in 2021,
• Led a delegation of GIPC to meet with Silicon Valley Partners in San Francisco and San Ramon, California – 2022
• Attended the Oracle Cloud World Conference in Las Vegas, Nevada – 2022.
David holds an MBA in Entrepreneurship & Innovation, a Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics, and a Certificate in Innovation for Development from the MASHAV Carmel Training Center, Israel.
Founder and CEO, FSAB Consulting || Trainer with United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR).
FadwaSaad AlBawardi is a Saudi Arabian entrepreneur, techpreneur, and a highly accomplished professional with a remarkable career spanning over two decades. In addition to her mentorship roles, Ms. AlBawardi has established her own consultancy office to provide expert services in Digital Transformation, Performance Management, Strategic Planning, Data, and AI strategies.
She serves as the Chief Mentor at 3logy Limited, guiding the emerging generation and mentoring numerous African techpreneurs.
Ms. AlBawardi is a Certified Strategy and Business Planning Professional, as well as an IT/Performance Management Senior Consultant with more than 21 years of experience. Her extensive expertise is complemented by her role as a certified trainer and an Elsevier reviewer for international AI and technical research papers and articles. She is also a prominent public speaker, having presented at several national and international conferences, including the United Nations IGF 2023 in Kyoto, Japan, and the UN ITU AI for Good Summit 2024 in Geneva, Switzerland. Additionally, she serves as a trainer with the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR).
Ms. AlBawardi is an accomplished author who has contributed to several technical international publications, including the HIMSS Book of the Year (editions 2007, 2013, and 2018) in the USA. She is also a USA Today Bestselling Author and a prolific weekly columnist with over 150 articles published in digital journals in Saudi Arabia.
Her academic achievements include earning a Master’s degree in Computer Science from Boston University, USA, in 2003, and two certifications in Strategic Planning. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science from the American University in Cairo, obtained in 1994, and attended a Strategic Management course at Harvard University, USA, in 2019.
Ms. AlBawardi’s contributions to technology, strategy, and mentorship continue to inspire and shape the next generation of leaders and innovators.
Director Monitoring And Evaluation, Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board {NCDMB }
Abdulmalik Halilu
Director Monitoring And Evaluation, Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board {NCDMB }
Mr. Abdulmalik Halilu FNIM, PMP is currently the Director, Monitoring and Evaluation of NCDMB, where he is responsible for Monitoring the Nigerian Content Performance on projects and evaluating the impact of local content implementation in the Nigerian economy. Prior to assuming this role, he was the Director Planning Research and Statistics, responsible for corporate planning & policy development, statistical data analytics and overseeing the Research & Development mandate of the Board. He also held the positions of General Manager, Research, Statistics & Development, General Manager Corporate Services & Logistics, Manager Planning & Policy Development and Coordinator of Project 100, an SME development initiative of NCDMB.
Prior to joining NCDMB in 2011, Mr. Abdulmalik worked in Accenture, a global management consulting, technology, and outsourcing firm, where he was involved in many development projects including the Nigeria Vision 20:2020 economic transformation blueprint, the NNPC transformation project “PACE”, the National biofuels policy and renewable energy program, and the roll out of the Unique Taxpayer Identification Number (UTIN), among others.
Mr. Halilu brings extensive expertise in oil and gas, development banking, utilities, agribusiness, manufacturing, renewable energy, supply chain management, and project management.
Abdulmalik is a fellow of the Nigerian Institute of Management, member of Project Management Institute, the International Facility Management Association and Kaduna Golf Club. He has been a teaching instructor at the Center for Professional Development St. Charles, Chicago, USA,
He is a policy development specialist, a change management expert, and a certified project management professional; with a master’s degree in development studies, a postgraduate diploma in management science, and a bachelor’s degree in agricultural technology. He is married with children.
Professor of Strategic Leadership and Digital Transformation at Prowess University, Delaware, US, and an Adjunct Professor at ICLED Business School, Lekki, Lagos.
Oyewole Sarumi is a Professor of Strategic Leadership and Digital Transformation at Prowess University, Delaware, US, and an Adjunct Professor at ICLED Business School, Lekki, Lagos. He also serves as a visiting professor at the International School of Management, Lagos.
A certified management consultant, business analyst, and ICF-certified coach and trainer, Dr. Sarumi leads various leadership modules and has authored numerous research papers on leadership, strategy, entrepreneurship, and AI in digital transformation. He consults for major companies across diverse sectors on digital transformation to streamline processes, improve
efficiency and productivity.
He has conducted CPD sessions for organizations and professional bodies like NNPC and major subsidiaries, NIM, SEA, CIPDM, CIPMN, and NASME, among others. With extensive experience mentoring and coaching entrepreneurs across sectors such as agriculture, finance, education, and manufacturing etc., Dr. Sarumi has significantly contributed to enterprise development.
As Registrar of the Chartered Institute of Public Diplomacy and Management (CIPDM), he edits the International Journal of Public Diplomacy and Management (IJPDM) and writes study packs for the Chartered Institute of Personnel Management (CIPM). His bestselling books include Building Leaders, The Self-Disciplined Leader, and Becoming a Strategic Leader in the Digital World.
Dr. Sarumi is available for media engagements on leadership, enterprise development, digital transformation (EdTech, BuzTech, E-governance) and other related topics.
Chief Talent Developer at Total Energies – Exploration & Production Nigeria
Franck Egbon is a highly experienced and versatile Well Engineer with over 32 years of diverse experience in the Oil and Gas industry. He holds a Diplôme d’Ingénieur and a Master of Science from the prestigious French Petroleum Institute (IFP) School in Paris, as well as a Bachelor of Engineering in Electrical/Electronics from the University of Benin. Franck is proficient in English, French, and Pidgin.
Throughout his career, Franck has demonstrated a firm understanding of drilling, reservoir, and production engineering/technology, along with a basic knowledge of geology. He has worked effectively in multi-cultural and multi-ethnic environments and has extensive experience in recruiting both locally and internationally for Total SA Nigeria. Franck is also a mentor and trainer to young engineers and is actively involved with the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE) International.
Franck’s professional journey includes significant roles at Total Exploration & Production, where he currently serves as the General Manager, Talent Management. In this role, he oversees the development of managers, ensures the implementation of mobility campaigns, and manages talent development and learning strategies within TotalEnergies. His previous roles at Total include General Manager, Human Resources, Senior Talent Development, Advisor, Careers Technical Disciplines, and Manager, Drilling Metier Staff Development.
In addition to his industry roles, Franck is a dedicated lecturer at several institutions, including the Institute of Petroleum Studies (IPS)/IFP, the Nelson Mandela Institute/World Bank University – African University of Science and Technology (AUST), the Center of Excellence in Geosciences & Petroleum Engineering, University of Benin, and the Offshore Technology Institute, University of Port Harcourt. He is also associated with Total Professeurs Associés (TPA), where he contributes to building bridges between the oil industry and academic circles.
Franck’s specialties include Well Engineering, Lecturing, Recruitment, Training, Mentoring, and Coaching. His recent educational pursuits include certifications from INSEAD, London Business School, Harvard Business School Online, The University of Texas at Austin – Center for Professional Education (CPE), and Rice University.
Projects:
Ofon Phase II Project: Managed the drilling and completions, overseeing the engineering and call for tender processes.
Ikike Project: Managed the drilling engineering and controlled area budgets, developed AFEs, and coordinated planning processes.
Santa Barbara Well: Involved in drilling one of SPDC’s longest wells at a depth of 18,300 feet MD.
Deep Offshore Group: Promoted and enforced TOTAL safety policy, supervised the implementation of new software, and managed the Corporate Well Abandon Database.
Various HR Projects: Organized and managed transfers and mobility of employees, supervised HR campaigns, and conducted career management decisions.
Professional Affiliations:
Member, Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE)
Member, Council of Energy Advisors
Lecturer, Institute of Petroleum Studies (IPS)/IFP
Lecturer, Nelson Mandela Institute/World Bank University – African University of Science and Technology (AUST)
Lecturer, Center of Excellence in Geosciences & Petroleum Engineering, University of Benin
Lecturer, Offshore Technology Institute, University of Port Harcourt
Lecturer, Total Professeurs Associés (TPA)
Trainings:
INSEAD: Financial Analysis for Non-Finance Managers (April 2024 – May 2024)
London Business School: Human Resource Strategy in Transforming Organisations (May 2024)
Harvard Business School Online: Certificate in Business Analytics (August 2022 – October 2022)
The University of Texas at Austin – Center for Professional Education (CPE): Certificate in Business Analysis Planning and Monitoring (November 2021)
The University of Texas at Austin – Center for Professional Education (CPE): Certificate in Understanding Business Strategy (October 2021)
Rice University: Certificate in The SHRM Learning System for HR (May 2018 – October 2018)
Rice University: Certificate in Essentials of Human Resources (September 2018)
Cofounder at Coin Gabbar, An expert in blockchain Economics
Sudeep Saxena
Cofounder at Coin Gabbar, An expert in blockchain Economics
Crypto Enthusiast
Sudeep is a Blockchain & Crypto Enthusiast & Researcher with 23 years of Professional Experience in fields like Crypto Economics, Management Consultancy, Startup Mentoring, Audit & Banking with organizations like Banks, Insurance Companies, Government Corporations, Public & Private Companies.
Multidisciplinary Author: Bridging New Technologies & Economics
He has a keen interest in the New Technologies and their impact on the Economic & Financial World and he keeps researching and writing about the same. He has authored many Research Papers, Books, Blogs and Articles on a varied range of topics including Management Science, Economics, Spirituality, Blockchain & Crypto.
Sudeep has held many leadership positions in his career including the Directorship of Public & Private Companies, Chairmanship of Various Organizations, Head of Department Position for Organizations & Institutes.
Strong Pillar of Coin Gabbar
His keen Interest in the Blockchain & Crypto World led him to lay the Foundation of Coin Gabbar, which is a Crypto Research & Information Portal committed to bringing Transparency & Research Oriented Information into the Crypto World. The portal also aims at educating the early adopters and takes pride in having presence across 60+ countries in the world through its deep research and insightful content.
Sudeep has participated in more than 100 Online Speaking & AMA sessions along with his presence in various events as a keynote speaker and panelist.
Personal Interests
Sudeep is also an athlete and a music lover, hobbies that he still practices and enjoys. He takes pride in keeping his temper in check in the toughest of conditions.
Benjamin Oyemonlan is a visionary technology leader, serial entrepreneur, and advocate for digital transformation across fintech, blockchain, and real estate tech. He is the CEO and Co-founder of Platnova, a fast-growing fintech platform offering virtual cards, cryptocurrency solutions, and seamless currency conversions. With over 100k downloads, 70k KYC users, and 12k+ active monthly transactors, Platnova is making waves in the global financial landscape.
Benjamin also serves as the Chief Innovation Officer at Zap Africa (Zap.africa), a decentralized, non-custodial cryptocurrency exchange, where he leads strategic growth and innovation. Additionally, he is the Co-founder of Shortlet App (Shortlet.app), transforming the short-term rental industry through technology.
As an ECOWAS Youth Ambassador, Benjamin promotes digital inclusion and economic growth across West Africa. Recognized as a Global Talent in the UK, he continues to drive innovation, partnerships, and solutions that bridge technology with economic development. His entrepreneurial journey includes leading Platnova to the Startup World Cup Grand Finale and driving Zap Africa’s fundraising success.
Tech leader with over 15 years experience helping immigrants land lucrative tech careers |
Fractional CPO | Product Innovation Expert | PhD in Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning
Dr. Fin Dittimi is a distinguished technology executive, AI/ML specialist, and fractional Chief
Product Officer renowned for his ability to launch and scale groundbreaking products. The
founder and principal consultant at FandF Consultancy, he has driven transformative
growth for global powerhouses like Bell and Bombardier, contributing over $50 million in
revenue across 30+ product launches. His expertise spans fractional leadership, digital
transformation, and career coaching, empowering startups and established companies to
scale effectively and seize new market opportunities.
Equipped with a PhD in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning from Concordia
University Canada, Dr. Fin has impacted over 1,500 students, lecturing at esteemed
institutions in North America. A respected thought leader, he is constantly invited to share
insights on AI, product management, and business growth on leading platforms across
print, digital, and broadcast media. A mentor with Futurpreneur and an advisor to Canada’s
Digital Adoption Program, he supports SMEs and entrepreneurs in navigating
transformative challenges. Whether delivering dynamic keynote addresses, designing
tailored training programs, or crafting strategic solutions, Dr. Fin continues to shape the
digital and technology landscape as a sought-after thought leader and innovator. Connect
with him on LinkedIn.
James is a Technical Lead, AI Engineer, and global leader with extensive experience in the Financial, Blockchain, and Identity industries. He has worked with organizations based in the United Kingdom, the United States, Switzerland, and Canada. James has had the opportunity to contribute as a speaker at several tech conferences, including MCT/MVP West Africa Summit, DevFest, Digital DNA Glasgow, DDD North UK, M365 Manchester Summit, and more, as well as acting as a judge at Africa’s largest hackathon—the A2SV AI for Impact Hackathon, which brought together over 1,100 teams and nearly 5,000 participants from across the continent in 2024.
As an Engineering Lead at Youverify, one of Africa’s leading verification companies, James played a pivotal role in developing the company’s flagship product, contributing to over $2.5M in revenue generation.
He was also a significant contributor to Fairdrive, a multi-award-winning decentralized storage solution in the blockchain industry. At Speechmatics, a UK-based company renowned for its highly accurate transcription model surpassing competitors like Google, Amazon, and Microsoft, James focused on enhancing product adoption among developers.
Currently, James leads the Engineering team at Sana Transfer, where he aims to revolutionize international remittance from Canada to over 70 countries by providing a faster, more reliable, and secure platform
enior Project Manager at Schneider Electric Energy, Tech & Project Leader
Oluwatoni Olugbenga
enior Project Manager at Schneider Electric Energy, Tech & Project Leader
Oluwatoni Olugbenga (Toni) is a distinguished leader in the energy and technology sectors and brings a wealth of unique industry experience and global business acumen to the forefront. With a proven track record of spearheading groundbreaking projects and driving innovation, Toni has consistently delivered transformative results in complex and dynamic environments. With a keen understanding of governance, people management, innovation, and the future economy, he is dedicated to shaping the next generation of leadership and driving impactful change on a global scale.
He holds a master’s in Electronics and Electrical Engineering from Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife; and Professional Certifications from Nexford University, Duke Corporate Education, and Project Management Institute, Pennsylvania. He is a Fellow of the Institute of Management Consultants. Currently, he serves as a Senior Project Manager at Schneider Electric (a global specialist in energy management and automation) and supports its North American Allocation program.
With an unparalleled ability to navigate the evolving landscape of energy, technology, and project leadership, Toni is set to offer invaluable insights and strategies that resonate with the challenges and opportunities of today’s dynamic business ecosystem.
Vice President of Global Operations and Managing Director of Yellow Card Nigeria
Lasbery Chioma Oludimu
Vice President of Global Operations and Managing Director of Yellow Card Nigeria
Lasbery Chioma Oludimu is Yellow Card’s Vice President of Global Operations and Managing Director of Yellow Card Financial Nigeria Limited. Previously, she held the position of Assistant General Counsel and Chief Data Protection Officer. Lasbery is a key member of Yellow Card’s Executive team. As the Vice President of Global Operations, Lasbery actively manages the company’s operations under the direction of the Group Chief Operating Officer, overseeing pivotal initiatives that drive the business forward.
Lasbery possesses specialist skills in the FinTech, blockchain, and digital assets space. She understands the various legal, regulatory, and business landscapes across the continent and advises on a wide variety of operational and legal issues, including product offerings.
Prior to joining Yellow Card full-time, Lasbery advised the company for several years on a wide variety of matters while she was a lawyer in private practice at Blackfriars LLP in Lagos, Nigeria, assisting Yellow Card with launching its first exchange in Nigeria in 2019. During her time in private practice, Lasbery advised domestic and foreign clients on hi profile commercial, financial technology, litigation, intellectual property, capital markets, foreign investment, regulatory, compliance and immigration-related matters, including leading teams advising international financial institutions and multinational oil companies on contentious issues requiring dispute resolution expertise.
Lasbery is a Member of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (UK), a Capital Market Solicitor of the Nigerian Capital Market Institute, and an Associate Member of the Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators. She has authored many articles in leading Nigerian legal publications and has also delivered numerous presentations on diverse subjects of law.
Lasbery, who resides in Lagos, obtained her first degree in Law from Madonna University and a Master of Law degree from the University of Lagos. She was admitted to the Nigerian Bar in November 2009.
Chief Operating Officer at Globally Connected Group
Jerome K. Miller
Chief Operating Officer at Globally Connected Group
Jerome K. Miller. Whose a resident of New York City. He’s a first-generation college student, first-generation postgraduate degree recipient, international business aficionado, community activist, & believer that in life, each person shall live out their purpose in order to be fulfilled. In 2020, Jerome, completed his bachelors degree at Georgia State University procuring his degree in Interdisciplinary Studies with a major in Social Entrepreneurship and a concentration in Global Issues.
Additionally, he completed his masters degree in 2021, at Georgia State University, in International Business from the J. Mack Robinson College of Business.
Education aside, Jerome serves as the (COO) Chief Operating Officer at Globally Connected Group, a global consulting firm, co-founded alongside Gigi Ait-Messaoud and Abdul Diallo. He has expertise & perspective in Finance & Managerial issues; as he has been a part of a study abroad to Dubai & the UAE, as well as expertise in economics; as he was a part of the Economic & Environment of Business in South Africa study abroad program where he was the atlas student of the group and consulted individuals of South Africa on how to start a business, market it, and build traction.
In conclusion, he has insight on how to redevelop & build communities pertinent to economics, real estate, & community development, the ability to articulate, and execute bringing a vision to reality, project management consulting, as alongside his business partners they have conducted work in Dakar, Senegal, South Africa, Atlanta, GA and global expansion/strategy to name a few.
Lamide brings extensive industry and leadership experience, having worked across multiple markets in Africa over the last decade. Lamide joined Glovo in 2021 as the Head of Q-commerce for Sub-Saharan Africa. In this position, she built Glovo’s marketplace business for groceries, health and retail as well as launched and scaled the company’s darkstores across the region.
Prior to joining Glovo, Lamide was a consultant at McKinsey & Company. She helped some of the largest companies in Africa & Europe develop and implement comprehensive strategies. She is passionate about scaling tech companies in Africa.
Lamide holds an MBA from Stanford University and a Bachelor’s degree in Economics from University College London.
Mr. Umar Aminu Masanawa is a distinguished African techpreneur, AI expert, and edge technologist. A highly accomplished professional, he has built a remarkable career mentoring the emerging generation in innovative and transformative ways. His passion for technology and education has made him a key figure in shaping the future of digital innovation.
He currently serves as the Senior Partner at 3logy Limited, where he plays a pivotal role in advancing technology-driven solutions. Mr. Masanawa holds a major in Computer Science and is recognized as a digital transformer with a focus on leveraging technology for impactful change.
In addition to his professional achievements, he is a proud member of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), further solidifying his influence in the global tech ecosystem. Mr. Masanawa’s expertise and leadership continue to inspire and guide the next generation of innovators across Africa and beyond.
Partnerships, Digital Capabilities Lead at Access Bank Plc
Chukwuma Osahor Covenant-Hero
Partnerships, Digital Capabilities Lead at Access Bank Plc
Mr. Chukwuma is a through-bred and consummate finance and technology professional with over 11 years of banking experience.
He is currently leads a partnerships & digital capabilities at Access Bank Plc, Africa’s largest Bank by retail customers, and is responsible for positioning Access Bank as strategic technology partner, critical to profitability & business growth.
As a technology leader, Chukwuma has also been part of the creation and deployment of revolutionary fintech payment solutions (EFT, Virtual Account Solutions, Card Routing Solutions) which have made significant impact for businesses within the payments industry.
He is also a member of the Innovation Advisory Council of Access Bank Plc where he provides expertise and thought leadership to support the Bank’s innovation journey.
Hakeem Akiode is a seasoned Growth and Marketing Leader with a decade of experience
scaling tech startups and SMEs across Africa. As Head of Growth at Youverify, he drives
strategic initiatives that have resulted in an industry-leading CLTV to CAC ratio of 100,
significantly expanding the company’s market presence.
Hakeem holds a Bachelor’s degree and an Executive MBA from the Quantic School of Business
and Technology, with further training from Product School, USA, and Lagos Business School.
His expertise encompasses a unique blend of growth and product marketing, with a proven
track record in both B2B and B2C sectors, sets him apart as a leader in Africa’s tech ecosystem.
Prior to Youverify, Hakeem held key roles at Enactus, Utiva, and Jetseed, where he consistently
drove growth and innovation. Hakeem is an active member of the CMO Council and serves as a
mentor at Adplist. He is also the founder of the #GrowwithHakeem initiative, empowering
hundreds of young tech enthusiasts across Africa.
Beyond his professional pursuits, Hakeem is a dedicated volunteer with JCI Nigeria EKO, where
he served as VP Projects in 2024. He enjoys conversations around social entrepreneurship and
Web3
Vice President of Business Development & People at Treepz
Florence Sulyman-Boboye
Vice President of Business Development & People at Treepz
Florence Sulyman-Boboye is a dynamic business leader with over eight years of experience in the mobility, technology, and transportation industries. As the Vice President of Business Development & People at Treepz, she plays a pivotal role in driving strategic growth, forging key partnerships, and expanding the company’s footprint across Africa and beyond.
Her expertise spans vehicle rentals, ride-sharing, car-hailing, and corporate travel solutions, with a strong focus on leveraging technology to enhance mobility and accessibility. At Treepz, Florence has been instrumental in developing innovative mobility solutions, streamlining operational efficiency, and positioning the company as a leader in Africa’s evolving transportation sector.
Before joining Treepz, Florence was the co-founder and CEO of Eazyride, a subscription-based mobility platform designed to provide safe, convenient, and cost-effective transportation for businesses and individuals. Her leadership at Eazyride not only helped redefine urban commuting but also showcased her ability to build and scale tech-driven businesses that solve real-world challenges. Prior to this, she held a key role at Nikky Taurus, where she led initiatives in vehicle rentals, driver management, and logistics, further honing her expertise in business development and operations.
Beyond her professional achievements, Florence is deeply passionate about technology, entrepreneurship, and the future of mobility in emerging markets. She is an advocate for women in tech leadership, frequently speaking on panels and at industry events about technology accessibility, digital transformation, and business growth in Africa.
With her strategic mindset, deep industry knowledge, and commitment to innovation, Florence continues to shape the future of transportation, ensuring that mobility solutions remain efficient, sustainable, and accessible for businesses and individuals alike
Obi Emetarom is a seasoned tech entrepreneur who has been at the forefront of innovation in the financial services industry since 2004. As co-founder of Parkway Projects, he spearheaded the delivery of bespoke fintech solutions for Nigeria’s commercial banks, driving the company to surpass $1 million in revenue. In 2008, Obi co-founded Appzone, where he led the development of groundbreaking technologies, including Africa’s first Banking SaaS platform, custom fintech software, and advanced card management systems.
Today, Obi is pioneering the concept of regulated blockchain, a transformative approach that combines the decentralization and efficiency of blockchain technology with the trust and legitimacy of traditional finance. This concept strengthens blockchain’s value proposition by delivering its benefits, such as decentralized digital financial solutions while embedding regulatory compliance at its core.
In November 2022, Appzone underwent a strategic evolution, resulting in the establishment of Zone, a blockchain-based payment infrastructure company. This shift also saw the creation of Qore, an independent enterprise core banking solutions provider. With Zone, Obi has successfully secured a switching and processing license from the Central Bank of Nigeria, making the company’s infrastructure Africa’s first regulated blockchain network for payments.
Under Obi’s leadership, Zone has emerged as one of Africa’s fastest-growing payment infrastructure companies. As a global advocate for regulated blockchain, Obi is actively shaping conversations around blockchain regulations and compliance. He envisions a future where payment systems are powered entirely by regulated blockchains like Zone, offering unparalleled reliability, efficiency, and interoperability to financial ecosystems globally.
Ibidapo Ibrahim is a dynamic technology leader with over a decade of experience in IT strategy, business solutions, and infrastructure management. As the Head of IT Business Solutions at Seven-Up Bottling Company, he drives digital transformation, IT innovation, and operational efficiency across multiple departments, including enterprise architecture, software engineering, and IT service management.
His expertise spans IT governance, cloud computing, cybersecurity, enterprise architecture, and IT service delivery. He has successfully led multi-million-dollar IT projects, optimized infrastructure for high-growth environments, and negotiated strategic partnerships, securing cost-saving deals and enhancing business resilience.
Ibidapo is passionate about leveraging technology to drive business growth and operational excellence. At Tech Unite Africa 2025, he looks forward to engaging with industry leaders, sharing insights on IT strategy and digital transformation, and exploring innovative solutions shaping the future of technology in Africa.
Sofia Zab has over 10 years of experience launching and scaling Africa-focused tech startups. She is the
CMO of PalmPay, one of Africa’s fastest growing fintechs with 35 million app users and 1.2 million
mobile money agents and merchants. To date, 1 in 5 Nigerians have transacted through PalmPay’s
platform via its smartphone apps and MSME network.
Prior to launching PalmPay as part of its founding team, she served as the Head of Marketing at mobile
lender Branch and at NYSC-listed eCommerce company Jumia. She has a BSc from the London School
of Economics and was recognised by Forbes on its 30 under 30 list.
Utari is an investment manager at E3 Capital. He has 9+ years of experience in private equity across Africa. His expertise spans a diverse range of sectors, having been involved in the complete investment cycle on numerous ventures across the continent. At E3, Utari is responsible for deal sourcing, screening, execution and post investment portfolio management amongst others. Prior to E3, Utari worked at Ethos Private Equity and Centum Investment where he was involved in executing investment strategies across Africa.
Utari holds an undergraduate degree in Engineering and a Masters in Finance from University of Nairobi.
About E3 Capital
E3 Capital is a leading early-stage investor in climate tech, energy efficiency and digital infrastructure in Africa. With extensive experience across the team, E3 is uniquely positioned to take advantage of the emerging smart, distributed, cost-effective infrastructure market segment. E3’s strategy is back entrepreneurs with climate smart technologies enabled by digitized, decentralized, and decarbonized infrastructure and services.
Tolu Ajibola is a seasoned Operations professional, and currently works as a Commercial Operations Manager at a leading global transport tech company in Europe. In this role, she drives strategic commercial initiatives to execution across global markets, including Europe, North America, APAC, and Africa. She is also the Co-founder of HerSynergy, an organization dedicated to empowering mid to senior level women in the EMEA region through mutual support, mentorship from industry leaders, educational programs, and networking opportunities.
With a strong background in business operations and strategy, Tolu has significantly impacted the B2B SaaS, Fintech, Energy, Insurance and Social Enterprise sectors. Her expertise in operational streamlining, strategic planning, and process optimization has consistently enhanced business efficiencies and growth, resulting in substantial revenue growth and market expansion.
Tolu’s professional journey is marked by a commitment to operational excellence and strategic leadership, making her a pivotal asset in navigating and optimizing business operations across industries. Her academic foundation in Engineering complements her practical skills, blending technical proficiency and analytical thinking with strategic acumen.
Tolu is passionate about helping early-stage startups grow and often takes on advisory roles. She is actively involved in making an impact on the community by supporting and mentoring young professionals, especially women. When not working, you can find her playing tennis
Eric Ntumba Bukasa, current Ag CEO of Baobab Nigeria is a senior banker who has been active in sub-Saharan Africa (Nigeria, DRC, Kenya, South Africa, Morocco) since 2008. He has extensive experience in structured finance (Mining, Infrastructure, Trade Finance, Energy, Mergers & Acquisitions), Commercial Banking (Private Banking, Corporate and Investment Banking, Institutional Banking, SME Banking, Retail Banking), and Inclusive Finance.
Eric serves on the Board of the DRC New Generation Fund of the King Baudoin Foundation (Belgium) and is a mentor of the Lead Campus program at HEC (Paris). He holds a BSc IT Honor degree in Information Technology (Cum Laude) from North-West University (South Africa), a Diploma and a Master in Public Administration from the Ecole Nationale d’Administration (ENA-France, Summa Cum Laude), and a Diploma in Leadership from Arkansas University (US).
Eric was ranked in the Top 10 of the prestigious Choiseul 100 Africa listing the 100 African Economic Leaders under 40 from 2021 to 2022 (achieving the 8th position in 2021, and 10th position in 2022).
Eric is an internationally recognized leader; he is an honorary citizen of the city of Fayetteville and a Goodwill Ambassador for the State of Arkansas (US).
He has participated in the following prestigious programs:
* Mandela Washington Fellowship of the Young African Leaders Initiative 2014 (US)
* Africa France Young Leaders Inaugural Class of 2017 (France)
* Atlantic Dialogues Emerging Leaders 2017 (Bringing together emerging leaders from the Atlantic Basin in Morocco)
* Eric has received the North-West University Alumni Awards 2013 (SA) and the Medal of
Council of North-West University (2004)
* Eric is an award-winning author. His first Novel “Une vie après le Styx” received the European Union “Makomi” award as best Congolese writer of the year in 2020.
Innocent Ozuluoha is African Lead at Blum.io. With over ten years experience in the Web3 space. His vision for Blum in Africa is to be the No1 crypto trading App in Africa. Innocent has a passion in promoting Web3 adoption in Africa, having previously worked in some of the top blockchain companies. He currently lead Blum expansion in Africa.
Aviscenna Syukri is an Investment Manager at Pegasus Tech Ventures, focusing on investment M&A deal structuring, deal sourcing, corporate relations, and operational support within the North America, Southeast Asia, and South Asia regions. His responsibilities include managing a significant portion of the company’s investments in Southeast Asia. Notably, he has established strategic partnerships to enhance corporate influence in the MENA and Southern Africa regions and has a proven track record of successful asset liquidation.
Prior to his investment career, Aviscenna gained extensive experience as a professional geologist in the oil and gas sector in Texas for over five years, where he specialized in field data acquisition, drilling log correlation, and hydrocarbon extraction. He also co-developed an IoT and robotics company with collaborative efforts between the USA and Indonesia. Earlier, he served as Operations Manager at East Indies Trading Co., responsible for market trend analysis and B2C sales data evaluation.
Aviscenna holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Exploration Geology and Geophysics from Sam Houston State University
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