Mr Nyimpini Mabunda is a seasoned executive and business strategist renowned for exceeding performance metrics and driving transformative changes at leading, diversified multinational corporations. He has a proven track record of removing roadblocks and surpassing ambitious business goals in South Africa, United Kingdom, and Uganda. 

As a forward-thinking CEO and Board Chairman with over 25 years of experience, Nyimpini has successfully navigated complex market landscapes, leveraging his deep industry knowledge and understanding of emerging global trends. His remarkable track record of driving results and developing talent has established him as a well-rounded leader and a recognised industry expert.  

Nyimpini holds an MBA from the University of Cape Town, Finance for Sr. Executives from Harvard Business School, and Advanced Management Program (AMP) from INSEAD Business School. He is known for his passion for empowering employees and promoting diversity, contributing to thriving and inclusive organisational cultures that attract top talent and drive success. His dynamic leadership style inspires teams to perform at their best, fostering a culture of collaboration, creativity, and customer-centricity. 

Recently, Nyimpini became a best-selling author for his book: Take Charge: Life Lessons on the Road to CEO. He has also been appointed Chair of the U.S. Chamber’s U.S.-South Africa Business Council, a premier Washington-based business organisation dedicated to the economic relationship between the United States and South Africa, The Council represents America’s leading companies investing in South Africa, comprising senior executives from various sectors.  

Dr Abdel-Monem El-Sharkawy is the Chairman of the National Academy of Information Technology for Persons with Disabilities (NAID) at Egypt’s Ministry of Communications and Information Technology. With a Ph.D. in Electrical and Computer Engineering from Johns Hopkins University, he has over 25 years of experience in academia and industry, specialising in biomedical engineering and assistive technology. 

Dr. El-Sharkawy’s leadership at NAID focuses on driving research and innovation in assistive technologies for persons with disabilities. His work has resulted in numerous patents and publications, and his efforts in establishing NAID’s Excellence Center of Assistive Technology have significantly impacted Egypt’s assistive technology landscape. 

Alain Gbeasor is a visionary digital entrepreneur and health tech innovator with a remarkable track record of leveraging emerging technologies to drive sustainable development across Africa. As the driving force behind Incas Diagnostics in Ghana, Alain is at the forefront of pioneering point-of-care diagnostic solutions tailored for the African context. His leadership is dedicated to making healthcare more accessible and affordable, significantly impacting public health through innovative medical technology.

With over a decade of experience in technology and entrepreneurship, Alain is committed to fostering innovation that bridges local needs with global standards. His role at Ace Technologies underscores his dedication to user-centric software development, where he champions intuitive design and functionality that enhances everyday life. His strategic acumen in customer relations and business development has been crucial in delivering impactful software solutions that resonate with a diverse audience.

Alain’s expertise extends beyond technology into the realms of strategic communication and business leadership, positioning him as a key player in driving technological advancements that contribute to sustainable development.

Dr Andrew Kamwendo is a forward-thinking academic with over a decade of experience in both education and industry. He specialises in academic quality promotion, research supervision, and strategic planning. His expertise in project management and data analysis has contributed to his success in leading research initiatives that offer insights into contemporary challenges. 

Currently serving as a Quality Promotions Officer at Durban University of Technology, Dr Kamwendo is responsible for enhancing quality management systems across faculties and departments. His commitment to maintaining high academic standards extends beyond administration; as a lecturer, he has been dedicated to mentoring students, managing student relations, and contributing to scholarly publications. 

Holding a PhD in Management Sciences, Dr Kamwendo is passionate about evidence-based practices in academia and industry. His broad experience highlights his dedication to continuous improvement and innovation in academic and operational processes. 

Bram Fudzulani is the Chairperson of the Malawi Internet Governance Forum, the former President of the ICT Association of Malawi, and a prominent advocate for cybersecurity, data privacy, and internet governance. With a strong background in technology and leadership in the ISP sector, Bram has made significant contributions to Malawi’s digital economy.

Bram’s experience includes serving as a Hotspot Manager with Malawi’s leading ISP for seven years, where he honed his skills in project management, strategic planning, and internet governance. His work has earned him fellowships with the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) and the South School on Internet Governance, where he continues to advocate for a free, open, and secure internet.

As a tech entrepreneur and strategist, Bram is also the driving force behind Angle Dimension, a software development company that helps businesses enhance productivity and profitability through innovative applications. His work in market research, customer-centric product development, and consultative consulting has positioned him as a trusted advisor in the tech industry, dedicated to advancing internet governance and digital innovation in Malawi.

Brian Longwe is the CEO and Co-Founder of Converged Technology Networks, recognised as a digital infrastructure expert with extensive experience across 20 African countries. He specialises in broadband, mobile money, m-commerce, and payment platforms, having launched internet and mobile money services in Kenya, Uganda, and Malawi.

Brian is a leader in internet advocacy and ICT policy, actively involved in ISP capacity building, cross-border infrastructure, and market entry strategies. His entrepreneurial efforts have significantly shaped Africa’s digital landscape.

Christopher Lalusha is the Director of ICT at the National Pensions Scheme Authority in Zambia, with over 18 years of experience in enterprise IT governance and financial systems management. Known for his focus on digital innovation, Christopher has played a pivotal role in transforming the organisation’s IT infrastructure and driving business success through cutting-edge technology solutions.

His expertise spans systems engineering, database management, and digital transformation, making him a key figure in Zambia’s IT sector.

Dr Clement Mulenga Sinyangwe is the Head of ICT at Chalimbana University and the President of the ICT Association of Zambia (ICTAZ). With over 20 years of experience, he has been instrumental in shaping Zambia’s ICT landscape. Clement holds a BSc (Hons) in Computing, MSc in Computer Science, MBA, and numerous ICT certifications.

He is currently pursuing a PhD and co-chairs Zambia’s ICT and Digitalisation Technical Working Group under the Public-Private Dialogue Forum. Clement is a passionate advocate for ICT ethics, professionalism, and governance, and a frequent speaker at conferences.

David Gowu is a distinguished digital transformation leader with extensive experience in information and communication technology (ICT). As President of Technology Information Confederation Africa (TICON Africa), David empowers the African tech community through conferences, research and development, education, and networking events, significantly contributing to the region’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

He has been instrumental in shaping Ghana’s digital landscape. As the CEO of INNGEN, he supports businesses with IT resource planning and talent management across major IT domains. His expertise includes IT outsourcing, strategic human resource planning, and digital skills.

David holds key positions in esteemed organizations. As the Executive Director of the Institute of ICT Professionals Ghana (IIPGH), his leadership and strategic vision have advanced IIPGH’s goals, promoting excellence and professionalism in the ICT industry. Under his guidance, the institute has witnessed remarkable growth and recognition for its contributions to Ghana’s digital transformation. His commitment to fostering collaboration between industry stakeholders and academia has facilitated the development of a robust ICT ecosystem in Ghana.

 Known for his expertise in ICT, David advocates for adopting innovative technologies and digital solutions. He has spearheaded initiatives to bridge the digital divide, enhance digital literacy, and promote entrepreneurship and cybersecurity in the ICT sector.

Derrick Diaba is the Programme Manager for MTN in Ghana, where he plays a pivotal role in advancing technology project management, IS service delivery, and enterprise connectivity across West and Central Africa. With a focus on planning and building strategic network infrastructure, Derrick’s work is instrumental in driving connectivity and digital transformation for MTN GlobalConnect.

Derrick’s expertise lies in managing large-scale technological projects that are critical to enhancing digital infrastructure and services throughout the continent. His ability to lead complex projects and deliver innovative solutions has made him a key figure in MTN’s mission to connect Africa and empower its digital future.

As a seasoned professional in technology project management, Derrick excels in creating and executing strategies that align with MTN’s goals, ensuring that the company remains at the forefront of technological advancements in the region. His contributions continue to shape the digital landscape in Africa, making him a driving force behind MTN’s success in expanding and improving network infrastructure across multiple countries.

Edward van Niekerk is a celebrated lecturer and technologist at Belgium Campus iTversity in South Africa. With a comprehensive background in language and mathematics education, Edward has expanded his expertise to encompass philosophy, programming, and curriculum design. His career is marked by a commitment to enhancing educational opportunities for marginalised populations through innovative technological solutions. 

Edward has focused on advancing education for Deaf learners, a group long overlooked due to historical prejudices. The ban on sign language in Deaf schools in South Africa until the late 1980s left lasting impacts, and Edward is determined to address the educational disparities that persist. His work involves collaborating with institutions to develop specialised support, such as sign language interpreters and Deaf lecturers, ensuring inclusive and effective learning environments. 

Edward is currently researching and developing pedagogical strategies that promote critical thinking and address foundational skill gaps. His initiatives include advocating for bridging programmes and the accreditation of these courses to provide Deaf students with a pathway to higher education. By fostering partnerships with the National Institute for the Deaf and engaging Deaf students in creating resources, his efforts are instrumental in shaping the future of education in Africa, ensuring that technology serves as a catalyst for educational equity and excellence. 

Elizabeth Chabaluka is a prominent IT professional and Manager of IT Service Delivery at NICO Technologies LTD in Malawi. With a Master’s in Business Administration from ESAMI and a Bachelor’s degree in Computing and Information Systems, Elizabeth plays a pivotal role in improving service management and operational efficiency in the telecommunications sector. 

She also serves as the Treasurer General for the Information Communication and Technology Association of Malawi (ICTAM). Known for her dedication to mentorship, Elizabeth is involved in initiatives like GovTech, where she imparts her knowledge to aspiring professionals, ensuring the development of future IT leaders in Malawi. 

Emmanuel Gbeve is a seasoned IT Solutions Architect and Project Management Leader with over 15 years of experience in planning, designing, and implementing complex IT solutions and projects. His expertise lies in his exceptional leadership and project management skills, which have allowed him to successfully guide teams and deliver high-visibility technical projects.

Known for his systematic and diplomatic approach, Emmanuel is adept at building consensus among stakeholders, ensuring that projects are completed on time and within scope. His critical thinking and analytical skills, coupled with his deep understanding of IT infrastructure, make him a trusted advisor in safeguarding IT systems and ensuring their optimal performance.

Emmanuel’s extensive knowledge in solution architecture, database design, emerging technologies, and IT project management has enabled him to lead the successful implementation of multiple complex IT solutions across various industries.

Professor Fred McBagonluri is the Provost and President at Academic City University College in Ghana, with over 20 years of global experience in engineering, research, and business development. A former Siemens Medical program lead, Fred holds 22 US patents and was a finalist for NASA’s Astronaut Candidate Program.

His recent work focuses on building a STEAM-focused university in Ghana, driven by a mission to reshape Africa’s educational narrative. Fred is dedicated to creating future leaders equipped with the skills to innovate and contribute to the continent’s progress.

Professor Gabriel Kabanda is a globally recognised expert in computer science, information systems, cybersecurity, machine learning, and big data science from Zimbabwe. With a distinguished career spanning several decades, Professor Kabanda has made significant contributions to the fields of ICT and STEM education. His work is characterised by a deep commitment to advancing technology and education on a global scale.

Professor Kabanda has held prestigious positions, including Vice President of the Zimbabwe Academy of Sciences, and has served as a professor at various international universities. His prolific output includes over 130 research publications, which have earned him numerous awards and accolades. His expertise in cybersecurity, AI, and big data is highly regarded, making him a sought-after speaker and consultant.

His contributions to ICT and STEM education initiatives have had a profound impact, fostering the next generation of technology leaders and innovators. Professor Kabanda’s work is instrumental in driving progress and excellence in the global tech community, and his insights are invaluable for anyone interested in the future of technology and security.

Grace Labong Achire is a business and enterprise development expert with over 20 years of experience, specialising in marketing communication and stakeholder engagement. She is a founding member of Vantage Communications Group, one of Africa’s leading PR agencies with operations across East and Central Africa.

Under her leadership, the company has grown into a trailblazer in integrated communication and PR, providing strategic services to top-tier clients across the region. Grace’s commitment to business optimisation and public awareness has made her a leader in Africa’s PR industry.

Jackie Namara Rukare is the CEO of Iguru Consult Ltd and a Chartered Marketer with over 20 years of experience in brand development and business growth. With expertise across major corporations like Unilever Uganda, Airtel Uganda, and Stanbic Bank Uganda, Jackie specializes in embedding marketing strategies that drive sustainable business growth. 

In addition to her corporate experience, Jackie is a dedicated educator and mentor, teaching graduate students and coaching marketing professionals. Her passion for health marketing and advocacy, particularly in relation to diabetes awareness, highlights her commitment to using marketing as a tool for positive change in society. 

James Byaruhanga, the Managing Director of Roke Cloud, is a seasoned veteran with over 20 years of experience in the ISP, cloud, data centre, and telecom industries. His advanced knowledge of Cisco and Juniper routing, MPLS planning and implementation, VoIP, and WiMAX network planning has been pivotal in the success of various cross-functional projects in the ISP and telecom fields.

James’s ability to navigate complex technical environments, coupled with his strategic planning capabilities, has made him a trusted leader in the industry. His commitment to innovation and efficiency ensures that he consistently delivers results that drive growth and enhance organizational performance. Whether managing large-scale projects or developing new product strategies, James brings a wealth of knowledge and experience that is essential for success in today’s rapidly evolving technology landscape.

Professor Japie Greeff is an Associate Professor and Deputy Director at the School of Computer Science and Information Systems, North-West University, with over 20 years of experience in RF design, embedded systems, and software engineering.  

He specialises in areas such as AI, serious games, and automation, where he mentors postgraduate students in cutting-edge technologies. He has also made significant contributions to academia and industry, particularly in the development of AR/VR solutions and gamification strategies.  

His leadership and expertise extend across various collaborative projects within the Faculties of Science and Engineering at North-West University and the University of Johannesburg, where he continues to drive innovation and excellence. 

Joice Benza is the founder, Managing Consultant, and CEO of X-Pert Solutions, specializing in business strategy, ICT strategies and solutions, cybersecurity, and project management. With a history as a Senior ICT Executive and Chief Information Officer, she has successfully achieved digital transformation through implementing ERPs, CRM, cybersecurity, and other business systems.

Joice has expertise in business process improvement, user requirements specification, and integration architecture roadmaps. She and her team have formulated ICT and digital strategies for corporations, focusing on post-COVID-19 frameworks. A Big Data analytics and AI expert, she assists clients in defining transformed composability frameworks.

As a seasoned project management trainer, Joice leads X-Pert Solutions in taking on management contracts, running client ICT departments, and upskilling ICT managers and staff. She has over 35 years of experience across private and public sectors, with special emphasis on insurance, pensions, microfinance, banking, and manufacturing.

Joice is also involved in ICT audits, business continuity planning, and cybersecurity. She sits on the AFC Insurance Board and is the current President of the Computer Society of Zimbabwe (CSZ).

Lungile Saula is a Junior Lecturer at Belgium Campus ITversity, where she focuses on equipping the next generation of IT professionals with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in the industry. With a strong foundation in computer science and a passion for education, Lungile is dedicated to empowering students through innovative teaching methods and hands-on learning experiences.

His expertise in IT education and his commitment to academic excellence position his as a rising leader in the field, shaping the future of IT education in South Africa.

Malebogo Khanda is an accomplished ICT professional with extensive experience across diverse areas, including networking and infrastructure, software development, project management, and curriculum development. Over the years, she has applied her skills across sectors such as agriculture, real estate, academia, tourism, and youth life skills development.  

Her interests have evolved toward the internet spectrum, with a strong focus on diplomacy, cybersecurity, digital literacy, and the policy frameworks that shape them. Passionate about understanding the impact of technology on Botswana’s domestic ecosystem, Malebogo is also deeply interested in how global factors such as climate change and AI dynamics influence the ICT landscape across the continent. 

In her current role as Secretary General of the Botswana Information Technology Society, she is committed to driving growth in the SMME value chain through research and development. Malebogo holds a Master’s Degree in Computer Systems Management, specialising in Entrepreneurship from Botho University/Venture Labs. Her academic journey included a deep engagement in research, systems integration, and enterprise application development. 

Dr. Marlon-Ralph Nyakabau is a pioneering medical doctor and digital health consultant from Zimbabwe, passionate about leveraging technology to enhance healthcare across Africa. With a vision to transform healthcare delivery, Dr. Nyakabau has dedicated his career to developing sustainable business models that address the continent’s unique healthcare challenges. His work emphasises the integration of digital solutions to improve access to and the quality of healthcare services.

Dr. Nyakabau’s impressive credentials include being an inaugural Mandela Washington Fellow and a respected member of both the International Society for Telemedicine and e-Health and the Global Digital Health Network. These affiliations highlight his commitment to advancing the field of digital health and his recognition as a leader in this transformative domain.

A fervent advocate for technological innovation in healthcare, Dr. Nyakabau’s initiatives have focused on applying telemedicine and other digital tools to bridge the gap in healthcare accessibility. His contributions are pivotal in driving the adoption of digital health solutions that can deliver substantial benefits to communities across Africa.

Michael Niyitegeka is the Executive Director of Refactory Limited and the ICDL Africa Country Manager for Uganda. With over 21 years of experience across both the private and public sectors, Michael has a proven track record in leadership development and business technology strategy. 

He has held various roles at Makerere University and has extensive consulting experience with local and international institutions. A certified Franklin Covey facilitator, Michael is dedicated to mentoring future technology leaders and contributing to Uganda’s digital transformation through innovative business solutions. 

Mulomba Hameja has over 17 years of experience in the public sector, currently serving as the Assistant Manager for Training and Change Management for the Ministry of Finance’s Integrated Financial Management Information System (IFMIS) Project in Zambia.  

Over his career he has played a key role in planning end-user training and facilitating change management programs to implement IFMIS successfully. Mulomba holds a Bachelor of Arts in Public Administration and a Diploma in Human Resources from the University of Zambia and Evelyn Hone College. 

Olivier Vanden Eynde is a visionary social entrepreneur and the founder of Close the Gap, an international social enterprise that bridges the gap between companies and non-profits to provide affordable IT solutions to underserved communities in sub-Saharan Africa. Through his leadership, Close the Gap has grown into a global operation, creating impact across Africa and Europe, particularly in Belgium and Kenya. 

With a dynamic team operating in both Europe and Africa, Close the Gap and its ecosystem partners employ approximately 100 full-time staff and have incubated over 150 startups, providing essential tools and resources such as CNC machines and 3D printers in its makerspace. 

Olivier’s innovative work also focuses on the circular economy, where he oversees various ventures, including an IT refurbishing hub and makerspace in Mombasa, Kenya, and IT asset disposition services in Europe. His mission is centered around advancing sustainable development, fostering local entrepreneurship, and supporting SMEs in emerging markets through innovative programs. Additionally, he has been instrumental in scaling projects that support digital literacy, IT recycling, and the integration of green ICT practices, further solidifying his role as a leader in tech for development.

Percy Chinyama is the National Coordinator for the Electronic Government Division at the Smart Zambia Institute, with over 20 years of senior-level public service experience. He has held key roles in ICT leadership. Percy also contributed to the establishment of the Financial Intelligence Centre (FIC) and developed government ICT standards.

In his current role, he advises on digital government and the national digital transformation agenda, helping set up critical systems to support the country’s e-government initiatives.

Richard Kafui Amanfu is a seasoned Technology Consultant with over 16 years of experience in the ICT and telecommunications industries. As a founding member of the Institute of ICT Professionals Ghana (IIPGH) and a Senior Professional Member of the Institute of Information Management (IIM) Africa, he has played a vital role in promoting digital transformation across West Africa. 

His expertise spans project and operations management, digital transformation, and ICT education. Richard’s passion for leveraging technology to achieve Sustainable Development Goals and his dedication to developing local talent make him a key advocate for sustainable development in the region’s ICT ecosystem. 

Tsitsi Mariwo is the Director for Data Protection at the Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (POTRAZ). With over 20 years of experience as a legal strategist in data law and compliance, Elizabeth is a leading expert in addressing cybersecurity and data privacy challenges.

Elizabeth’s extensive background in data protection, corporate law, and governance equips her with the expertise to implement cutting-edge data protection practices and policies. Her role involves spearheading data protection unit leadership, formulating policies, and enhancing cybersecurity capabilities to safeguard sensitive information effectively.

Her commitment to compliance and excellence is evident in her work, which includes developing and implementing forward-thinking data protection policies, conducting privacy impact assessments, and providing training on data protection best practices. Elizabeth’s dedication to staying abreast of the latest developments in data protection laws and her active participation in professional networks ensure that her organization remains at the forefront of data handling and privacy standards.

Viola Dondo is a dynamic leader in Zimbabwe’s IT sector, with a strong commitment to digital empowerment. As the Executive Director of the Computer Society of Zimbabwe (CSZ) and the International Computer Driving Licence (ICDL) in CSA Trust, she has spent over nine years promoting the use of technology across Zimbabwe and neighboring countries. 

Her strategic vision and expertise in business development have driven the growth of IT certification programs. Viola’s passion for inclusivity and upskilling marginalised communities reflects her broader mission to provide equal opportunities in technology education. A seasoned TEDx speaker and active Toastmaster, Viola is a prominent advocate for communication and service within her community. 

Yilkal Abate is a technology and business professional with proven success in organization building, solution development, risk management tools, software engineering, web technologies, mobile content and services, enterprise solutions, and private sector development. A team player and builder, he excels in driving results and surpassing set goals, analyzing business needs, investment requirements, team dynamics, and technology.

His competencies include private sector development, ERP, CRM, process improvement technologies, PMO, relationship development and management, business analysis, quality assurance, databases, architecture, programming, operations, and mobile content.

Yusuf Chimole is an accomplished entrepreneur and CEO of Lync Systems & Rydberg Starck Ltd in Malawi, with a strong background in the IT and services industry. He holds a Bachelor of Applied Science in Information Technology from the University of Malawi, The Polytechnic.

Yusuf is a pioneer in IoT, software development, and robotics, with expertise in SDLC and entrepreneurship. He actively contributes to the development of innovative tech solutions and is committed to advancing technology in Malawi.