kNOW YOUR SPEAKERS
Jane Oma
HOST
Jane Oma Onyemenam is an Oracle Certified Human Capital Management Consultant with over 19 years experience in Learning and Development, Leadership Development, Business Policy and Strategy, Talent Management, Organisational Structure as well as Change Management.
Actively engaged in International consultancy projects, Startup Mentorship and Business advisory roles covering People and Organization, her work also cuts across the non-profit and social impact sector. She is fondly referred to as “Bridge Builder”.
Jane, born in Nigeria and boasting nearly two decades of residency in Spain, stands as a seasoned authority in the realm of multicultural exchange. Her extensive experience encompasses consultation, mentorship, training, and coaching of business executives across diverse landscapes spanning Europe and Africa.
She is a faculty member of Geneva Business School, where she teaches Business Policy and Strategy, Corporate Social Responsibility, Change Management, Performance Management and Intercultural team management.
Jane is the founder and President of Upside Africa, an organization that focuses on inspiring, supporting and promoting entrepreneurs and professionals of African descent, women empowerment as well as diaspora engagement.
She is also the founder of The Mother Eagle Mentoring Academy, a platform that provides mentoring and business advisory for African women and youths from all walks of life.
Jane is a Senior Fellow and member of the Advisory Council of The Migrant Changemakers Programme by Ashoka Foundation in Spain.
She is also a member of SIETAR Europa (Society of Intercultural Education, Training and Research), SIETAR Spain, and the Special Interest Group – Africa team of SIETAR Global.
Jane holds a BA in Business Administration and Management from EU Business School (Barcelona), a certificate in Intercultural Management from ESCP Europe and a certificate in Global Diplomacy from SOAS London.
She is fluent in English, Igbo and Spanish.
Prof. Ismael Al-Hinti
KEYNOTE SPEAKER
• President, Al-Hussein Technical University.
• A passionate educator, an academic leader, and a recognized energy
expert and entrepreneur.
• 20+ years of diverse academic and professional experience in Jordan
and MENA region.
• Received his Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering in 2002 from
Queen’s University Belfast, UK.
• Professor of Mechanical Engineering and author of over 50 research
papers which received over 1300 citations.
• Founder and former CEO of ETA-max Energy & Environmental
Solutions.
• Life member at the Association of Energy Engineers (AEE).
• Expert on numerous projects with International institutions and
development partners.
Ruth Zubairu
MODERATOR
Ruth believes in her mandate to be a shining light that inspires and empowers. Coming from a background in Human Anatomy, she has reinvented herself and built a thriving career in Business Strategy, PR Communications and Digital Marketing.
She has a certification in Advanced Communications and Digital PR (Circa 2019) from the International School of Communications (ISOC), London.
She is a Certified Content Marketer & SEO Strategist from the Prestigious Smart Blogger
Academy.
As Principal Consultant at AVC, she leads the team to create innovative solutions for industry
experts, seasoned professionals or individuals with exceptional stories/experiences who want to
build a successful business online from coaching, mentoring and consulting.
She combines quick business thinking with expert communication and marketing skills learned
and honed over the years to provide clarity and produce phenomenal results in impact and
income for her clients, both corporate organizations and individual brands.
She served as the Programs Manager for IDEA Africa (Impact Driven Entrepreneurship
Advancement in Africa), a for-profit social enterprise working actively to grow the MSME sector
in Africa by providing Startup Advisory, Global Markets, Mentoring and Funding opportunities.
She also oversaw the operations of the Founder Institute Accelerator program Lagos chapter,
the largest pre seed accelerator program with over 100 graduate companies with a total
cumulative raise of $70million+ in funding.
As founder of Sambe, a content writing tool powered by artificial intelligence, provides the
perfect plug for solopreneurs and content creators to have access to tools and people to help
them build a visible and profitable brand online. It provides search engine optimized content
autogeneration as well as offers training and accountability to entrepreneurs.
Using her expertise and training in Content Marketing, she helped her clients get international
PR features, land speaking engagements and record over 150% increase in social engagement
and significant increase in revenue.
She also serves as a Business Strategist/Chief Technology Officer and offers Advisory services
to these high profile brands and corporate organizations in matters that relate to new media and
profiting from technological trends.
She is the Author of the book, “I Am: A Step-by-Step Guide to Overcome Low Self Esteem and
Turbocharge Your Confidence”.
Her work tool and second book, The Content Cookbook has been praised as a guide for every
social media manager in 2020 and beyond.
She has been featured on several platforms including The Huffington Post, on National TV
(Channels Television), Inspiration FM and Classic FM 97.3 in Nigeria and Radio Harold Hill,
London.
Faces of The New Africa also named her as one of the individuals within the African Continent
who use their initiatives, Resources and Businesses to impact Humanity and the Society in a
Positive Light.
She is a wife and mother to three boys.
Khaled Elahmad
KEYNOTE SPEAKER
About Me: A Blend of Cultures and Personalities
My journey spans across Kuwait, the USA, and Jordan, bringing a rich blend of cultural experiences. Balancing an ambivert personality in real life and a more extroverted presence online, I’m passionate about sharing knowledge and the joy of giving. As Ben Carson wisely said, “Happiness doesn’t result from what we get, but from what we give.”
My journey also includes conquering public speaking fears, as evident in my talks at two TEDx events.
✓ Expertise and Achievements:
- Former Digital Media Director for the Jordanian government.
■ Pioneer of the social media department at Zain Jordan’s leading telecom company.
- Trainer to over 15,000 marketing executives and advisor to 350+ businesses in digital strategies.
- LinkedIn profile strategist for numerous professionals.
■ Founder of JordanBlogs.net; Co-Founder of Amman Tech Tuesday; Creator of Top100Arabs.
- Recipient of multiple awards, including Best Social Media Trainer and Influencer of the Year.
- Author of ‘Shusmo’, a personal brand journey.
■ Recognized as #1 in Personal Branding in the Arab region by Favikon.com.
Khaled Elahmad
KEYNOTE SPEAKER
About Me: A Blend of Cultures and Personalities
My journey spans across Kuwait, the USA, and Jordan, bringing a rich blend of cultural experiences. Balancing an ambivert personality in real life and a more extroverted presence online, I’m passionate about sharing knowledge and the joy of giving. As Ben Carson wisely said, “Happiness doesn’t result from what we get, but from what we give.”
My journey also includes conquering public speaking fears, as evident in my talks at two TEDx events.
✓ Expertise and Achievements:
- Former Digital Media Director for the Jordanian government.
■ Pioneer of the social media department at Zain Jordan’s leading telecom company.
- Trainer to over 15,000 marketing executives and advisor to 350+ businesses in digital strategies.
- LinkedIn profile strategist for numerous professionals.
■ Founder of JordanBlogs.net; Co-Founder of Amman Tech Tuesday; Creator of Top100Arabs.
- Recipient of multiple awards, including Best Social Media Trainer and Influencer of the Year.
- Author of ‘Shusmo’, a personal brand journey.
■ Recognized as #1 in Personal Branding in the Arab region by Favikon.com.
Moe Hamid
KEYNOTE SPEAKER
Physician turned software engineer turned serial entrepreneur, Moe advises on all things tech. As an experienced developer, CEO and CTO of several startups, and a former medical professional, Moe brings a unique and valuable perspective covering a wide range technical, strategic, and management matters.
Currently the CEO of Lok Incubator in the USA, a startups incubator with many projects in the MENA region, and the Co-director of Peleset Angels, and angels investment fund for Palestinian startups globally. In addition to being a partner with Global Mentoring Network.
Rami Al Karmi
KEYNOTE SPEAKER
Rami Al Karmi is a distinguished futurist, investor, executive coach, advisor, and innovation strategist. He is the Executive Chairman of Ab(new)normal Inc – a Venture Capital and corporate Innovation Studio founded by Rami to focus on AI, Blockchain, DeFi, and Web3-based Digital Twin Exponential Business Model Ventures in FinTech, Islamic Finance, EdTech, and the Future of Work. Rami is also the author of the forthcoming book “AB(NEW)NORMAL – How to Evolve Your Mindset and Business Out of Hunger Games!” [ISBN 978-1-7361597-0-5] and the Host of the Ashra X (10X in Arabic) mastermind collective.
Rami is the host and curator of ashra X Collective and serves as Professor of Practice in Innovation and Entrepreneurship and Director of HTUX.ORG and the Digital Learning Center DLC@HTU at Al Hussein Technical University (HTU). As a sought-after futurist, captivating storyteller, and speaker, he travels extensively to deliver sessions and talks discussing breakthrough technologies, cross-industry innovation, peak performance culture, accelerated mindset shift and change, and lean exponential business models.
Rami previously held the position of Senior Vice President and Group Chief Innovation Officer at Jordan Ahli Bank, and Founding CEO of Ahli FinTech. He made history as the 1st person to be approved by the Central Bank of Jordan for a C-level Chief Innovation Officer role in a bank. During his tenure, he co-founded AnaMeen.me, the first AI & Blockchain-based customer identity verification platform (eKYC-as-a-service) in the Arab world.
Rami is a TEDx Speaker and Innovation X speaker at NASA’s cross-industry innovation summit. He is also a mentor at Outlier Ventures and Unreasonable Future, and serves on numerous boards, including the Islamic Development Bank Institute (IsDBI), Fintech Galaxy, Al Raed Arabi School, Wafra Business and Think Barter Network (TBN).
Rami founded his 1st startup at the age of 19, he holds an Electrical Engineering degree from the University of Jordan and completed the Venture Capital Executive Program at HAAS UC Berkeley, and “The Leading for the Future”, and “The Leading, Organizing for Action” Executive Programs at Harvard Kennedy School, and the Senior Executive Program at UC San Diego, and is an Accounting and Auditing Organization for Islamic Financial Institutions (AAOIFI) Certified code of ethics Practitioner. Rami is a passionate advocate of First Principle Thinking, Exponential Organizations (ExO), and Lean Startup movements and is a regular judge, mentor & and keynote speaker at the region’s main innovation, entrepreneurship & and technology events. He designed and produced a number of events and interventions in this space, including the ashraX AWAKE Summit, Startups Screwupedia, Master JEDI Pitching, LeanStartupProgram, AI for non-techies masterclass series, and his popular ab(new)normal innovation/futurist talks on the future of various industries.
Jon Browning
KEYNOTE SPEAKER
Jon Browning is a former Microsoft director who is the founder and CEO of Global Mentorship Initiative. GMI mentorships guide thousands of refugees and students in 100 countries to their first sustainable job.
Jon co-created the Global Impact Sourcing Coalition in partnership with the Rockefeller Foundation and BSR to encourage the hiring of youth in underserved communities and promote job creation. Jon is chair of the IAOP chapter for Social Responsibility in Outsourcing and co-created the Global Impact Sourcing Awards.
Dr. Jekwu Ozoemene
KEYNOTE SPEAKER
Jekwu: Banking and Finance Expert
With 24 years in banking, finance, and economic policy, Jekwu has published widely on these topics.
He is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Bankers Nigeria and holds multiple directorships, including CEO roles at the HIV Trust Fund of Nigeria and the Nigeria Business Coalition Against AIDS. He serves on several boards, including Business Partners International Africa and Tigray Coffee Company. He is also a faculty member at Lagos Business School and a member of the HIV Control Working Group for Sub-Saharan Africa.
Jekwu: Banking and Finance Leader
Jekwu has 24 years of experience in banking and finance, holding senior roles at FMO, Access Bank, and Lyceum Alliance. He has advised on Nigeria’s National Affordable Housing Finance Scheme and served on presidential committees for affordable housing. He is a member of the Nigerian Economic Summit Group and has been a resource person for Nigeria’s Federal Ministry of Environment, Housing, and Urban Development.
He holds a BA in English, two MBAs, and a DBA, and has attended executive programs at INSEAD and Wharton. Jekwu is also a TEDx speaker and co-licensee of TEDxOguiRoad.
Maria-Carolina
KEYNOTE SPEAKER
Maria-Carolina: Business Angel and Investor
Since 2012, Maria-Carolina has invested in 10+ high-tech startups in Europe and MENA. As a partner at efino, she leads investor programs in Egypt, Peru, Palestine, and the Western Balkans.
She has extensive experience in business development, fundraising, and strategic planning. Maria-Carolina holds advanced degrees in Government, International Affairs, and Business Administration. Originally from Colombia, she lives between Switzerland and Dubai with her family.
John Obidi
KEYNOTE SPEAKER
John Obidi: Entrepreneur, Consultant, Speaker, Author & Founder of Headstart Africa
John Obidi is a New Media Consultant, International Speaker, and Personal Development Trainer. Known for his visionary and innovative solutions, he has earned widespread admiration.
In 2018, he was ranked 2nd among Avance Media’s 100 Most Influential Young Nigerians and won The Future Awards Africa Prize for New Media. In 2020, he was named among the 100 Most Influential Young Africans.
He is a leading digital marketing consultant in Africa and founded HEADSTART AFRICA, a community of over 170,000 professionals.
John Obidi: Thought Leader and Influential Speaker
John Obidi is a leading figure in personal development, leadership, and online marketing. His content and events are known for being practical and innovative. He has spoken in Brazil, UAE, Ghana, Zambia, Rwanda, and Nigeria and is available for keynotes and panels.
At 32, John is one of Nigeria’s most influential young people, recognized as an international speaker, community leader, personal development trainer, online business consultant, and brand influencer. He has a strong social media presence and is a respected voice among young African changemakers.
Dr. Jekwu Ozoemene
MODERATOR
Yvonne Ebbi: Social Intelligence Expert
Yvonne Ebbi, an Oxford alum, TEDx Speaker, author, and image consultant, specializes in personal branding, executive presence, and business etiquette. She leads The Etiquette Place, a corporate finishing school.
In 2022, CNBC Rising Woman Africa recognized Yvonne as an inspirational woman impacting Africa. Her #BestFoot program has transformed executives and corporate organizations by aligning personal and corporate brands to lead with confidence and civility.
international conferences and appeared on media shows in Africa and Europe. Her #SheSpark initiative empowers women, and her book “Finding Your She Spark” is a favorite. Yvonne is a sought-after speaker and executive coach known for her distinctive style.
Dr. Jekwu Ozoemene
MODERATOR
A dynamic Woman in Technology, who is not afraid to use her voice to advocate for the promising reality and bright future that Africa holds.
As Cargill’s Agricultural Supply Chain Global IT Business Partner responsible for their Process-Data-Technology-Digital (PDTD) strategy in Africa & Europe, she helps to drive innovation and ensure that Cargill stays connected and remains aware of the African AgriTech & FinTech innovations that can help them to provide better services to their customers.
She is currently the Vice-President of Upside Africa, an international NGO that seeks to inspire Africans on the continent and in the diaspora to connect, to create and to build the continent we can be proud of. Prior to joining Cargill she was a Management Consultant for an Independent Consulting Firm, where she led multi-country projects that drove operational efficiency, innovation and better business integration.
Her passion has seen her mentoring young start-ups across the continent and helping them bridge the gap by offering Master Classes, online lectures and providing one-on-one sessions in her spare time. She sees great potential in how technology can transform agriculture and realise the benefits of the 4th Industrial Revolution.
Rilwan Akeyewale
PANELIST
Rilwan Akeyewale is a 29 year old Techpreneur!
He spent his early life in south-west Nigeria, where he was raised by very enterprising parents who despite having no formal education ensured that he got an education.
As a youngster, he watched my father’s business thrive and grow, till he became one of the biggest distributors of bagged beans in our city then he watched him fail when he diversified his business into an area he knew next to nothing about. That was his baptism into the world of entrepreneurship.
Upon graduation from university, Rilwan cut his teeth working as an Audit and Assurance Associate with KPMG where he learnt a lot working on projects involving some global, regional and local business giants.
He became a World Economic Forum’s Agenda contributor in 2018, as an expert on the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). He has since been quoted by international media platforms like VOA, Brookings, Washington International Trade Association (WITA) and All Africa.
Megan Bruiners
PANELIST
Megan Bruiners: Book Strategist and Kingdom Coach
Megan Bruiners helps leaders write best-selling books in 60 days. A 2x international bestselling author and speaker, she empowers authors to embrace their calling. With a Master’s in Tourism and Hospitality, she launched a travel business in 2017. Megan, from Cape Town, is dedicated to breaking negative cycles and inspiring others.
Megan Bruiners: Author and Book Strategist
Megan Bruiners helps leaders write best-selling books in 60 days. A 2x international bestselling author and speaker, she published her first book, “Unmasking Purpose,” in 2020 after a 14-year career as a flight attendant. Megan has written four books and will launch “Unlock Your Voice (Volume II)” in 2024.
She offers book coaching, brand promotion on her TV show, and an online mentoring program. Register for her free masterclass: [link](http://bit.ly/403H8m5).
Onaivi Dania
PANELIST
Onaivi Dania: Mentoring Strategist & Entrepreneur
Onaivi Dania, a mentoring strategist, founded Precepts & Mentors, a firm based in Nigeria with a global reach. Starting his entrepreneurial journey at 22, he initiated programs like Business Horsepower and Technology Mentorship for Small Business Scheme, empowering students for productivity and entrepreneurship.
He also worked as an associate consultant at Joseph Consulting, focusing on human capital development.
Onaivi Dania is known for developing tailored Human Capital Development programs and facilitating sessions for top organizations in West and East Africa, including MTN Nigeria and the Central Bank of Nigeria. He’s widely recognized as the “Mentor-Mentee Matchmaker.”
Establishing “The Mentor Magnet” in 2012, Onaivi hosts mentoring events across Africa like Managers As Mentors Program. He’s spoken at Social Media Week Lagos and Nairobi and is an alumnus of the Hive Global Leaders Program. Onaivi actively contributes to mentoring events and works with non-profits and civil society organizations.
Chichi Eriobu
PANELIST
Chichi Eriobu: Entrepreneur with a Heart for Service
Chichi Eriobu is driven by her vision to build businesses that address human needs. Raised in a Christian family in Eastern Nigeria, she developed a passion for serving her community at an early age.
After studying Mass Communication at IMT Enugu, she gained experience in sales, management, and journalism. Chichi’s entrepreneurial spirit led her to pursue further education in entrepreneurship, including the Womenpreneur mini MBA sponsored by the International Finance Corporation and Access Bank Plc.
Chichi is a passionate advocate for girl child education and against molestation. She founded the Phronesis Foundation to support children of single parents by providing jobs and care. As an entrepreneur, she launched three businesses focused on communication, media, and food packaging. Chichi is also a volunteer at the Healing School of Christ Embassy and hosts the talk show “Let’s Talk Entrepreneurship” to inspire and educate fellow entrepreneurs. Her show aims to encourage startups, promote partnerships, and attract potential investors.
Neeta Rare Michael
SPOKEN WORD ARTIST
Neeta Rare Michael: Spoken Word Artist, Voice Actor, Public Speaker
Neeta Rare is a poet and spoken word artist known for her soul-stirring performances. With experience as a voice actor, author, and public presentation trainer, she founded Street Mentors Network, a nonprofit for homeless children.
Neeta’s accolades include nominations and awards in poetry contests like UBA Africa Poetry Day and the World Bank Poetry Contest. She’s also a finalist for the APVA Awards and the Vweta Chadwick Poetry Prize.
Neeta Rare is known for her bold artistry, addressing disputed topics through spoken word and rap. Her EP “Maverick” has gained widespread acclaim, and she’s a sought-after public presentation trainer and author. As a voice actor, she’s collaborated with top brands and businesses, and her organization, Street Mentors Network, has made a significant impact on street children in Akwa Ibom State. Neeta Rare’s creativity and captivating presence make her a standout performer and trainer.
Israa Moussa
PANELIST
As an experienced business developer, project manager, and startup mentor, I have dedicated over 9 years to supporting entrepreneurs, freelancers, youth, women, and multi-sector startups in Palestine.
My commitment to sustainable business development, youth economic empowerment, and enabling women’s inclusion drives my passion for fostering growth and opportunities in the Palestinian entrepreneurial landscape. As both a startup founder and a Techwomen fellow, I am enthusiastically devoted to empowering and guiding young founders in scaling their businesses and thriving.
In 2018, he was ranked 2nd among Avance Media’s 100 Most Influential Young Nigerians and won The Future Awards Africa Prize for New Media. In 2020, he was named among the 100 Most Influential Young Africans.
He is a leading digital marketing consultant in Africa and founded HEADSTART AFRICA, a community of over 170,000 professionals.
John Obidi: Thought Leader and Influential Speaker
John Obidi is a leading figure in personal development, leadership, and online marketing. His content and events are known for being practical and innovative. He has spoken in Brazil, UAE, Ghana, Zambia, Rwanda, and Nigeria and is available for keynotes and panels.
At 32, John is one of Nigeria’s most influential young people, recognized as an international speaker, community leader, personal development trainer, online business consultant, and brand influencer. He has a strong social media presence and is a respected voice among young African changemakers.
Babatunde Akin-Moses
PANELIST
Babatunde Akin-Moses, co-founder of Sycamore.ng, drew on his decade-long accounting experience to tackle SMEs’ loan challenges with the peer-to-peer lending platform. Launched in 2019 with co-founders Onyinye Okonji and Mayowa Adeosin, Sycamore.ng offers quick, collateral-free loans via its web and mobile app. Babatunde, holding an MBA from Lagos Business School, spearheads the company’s growth strategy, recently completing a seed-funding round to expand across Africa.
His diverse professional background includes roles at Shell Nigeria, KPMG, PwC, and Pezesha, alongside serving on the board of Profiliant Development Resource s.
In 2018, he was ranked 2nd among Avance Media’s 100 Most Influential Young Nigerians and won The Future Awards Africa Prize for New Media. In 2020, he was named among the 100 Most Influential Young Africans.
He is a leading digital marketing consultant in Africa and founded HEADSTART AFRICA, a community of over 170,000 professionals.
John Obidi: Thought Leader and Influential Speaker
John Obidi is a leading figure in personal development, leadership, and online marketing. His content and events are known for being practical and innovative. He has spoken in Brazil, UAE, Ghana, Zambia, Rwanda, and Nigeria and is available for keynotes and panels.
At 32, John is one of Nigeria’s most influential young people, recognized as an international speaker, community leader, personal development trainer, online business consultant, and brand influencer. He has a strong social media presence and is a respected voice among young African changemakers.
Israa Moussa
PANELIST
As an experienced business developer, project manager, and startup mentor, I have dedicated over 9 years to supporting entrepreneurs, freelancers, youth, women, and multi-sector startups in Palestine.
My commitment to sustainable business development, youth economic empowerment, and enabling women’s inclusion drives my passion for fostering growth and opportunities in the Palestinian entrepreneurial landscape. As both a startup founder and a Techwomen fellow, I am enthusiastically devoted to empowering and guiding young founders in scaling their businesses and thriving.
In 2018, he was ranked 2nd among Avance Media’s 100 Most Influential Young Nigerians and won The Future Awards Africa Prize for New Media. In 2020, he was named among the 100 Most Influential Young Africans.
He is a leading digital marketing consultant in Africa and founded HEADSTART AFRICA, a community of over 170,000 professionals.
John Obidi: Thought Leader and Influential Speaker
John Obidi is a leading figure in personal development, leadership, and online marketing. His content and events are known for being practical and innovative. He has spoken in Brazil, UAE, Ghana, Zambia, Rwanda, and Nigeria and is available for keynotes and panels.
At 32, John is one of Nigeria’s most influential young people, recognized as an international speaker, community leader, personal development trainer, online business consultant, and brand influencer. He has a strong social media presence and is a respected voice among young African changemakers.