::: Until Event
OCTOBER 28 - 30
/ King Solomon's Height, 26 Mango Street, Accra
The strategic objective of Global Student Entrepreneurship Week was to help students and early-career individuals think like job creators and not just job seekers. Since its inception, the project has become an explosive growth-focused startup event with students, budding entrepreneurs, and early career professionals learning from investors and entrepreneurs from Africa, Silicon Valley, the U.K, and beyond. Now in its fourth edition, this year's Student Entrepreneurship Week focused on the theme “The Next Frontier of Innovation and Leadership.” Over 6,000 entrepreneurs joined the mind-bending experience!
The world is moving into a new phase of global dynamics right now. As the older generation gradually makes way for the youth to take the helm of affairs, the dominant question on the lips of development partners is, “who will control the global economy?” More so, innovation has reached a tipping point. In education, agriculture, medicine, finance, housing, and so on, digital technology is reshaping how we work, live, interact, and communicate, hence the global race for platform ownership. Thus, Stars From All Nations is collaborating with LoveWorld Next and LoveWorld Business Network to assemble the best and brightest minds globally to spark meaningful conversations, and share best practices that’ll shape the next phase of innovation and leadership.
Building your career and growing your business has a lot to do with who, not what, you know. At Global Student Entrepreneurship Week, you will collaborate with like-minded individuals and extend your network.
At Global Student Entrepreneurship Week, you will have the timeless opportunity to pitch your business to investors and win prestigious awards. Here’s your chance to showcase your innovation to the world.
Get exclusive, actionable insights from thought leaders on all the crucial aspects of business and career growth, participate in mind-bending training sessions and get proven hacks to create your future on your terms.
At Global Student Entrepreneurship Week, you will have the timeless opportunity to pitch your business to investors and win prestigious awards. Here’s your chance to showcase your innovation to the world.
Get exclusive, actionable insights from thought leaders on all the crucial aspects of business and career growth, participate in mind-bending training sessions and get proven hacks to create your future on your terms.
Building your career and growing your business has a lot to do with who, not what, you know. At Global Student Entrepreneurship Week, you will collaborate with like-minded individuals and extend your network.
"Student Entrepreneurship Week Pan-Africa made my dreams come true. The event was a great and successful experience, it gave students the chance to interact and seek advice from real entrepreneurs, businesses, and support agencies. Before the event, I was a student with ideas. Now I have started my business, won a $10,000 prize from UNDP, and won a $100,000 worth of contract."
Student Entrepreneur, Burkina Faso
"The idea to start Jungle Online had been with me for some years but I kept making excuses. I kept telling myself, “It requires too much money, ” and wondered, “How will I raise money?” After participating in Student Entrepreneurship Week Ghana, I decided it was time to stop making excuses. I was going to do it, regardless. I had no money at the time, so I sold a few belongings to raise the initial capital. Today, Jungle Online is in operation."
Student Entrepreneur, Ghana
"Participating in Student Entrepreneurship Week Ghana was a great beginning for us. We came second in the pitch competition and part of our prize was a hands-on training with Workshed. The feedback, business guidance, and all opportunities given to us by SFAN and Workshed helped us a lot to rethink and shape our business. Incidentally, we received an invitation to participate in F8 by Facebook, the only team from Ghana with such an invite."
Student Entrepreneur, Ghana
"The growing youth population in Africa will continue to outstrip the number of jobs available. Growth in entrepreneurship is inevitable. Organizations like SFAN and the events they are organizing are playing a pivotal role in supporting rising entrepreneurs."
CEO, Ghana Commodity Exchange
Keynote
Panel
Breakout
Music
09:00AM -10:00AM
10:00AM - 11:00AM
11:00AM - 12:00PM
The Next Frontier of Innovation & Leadership
Despite the tremendous improvements in technological advancement we're witnessing today, many people worldwide are still left behind. More so, the need for equitable leadership is going through the roof. How do we create tools, processes, and systems that empower people en masse?
CEO, Tony Elumelu Foundation
Lead, Faculty of Tekedia Institute
Chief Marketting Officer, MTN Ghana
12:00PM - 12:30PM
Decent Jobs for the Youth - Fixing youth unemployment in Africa
The numbers are all over the place: 75 million or or 12.6% of young people are unemployed. In Africa, each year, an estimated 11-12 million young people enter the workforce, with only about 3 million people finding jobs. Youth are approximately 3x more likely to be unemployed than adults. How can we fix this?
Africa Rgional Lead, Youth Employment and Innovation, Mercy Corps
CXO, Talent City
Director, Solved
Founder and CEO, 1BillionAfrica
12:30PM - 01:30PM
01:30PM - 01:35PM
01:35PM - 02:30PM
Africa and the World: Making AfCFTA work for the youth through Platform Ownership, Policy with a Purpose and Equitable Funding
The African Union estimates that about 70,000 skilled professionals emigrate from Africa annually. The AfCFTA has the potential to reverse this trend. This session aims to facilitate knowledge sharing among policymakers, researchers, practitioners, and other stakeholders towards making the AfCFTA work for the youth.
International Business Professional
Creator and Editor, Tech Nova GH
President, Cokodeal
02:30PM - 02:45PM
02:45PM - 03:10PM
Digital Skills and the Future of Work: How Technological Innovation is Transforming the Workforce
Analysts predict that by 2030, 85% of jobs that will exist, do not exist today. Further, 10% of professions will diminish completely by 2030 and will be replaced by AI optimization. That means, what students learn at university could be obsolete by the time they graduate. There will be 230 million “digital jobs” in Sub- Saharan Africa by 2030.
Founder & CEO, Learning Connected
Policy Officer Youth Employment, Ministerie van Buitenlandse Zaken
Director, Social and Regional Research at GSMA
Career Development Advisor, Soronko Academy
03:10PM - 03:45PM
The future of Governance and Civil leadership
How can we create shared understanding of priorities while fostering transparency and accountability? What are the working models for supporting meaningful civil society participation in governance processes? These and more at this session.
Ambassador At Large Zimbabwe to Europe & Americas
03:45PM - 04:00PM
04:00PM - 04:30PM
The Intersection of Entrepreneurship and Spirituality
Less talked about but overwhelmingly evident is that entrepreneurship at its core draws from the spiritual. Experience lively discussions to help you live a fuller life and create economic well-being.
Founder and Group Chairman, King Solomon’s Group of Companies
04:30PM - 05:00PM
Patron, Africa Youth Parliament President, Carel Studios
International Speaker, Leadership Expert, Award Winning Author
CEO, Tony Elumelu Foundation
Lead, Faculty of Tekedia Institute
Ambassador At Large Zimbabwe to Europe & Americas
Founder & CEO, Learning Connected
CXO, Talent City
CEO, Lumorus Plc
Director, Solved
Senior Venture Builder, BFA Global
Principal/Fund Manager, Black Innovation Capital
Ambassador and Program Manager, African Seasoned Speakers Network
International Business Professional
President, Cokodeal
Africa Rgional Lead, Youth Employment and Innovation, Mercy Corps
Policy Officer Youth Employment, Ministerie van Buitenlandse Zaken
Founder and CEO, DealRoom Nigeria
Founder and CEO, 1BillionAfrica
Creator and Editor, Tech Nova GH
Organizational Specialist
Director, Social and Regional Research at GSMA
Founder and Group Chairman, King Solomon’s Group of Companies
Career Development Advisor, Soronko Academy
Vice President, Growth & Entrepreneurship, Africa Leadership Academy
Co-founder, Kumasi Hive/Maptech Logistics
Chief Marketting Officer, MTN Ghana
Senior Manager for Enterprise Information Security & Governance, MTN Ghana
Masters Graduate, Flood Risk Management
Founder and Managing Director, GFA Consulting Limited
Portfolio Manager, Injini
If you are interested in speaking at Global Student Entrepreneurship Week, we’d love to hear from you. Reach out to us with your portfolio and preferred topic and we’ll be in touch shortly.
22-year-old South African entrepreneur Denislav Marinov won the prestigious award after numerous submissions from all over the world. Read more
The event was held to connect entrepreneurs and innovators using communication and knowledge exchange to empower young business owners. Invited speakers were helpful and played a crucial role in sharing business insights. Read more
"Student Entrepreneurship Week always starts with high energy. The event is crucial because we have a lot of young learners who want to understand how entrepreneurship can change their countries." Watch
“Knowledge is just information. Experience is real learning.” — SOHO_Africa. Tweeted in passing by Soho_Africa, the above sentiment is underlying but central to the inaugural Student Entrepreneurship Week Ghana. Read more
If you are a technology entrepreneur with a scalable business solution, here’s your chance to showcase your innovation to the world and get funded. Apply to pitch live at Global Student Entrepreneurship Week. We are looking for entrepreneurs in education, agriculture, fintech, and digital media sectors. $20,000 investment available.
GSEW21 gives companies a great opportunity to connect with the right audience, highlight the values offered by their brands, market their innovations, and associate their brand to the next big business owners and innovators. Showcase your solutions to our bright thinkers and elevate your position in the innovation ecosystem.
This award is part of our commitment to spotlight the thinkers and dreamers that would ordinarily not be recognized. If you have what it takes to win the coveted prize or know someone who does, follow the instruction below on how to be nominated.
Gina Kloes is a Kick-Ass Game Changer Leadership Expert, Entrepreneur, International Keynote Speaker & Multi-Award-Winning Author of “What’s Your Magical Moment?”. She ignites the entrepreneurial spirit, unleashes passion, and accelerates success for entrepreneurs, executives, and teams around the globe. Gina brings decades of experience, wisdom & energy to her audiences and clients through her unique interactive out-of-the-box style! Over the past 25 years, Gina has traveled the world as a keynote speaker & program facilitator at numerous corporations, entrepreneurial programs, educational institutions, and communities on leadership, success & creating the life of your dreams. In 2016, Gina’s book What’s Your Magical Moment? won the National Indie Excellence Award for Motivation. In 2018, she won the Independent Press Award. In addition to her entrepreneurial events worldwide, she is an educator at the exclusive entrepreneurial program at Draper University of Heroes. Gina’s Game Changer Program was featured on the ABC Family Show Startup U. She is a lead trainer & facilitator for Tony Robbins & Robbins Research International. She has also taught entrepreneurs and executives at the Entrepreneur’s Paradise program on Richard Branson’s Necker Island.
Ifeyinwa Ugochukwu is the CEO of the Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF), Africa's leading philanthropy empowering thousands of young African entrepreneurs from the 54 countries across the continent. Prior to her appointment as CEO of the Foundation in 2019, Ifeyinwa held the position of Director of Partnerships & Evaluation at TEF, where she applied her passion for advocacy to introduce a sustainable model of scaling the impact of the Tony Elumelu Foundation’s $100million Entrepreneurship Programme, by forging strategic partnerships with public and private stakeholders in the global development ecosystem. Ifeyinwa provides overall leadership and direction to her multi-talented team in executing the Foundation’s mission, which is rooted in Africapitalism and positions the private sector as the key driver of economic and social wealth creation in Africa. Ifeyinwa is passionate about entrepreneurship and innovation and is a firm advocate of the principle that the empowerment of African Entrepreneurs is the solution to tackling Africa’s key challenges – unemployment and poverty. A Barrister and Solicitor of the Supreme Court of Nigeria, Ifeyinwa holds a Bachelor of Law degree from the University of Wales. She is also an Associate of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators and holds a post graduate degree in Business and Executive Coaching from the Integral Africa Institute, Cape Town, South Africa. Currently, Ifeyinwa serves as the co-chair of the Steering Committee at UNICEF Generation Unlimited (GenU) Nigeria. She also chairs the UN World Food programme’s Zero Hunger Roundtable Sustainability Committee
Prof Ndubuisi Ekekwe invented and patented a robotic system, which the United States Government acquired assignee rights. Dr. Ekekwe holds two doctoral and four master’s degrees including a Ph.D. in engineering from Johns Hopkins University, USA. He earned an undergraduate degree from FUT Owerri where he graduated as his class best student. While in Analog Devices Corp, he co-designed an accelerometer for the iPhone. A recipient of the IGI Global “Book of the Year” award, a TED Fellow, IBM Global Entrepreneur, and World Economic Forum Young Global Leader, Prof. Ekekwe has held professorships in Carnegie Mellon University and Babcock University and served in the United States National Science Foundation Committee. The South African press called him “a doctor of innovation” for helping organizations with the mechanics of business innovation, strategy, and growth. Since 2009, the Chairman of Fasmicro Group which controls many startups and entities has been writing in the Harvard Business Review. He was recognized by The Guardian as one of 60 Nigerians Making “Nigerian Live Matter” on Nigeria’s 60th Independence Day.
His Excellency Uebert Angel is a British-Zimbabwean Businessman, charismatic evangelical preacher, and the founder of Spirit Embassy, a Pentecostal ministry in the United Kingdom. He is also the Presidential Envoy and Ambassador At Large for the country of Zimbabwe to Europe and the Americas. Amb. Uebert Angel is an international business mogul who made his fortune as a property tycoon. His property portfolio is known to be over 200, worldwide, both commercial and residential. Angel is committed to the empowerment and betterment of people's lives and communities. Uebert Angel is the Founder and President of The Billion Group Ltd. The parent company for Sam Barkley Construction Ltd, Black Stallion Ltd, The Millionaire Academy, and The Angel Organization.
Farida Danmeri is the Founder and CEO of Learning Connected. Learning Connected is an international organisation that empowers learners to unlock their entrepreneurial talent, fulfil their potential and shape the world for the better. Learning Connected's activities have focused on supporting entrepreneurship for sustainable development in Africa. Farida has diverse experience as an international educator, entrepreneur, teacher trainer and edtech specialist.
Coco Liu is a designer based in San Francisco around the world. Taking sojourns in different cities has been a part of her self-taught Masters in Modern Humanity. She writes, sketches, but spends most of her time musing on the future of living, including building a city in Africa, researching on coliving for women, and designing interiors for friends. Most recently, she built a Third Place for strangers to connect. Previously, she led design at a crypto startup, crafted web experiences at LFL@Google, and built brand partnerships at LINE; you can find some of her work here. On the weekends, you'll find her traversing around different neighborhoods on bikes or public transit, staring at beautiful architecture, collecting ideas on building a dream home. She always loves to meet like-minded friends. Reach her @cocobliu or drop a note at cococoliu@gmail.com.
Romeo’s experience includes being a chief executive, company non-executive director, including chairman, business consultant and advisor in both public and private sector enterprises. Romeo’s strategic as well as practical capabilities include large-scale organisational change projects, public/private collaborations, governance, sustainability and diversity competency development at both national industry and individual enterprise levels. He has broad experience and publications in leadership, business and performance improvement, and as author of two number 1 selling books,. He is also a Hollywood Producer and Philanthropist. Romeo is a serial Entrepreneur and former C-Suite Executive, and is the Founder and CEO of Lumorus Plc., a consultancy, working with global companies in Corporate Governance, Organisational Health, and Leadership Journeys. He is also the Co-Founder & Executive Chairman of Naseberry Capital Plc., and is a regular international Speaker in a range of business, governance, culture & leadership-related topics, and has spoken extensively across the UK, the USA, numerous African countries and all over the Caribbean. He is a Non Executive Director (NED) on numerous corporate boards and Trustee/Director for numerous charities globally. These include NED/Chair - Ethos Holdings, Aspyre Corporation Plc, and Naseberry Capital, also NED AnyData and Platinum Solution. His current trusteeships includes Youth Business International (a former Prince Charles Charity) supporting youth entrepreneurship across the world, Chair of the national HIV charity Wandsworth Oasis, Deputy Chair Dennis Brian Initiative a New York based global charity supporting young men who have suffered sexual abuse, Trustee/Treasurer of BlkOut a U.K. based Organisation advocating for and support Black GBTQ+ men, Deputy Chair Black British Classical Foundation, Executive Board Member – Cass Business School Global Woman‘s Leadership Programme and Board Members of City Launch Labs and The YFYA Initiaitve. He is also the Founder & President of his family foundation, IBRIE Foundation which works to develop young people from disadvantage backgrounds in the UK, and rural communities in Ghana and the Caribbean, to become leaders and build a bridge between their creativity the Arts, innovation and disruptive technology. Romeo is currently doing extensive research in The Impact of Disruptive Technology on Corporate Governance and Board Effectiveness. He holds numerous other academic qualifications and professional certifications which includes a dual Masters in Finance & Trade and Supply Chain Operations from Cass Business School (UK). He is a Fellow of the Institute of Entrepreneurship & Enterprise, member of ICSA and is a lecturer in the Business School at London South Bank University. He is a regular guest lecture on Entrepreneurship, Governance, Business Ethics and Leadership at a number of Universities in the UK and around the world. Contact: Contact: romeo.effs@lumorus.com
Jovin Hurry is Director of Solved, a Finnish company that get important work done more efficiently through a combination of on-demand expert advice, and a set of community engagement and co-creation digital tools. He is also a Core Team Member & Board Member of NELIS Global (Next Leaders' Initiative for Sustainability, a global platform that builds the next-generation leadership, which integrates social and environmental considerations into decision-making. Jovin is orginally from Mauritius, and speaks English and French.
Maxime has extensive experience in the Asia-Pacific and African start-up sectors from his previous role as Insights Director for the GSMA Ecosystem Accelerator and M4D Utilities Programmes. Prior to the GSMA, Mr. Bayen gained experience as a consultant in the telecom and tech space in emerging markets including Africa, the Middle East, and Central Asia. Maxime an MBA from the ESSEC Business School. Maxime’s extensive experience in the ICT and Telecom sectors, as well as, deep experience in the African start-up segment is an invaluable asset to the GreenTec portfolio companies he works with along the venture building process. His prior experience in implementing telecom solutions in emerging markets added to his experience with the GSMA enables him to easily integrate his many competencies to supporting ICT start-ups operationally.
Lise Birikundavyi is the principal and fund manager for Black Innovation Capital, the first institutionally- backed black-led VC fund in Canada. Lise is an innovative finance specialist who has worked with several international institutions, most notably the Jacobs Foundation for whom she managed an edtech impact investment strategy. Lise also mentors and supports highly promising and impactful start-ups in emerging markets. Lise began her career in the hedge fund industry in Montreal and her interest in mixing attractive financial returns with long term societal impact is what inspired her to transition to the impact finance sector. She has experience across the investment spectrum: from funds of funds and VCs, to being the transition CEO of a tech start-up. Lise is a CFA charterholder; she also holds a Masters of Business Administration (MBA) from the Shanghai Advanced Institute of Finance, where she wrote her thesis on impact investing, and a trilingual BBA from HEC Montreal. Lise is fluent in French, English and Spanish, and has a conversational level of Mandarin. She is a firm believer in using the forces of capital markets as a basis for more inclusive wealth creation and sustainable poverty alleviation.
Benjamin Owusu – Ansah is the Ambassador and Program Manager for African Seasoned Speakers Network and the current host of “The Power Impact Series” a flagship show for African Seasoned Speakers Network on Youtube and Facebook.
He has over 10 years of experience and solid technical background combined with exceptional skills in providing proactive support to end-users while building, troubleshooting and maintaining network systems in complex multi-vendor environments, including all aspects of implementation and performance tuning. Highly organized with an exceptional ability to manage multiple projects, tasks and priorities effectively in a highly dynamic and interactive environment and a Basic Cyber Hygienist (Cybersecurity Awareness Creator).
He facilitates and participate in the training of Law Enforcement Agencies in Ghana and Agencies of other West Africa Countries together with International Organizations in Cyber and Digital Investigation Techniques and Incident Management.
As a professional Master of Ceremonies, Benjamin is an excellent speaker; smartly fast in thinking and decision making; spontaneity and natural ability to stay calm under pressure; a great sense of fun and humor. He employs the highest diplomatic decorum in displaying a natural ability to smoothly run events and entertain his distinguished guests. He has shown positive drive, energy and leadership instincts to finding new, creative, and innovative ways to engaging his audiences, as well as ensure a professional, fun, and memorable experience for every guest at all events. He gives oxygen to your event (TheEventOxygen).
Currently pursuing an MSc. Cybersecurity and Digital Forensic from Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology and has already acquired:
Maya Demeke is an International Business professional with a passion for Private Sector Development, International Finance, and Innovation. She has over 15 years of experience in market research, project and export finance and has served as a strategy and growth consultant for SMEs in Africa and Latin America. She is a certified expert in climate and renewable energy finance, an APMG International certified Private Public Partnership (PPP) preparation practitioner and holds an international certificate in Investor Relations from Investor Relations Society (UK). Maya is passionate about supporting her community and has served on the Board of three Toronto based not-for-profits. She holds an MBA from Thunderbird School of Global Management, Canada, and a Post-MBA diploma in Advanced Management from the Schulich School of Business, Canada.
Mike is the president of Cokodeal - a Pan African commodity bank, with operations in 8 African countries. Operated 10 businesses over the last 17 years, with operations in India, China, England, Wales, Nigeria. Holds an MBA from Cardiff, Wales, with over 10 years experience in finance and also an international trade expert. He founded cokodeal.com, a brand leader in food and commodities export trade across Africa, with the AfCFTA emerging, the platform eases trade information and intra-Africa trade to global market. His mantra is driving the growth of African nations from 3rd world to 1st world countries through trade not aid.
Gituku Ngene is a strategy, innovation and learning lead with extensive experience in sustainable development and economic transformation in frontier markets. He currently leads post investment and learning at the Google.org Youth Impact Labs, a Mercy Corps project, where he works with high growth enterprises to address some of the toughest development problems. He previously worked with Dalberg Advisors where he advised c-suite leaders of Fortune 500s, governments, NGOs, foundations and multi-lateral institutions on business and operational strategy, financial analysis, change management and strategy implementation, capacity development, organizational effectiveness and design of new partnerships and initiatives. His experience spans multiple sectors including agribusiness, financial inclusion, MSMEs and entrepreneurship, education, ICT4D and public-private partnerships.
Laila Bouallouch works as a policy advisor youth employment and the future of work – with special attention paid towards meaningful youth participation - at the department for sustainable economic development at the Netherlands MFA. Her focus is on the MENA region, Horn of Africa, Sahel and West Africa. Her focus is very much on bridging the skills mismatch between the skills that are sought by employers and the skills that are possessed by individuals. Laila holds an advanced master in international development with a focus on private sector development. She currently works in Tunisia on the theme systemic improvements in the agricultural value chain.
Comfort is the Founder and CEO of DealRoom Nigeria, a platform that connects global investors with verifiable and investable deals, startups, and businesses in Nigeria and across Africa. She is a Business Development & Strategy Consultant, Private & Venture Capital Expert, and Personal Finance Coach. As an independent investment advisor, equity research analyst, and fund manager, Comfort is knowledgeable about a range of financial models and instruments for appraising debt and equity investments with a strong emphasis on Portfolio Management and investment strategy in the areas of Due Diligence, Deal Sourcing, Structuring, Closure, Risk Management, Diversification, and Mitigation Techniques, and coverage in nearly all major sectors of the Nigerian economy. She was once the Group Head, Research and Business Support Services at Primewealth Capital and also once Head, Research & Development at Futureview Group. She holds certificates in Research and Capital Market Development from the United Nations Institute for Training and Research and a Postgraduate Certificate in Business Administration (with emphasis on Investment Management) from the University of Wales, Cardiff. Comfort has advised institutional investors on top corporate finance transactions and has managed/advised HNIs both locally and internationally. She has independently managed portfolios totaling more than USD 250 million in that capacity, with investments spanning the entire Nigerian capital market. As a business strategist, she has facilitated over 200 business strategy sessions, consulted for over 500 businesses, created a platform targeting over 400 global investors and 10,000 businesses, and conducted several investments and retirement management sessions for top Nigerian organizations such as the Nigerian Ports Authority, Standard Chartered Bank, Union Bank, and several faith-based organizations.
Prince is a Thought Leader, a Development Worker and a Tecg Consultant with a passion to raise leader and help eradicate poverty in Africa. He is a Founder and CEO of 1Billion Africa (www.1billionafrica.org) - a nonprofit movement that inspires and empowers Africa's youth to find problems in their communities and turn them into projects. 1Billion Africa's projects and activities have impacted over 12,500 Africans, majority beibg Youth, Women and Children. Having discovered his passion for Africa, true Leadership, and love for humanity at age 17, Prince began building capacity by serving the underprivileged through volunteerism in several youth empowerment. In 10 years, he has led over 45 teams, spoken to 35,000+ people in 10 countries namely, Brazilm Canada, Ghana, Liberia, Nigeria, Russia, Sierra Leone, South Africa, The Gambia and the USA. His work as a Social Entrepreneur has attracted honours and recognitions both locally and globally including receiving the JCI 2015 Top 10 Outstanding Young Persons in Ghana Award, recognized as part of JCI World's 2015 Top 20 Outstanding Young Persons in the World, recognized in 2015 Top 30 under 30 Future Ghana young talents in Ghana, and receipient of Unsung Hero People of Distinction Humanitarian Awards, New York. Guest of the Year, "On the Spot" Show, The Gambia, and 2014 Top 10 F.A.S.T Leader, by Leadership Principles, USA. Prince is a certified Myles Munrow mentee, a 2-time TEDx Speaker, a 2017 Kumvana Fellow, a 2016 Brightest Yound Minds alumnus, an Ashoka Changemakers Scholar, and an Associate Fellow at the Royal Commonwealth Society. He holds a Master of Arts degree from the University of Ghana Business School in Organizational Leaders & Corporate Governance and is hapilly married to Geogia and with a son Myles. Prince loves humanity and adores children.
Joseph-Albert Kuuire is the creator and editor of Tech Nova GH, a digital media platform which covers technology news stories in Ghana’s tech ecosystem. He is currently a UX Designer for Jetstream Africa. Joseph has a Bachelor of Business Adminstration in Management Information Systems (MIS) from the University of Houston, Texas and a Master of Science in Management Information System from GIMPA. Joseph occupies his free time with hobbies which include books, recreational sports, podcasting, video games, poetry, and fiction writing.
Hawa Kombian is an organizational specialist who elevates African entrepreneurs' and intrapraneurs’ strategy execution & social impact based on values, connection & leadership. She possesses a successful track-record in business strategy, and organizational management to enhance the alignment, profitability, and sustainability of social enterprises and non-profit organizations seeking to capitalize on digital transformation and deliver on purpose-driven missions. Hawa is a Ghanaian-Canadian professional with a background in communications, and humanitarian pursuits with organizations leading in innovative technology and social change. Her experience spans education, digital health, and leadership development across government, non-profit, and social enterprise sectors. Hawa is an empathetic systems-builder, which means she seamlessly flows between cultivating authentic relationships with people to draw out their strengths, and creating strategic processes that allow teams to collaborate and achieve success together. You can find her public speaking at events and podcasts on people and organizational management; blogging about personal, and professional strategy; and coaching leaders on how to strategically make an impact in their organizations.
Kenechi leads the delivery GSMA Intelligence’s social and regional research products, including the Mobile Economy, Digital Societies and Region in Focus report series. He has been a telecoms and IT industry analyst for more than 12 years, leading research across a wide range of topics, including tech innovation, 5G, AI, IoT and Big Data. Kenechi speaks regularly at industry events and provides media commentary on key issues within the telecoms and IT ecosystem. Kenechi joined the GSMA in 2014. He holds a Bsc in Mathematics from the University of Benin and a Masters in International Business (with Distinction) from the Grenoble Graduate School of Business.
Kaycey Ogbonna is the Founder and Group Chairman of King Solomon’s Group of Companies, a multi-sectoral brand with business interests spanning oil and gas, financial services, hospitality, real estate, transport, and entertainment sectors. The company comprises King Solomon’s Hotels, Chariots Africa Limited, King Solomon’s Multi-Media Limited, King Solomon’s Properties Limited, King Solomon’s Oil and Gas Limited, Utility Centre Limited, FX Kudi, NanoTech LLC, and King Solomon’s Foundation. His landmark project, Tika Group of Companies established the first mall in Ghana for all things building material and construction equipment. Award-winning business strategist, investor, and philanthropist, Kaycey Ogbonna, developed his business prowess from the smarts and hustle of hawking on the streets of Accra as a boy. You could find him under the rain and sun trying to make ends meet. This precarious life experience continued well into his young adult life, and he was homeless until age 21. Through a streak of good fortune and grit, Ogbonna found himself outside the shores of Africa in search of greener pastures. And following his North Star and gut, he traveled through countries like Turkey, Dubai, Malaysia, China, Ireland, and Germany. He did menial jobs and saved everything he earned. But he never lost his sight on the goal of establishing himself in the country he once walked the streets as a hawker. Eventually, he gathered his savings and returned to Ghana to build his business empire. These experiences have made him compassionate about the plights of young Africans. He believes that each one of us can actualize our God-given potential with the right support, and he continually invests his resources in empowering the youth. His contributions to youth development have earned him several recognitions such as Africa’s Patriotic Business Personality, Celebrated Patron of the National Association of Nigerian Students, SFAN’s Eagle Legacy Award for Innovation 2020, among others. Ogbonna is a Life Member of Full Gospel Businessmen’s Fellowship International, President of the Nigerians in Diaspora Organization (NIDO), Ghana Chapter, Member of the Lions Clubs International, and plays an active role in his local church. He is fluent in English, Arabic, and Igbo Languages, and is happily married to Ruth Ogbonna. They live in Accra, Ghana, with their four children.
Josephine is a Career Development Advisor at Soronko Academy; where she supports women & girls receiving digital skills training to attain dignified, fulfilling jobs and overcome the gender gap in technology. Within educational contexts, including higher education, Josephine has worked to promote youth leadership and women’s empowerment through skills development as key approaches for tackling issues of youth unemployment and equity in education. Josephine has a BA in Political Science and an MA in International Business Management. For over 6 years, she has worked in project management, facilitation and research in Learning and non-profit sectors. Josephine is one of the first generations of YALI (Young African Leaders Initiative) alumni trained in Civic Society Leadership in Africa. She is also a vocalist and loves to write, and perform her music pieces to friends and family occasionally.
Josh is building sustainable businesses within ALA to reduce our dependence on donor funding. He also oversees our entrepreneurship programs for students and alumni. Josh pilots new business ideas and approaches to our work each year. Those that are successful are then mainstreamed into the rest of the Academy. As a long-serving executive, he manages a number of our teams including Operations and IT as well as the Anzisha Prize program – one of our largest partnerships. He spends most of his time guiding others, and runs our internal management training program. Josh was a media and technology entrepreneur, starting his first business in 1999 while at university. He left the world of business in 2011. He has also served on a variety of boards and industry bodies. He is currently a Global Advisor to The Moleskine Foundation and sits on the board of the Children’s Radio Foundation. Josh plays guitar in the assembled staff band, and regularly plays “Dragons Den” as the final decision maker for the Investment Council that invests in student enterprises each year.
Prince has served as the Manager for Distribution Requirements Planning (DRP) for Central/Eastern/Southeast/Southern Europe + outside Europe sales (comprising Latin America, AMA,ANZ) for the Personal Healthcare International (PHCI) Planning Service Center of P&G Health Germany GmbH in Darmstadt. He is an experienced Supply Chain professional with experience in pharmaceutical value chains across several markets. As an entrepreneur who is passionate about innovation and entrepreneurship in Africa, he is co-founder of Maptech Logistics and Kumasi Hive. Maptech leverages the power of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to solve business problems by developing and deploying GIS-based applications. Kumasi Hive, on the other hand, is an innovation hub that promotes the rapid prototyping of ideas, entrepreneurship and youth development. The Hive focuses on promoting collaboration among tenants within our co-working spaces and hardware facility. This is a radical shift from the usual software centered hubs in Ghana. In 2016, Prince was named by FORBES Africa on the 30 under 30 list. He is the founding curator of TEDxKNUST, a World Economic Forum (WEF) Global Shaper and a Fellow of the Afrika Kommt! Program. He served as a speaker in 2015 at the Atlantic Dialogues in Morocco as one of 40 named Emerging Leaders from four continents across the Atlantic Basin —an initiative under the auspices of the Policy Center for the New South, Morocco. He is an active member of the GhanaThink Foundation and President of the 10K Network.
Noel Kojo-Ganson is a seasoned senior marketing professional who has over 19years of FMCG and telecoms experience. He has a Master’s degree in Business Administration, specialized in Strategic Marketing and is a fellow of the Chartered Institute of Marketing, UK. He is a certified Digital Business Strategy & Leadership Executive from Columbia Business School, New York. Noel’s work experience prior to joining MTN Ghana includes holding key Marketing leadership roles in SABMiller now AB InBev as the Head of Marketing, Brand Development Manager for their Africa operations. He is the current Chair of the MTN Products and Services Innovation Committee and leads MTN’s Commercial strategy. Noel has ample breadth and depth of the Commercial landscape having led teams in the Channel, Sales & Distribution, Trade Marketing, Brand and Consumer space. His experience includes the new areas of Digital, Consumerism, Big Data and Financial inclusion, and this is critical in the delivery of MTN’s digital ambition.
Jacqueline is currently MTN Ghana’s Senior Manager for Enterprise Information Security & Governance and the Lead Information Security Officer for the business. She has over 15years industry experience in Cybersecurity, Governance, Risk and Compliance with a track record of managing and creating value through the successful implementation of Information Security management systems in relation to business strategy. Jacqueline is a driven and tenacious team player with an open and direct style of communication. She is passionate about empowering the younger generation of women, particularly in the ICT space through mentoring with the aim to create a legacy of confident self-assured female leaders. She is a sought after International speaker in the Cybersecurity and Women in Technology area and has participated in several ICT/ Female empowerment plenaries in and outside MTN. She is currently serving as a Board Member for ISACA Ghana, a global association that provides IT professionals with knowledge, credentials, training and community in audit, governance, risk, privacy amongst others.
Nadia is a Canadian with a background in environmental sciences and engineering. She completed her BSc. in Physics from Ontario Tech University in 2013. She enriched her theoretical knowledge with an Advanced Diploma in Environmental Technology from Durham College. Equipped with a balance of theory and practical knowledge, Nadia joined the workforce in 2014 (working in Asia, Africa and North America), but in 2019 decided it was time to complete her Masters Degree. She is now an accomplished graduate of the Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters Program specializing in Flood Risk Management. It is a degree program that takes place in 4 European countries over 2 years accepting 20-25 students internationally in a given cohort.
In partnership with Urban Inclusion, GFA Consulting has designed a business support offer to help African SMEs be investor-ready for fundraising. Preparing for Finance and Investment (PFI) is a 6-month program completed within the premises of our clients to help them diagnose their business (operational and financial) and to implement the recommendations we define and agree upon with entrepreneurs. It is a standardized methodology which is tailored to the specific issues and constraints of African businesses. Specialties: Fundraising advisory, assistance to African businesses, valuation advisory, business plans, investment proposals
Tsepo is the Portfolio Manager at Injini - Africa’s EdTech Accelerator and Think Tank. They head up Injini’s Programme & Portfolio division, oversee Injini’s Acceleration Partnership programme, EdTech ecosystem development initiatives, and alumni support for its portfolio companies. Their experience spans across the UCT Solution Space at the Graduate School of Business, Airbnb, and most recently leading the Social Entrepreneurship Impact Lab powered by FNB. Tsepo is passionate about education, social entrepreneurship and digital inclusion for sustainable and inclusive economic growth in Africa. Tsepo is also one of 30 African Impact Investment Fellows for the Africa-Asia Impact Investment fellowship led by faculty from Oxford Said Business School.