As a multi-disciplined professional in both Engineering and Finance, James has over 20 years’ of diverse experience all contributing towards a deep understanding and capability in Infrastructure development.

Gainmore Zanamwe, is a Senior Manager under the Intra-African Trade Initiative at the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) responsible for Trade Facilitation. Dr Zanamwe has more than 16 years of experience on trade and industrialisation matters.

Justin Nthala holds a BA Degree in Economics from the University of Zambia. He is currently completing an MBA with Heriot Watt University (Edinburgh, Scotland, UK). He has broad experience in deal sourcing, investments appraisal, structuring and preparation of financing proposals across various sectors in Southern Africa.

Ms Phokwane Moloele is an Investment Principal at IDF Capital and is primarily responsible for investment activities under Alitheia IDF Fund. A Chartered Accountant with over 15 years of investment experience, Phokwane has been involved in investment banking, corporate finance, development finance and private equity environments.

Mark is a former maritime lawyer and banker with experience in the Netherlands and South Africa. He worked as executive assistant to the head of one of Africa’s most significant families and has extensive VC and PE experience. After turning around a JSE-listed company, he developed Turkey’s first aquarium and listed an entertainment business on AIM. Mark founded Neu Capital Africa in 2017.

Dave Coffey who has spent most of his working career in the automotive industry graduated from the University of Natal in South Africa with a degree in B.Sc. Mechanical Engineering in 1984 and subsequently obtained an MBA from the University of Cape Town in 1992.

Gugulethu Mthalane has more than 12 years’ advising on Labour and Employment related matters.

Jessica is the Sector Head for Healthcare and Hospitality at Rand Merchant Bank. She has a deep knowledge of the healthcare industry, having covered a number of clients both within the sector and adjacencies for many years.

Sir Jeffrey was elected to the UK Parliament on 1 May 1997 to represent the constituency of Lagan Valley. He is Northern Ireland's longest-serving current MP.

Damien was elected the Member of Parliament for Southport in 2017. He spent the majority of his career in the retail sector and was latterly a retail manager for the supermarket chain ASDA before becoming an MP.

Before entering Parliament Lord (Richard) Risby worked in the City, becoming a vice-president at Merrill Lynch. Lord Risby served as Member of Parliament (MP) for Bury St Edmunds from 1992 to 1997, and for West Suffolk from 1997 to 2010.

Andrew served for 18 years as a medical officer in the Royal Navy, leaving in October 2000 as a Surgeon Commander.

Karen has been involved in promoting African trade and investment since 2014. She joined the Business Council For Africa in 2015 and in 2017 completed a merger with Invest Africa; creating the leading business and investment platform for Africa, in the UK.

Nick O’Donohoe joined CDC as its Chief Executive in June 2017 and is also a member of the CDC Board. He was previously a Senior Adviser to the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation where he specialised in the use of blended finance models to support the work of the Foundation.

Ilaria Benucci joined CDC Group in 2013 and is currently Head of Construction and Real Estate (CRE).

Previously, Ilaria worked for AIG Global Real Estate where she was responsible for investments in emerging Europe, Russia and Turkey.

Andrew currently heads the Africa practice of Hogan Lovells, a global law firm with offices in more than 45 countries, including 11 offices in the USA. In this role Andrew spends much of his time on the continent, including recent visits to Ghana, Nigeria, Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania and South Africa, where he oversees the development of the Johannesburg office.

Ibukun is responsible for London Stock Exchange Group’s growth and collaboration strategy in emerging markets with a key focus on India and Africa. He has driven key initiatives such as LSEG’s “Companies to Inspire Africa” publication and also launched the Exchange’s first International Advisory Group for Africa bringing together key business leaders, investors and African regulators to solve the challenges facing African capital markets.

David Damiba has 25 years of finance experience with an extensive African fund management, portfolio construction and risk management track record covering all asset classes across more than 20 African countries.

Aurélien Mali is currently Vice President Senior Credit Officer. He acts as the firm’s expert in Africa. His position is a combined lead analyst and analytical outreach/credit ambassador role.

Charles Robertson is a leading emerging markets specialist, who covers the global economic themes having the greatest impact on emerging markets.