A mining specialist with over 25 years’ experience in natural resource management: research, policy analysis & implementation and mineral sector regulation.

Bhavin Vyas is the Chief ESG Officer of Environmental and Social Governance (ESG), in charge of ensuring the sustainability of company operations and the creation of shared value for all stakeholders whilst protecting ARISE’S environment and ecosystem services, across the three ARISE verticals.

Tiago joined IFC in January 2021, as a Senior Investment Officer, Infrastructure Africa Region, based in Luanda, and looking at infrastructure investments in both Angola and Mozambique.

Laura Blanco leads the global ESG strategy at Xcalibur Smart Mapping and is also the Programme Director of Xcalibur Foundation.

Joachim Nzuzi is Chief of Staff of ERG Africa, a subsidiary of Eurasian Resources Group (ERG), a global metals and mining company with integrated exploration, mining, processing, energy and logistics operations.

Helen Lubamba is an Executive Director and the Head of Corporate and Investment Banking at Stanbic Bank Zambia, a member of the Standard Bank Group.

Aubrey Hruby is a long-time advisor to investors in African markets and an investor in African start-ups.  Over the last 20 years, she has worked across sectors and asset classes in 30+ African markets, facilitating over $2B in capital flows to the region.

Vimbai is a seasoned strategist with a proven track record of building and running successful operations for various companies in the United Arab Emirates and around the world.

Mickaël Gondrand is an Assistant Vice President - Analyst in the Sovereign Risk Group for Moody’s Investors Service, with responsibilities for a number of credits in Africa and the Middle East.

Michael studied economics and econometrics at the University of Johannesburg while reviewing alternate economic literature from Taleb to Mises, graduating with an honours degree in 2014 while interning at ETM since 2011.

Chris Maurice, Yellow Card’s Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer, is a 27-year-old American tech entrepreneur who has spent five years living and working in Africa, making significant contributions to the continent’s financial services industry.

Holds BA, European Studies, European Law and Economics from the University College of Wales. After graduating from university and The Royal Military Academy, Sandhurst (UK), Duncan served with the British Army as a reconnaissance officer, attaining the rank of Captain.

Stella Choe is a senior banking executive with more than 25 years of experience in the international banking sector working with some of the world’s largest companies and financial sponsors.

Mr. Christopher Drysdale is a seasoned professional and strategist in the mineral and exploration industry, recognized for his adeptness in navigating complex market dynamics to maximize value and ensure robust shareholder returns.

Bruce has been protecting the physical assets and balance sheets of an array of mining operations across the globe for over 20 years.  

Nicola Watkinson leads TheCityUK’s International team, which provides unique insight and deep expertise into the markets and trade relationships underpinning the UK’s success as a leading global financial centre.

Lord Popat is a Conservative Peer and is the Prime Minister’s Trade Envoy to Uganda, Rwanda and DRC.

Ian is the head of S-RM’s Corporate Intelligence division in EMEA. He leads a large team providing expert coverage of markets in Europe, Russia and the CIS, the Middle East and North Africa, and sub-Saharan Africa.

Based in Control Risks’ London office, Patricia provides political, operational and security risk analysis across the entire Eastern Africa region.

Jonny is Research and Strategic Planning Manager at Invest Africa, where he is responsible for driving research and content creation for Invest Africa and its network of members and partners.