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Art is a Managing Partner at Baobab Network, Africa’s #1 accelerator and early-stage investor. Art’s main focus is selecting and scaling the start-ups in Baobab Networks portfolio, helping them increase their traction, build partnerships and raise the capital they need to dominate their market. Art’s core expertise is in global investment banking, and the start-up & venture capital landscape in emerging markets.
Arthur is a Manchester United fan, amateur DJ, a lover of Afrobeats, and passionate about all things African.
Thomas is an impact-oriented investment professional with 15 years of experience and extensive networks in startup ecosystems in emerging markets. He joined VC4A in 2012 and supported thousands of founders and investors online and offline in different roles throughout his career. Working closely with affiliate angel investing and VC networks, he is always looking for syndication opportunities and supporting fundraising campaigns. Prior to joining VC4A he founded his own company and conducted business research in Europe, Asia and Africa.
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Panelist
Hannes Van den Eeckhout has 14 years of experience in agroecological business development and market access for smallholder farmers in Peru, Europe and East Africa. Hannes is the founder and managing director of Rootical, a regenerative venture studio in Uganda. Rootical powers purpose-driven entrepreneurs to build & own their regenerative agri-food businesses. Purposeful enterprises designed to accelerate the transition to a more inclusive and regenerative food system.
Before moving to Uganda, Hannes was a business developer and country manager with The Food Assembly, Europe’s largest direct food sales network and e-commerce. In 2020, he managed 130 food communities, involving 1000+ local producers and 250,000 consumers, hitting record sales of more than 14M€. Hannes is a Master in Business Engineering and strongly believes in the promotion of territorial, direct and organic food value chains as a motor to sustainable rural development. Always asking “What needs to be built for food systems change? And how do we finance it?”, Hannes is working to foster the emergence of context-specific, tech-enabled agri-food businesses led by East-African founders, and getting them funded.
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Diaa holds a PhD in Agricultural Sciences and MBA from Egypt and a Leadership Diploma from King’s College London. He has more than 18 years of experience in the agricultural field and more than 10 years in the field of agricultural information technology development in Egypt.
He established A number of Agri-Tech startups, the most important of which is Agri-DB, which is the first and largest agricultural platform for information about the agricultural market in Egypt and the Middle East. He is also the founder of AgriCash platform, which specialized in agricultural financial technology.
Jumanne Mtambalike is widely recognized for his efforts in uilding stable innovation ecosystems across Africa and is the Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Sahara Ventures, a company solely dedicated to advancing innovation, technology, and entrepreneurship across the continent.
He is an accomplished innovator, author, early-stage investor, futurist, entrepreneur, and technology enthusiast who is highly optimistic about Africa’s future. Jumanne is best known as the first Manager of Buni Innovation Hub and the driving force behind Silicon Dar, Tanzania’s first naturally-formed technology district situated in Dar es Salaam, the country’s financial capital.
Jumanne was voted the most influential Tanzanian in science and technology in both 2017 and 2018, cementing his reputation as an accomplished innovator in his field. His unwavering mantra is to leverage innovation, technology, and entrepreneurship as solutions to Africa’s most complex challenges.
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Wout is an investment manager at DOEN Participaties, an Amsterdam-based impact investor, where he has actively invested in Eastern Africa for the past three years.
Currently, he is on a 6-month secondment to Equator, an early-stage investor headquartered in Nairobi, focusing on climate-tech startups across Sub-Saharan Africa.
Prior to transitioning to impact and climate investing, Wout worked as an M&A advisor at Deloitte, gaining experience on the corporate side. He holds a Master of Science degree in Finance from the University of Rotterdam and a bachelor’s degree in Economics.
fHafidh Ali Hafidh is a distinguished trade and economic analyst specializing in the blue economy and ocean governance.
As a research assistant and business lecturer at Zanzibar University and a key figure at the Zanzibar Research Centre for Socio-Economic and Policy Analysis, he has made significant contributions in operations. Hafidh is also a prolific author, known for his high-impact publications on blue economy, finance, and economic development. His dedication extends to organizations like the International Ocean Institute, the Island Innovation Community, and the World Ocean Council.
With a Postgraduate Diploma in Ocean Governance and an MBA, Hafidh actively participates in blue economy and ocean governance initiatives.
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Thando is the Venture Development Lead for OceanHub Africa, the first and leading Pan-African ocean-impact accelerator. Thando has a background in Marine Biology, Physical Oceanography and Environmental Sciences. She completed her MSc in Applied Ocean Sciences at the University of Cape Town, focussing her research on the analysis of climate model results in the Antarctic using historic humpback whale catch data. Currently, Thando is a Postgraduate Diploma candidate in Management Practice at University of Cape Town Graduate School of Business.
Thando is an ocean custodian at her core, and therefore works to contribute to an ocean that is not only healthy and resilient but is inclusive of all communities – underpinned by her drive to be a vessel for transformation, she hopes to bring light to the intersectionality that exists within the marine conservation space. This fully aligns her values with those of OceanHub Africa, being active disrupters for the sustainable growth of the blue economy in Africa. In her free time, when Thando is not enjoying dives and swims with community, she enjoys quiet moments and time spent hiking.
Rajiv Daya is an emerging market investment professional who has spent over a decade advising, building and investing in businesses across multiple sectors and across commercial, public and impact mandates.
He is currently Head of Investments at NEXT176, the venture capital arm of the Old Mutual Group, one of Africa’s largest financial services groups with around $50bn under managemenT. Rajiv was previously Head of Investments at Founders Factory Africa (FFA), a $130m+ vehicle, where he led a pan-African team investing in 50+ early-stage startups and built a global investor network of 350+ investors (including angels, micro-VCs, institutional VCs, family offices, impact investors and corporates) to create funding opportunities for tech startups.
Prior to joining the VC world in 2019, Rajiv spent almost a decade in management consulting, investment banking and development finance roles at Accenture, Goldman Sachs and The World Bank Group, where he specialised in financial sector innovation and was involved in advisory and capital transactions of over $1 billion across Africa.
Rajiv has previously spoken on access to finance and African investment at events alongside Ban Ki-Moon (former UN Secretary-General), Dr. Vera Songwe (Executive Secretary: UN Economic Commission for Africa) and various public/private sector leaders. He co-authored Goldman Sachs’ “Two Decades of Freedom” report, was a regular contributor to the World Bank’s Economic Update and Doing Business in Africa reports and was a founding member of the World Bank’s Blockchain Lab. He served on the inaugural Board of the Digital Collective Africa group of African investors who are advancing the African VC landscape through progressive laws, standardised investment methodologies and public/private sector collaboration.
Rajiv was co-host of the African Pre-Seed Podcast and a seasoned speaker at investment events.
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In his current role with the United Nations Capital Development fund (UNCDF), Edgar is overseeing the initiative to unlock growth and financing options to Tanzanian Financial Technology startups- a critical driver to attainment of financial inclusion in the country.
He has so far facilitated 4.8m$ to Tanzanian innovators across the country to accelerate access to life improving products and services in Tanzania.
Edgar Masatu is a full-time father and husband driven toscale early-stage social impactful enterprises to maximize their ability to provide life improving products and services , whilst creating sustainable employment in Africa.
Xavier is the founder and managing partner of KinetiKx, a corporate innovation, venture studio and digital transformation firm established in Dubai since 2012. With 20+ years spent in the GCC, Xavier developed an in-depth understanding of Middle Eastern & African markets, he nurtures corporate growth managing M&A, corporate investments or greenfield developments within the TMT, Telecoms, Fintech, E-Commerce and Retail sectors.
Founder of a digital agency in 2005, a management consulting firm in 2012, a Fintech startup and a Corporate Venture Builder in 2017, Xavier understands user experience design, product market fit rational, business modelling and all the drivers of value creation.
A few fun facts because its never only about business: Xavier is a single engine licensed private pilot who hiked the Anapurna Himalayan trails up to 5,416m which he found profoundly more fulfilling but less exciting than his scuba diving in the Red Sea with a school of tiger sharks. He lunched in a Barcelona Tappas bar with Mark at a time when Facebook was still kind of useful; but his most dramatic near-death experience was probably the dinner he had at Windows on the World twin towers New York on September 9th 2001. About drama, Xavier loves writing plays and directing for the Theater and spends his “me-time” composing songs on the piano. His biggest life achievements and source of joy however are Carma 11, and Kayane 4.
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Mustafa is a Private Sector Partnership Manager (Zanzibar) for the Feed the Future Tanzania Private Sector Strengthening Activity, a USAID/Tanzania funded project implemented by Tetra Tech since November 2022. Mustafa supports private sector organizations towards project implementation in creating a youth-friendly policy-enabling environment, increasing youth access to business development services and access to finance.
Before this role, Mustafa was the Zanzibar Regional Coordinator for the Feed the Future Tanzania Advancing Youth Activity, another USAID/Tanzania-funded project. In this role, Mustafa supported the coordination of project activities to connect youth in Zanzibar with agribusiness value chain opportunities in livelihoods, leadership and healthy life skills.
He is a social innovator and entrepreneur who designs and implements innovative solutions to solve development challenges. Mustafa supports local organizations and entrepreneurs to co-create and design innovative ventures and startups. He regularly trains and coaches entrepreneurs on entrepreneurship, innovation and adaptive leadership. He currently mentors entrepreneurship students from the State University of Zanzibar and Social Entrepreneurs from Herstart, a young womens’ social entrepreneurship program from Youth Challenge International, a Canadian International NGO.
Emmanuel is the CEO of Bizzyn, a successful and profitable startup in Africa. As a disciplined and enthusiastic individual, he plays a crucial role in driving business development and maintaining strong client relationships. Emmanuel’s charismatic and result-driven approach has been instrumental in the growth and achievements of the company.
Moreover, Emmanuel’s genuine passion for sustainability and his commitment to addressing global challenges through technology sets him apart as an entrepreneur. By leveraging his expertise in AI, ML, and IoT, Emmanuel aims to contribute to a more sustainable future.
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Caroline Clement is a Business Development and Growth Manager at Simplitech Limited (Simplify), with a background in project management and a passion for innovation in the tech space for Africa. Before working with Simplitech Limited, she worked with a startup in agribusiness in Kenya, where she led marketing and communications. She actively implemented the SMART agriculture program for individuals interested in owning farms but had limited space. She was also involved in various projects, from the initial process to grant acquisition and allocation of grants to selected applicants, monitoring the impact of the funds, and reporting to the donor.
Caroline holds a Bachelor’s degree in Arts in Social Science and a Master’s degree in International Relations, focusing on Diplomacy and Foreign Policy, Peace and Conflict Studies, and Development Studies. She has led successful grant acquisition efforts, including securing funding from the UNCDF under the Funguo program initiated by UNDP-Tanzania and recently the PesaTech Accelerator. Caroline is also actively involved in communities such as Girls in Tech Inc and is a member of the Tanzania Marketing Society.”
Ibrahim is a veteran of the Mobile Money industry. As an early member of Airtel Money’s team, he helped grow the company from its founding into the third-largest wallet in Tanzania.
In 2018, he joined AzamPay as the Director of Wallet and quickly gained a reputation for achieving outcomes and was subsequently appointed Chief Commercial Officer. He now oversees all business operations for AzamPay across the region.
Ibrahim is a graduate of the University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, Scotland. Whenever possible, Ibrahim is strategizing the next big mobile money disruption in Tanzania
Moreover, Emmanuel’s genuine passion for sustainability and his commitment to addressing global challenges through technology sets him apart as an entrepreneur. By leveraging his expertise in AI, ML, and IoT, Emmanuel aims to contribute to a more sustainable future.
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Iddy John is a serial entrepreneur, passionate about technology, travel, and understanding consumer behavior in product consumption.
He is a founding member of Safari Wallet, a travel fintech platform, and Place Listed, a dynamic marketplace listing platform (promote travel businesses) that has expanded beyond Tanzania and South Africa to serve a global audience. Iddy has supported numerous businesses in Africa, including Namibia and South Africa, and has collaborated with multiple agencies in travel innovation.
He believes in the localization of African travel, aiming to change the behavior of locals towards travel, shift the perception of travel, and integrate it as a cultural element for locals through technology, innovation, and other strategic elements.
Lorna Afwandi Mudegu is Champion of Sustainable Aquaculture and Women’s Empowerment in Fish Farming. She is the co-founder of Fish Box Africa, is a distinguished leader in fisheries and aquaculture, renowned for her innovative contributions to Africa’s blue economy. Her pioneering work includes the development of an automated fish feeding system that significantly enhances feed efficiency and reduces waste, paving the way for more sustainable aquaculture practices.
In her leadership role at Fish Box Africa, Lorna drives strategic and operational advancements, establishing vital partnerships with industry stakeholders, including equipment suppliers, research institutions, and regulatory bodies. Her efforts are instrumental in promoting sustainable growth and technological advancements within the aquaculture sector.
Lorna’s commitment extends beyond technology and industry improvements; she is a passionate advocate for empowering women in aquaculture. Through her initiatives, she focuses on increasing women’s access to resources and training, aiming to elevate their roles in an industry traditionally dominated by men. Her work significantly contributes to building a more inclusive and sustainable blue economy.
Her extensive experience and dynamic approach to sustainable practices and women’s empowerment would make her an invaluable addition to the “Kua Africa” forum. Lorna’s insights are poised to enrich discussions on leveraging technology for sustainable development in the blue economy, particularly in enhancing the role of women in aquaculture.
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Rashid Ali Rashid is a pioneering figure in the field of aquaponics farming in Tanzania, currently serving as the Managing Director of Aatif Aquaponics Limited, a leading organization in sustainable agriculture. Having graduated with a Bachelor of Business Administration from Zanzibar University and furthered his education with an MSc in International Oil and Gas Management from the University of Dundee, Scotland, and trained as an aquaponics and hydroponics farmer in The UK for 12 months.
Rashid is a 2016-2017 FCO Chevening Alumni.Upon returning to Zanzibar in 2017, Rashid embarked on a mission to revolutionize farming practices by introducing smart farming techniques, particularly among the youth. This vision culminated in the establishment of Aatif Aquaponics Limited in 2018, where Rashid has spearheaded initiatives to raise awareness and promote the adoption of smart farming technologies.
Aatif Aquaponics Limited has successfully implemented multiple aquaponics and hydroponics farms in key locations such as Zanzibar, Dar es Salaam, and Bagamoyo. His efforts have not gone unnoticed, as the organization was awarded a USAID Feed The Future grant for Advancing Youth, recognizing Rashid’s commitment to training young people in smart farming and fostering entrepreneurship in agribusiness.
Beyond his role at Aatif Aquaponics Limited, Rashid contributes to the development of Zanzibar’s economy and agriculture sector as a member of two government boards: the Micro Small and Medium Industry Development Agency and the Zanzibar Commercial Agricultural Committee.
Robert is a social ecologist with over 35 years biodiversity and community-based conservation experience in marine and terrestrial contexts mostly in East Africa. He is part of a team that has developed the Community Eco-Credit model which is Green Inclusive Finance based on the VSLA/VICOBA model. He has worked with leading conservation and development organisations including IUCN, DFID, CARE.
He is a long-term resident of Zanzibar and was technical advisor to the establishment of Jozani-Chwaka Bay National Park and Biosphere Reserve, and during that time established one the first community finance schemes at a protected area in East Africa.
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A seasoned and successful technology trendsetter with a track record of producing, presenting, and managing the deployment of innovative business solutions.
Mihayo is a highly motivated professional with a trail blazing product development launching sustainable and game changing digital services in emerging markets.
His ability to develop people and commercialize all aspects of a business has been recognized and awarded across clients, industries and focus areas.
He is committed to the bottom line and growth of the organization, brand, product, or service with clear exit strategies along the graduation route.
John is the Co-founder and CEO of Swahilies, a company that has revolutionized business and finance management for over 10,000 Tanzanian SMEs through its innovative platform. Prior to founding Swahilies, he spearheaded Swahili Inspiration, a groundbreaking info tech digital media initiative. Supported by prestigious organizations like UNDP AFRICA, Swahili Inspiration aimed to empower African youth by providing access to accurate information and opportunities. With his commitment to leveraging technology for social impact, John has emerged as a visionary leader in both the tech and entrepreneurial landscapes.
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Paul is an expert in entrepreneurship and innovation, specializing in designing and pioneering innovative financing mechanisms for SMEs and startups across Africa. He has led ventures and programs that leverage and champion digital technologies to bring about positive change, particularly among youth and underserved communities in East and West Africa, as well as the United Kingdom. His career spans impactful private and non-profit organizations and initiatives including ZOLA Electric, Fundi App, Digital Opportunity Trust, and Warioba Ventures.
Paul is dedicated and open to collaborating with diverse stakeholders to design and drive initiatives and programs that promote innovative financing mechanisms, fostering sustainable ventures in Africa.
He holds a master’s degree in Entrepreneurship and Innovation from the University of Edinburgh (Business School). He is also an alumnus of the US Department of State Mandela Washington Fellowship, University of Notre Dame (US), Leadership in Business.
Paul is an experienced strategic Product Manager and venture builder with 8 years of experience leading and managing data-driven digital products and services from ideation to launch. He also has experience in managing local and international ICT4D programs, establishing and managing Innovation Hubs, and tech and entrepreneurial communities. Paul has been involved in implementing cutting-edge data-driven products and services that have crossed borders and providing consulting services for local and international organizations.
Paul is currently a Product Manager at Smart Foundry, a venture studio that specializes in building in-house ventures specifically designed to address and overcome the unique challenges faced by African communities. Smart Foundry takes ventures from ideation to execution, focusing on solutions that have a meaningful impact across the continent.
Before joining Smart Foundry, Paul worked as an innovation and technology consultant, helping businesses and startups use technology to transform and scale. He has worked with organizations such as Niras Finland OY, The World Bank Group, Palladium Group, Vodacom Tanzania, Buni Innovation Hub, Tanzania Commision of science & Technology and WFP Innovation.
Paul holds a professional Postgraduate diploma in Industrial IoT, a program developed by African Leadership University and General Electric to meet the demand for a digital-savvy workforce in increasingly data-driven industrial organizations.
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A seasoned consultant and expert in private sector development in Tanzania, including start-up financing and entrepreneurship development, with over 30 years experience on the ground. Recently, as Director of Agribusiness Innovation Centre, pioneered the Youth Agribusiness Incubators in agriculture, livestock and agro-processing across the country. The successful AIC youth incubation model was later used as a basis for formulating the Tanzania Government’s current BBT – Youth in Agriculture and Livestock national incubation programme. Also widely experienced in other sectors such as culture and heritage, civil society development and policy advocacy and lobbying, in Tanzania and Zanzibar.