A dynamic conscientious agile leader, passionate about socio-economic justice driving sustainable development. A development management professional with 15+ years of experience in effectively designing and implementing various sustainable development projects, establishing and nurturing public-private partnerships for sustainable development across diverse economic sectors. Specialized in initiating and managing business for social justice; experienced in community development notably public health, welfare for children, women, and youth economic empowerment. Proficient in Diplomacy, Entrepreneurship, and the travel trade & the tourism industry promotion, sales and marketing. Skilled in Nonprofit Organizations Management, Resource mobilization, Human Resource Management, Corporate Social Responsibility, and Events Management. A business-economist with a strong research background in entrepreneurship, advocating for policy formulation and capacity building. Expertise in creating business opportunities and establishing partnerships across government, private sector, and civil society institutions.

Abdulla Jihad is a Maldivian politician who served as vice president of the Maldives from 22 June 2016 to 17 November 2018. Prior to his appointment on 22 June 2016, he served as the minister of finance.

Jihad was born on 3 January 1964. He graduated from the University of Waikato, New Zealand, with a masters of management studies degree in economics. He also holds a Bachelor of Arts degree majoring in economics/management from the University of South Pacific, Fiji.

Jihad first joined government services in 1980 as a temporary audit staff at the audit office. He later went on to fill a number of prestigious managerial posts in the government. On 22 June 2016, he was appointed vice president of the republic of the Maldives by President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom.

Prior to assuming the post of vice president, Jihad served as the minister of finance and treasury in President Yameen’s Administration. He had also served as the minister of finance and treasury in President Mohamed Waheed Hassan’s Administration from 5 March 2012 to 17 November 2013, and in President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom’s Administration from 15 July 2008 to 11 November 2008. Other notable posts he filled were governor of Maldives Monetary Authority (2007–2008) and member of the Civil Service Commission.

Jihad has attended many international conferences, seminars, workshops and training programmes and has visited numerous countries in the discharge of government responsibilities.

Richard has been a firm believer in the value of the Chamber movement and active participant in The London Chamber and several bi lateral Chambers/associations for many years usually as Director, Board member and Founder. For example, The Belgrade Wealth Forum was one of his initiatives and he has on going interests particularly concerning inward investment and related service providers. As a market access and international business development specialist, Richard has an eclectic skill set and up to date knowledge in order to facilitate business and is recognised as an empathetic multicultural facilitator with wide sectoral understanding. As a self-employed ‘strategic advisor’ he is currently retained, and has been for several years, by a wide cross section of companies, Harod Global investigative solutions, WakeUp Capital, NTLTrust, AltiaIntel and Dominion of Canada Rifle Association. Plus pro bono activities for The Entrepreneur Studio , London Board of Crime Stoppers and other mentoring activities for young people.

By way of background: Richard was born in Bermuda. His family, originally from Scottland/Ireland, moved to The Bahamas in 1958. His nationality is British. He attended boarding School in Edinburgh Scotland from 8-17.Clifton Hall and Merchiston Castle. Subsequently : York University , Glendon College, Toronto Canada. BA Hons. London School of Economics. MSc.Economics . Also attended The Sorbonne and Institute of Political Studies. Paris. Trained in International Private Banking and portfolio management Geneva Switzerland.BearBull/ CMF. Geneva , Paris, Nassau. Lloyd’s Bank, NatWest Monte Carlo , Monaco. Private Banking Management .JH Minet. Lloyd’s of London Insurance brokers . International market access specialist. Lloyd’s market Insurance exams. The Sovereign Group. International market access strategic advisor. Financial services. Harod Associates. Global investigative solutions. Integrity and due diligence investigations. Memberships and other associations: Chartered Institute of Public Relations, Caledonian Club, Worshipful Company of World Traders, Institute of Strategic Risk Management, All party Parliamentary Group for International trade and logistics.

Lola Ade-John is former Minister for the Federal Ministry of Tourism, Nigeria. With a robust background in strategic business transformation, she excels in leveraging innovative design and technology to drive progress in the tourism sector. Holding a Bachelor of Science from the University of Ibadan, her education spans prestigious institutions including Norwich City College in the UK, Holy Child College, Corona School and the Federal School of Arts and Science in Lagos.

Her career began with the National Youth Service Corps in Delta State, setting the stage for a distinguished path across various industries. Her extensive experience in the oil & gas, financial, and technology sectors has provided her with insights into enhancing Nigeria’s tourism landscape.

Honourable Minister Ade-John is dedicated to promoting Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage and natural beauty, fostering sustainable tourism practices that attract global interest and drive economic growth. Her work across Africa, North America, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East enriches her ability to integrate diverse perspectives and innovative solutions in tourism.

Her impactful contributions to organisations such as Shell Development Company Nigeria, Magnum Trust Bank (now part of Sterling Bank), Access Bank Nigeria, United Bank for Africa, Ecobank Group, and Nedbank Group highlight her commitment to community development and environmental sustainability.

As a passionate advocate for human resource development, she mentors and advises on strategic technology management, driving innovation and success in both national and international tourism initiatives. Her vision positions Nigeria as a premier global tourist destination.

Jacinta Kiruthi is a Trade, Tax and Customs expert, serving in various advisory roles within the East African Region as well as several Continental Platforms, both in the Public and Private sectors. She currently serves as lead AfCFTA Advisor to the East African Chamber of Commerce and Industry (EACCIA), the African Business Council (AfBC), Secretariat of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) and the International Conference on the UN Great Lakes Region (ICGLR).

Within these institutions she serves as the subject matter expert in Regional Integration for the AfCFTA and the EAC Rec, Revenue Administration Reform, Rules of Origin, Women in International Trade, Tax and Customs Matters, Valuation and Cross Border Trade and Management. Very close to her heart are Africa’s Trade Facilitation tools especially the LAPPSET Corridor initiative.

As a Toastmaster, she has graced various international panels on the Role of Women In Trade and moderated numerous conferences such as The East Africa Trade and Industrialisation Conference, UN Great Lakes Private Sector Forum, Africa Women In International Trade which all brought together key players within EAC, AfCFTA, SADC, EU and the UN Great Lakes Regions. Prior to this, she was selected to facilitate the prestigious McGill University’s – Semester In Africa Programme for 40 North American students.

Previously, she served as a Senior Programme Manager in the Commissioner General’s Office of the Kenya Revenue Authority, critical in implementing the Revenue Administration Reform and Modernisation Programme (RARMP) which saw KRA become the leading Revenue Authority within the East African Community. She also enabled the rolling out of e-learning initiatives in partnership with various institutions of higher learning to enhance team knowledge as well as align KRA’s internal policies with overarching national government goals. During her tenure in the Customs Department, Jacinta successfully documented and mapped all cross border operations in Namanga, which went on to become a blue print for the One Stop Border Post initiatives, replicated across 8 other OSBPs namely (Taveta, Lungalunga, Isebania, Busia, Malaba and Moyale) – and is currently informing the EAC’s and AfCFTA’s Cross Border Trade practices.

Jacinta has an MBA (Strategic Management) and BA, Hons (Economics) from the University of Nairobi, a post graduate diploma in Tax and Customs Administration from KRA’s – Training Institute and Diplomas in both Banking and Information Systems Management, amongst other trade facilitation and leadership courses from global institutions. She is passionate about synthesizing and simplifying the African Union’s Regional Integration Agenda as well, as bringing both the African Public and Private sectors on board the amazing AfCFTA journey.

Allan has been at the helm of Kenya Airways since April 2020 as the airline’s Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer. He replaced Sebastian Mikosz whose term ended on 31 December 2019. He was previously the Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of Jambojet Limited, a fully owned subsidiary of Kenya Airways PLC.

Allan took over this role right at the beginning of a very difficult time for Kenya Airways and the aviation industry in general. He has managed to navigate the airline through these turbulent times and keep the planes flying through a string of measures and initiatives.

With over 23 years’ experience in leadership and management, and extensive knowledge and experience in the Africa business environment, Allan has proven success in new organization set ups, change management, financial planning, integrations, process improvement and company compliance and responsible strategic leadership. He was also integral to the turnaround of two GE Africa businesses: GE Power Services Africa and GE Industrial Solutions, both based in South Africa.

Allan started his career at Deloitte East Africa in Nairobi, where he specialized in Audit, Accounting, Outsourcing and Custodianship. He later joined GE as the Africa share service leader and held various senior leadership roles in GE businesses and in GE Corporate both in Kenya and South Africa before joining Jambojet Limited.

Allan has a Bachelor of Commerce Degree from the University of Nairobi and holds a Postgraduate Certificate in Psychology from the University of Liverpool. He has trained at GE’s world class Crotonville Leadership Institute in New York, USA in Executive Leadership, Advanced Management and Financial Planning. He is also a member of the Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Kenya (ICPAK).

Oliviero boasts two decades in luxury hospitality, spanning Development Management, Private Equity, Asset Management, and Strategy Advisory roles worldwide. Leading TLC’s expansion across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, he spearheads projects in hospitality development.

Formerly with Red Sea Global, backed by Saudi Arabia’s PIF, Oliviero excelled in executive roles in the UAE, Qatar, and Europe. Fluent in five languages, the Italian national earned a British-German bachelor’s in European Business Administration.

His expertise has shaped prestigious real estate ventures globally, making him a key player in the industry’s evolution

With 30 years of experience in international hospitality and executive leadership, Olivier was CEO of Panorama and its distinctive brands, providing expanded offerings, travel experiences, and technology solutions to its affiliates and partners and their millions of members around the world.

Prior to joining Panorama in 2019, he served as CEO of Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts where he led the company’s expansion through new resort openings, pipeline development and portfolio growth of more than 40 percent. Olivier also served as the President and CEO of international interior design firm Wilson Associates, fuelling the growth of the business through brand development, innovative design, and client engagement.

In 2020, he had also joined the board of PIF Hospitality – Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) working to expand its investment portfolio in Saudi Arabia’s travel, tourism, and leisure infrastructure.

David Goodger leads Oxford Economics’ work in tourism forecasting and economic impact analysis sector as Managing Director for Tourism Economics in Europe and the Middle East.

He manages the team in forecasting global tourism flows for 185 countries and over 300 cities, having developed the core models, and he now regularly presents the outlook and risks at industry events. Forecasts are based on economic drivers and in reaction to major geopolitical events as well as the positive impacts of major sporting or business events. Recent analysis has focussed on the renewed importance of tourism growth in recovery from the pandemic and the evolution of tourism demand within wider consumer spending.

David was educated at the University of Bristol, England, where he gained a degree in Economics with Statistics; and at the London School of Economics and Political Science, England, where he graduated with an MSc in Econometrics and Mathematical Economics.