Arif has over 20 years of experience in the technology industry, having worked for multinational organizations and public sector entities across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. Prior to joining Microsoft, Arif held several senior positions at GE Oil & Gas, Emerson Automation Solutions, and Surface Business Group. She is passionate about digital transformation and is committed to helping Egyptian organizations accelerate their digital journey.

Arif is also a strong advocate for diversity and inclusion in the workplace. She is a board member of Egypt Women on Boards Observatory, Egypt’s Chamber of Information Technology & Communication, and the Advisory Board of UNICEF GenU Egypt (Shabab Balad). She is a highly accomplished and respected leader in the Egyptian technology industry, with her appointment as General Manager of Microsoft Egypt a testament to her skills and experience.

Under Arif’s leadership, Microsoft Egypt has made significant progress in helping Egyptian businesses and the country embrace the digital future. She has overseen the launch of several new initiatives and programs, including the Microsoft Egypt Innovation Center and the Microsoft Egypt TechSpark Accelerator. In recognition of her many achievements, Arif has received numerous awards and accolades, including the Women Forum’s Top 50 Most Influential Women in Egypt, the Women in Tech Global Leadership Award, and the Egyptian Women Forum’s Distinguished Female Leader.

He is the Founder and CEO of Wetility, a solar solutions company harnessing the sun’s power to keep South African homes and businesses energized. Founded in 2018, Wetility’s mission is to “make clean energy accessible and affordable for everyone in Africa.”

The company offers a wide range of products, including solar panels for homes and businesses, solar batteries, and solar water heaters. Maposa’s innovative energy solution is helping businesses and homeowners save money on their energy bills, reduce their carbon footprint, and become more energy independent. Under his leadership, Wetility has achieved a number of notable milestones, including raising $48 million in debt and equity to expand its solar energy product.

Caren Wakoli, the founder of the Emerging Leaders Foundation (ELF), is one such remarkable individual. Her journey is an inspiring testament to the power of one person’s vision to create lasting change. Born and raised in Kenya, Caren recognized the immense potential within her country’s youth population, despite the many challenges they faced. It is for this reason that she set out on a mission to nurture this potential and transform it into tangible impact.

Caren’s vision gave birth to the Emerging Leaders Foundation, a non-profit organization that has since become a cornerstone of youth empowerment in Kenya. Through ELF, she has provided young people with the tools, mentorship, and resources needed to become leaders and changemakers. Caren’s work extends beyond leadership development. She is a vocal advocate for gender equality and social justice, championing the rights of women and marginalized communities in Kenya.

She has over two decades of experience driven dramatic results in the education sector, with a focus on reengineering the mindset of African children to create their economic prosperity through STEM skills. Dr Adetola Salau’s journey in education and STEM began with a deep-rooted passion for equipping the youth with the skills they need to thrive in a rapidly evolving world. Armed with this passion, she embarked on a mission to revolutionize education in Africa.

With a doctorate in education, Dr. Salau possesses a profound understanding of the pedagogical principles that underpin effective teaching and learning. This expertise has been instrumental in shaping her innovative approach to STEM education, which places an emphasis on practical, hands-on learning experiences.

She envisions a future where African children are not just consumers of technology but active contributors to its advancement. To realize this vision, she founded organizations and initiatives aimed at empowering children with STEM skills that are not only competitive but also transformative. One such initiative is the Global Educational Skills Summit (GESS), where Dr. Salau is a distinguished leader.

With a passion for innovation and a commitment to fostering entrepreneurship in the region, Hany has made significant contributions to Africa’s tech ecosystem. He is the Managing Director of Sawari Ventures, a venture capital firm based in Egypt that invests in technology startups in the MENA region. He is also the Co-Founder of Flat6Labs, a startup accelerator program that has become a beacon of hope for early-stage startups across the region.

Under Hany’s leadership, Flat6Labs has emerged as a pivotal player in the MENA startup ecosystem. The program offers startups financial support and invaluable mentorship and guidance, helping them transform their ideas into successful businesses. Hany’s journey from a visionary entrepreneur to a catalyst for change in the MENA startup ecosystem is inspiring. His dedication, passion, and unwavering commitment to fostering innovation have made him a role model for aspiring entrepreneurs across the region.

Her remarkable journey in the service of vulnerable populations in the Sahel region is an inspiring testament to the power of perseverance, local knowledge, and global collaboration. Since 2017, Coumba Dieng Sow has been at the forefront of emergency humanitarian and resilience efforts for the FAO in Africa.

One of the hallmarks of Coumba’s work is her advocacy for the use of endogenous knowledge, including agroecology and local investments, to reduce vulnerabilities and promote sustainable agriculture. Her belief in the power of communities to adapt and thrive under adverse conditions is both admirable and effective.

Coumba’s most significant initiative is the “1 million cisterns for the Sahel.” Inspired by Brazil’s successful Fome Zero program, this initiative seeks to provide rural communities with better access to water in the face of climate change. Coumba is currently serving as FAO’s Country Representative for Rwanda.

As the Group CEO of ForAfrika, he’s not just carrying on a legacy but forging an inspiring path towards a brighter future for the continent. Isak’s journey is rooted in the remarkable legacy of his parents, Peter, and Ann Pretorius, who founded JAM International. From this noble foundation, ForAfrika emerged as a beacon of hope. Isak’s commitment to humanitarian services and business acumen are the driving forces behind ForAfrika’s impactful initiatives. ForAfria is the largest African humanitarian and development organization working for an Africa that thrives.

The organization is driving change on the continent in several sectors, including health, education, water, and food. Isak’s passion lies in bridging the divide between non-profit and for-profit sectors. He envisions an Africa where development knows no bounds, where prosperity and sustainability walk hand in hand. His insights have contributed to sustainable programs that are changing lives across the continent. As a member of the Young Presidents Organization (YPO) since 2009, he’s part of a global network of leaders shaping the world.

She has over 30 years of experience working for international non-profit organizations, including the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and UNFPA. Keita’s journey in international non-profit organizations, including the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and UNFPA, has been nothing short of extraordinary. Her leadership has spanned numerous countries, including the United States, Niger, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Haiti, Senegal, Ethiopia, Mauritania, Benin, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Nigeria.

Keita is a true visionary, a passionate advocate for global public health, and a champion of adolescent and maternal health. Her dedication extends to promoting inclusive growth, gender equality, public policy, and international diplomacy. With a profound commitment to UNFPA’s mission, she tirelessly works to create a world where pregnancy is wanted, birth is safe, and young people’s potential is fulfilled.

Keita is not only a highly respected and accomplished leader but also a beacon of hope in the field of global health and development. Her unwavering dedication inspires us all to work towards a more equitable and brighter future for everyone, regardless of their background or circumstances.