Banky W Joins Powerhouse Panel at the Africa Business Conference at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg Center
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Banky W Joins Powerhouse Panel at the Africa Business Conference at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg Center
Olubankole “Banky W” Wellington — Co-founder of EME Agency, Public Policy Leader, and Philanthropist — is set to bring his dynamic voice and visionary leadership to the Africa Business Conference at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg Center in Washington, D.C. Organized by the Africa Business Club at the Carey Business School, the event will convene some of the most influential minds shaping the future of Africa, with Banky W joining the mainstage panel on Media, Marketing & Entertainment.
Widely regarded as a pioneer of the modern Afrobeats movement, Banky W co-founded Empire Mates Entertainment (EME) — the powerhouse label behind the rise of global music icons. But beyond the music, he’s carved out an extraordinary path in public service and philanthropy, using his platform to advance causes like youth development, good governance, education, and mental health across Nigeria and beyond.
At the panel, Banky W will be joined by a standout lineup of innovators driving impact across media, business, and development:
- Kadmiel Van Der Puije, CEO of The Voice of Africa – whose groundbreaking work connects African media, trade, tourism, investments, youth development and diaspora engagement under one visionary umbrella.
- Sharaf Mahama, founder of Legacy Rise Sports and son of Ghana’s current President, H.E. John Dramani Mahama, leading new efforts in sports development and youth opportunity.
- Lee-Roy Chetty, Head of Digital Engagement at the International Finance Corporation (IFC), shaping global digital narratives and institutional strategy.
- Akunna Cook, Fmr. Dep Asst.Secretary of State for African Affairs & Founder, Next Narrative Africa, distinguished Johns Hopkins alumna, known for her innovative work in brand strategy, culture, and global storytelling.
The conversation will explore how media and entertainment can be leveraged as tools for influence, development, and continental transformation — a space where Banky W has long thrived.
Whether it’s elevating music as a global export, pushing policy reforms, or inspiring the next generation of leaders, Banky W’s impact is both cultural and civic. At this year’s Africa Business Conference, he’ll help define how creativity and purpose converge to shape Africa’s story on the world stage.
From music to government to global forums — Banky W continues to lead with vision, voice, and value.
