The energy was electric. The atmosphere, charged with ambition, innovation, and unity. The 6th Annual AFRICA BUSINESS CONFERENCE, hosted by the dynamic Africa Business Club (ABC) at Johns Hopkins Carey Business School, unfolded at the breathtaking new Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg Center in the heart of Washington, D.C. and it was nothing short of legendary.

TVOA (The Voice of Africa) proudly stood as the official media partner for this monumental gathering, capturing every groundbreaking moment of what has now been hailed as the premier African business event in North America for 2025!

From Rising Stars to Global Titans

This year’s conference wasn’t just an event  it was a movement. Backed by the Chief Sponsor, The Johns Hopkins University Carey Business School, and drawing in a constellation of changemakers from healthcare, tech, finance, policy, media, and entertainment, this edition of the conference broke every record in attendance, impact, and inspiration.

The day kicked off with powerful welcome remarks from Ezinne Aso, the unstoppable President of the Africa Business Club, whose vision and leadership set the tone for the transformative conversations ahead. The energy in the room was masterfully guided by MCs Emmanuel Elorm Nortey-Adom and Temisan David, whose charisma and presence kept the momentum flowing throughout the day. Chiedo Nwankwor, Vice Dean for Education & Academic Affairs, then took the stage to highlight the critical role of academic institutions in shaping Africa’s future. Following her, James R. Calvin, Ph.D., Associate Dean of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) at Johns Hopkins Carey, reaffirmed the school’s unwavering commitment to amplifying African voices on the global stage.

Keynote Speakers Who Lit Up the Room

The keynote addresses set a soaring standard for the day.

• Lamine Savadogo, President of Marison Energy Systems, delivered a riveting talk about Africa’s critical role in the global energy transition.

• Dr. Eleni Gabre-Madhin, a world-renowned economist and Executive-in-Residence at Georgetown University’s McDonough School of Business, captivated the audience with her insights on sustainable African development and entrepreneurship.

Their wisdom ignited a fire in every attendee, signaling that Africa’s time is not in the future it is now.

Unstoppable Panels That Left the Audience Spellbound

HEALTHCARE PANEL

Healthcare pioneers took the stage and sparked bold discussions on Africa’s health systems transformation:

• Dr. Ahmed Ogwell OUMA (United Nations Foundation)
• Dr. Uche Ralph-Opara (Chief Health Officer, Project HOPE)
• Hafeezah Muhammad (CEO, Backpack Healthcare) Moderated masterfully by Dr. Sharon Karbo (Africa Business Club), this panel left no stone unturned in reimagining a healthier future for Africa.

MEDIA, MARKETING & ENTERTAINMENT PANEL

The room buzzed with creative energy as icons from media and entertainment broke down new narratives for Africa:

• Lee-Roy Chetty (Head of Digital Communications, IFC)
• Sharaf Mahama (CEO, Legacy Rise Sports and Founder, Sharaf Mahama Foundation)
• Akunna Cook (Diplomat & Founder, Next Narrative Africa)
• Olubankole “Banky W” Wellington (Artist, Policy Leader, and Philanthropist)

• Skillfully moderated by none other than Kadmiel Van Der Puije, CEO of The Voice of Africa, this panel redefined what it means to tell the African story.

INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT PANEL

Visionaries in policy and development mapped out the road to a more prosperous Africa:

• British Robinson (Former Prosper Africa Coordinator)
• Prof. Belinda Archibong (Brookings Fellow and Johns Hopkins SAIS Professor)
• Jonathan Eigege (Associate Partner, DGA-Albright Stonebridge Group) Moderated by rising star Chekwubechi Okunowo (Thomas R. Pickering Fellow), this session armed attendees with actionable pathways to global impact.

FINANCE & FINTECH PANEL

Financial leaders opened the gates to Africa’s economic renaissance:

• Joseph Elvis A. Lamptey (Director of Growth, PayAngel & Co-Founder of Kaya B2B Marketplace)
• Hermano Juvane (Senior International Banker, Absa Bank Ltd NY) Moderated by Mahamed Konfrou (Vice President, Morgan Stanley), the discussions were electrifying, leaving future investors and entrepreneurs buzzing with possibilities.

Exclusive Side Events That Made Headlines

Founders Connect: A magnetic hub for entrepreneurs to network, pitch, and find future collaborators.

• Diaspora Connect Room: A ground-breaking collaboration between TVOA and the Africa Business Club, uniting diasporans and local leaders for real-time partnerships and investments.

Career Session: Launching Futures

Talent met opportunity during an epic career session featuring:

• Ngozi Ukweni Ogagaoghene (World Bank Group)
• Fatoumata Adelle Barry, MD, MPH (World Bank Group)
• Mahamed Konfrou (Morgan Stanley)
• Shawn Bailey (Novavax Inc.)
• Sheun Ogunsunlade (Protiviti)

This was not just networking it was career acceleration at hyperspeed.

A Triumphant Closing

As the conference drew to a close, Mark Ayumu, Chair of the 2025 Africa Business Conference, delivered an unforgettable message of resilience, hope, and action sealing the event’s place in history as a catalyst for Africa’s unstoppable rise.

A New Era Has Begun

The 6th Annual Africa Business Conference didn’t just make history it redefined it. Powered by bold ideas, daring leadership, and the unbreakable spirit of Africa, this gathering left no doubt: Africa’s future is bright, and it is already here.

Stay tuned with The Voice of Africa (TVOA) as we continue to bring you the stories, opportunities, and visionaries shaping the next chapter of Africa’s success.

 

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