Keynote Speakers You’ll See at Africa’s Top Conferences
Africa’s premier conferences in 2025 are set to feature an impressive array of keynote speakers, each bringing unique insights and expertise to their respective fields. These events will serve as platforms for thought leadership, innovation, and collaboration across the continent.
European Conference on African Studies (ECAS) 2025
Scheduled for June 26–27, 2025, ECAS 2025 will host distinguished scholars:
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Francis B. Nyamnjoh: A B1-rated Professor at the University of Cape Town, Nyamnjoh is renowned for his work in African Studies and Social Anthropology. His keynote, “Being and Becoming African in a Nimble-Footed World,” will explore African identity through the lenses of incompleteness and motion, challenging traditional nation-state-centric views of belonging. (ecasconference.org)
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Fatuma Ahmed Ali: An expert in international relations and gender studies, Ali will address contemporary issues affecting African societies, emphasizing the role of women in peace and security.
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Margaret Amaka Ohia-Nowak: A scholar specializing in African literature and cultural studies, Ohia-Nowak will discuss the evolution of African narratives in the global context.
International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) Cape Town 2025
From October 4–8, 2025, FIGO Cape Town 2025 will feature:
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Dr. Sima Samar: A Nobel Peace Prize nominee and human rights advocate, Dr. Samar will deliver the Mahmoud Fathalla Lecture, focusing on women’s health and rights.
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Professor Jacqueline Dunkley-Bent OBE: As the Chief Midwife of the International Confederation of Midwives, she will share insights on global midwifery practices and maternal health.
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H.E. Mutula Kilonzo Junior CBS: The Governor of Makueni County, Kenya, Kilonzo will discuss policy initiatives aimed at improving women’s health services.
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Ms. Angela Nguku: Founder and Executive Director of the White Ribbon Alliance, Nguku will address grassroots movements in advocating for women’s health rights. (figo.org)
Africa Women Innovation and Entrepreneurship Forum (AWIEF) 2025
Taking place on October 30–31, 2025, in Cape Town, AWIEF 2025 will host:
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Dr. Fatima Elsheikh: Secretary General of the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa (BADEA), Dr. Elsheikh will discuss economic development strategies for women entrepreneurs.
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Hajar El Haddaoui: Director General of the Digital Cooperation Organization (DCO), El Haddaoui will explore digital transformation opportunities for women in business. (awieforum.org)
eLearning Africa 2025
Set for May 7–9, 2025, in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, eLearning Africa 2025 will feature:
- H.E. Amadou Ba: Prime Minister of Senegal, Ba will discuss national strategies for integrating digital education and skills development. (elearning-africa.com)
World Conference on Transformative Education (WCTE) 2025
Scheduled for July 2–4, 2025, in Cape Town, WCTE 2025 will include:
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Professor Vuyokazi Nomlomo: Deputy Vice Chancellor for Teaching and Learning at the University of Zululand, Nomlomo will advocate for the use of African languages in education to enhance learning access.
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Professor Sigamoney Naicker: An expert in inclusive education, Naicker will discuss strategies for dismantling inequalities in education systems. (gite.education)
Sustainable Construction in Africa 2025
From May 20–23, 2025, this conference will feature:
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Dr. Charles K. Nmai: Director of Concrete Sustainability at Master Builders Solutions, Nmai will address challenges in Africa’s concrete industry and propose solutions for improving construction quality.
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Prof. Aziza Chaouni: An Associate Professor of Architecture at the University of Toronto, Chaouni will discuss sustainable construction solutions tailored to Africa’s unique needs. (sca25.org)
Integrated Marketing Conference (IMC) 2025
IMC 2025 will present:
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Tahaab Rais: Group Chief Strategy Officer & Film Director at Publicis Groupe, Rais will explore innovative marketing strategies.
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Lyn Bird: Corporate Vice President for Industry Solutions Delivery at Microsoft, Bird will discuss building authentic relationships to power brands. (imcconference.com)
HACSA Summit 2025
The HACSA Summit 2025 will feature:
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H.E. John Dramani Mahama: Former President of Ghana, Mahama will deliver a keynote on Africa’s future.
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Bell Ribeiro-Addy MP: UK Member of Parliament, Ribeiro-Addy will discuss diaspora relations and development. (summit.thehacsa.org)
Africa CEO Impact & Sustainability Meeting 2025
From July 15–18, 2025, in Johannesburg, this meeting will include:
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Dr. Ndidi Nnoli-Edozien: ISSB Member at the International Financial Reporting Standards Foundation, Nnoli-Edozien will discuss the importance of sustainability disclosure standards.
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Prof. Mazwe Majola: CEO of the Worldwide Institute of Leadership and Development, Majola will address ethical leadership in corporate governance. (67ceos.org)
Southern African Venture Capital and Private Equity Association (SAVCA) Conference 2025
The SAVCA Conference 2025 will feature:
- Nozipho Tshabalala: CEO of The Conversation Strategists, Tshabalala will serve as the Master of Ceremonies, guiding discussions on venture capital and private equity trends. (savca.co.za)
These conferences underscore Africa’s commitment to fostering dialogue, innovation, and sustainable development across various sectors.
