Speakers 2024 – Africa Youth In Tourism Summit

SPEAKERS DETAILS 2024 Event Speakers

Mr. Zurab Pololikashvili is Secretary-General of the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) since 1 January 2018 after being elected by the 22nd Session of UNWTO General Assembly. He was Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Georgia to the Kingdom of Spain, the Principality of Andorra, the People’s Democratic Republic of Algeria and the Kingdom of Morocco and Permanent Representative of Georgia to the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) up to December 2017.

Between 2009 and 2010, he was Minister of Economic Development of Georgia.As a Minister of Economic Development of Georgia, Mr Pololikashvili was responsible for overseeing the country’s long-term fiscal growth strategies, advancing foreign trade and investment policy initiatives as well as for promoting the development of the tourism, infrastructure and transportation sectors. He was instrumental in launching an innovative policy for the development of tourism in Georgia, prioritizing the sphere on both the government and private sector agendas. During Mr Pololikashvili’s tenure as Minister of Economic Development, through key policy reforms, marketing activities, improvement of infrastructure and visa liberalization initiatives, Georgia nearly doubled the number of international tourist arrivals, from 1.5 million (2009) to exceeding the 2.8 million mark by 2011. Those reforms paved the way for sustainable tourism practices in Georgia and poverty alleviation initiatives, placing Georgia among the top tourism destinations in the region. Minister Pololikashvili successfully led the economic liberalization processes, introducing supportive policies for SMEs, and incentive programmes to attract foreign investment for the development of hard and soft infrastructure.

2006 – 2009 Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Georgia to the Kingdom of Spain.

2005 – 2006 Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Georgia. In this capacity as Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Georgia, he supervised the departments for administrative, budgetary, financial and consular affairs, as well as the Department for Human Resources Management. Mr. Pololikashvili was responsible for ushering in a new phase of more liberal and secure visa regimes, facilitation of processes to ease border crossing procedures, and deepening relations with various international organizations, including UNWTO.

Linda Pereira is the senior partner and CEO of the L&I Communications Group. In additionto her long and respected career as one of the most influential voices in the Meeting Industry, she is also Executive Director of CPL Meetings & Events. Respected internationally as a speaker, consultant, strategic communication expert, writer and as an educator, she has been an invited speakerin over 149 countries on all continents.
She is an expert in communication and corporate diplomacy, and has a vast experience in cross-cultural communication strategies, localisation, and public speakingand as a master of ceremonies.
She has worked on the major events which marked the last 30 years of modern history, from World EXPOs, to Football and Sports Championships, various EU Presidencies and major political events. She is also an invited lecturer at five different international Universities where she lectures strategic meetings management and corporate diplomacy and protocol.
She is absolutely passionate about associations and sits on a variety of international association boards herself. Linda is also a consultant to a variety of international Governments and associations. She was considered one of Portugal’s five most influential people in the industry and has received various international education awards as well as the medal of honour for responsible entrepreneurship for her commitment to promoting culture and heritage and for Social Responsibility initiatives.
She has also been voted business woman of the year for three consecutive years. She sits on various Advisory Boards, and Education Committees and presides over three- She is also the Chair of the Association World Congress for 2022. She was president of the Global Council for Women in Leadership for two mandates. She is currently special advisor to the Minister for the Economy of Cape Verde and sits on the Advisory Council for the Leader Magazine and the Venues of Excellence Certification Board. She also sits on the Board of The Portugal-India and Portugal-Holland Chambers of Commerce. She presides the Crossroads platform focused on up-scaling and attracting investment for start-up businesses. She sits on the Portugal Chapter of Women In Tech, a Global Association. She is a business development consultant to the MICE business sector in Saudi Arabia, Croatia, Slovenia, Macau, Georgia, Ghana and Cape Verde.
She is currently a member of the Women’s Africa PCO Alliance. In 2021 she received the Lifetime Achievement Award for the MICE Industry. Linda has recently been elected one of the Global 100 women leaders.
She considers her two daughters as her greatest achievement.

Gonaya Monei Sethora is the Women and Youth in Trade Expert at the AfCFTA Secretariat Headquarters in Accra Ghana. One of her main responsibilities in her current position is to create an Action plan for the integration of women and youth in trade issues in the AfCFTA , as well as negotiating for the Protocol on Women and Youth in Trade

Prior to joining the AfCFTA Secretariat, Ms. Gonaya Sethora was the President and Founder of Business Woman Africa, a social enterprise whose mission was to develop strategies, frameworks, and supportive policies that empower young African women in business. During the pandemic of 2020, Business Woman Africa (BUWA) developed a mobile application in Botswana called buwamarket that provided a secure, free online trading market. Business Woman Africa was endorsed by the African Union Ecossoc and received funding and support from international institutions such as the Commonwealth Secretariat in London, the AU APRM Secretariat, and the UNDP. In 2019 Ms Gonaya was awarded Best Youth in Leadership and Best Female Youth of the Year at the Botswana Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture Annual Awards following positive contribution of her Organization Business Woman Africa in fostering women economic empowerment. Gonaya is also the Managing Director of NQ apparel store , an African fabric print shop retailing imported African prints from Ghana, Nigeria and Togolese Kente in Botswana ,Gaborone.

Prior to joining the AfCFTA Secretariat, Gonaya worked as a Youth Policy Development Consultant for the African Peer Review Mechanism.

She has also served as Botswana – Ghana Trade Representative at the Botswana Honorary Consulate in Accra, Ghana. Her primary responsibility as Honorary Consul was to lead commercial diplomacy between Ghana and Botswana.

Gonaya possesses a Master of Business Administration from Kwame Nkurumah University of Science and Technology and is presently a candidate for an MSc in International Relations at the same institution.

Felix is a qualified chartered marketer and a member of the Chartered Institute of Marketing, UK. Based in London, Felix works as a Snr Channel Marketing Manager for Honeywell and manages over €300m revenue channel marketing programme in Europe. He has more than 20 years of marketing, sales and business strategy experience working for blue-chip organisations in the UK, Sweden and Germany.

Before joining Honeywell, he worked at Lafarge Tarmac, UK, as a customer marketing manager overseeing go-to-market strategies and engaging customers whilst enhancing their experiences through strategic and digital marketing.

At Lafarge Tarmac, Felix was seconded by the business to Construction Products Association, UK, an establishment that oversees the regulation of UK built environment. He was part of the industry team supporting the UK government to develop construction industrial strategy. As part of his secondment, he undertook a comprehensive industry research, and consulted with some of the UK government ministers and parliamentarians to develop and publish the UK Construction Industrial Strategy.

Prior, Felix also worked as a Senior Sales Manager at Marcus Evans Group, Sweden. He was later transferred to the head office in UK to lead a 28-member sales team. Marcus Evans Group is one of the world’s leading business intelligence companies focusing on providing information and connections to accelerate performance.

He holds an MBA from the University of Hertfordshire, UK; BA Hons in Business Management, Kingston University, UK, and BA Market Economist, IBA, University of Southern Denmark.

Whilst studying in Denmark, Felix undertook 3-month work placement in Frankfurt, Germany. Working as an intern with DvK Buying Company. During this time, he identified suppliers across Europe to source products, clothing, and luxury apparel for many of the world’s largest departmental stores including Target, Neiman Marcus, John Lewis, Debenhams, Macy’s and BK Berlin.

Felix’s diverse skill-set include Channel Marketing, Channel enablement, Strategic Marketing, Digital Marketing (including SEM/SEO), Account Based Marketing, Marketing Capability Building and Activation, Commercial Excellence, Market Research, International Trade & Export, Lead Sourcing, Sales, Project Management, Strategy, People Management, Project Management, Coaching, Mentoring and P&L and General Management

Mr. Nicholas Bortey, CEO and founder of Liranz Consulting, A leading IT Consultancy and Management Firm in Ghana, is as an accomplished authority in the realms of Business and Technology, showcasing his exceptional leadership within Ghana’s IT sector. His remarkable contributions have earned him accolades both locally and internationally, affirming his prowess. With a focus on IT Strategy and Business Consultancy, his reputation shines brightly, underscored by a history of successfully guiding enterprises in areas of Business Transformation, Digital Innovation, and Technology Consulting.

Mr. Bortey’s distinctive talent lies in aligning business objectives with the most fitting technological solutions, resulting in the prosperity of numerous ventures. Drawing from 20+ years of extensive
experience, his expertise spans Governance of Enterprise Information & Technology, Strategic IT Planning, Organisational Change Management, IT Services Management, IT Project Management, IT Consultancy, as well as Training & Capacity building.

His profound impact on the technology sector gained recognition from the West Africa Nobles Forum, which inducted him as a Noble in 2018. Has also received an “Africa International Award of Merit” by the West Africa International Press Ltd for his exceptional leadership within Ghana’s IT sector. Some of his honors include the following:

CIO of Year Ghana (2023): CIO Awards Africa 2023, Nigeria.
The Country Winner (Ghana -2019/20) in ICT Sector of CEO Global Titans: Building Nations, 2019 Awards
The Regional Winner (West Africa -2019/20) in ICT Sector of CEO Global Titans: Building Nations,
2019 Awards, South Africa.
Man of the Year Information Technology (The Inventor Award) by EMY Africa 2018
The Best Innovation & Technology Entrepreneur of the year 2017 by Ghana Entrepreneurs and
Corporate Executives (GECE) Awards 2017.
40 under Forty Innovation & Technology category winner 2017
Young ICT entrepreneur of the year 2017 by GITTA (Ghana Information Technology and
Telecommunications Awards).
IT Consultancy (Information Technology) CEO of the Year, 2020 by the Business Executive
Promising entrepreneur for year 2019 in the 2019 Edition of Ghana Business Awards

Mr. Nicholas Bortey has consulted for top industry players across various sectors including Oil and Gas, Education, Legal Practice and Non-Governmental Institutions on various assignments in Ghana and beyond the sub-region.

Mr. Bortey’s drive lies in empowering enterprises to optimize their operations and yield through a comprehensive Information Technology strategy. He advocates for businesses to perceive IT as a valuable investment rather than a mere burden, fuelling his unwavering commitment to elevating organizations
through the strategic implementation of technology.

Mrs. Susan Akon Akporiaye an entrepreneur per excellence. A very focused and passionate person, a go-getter by nature. A firm believer that whatever one sets his or her mind to achieve is possible with God’s help. These sterling qualities have defined my entrance and contributions to the industry I currently serve in the travel and tourism industry.

Being the Chief Executive of Topaz Travels and Tours Limited (an IATA Certified Travel and Tourism Management Company), I am currently the National President of the National Association of Nigeria Travel Agencies, the single largest travel and tourism trade body in West Africa. Interestingly, I am the second woman in the over forty seven (47) years history of the Association to attain this position, I consider this an acknowledgement and testament of true leadership qualities and exceptional persona.

In addition to the above, I am also the second deputy President of the Federation of Tourism Association of Nigeria, (FTAN).

Contributions to the Industry-

For over 16 years I have been actively involved in the promotion and facilitation of Travel Consultants/Agents to Travel and Tourism conferences and event in Africa, Europe and America for sensitization, interactions, new possibilities and collaborations.
I have initiated programs and projects that are focused on revamping the downstream travel sector in Nigeria and Africa like the International Travel and Tourism Conference (ITTC) which maiden was held in Johannesburg South Africa.
As a leader who is committed to true service, I have kept my communication lines open to provide members and affiliates with quality information and enlightenment needed to handle their business with a clever display of professionalism and dexterity.
I pioneered the NANTA Capacity development and Accreditation Programme (CBAP) which has improved the quality of professional services offered by travel professionals in Nigeria.

Topaz Travels and Tours Limited in Abuja, is a company I conceived and started some seventeen years ago, and the company continues to thrive through diligence, value for customer satisfaction and professional knowledge. With my leadership, Topaz Travels has received several awards for astounding performance over the years.

Our professionalism, efficiency and longevity in the industry have made us a preferred choice for Non Governmental Organizations in Nigeria.
Topaz Travels continues to contribute her quota in the creation of employment opportunities in the travel and tourism industry through her empowerment programs (i.e. trainings, mentorships and internship opportunities)

Professor Matshediso ‘Tshidi’ Mohapeloa (DBA -TUT, MBA -Mancosa BA -NMU), is currently an Associate Professor, the Acting Director of the newly formed Rhodes University Centre for Entrepreneurship Rapid Incubator (RU-CFERI) and Coordinator of Postgraduate Diploma (PGDip) in Enterprise Management at the Rhodes Business School. She is the Co-Chair of Entrepreneurship Development in Higher Education (EDHE)’s community of practice (CoP) in Entrepreneurship Learning and Teaching.

Prior to joining Rhodes Business School she supervised and assisted MBA students from Mancosa and TUT Business School.

Her diverse work experience ranges from developmental- business-academia. A researcher, a consultant, an academic and a development expert with extensive work in socio-economic and related issues. Areas of expertise include entrepreneurship with a social focus, engaging communities in research with impact, has a keen interest in strengthening innovative solutions that incorporates technology, to mitigate social and environmental challenge. Sees entrepreneurship as a means to an end through working with young budding entrepreneurs, corporate entrepreneurs (intrapreneurs), creatives and other entrepreneurial spaces to create social and innovative solutions.

Prof Mohapeloa publications, research and teaching based on her interests in entrepreneurship with the social impacts outcomes where innovation, sustainability and entrepreneurship benefits the community/ local citizens. Through community engaged research and projects focuses on support for township and survivalist entrepreneurs, cooperatives including those with social impact. Main target are young entrepreneurs, women–led enterprises and local community projects.

She authored and co-authored various research output and publications in peer reviewed journals, and international conferences. Some of her published work in the African Journal of Science, Technology, Innovation and Development, a chapter in an anthology on Teaching & Learning Entrepreneurship – by Learning in Higher Education (LiHE)

Career objective focus on stimulate young creative minds through knowledge sharing and skills development. With background in socio-economic combined with passion for youth, women, children and, people with disabilities (as groups made vulnerable by poverty).

Evah is a seasoned Business Consultant, Accredited Trainer, and Coach with broad knowledge of business and entrepreneurship ecosystems, enterprise development and specialised expertise in the Tourism and Hospitality industry and its value chains. Evah brings over a decade of experience working in the private sector(hotels), academia, and the public sector.

As a certified Tourism And Hospitality Analytics (CHIA, CAHTA) professional, her core areas of expertise in Tourism include full spectrum Tourism Consulting & Advisory, Tourism Impact Analysis & Economic Measurement, Tourism Policy, Planning & Development, Hotel Investment Analysis, and Sustainable Enterprising among others. Ms Evah is often deployed in national projects for tourism and related industries, sits on several tourism technical committees and provides expert representation in various regional and continental organizations such as Market Players, Trade Forward Southern Africa (TFSA) and African Organization of Standardization (ARSO)

Beyond her roles as a full-time Consultant, with a track record of mentoring SMMEs across different industries to success, Ms Mosetlhane continues to actively contribute to the entrepreneurship community in different capacities. She serves as a start-up mentor for the University of Botswana Open Innovation Programme (OIP), a facilitator in the Tourism Business Coaching and Mentorship Program (TBCMP), a coach for the Women In Trade Programme by Trade Forward Southern Africa (TFSA) as well as Academy of Women Entrepreneurs (AWE) among other roles where hundreds of businesses have been impacted. With her diverse engagement in the entrepreneurship ecosystem, she is adept at developing and implementing programmes to start, grow and achieve sustainable enterprises.

Ms Mosetlhane is mostly passionate about inclusivity and sustainability in the business landscape with a special interest in social entrepreneurship, youth and women entrepreneurship, community-driven ventures etc., in essence developing entrepreneurial solutions for sustainable development. She dedicates her free time to mentoring youth in and outside the tourism sector to navigate both their employment or entrepreneurship paths.

As a dedicated Business Owner and Operator with a rich history of strategically positioning my tour company for success, I bring extensive experience in the Namibian tourism industry. My commitment to providing high-quality products and excellent customer service has been the cornerstone of my business. I excel in managing day-to- day operations while staying aligned with overarching company goals and consistently representing Namibian tourism at all levels.

Core Competencies

Strategic Business Management: Expertise in developing and executing business strategies that drive growth and operational efficiency.
Customer Service Excellence: Dedicated to delivering outstanding customer experiences and fostering long-term client relationships.
Operational Oversight: Proficient in managing daily operations, including logistics, staff management, and financial oversight.
Quality Assurance: Ensures the highest standards of quality in tour products and services.
Industry Representation: Actively represents and promotes Namibian tourism at national and international forums.
Team Leadership: Strong ability to lead, mentor, and motivate a diverse team to achieve business objectives.

Professional Experience

Owner/Operator, Sandwich Dune Tours and Car Rentals CC, Nov 2018 – Present

Led the company to become a top choice for tourists through innovative marketing and exceptional service delivery.
Managed all aspects of daily operations, ensuring efficiency and excellence in service provision.
Enhanced customer satisfaction by implementing robust training programs for staff and continually improving tour offerings.
Cultivated relationships with key industry stakeholders, including local communities, government bodies, and international partners.
Represented Namibian tourism at various industry events and conferences, contributing to the country’s tourism growth and positive image.

Key Achievements

Successfully expanded the company’s market presence, increasing customer base and market share.
Achieved high customer satisfaction and repeat business through a relentless focus on service quality and customer care.
Introduced innovative tour experiences that highlight Namibian culture and natural beauty, attracting a diverse range of tourists.
Actively participated in tourism associations and advocacy groups, promoting sustainable tourism practices in Namibia.

Professional Affiliations

Member, Namibian Tourism Board
Member, TASA
EXCO Member, FENATA
Chairperson, ETEA

Personal Attributes

Passionate advocate for sustainable tourism and environmental conservation
Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills
Excellent interpersonal and communication abilities
Innovative thinker with a proactive approach to overcoming business challenges

Kenneth Kapitako is committed to driving the success of Namibian tourism through
strategic leadership, operational excellence, and an unwavering dedication to customer
satisfaction.

Gilbert Abeiku Aggrey, popularly known as Abeiku Santana or Mr. Tourism, is a multi-talented professional in the fields of media, marketing, public relations, tourism, hospitality, brand strategy, entrepreneurship, motivational speaking, and philanthropy. He is a holder of several qualifications, including a Masters Degree in Tourism Management from the University of Cape Coast, Ghana; a Masters Degree in Marketing Strategy from the University of Ghana, Legon, Business School; a Post Graduate Diploma in Public Administration from the Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration; an Associate in Legal Studies and Litigation from the New York Paralegal School; and an Advance Certificate in Public Relations and Advertising from the Ghana Institute of Journalism.

Santana has served Ghana in various capacities, including as a Tourism Ambassador, Covid-19 Trust Fund Ambassador, Communications Manager for the Local Enterprise and Skills Development Program, and Ghana Reconstruction of Anomaly and Trauma Fund. He has received several awards both locally and internationally for his outstanding contributions to the tourism and hospitality industry.

Abeiku Santana is the CEO of Kaya Tours Ghana Limited & Kaya Management Services, a leading travel tourism and marketing communications agency based in Ghana, West Africa. The company was founded with the aim of providing exceptional travel and tourism trade business across Africa to the world. Under Santana’s leadership, Kaya Tours has grown to become one of the most reputable travel and tourism agencies in the region.

Recently, Santana was adjudged among the Top 100 Travel & Tourism professionals in Africa. He is a member of the Association of International Travel and Tourism Professionals, Skal.

Santana strongly believes in empowering the youth with knowledge, skills, and resources necessary to embrace a brighter future for generations to come. He also advocates for the use of technology and innovation to drive tourism forward, creating personalized experiences for travelers and creating new opportunities for economic growth.

2024 Program

SPEAKERS DETAILS 2024 Event Speakers

H.E. Zurab Pololikashvili

Hon. Pohamba Shifeta

Hon. Andrew Kofi Egyapa Mercer

Natalia Bayona

Elcia Grandcourt

Emily Mburu-Ndoria

Hon. Heather Mwiza Sibungo

Hon. Emma Kantema-Gaomas

Teofilus Nghitila

H.E. Ambassador Ceaser Chacha Waitara

Waseem Carrim

Alka Bhatia

Aaron Munetsi

Christelle Grohmann

Seimy Shidute

Inga Mtolo

Dr Linda Pereira

Akwasi Obeng Adjei

Håvar Bauck

Tshifhiwa Tshivhengwa

Prof Michael Twum-Darko, PhD (UCT), FIAP, tssf

Achma Asokan-Foster

Kwakye Donkor

Miller Matola

Barry Clemens

Gemma Matshediso Mbegabolawe

Bonventure Max Mbidzo

Cornelius Ugwunwa

Dan D'souza

Gonaya Monei E. Sethora

Dino Ballotti

Eugene Allotey

Siya Mthethwa

Fatma M Khamis

Felix Donkor

Gideon Asare

Humphrey Muchuma

Ibukunoluwa Salau

Dr. Isobel Manuel

Jean Byamugisha

Joram Mwinamo

José Ricardo Díaz Ardila

Kojo Bentum Williams

Kgotso Miles Ollyn

Kenneth Agyapong

Khaya Mbanga

Prof Kobby Mensah

Prof. Kamilla Swart-Arries

Margareth Geddy

Maipato Caroline Mmako

Memory Momba Kamthunzi

Nawa Likando

Prof Nellie Swart

Nicholas Bortey

Samiya Abdulkadir Godu

Safiyya Akoojee

Sebulon Chicalu

Septi Bukula

Susan Akon Akporiaye

Tangeni Shakumu

Prof Tshidi Mohapeloa

Winnet Muchanyuka

Yaw Dwomoh

Evah Mosetlhane

Akwasi Agyeman

Joanne Mwangi

Mbali Mngomezulu

Nrupesh Soni

Gemma Matshediso Mbegabolawe

Selma Namutuwa

Ally Karearua

Connie-Marlene Theyse

Dr Erling Kavita

Benedict Libanda

Kenneth Kapitako

Gilbert Abeiku Aggrey

summit registration

H.E. Zurab Pololikashvili