Painelist Short-Bio

Olivier Kamanzi is a Capital Markets expert, International Financial Sector Development Consultant, Inspirational Speaker, and Philanthropist. He currently serves as the Uganda Trade Representative for US Markets and is the Co-Founder and Chairman of the Africa Global Chamber of Commerce. Kamanzi is the Founder and CEO of Globrock Group, a holding company encompassing Globrock Financial, Globrock Trade, and Globrock Technologies. He's a former Deputy CEO of the Capital Market Authority of Rwanda and has held executive positions at Citigroup and JPMorgan Chase. He also founded The Olivier Kamanzi Foundation, a charitable organization. Olivier Kamanzi is deeply involved in the development of capital markets in Rwanda and has played a significant role in East Africa's financial market integration. He is currently pursuing a Doctorate in Organizational Leadership and Entrepreneurship, holds an MBA in Finance, and a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration. Beyond his professional endeavors, Kamanzi is dedicated to mentoring youth and promoting financial literacy.

Yamandou Alexander is an experienced cross-sector executive with expertise in emerging markets. He founded ASG Telecommunications and T+, the second mobile operator in Cape Verde. In 2006, he established Go GreenRide, a sustainable ground transportation company, which he later sold to a larger conglomerate. He founded Makeba Inc in 2016 to address income inequality through mobile financial services. Alexander is also committed to renewable energy, serving as a director at Kipay, a hydropower company in the Democratic Republic of Congo, and as the founder of E+, a sustainable energy company. He co-founded the nonprofit Malaika, promoting education and stability in the Democratic Republic of Congo. A Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses Program alum, Alexander's mission is to improve education across Africa. He is the proud father of two children and has a passion for creating companies at the intersection of technology, finance, and renewable energy.

N'Gunu Tiny is the Founder, Chairman, and CEO of the Emerald Group of Companies, a diversified investment group. He has been instrumental in the group's development, establishing leading investment businesses across various sectors. Tiny has also held advisory roles in prestigious organizations, including serving as Chairman of the General Meeting of Finibanco and as a Board Member of the Angola Securities Exchange Commission. He is a lawyer by trade, graduating with highest honors from the Law School of the Nova University of Lisbon. Beyond his professional achievements, Tiny is a philanthropist, supporting arts, education, and charitable organizations. He is recognized as one of the 100 most influential Leaders of Tomorrow by the Choiseul Institute and has made extensive contributions to academia, including research at the London School of Economics and as an Associate Professor at the Catholic University Law School.

Dr. Harriet Lewis serves as Honorary Consul to the State of Illinois. As Honorary Consul she engages individuals and companies with an interest in visiting and doing business in Cabo Verde. In 2022, she was elected to the Executive Committee of the Consular Corps of Chicago. In addition to her role as Honorary Consul, she is the Founder and CEO of Konesens Development, and is a member of the Chicago International Trade Commissioners' Association, the International Trade Association of Greater Chicago, and the Rotary Club of Chicago.

Mr. Carlos Fernandes Semedo, is a seasoned diplomat and international relations expert.
Carlos's educational journey led him to attain a Master of Science in International Economic Relations, equipping him with a strong foundation for his diplomatic career.
His remarkable diplomatic career spans several prestigious roles:
Currently, since August 2023, he serves as the National Director for Foreign Policy and Regional Integration within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoF).
From August 2022 to August 2023, he held the position of Director General for Economic Affairs and Development at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, notably, from October 2015 to July 2022, Carlos served as the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Cabo Verde to the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, enhancing bilateral relations.
His earlier roles include Director General for Global Affairs at the Ministry of External Relations (Jan. 2010 - Sept. 2015), Deputy Director General for International Cooperation (Jul. 2008 - Jan. 2010), and Deputy Chief of Mission at the Embassy of Cabo Verde to the United States of America (2002 - 2008).
Carlos's commitment to diplomacy and international cooperation is evident in his extensive experience as a Third Secretary and Desk Officer in the Directorate General for International Cooperation at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.