Day 1: Thursday, August 27, 2026

Understanding Systems for Sustainability

See the system. Understand your position. Identify your leverage.

01

Overview

To build impact that lasts, we must first understand the systems we operate in.

Day 1 sets the foundation for the entire summit by unpacking what “systems” mean in the African impact context and how they actively shape what is possible.

Sustainability Systems
Africa Impact
Emerging Trends
Opening Keynote

Understanding Systems for Sustainability

This opening session introduces participants to the interconnected systems that influence impact work. From funding and markets to policy and internal organizational dynamics, speakers will break down how these forces interact and what they mean for long-term sustainability.

Participants will:
  • Understand key system drivers of success and failure
  • Identify where organizations typically get stuck
  • Explore how AfCFTA, AI, and digital tools reshape impact

Keynote Speakers

Convener Adeyemi Adelekan, PhD.

Adeyemi Adelekan, PhD.

Keynote Speaker
Keynote Speaker Jeroo Billimoria

Jeroo Billimoria

Keynote Speaker
Keynote Speaker Angelou Ezeilo

Angelou Ezeilo

Keynote Speaker
Keynote Speaker Luvuyo Rani

Luvuyo Rani

Keynote Speaker
Moderator Alexander Tetteh Kwasi Nuer, PhD

Alexander Tetteh Kwasi Nuer, PhD

Panel Session & Masterclass Moderator, UCC, Ghana.
Panelist Debbi Brock

Debbi Brock

Panelist
Panelist Irene Naa Korkoi Armah

Irene Naa Korkoi Armah

Panelist & Masterclass Facilitator, UCC, Ghana
Panelist Dr. Edward Nii Amar Amarteifio

Dr. Edward Nii Amar Amarteifio

Panelist
Academic Panel Co-Convener
Panel Session 1

Navigating Systems for
Sustainability

How do you move forward when systems are complex, shifting, or limiting?

This session explores how organizations navigate real-world challenges, from accessing funding to growing within policy environments not always designed with them in mind. Expect practical, experience-driven insights.

Funding Positioning

Access and position for long-term capital.

Market Dynamics

Navigate policy and market environments.

Adaptive Vision

Adapt without losing long-term vision.

Navigating Systems
Strategic Choices
Growth Constraints

Panelists/Moderators

Moderator Williams Murithi

Williams Murithi

Panel Session & Masterclass Moderator, Kenya
Panelist Peter Oloo

Peter Oloo

Panelist
Panelist Catherine Masolia

Catherine Masolia

Panelist
Panelist Maurice Omolo

Maurice Omolo

Panelist
Co-Convener
Building Systems
Ecosystem Design
Ecosystem Design
Panel Session 2

Building Systems for
Sustainability

Sustaining impact is not just about navigating systems, it is about building them.

This session explores how social innovators and ecosystem actors are shaping the systems they need to succeed, moving from isolated success stories to scalable, sustained change across the continent.

Creating new financing pathways
Strengthening market foundations
Influencing policy for systemic shift
Building collaborative support ecosystems

Panelists/Moderators

Moderator Okey Uzoechina

Okey Uzoechina

Panel Session Moderator
Panelist Dr. Iman Bibars

Dr. Iman Bibars

Panelist
Panelist Haron Wachira

Haron Wachira

Panelist
Panelist Shona McDonald

Shona McDonald

Panelist
Co-Convener
Speaker

Panelist

Our Strategic Allies

8th Edition Partners

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