PRACTICAL. ENGAGING.
TRANSFORMATIVE.

Saoussen Ben Cheikh is a social entrepreneur, researcher, and ecosystem builder working across the MENA region and Africa. She is the founder of MENA-can, a social innovation hub supporting youth, women, and grassroots changemakers - especially in fragile and underserved contexts - to build sustainable, impact-driven ventures. With over a decade of experience in media development, human rights, and social entrepreneurship, she designs and leads programs that bridge ideas to action, helping communities shift from aid dependency to locally driven solutions. Her work focuses on building inclusive ecosystems, strengthening local capacities, and amplifying voices that are too often unheard - turning challenges into opportunities for lasting social and economic impact.

Haimbodi is a passionate advocate for rehabilitation, resilience, and personal growth among offenders and formerly incarcerated individuals. Driven by the belief that education and skills development are powerful tools for transformation, Haimbodi focuses on empowering offenders with the knowledge, mindset, and capabilities needed to successfully reintegrate into society after release. Through targeted training and personal development initiatives, Haimbodi works to reduce recidivism, improve post-release employment opportunities, and foster positive contributions to communities. Their mission is to break the cycle of reoffending by equipping individuals with practical skills, renewed purpose, and the confidence to build productive lives. By promoting rehabilitation over repeated incarceration, Haimbodi contributes to safer communities while supporting efforts to reduce the social and financial burden of correctional facilities. Their work reflects a commitment to creating lasting impact through empowerment, second chances, and sustainable personal transformation.

Representing FUSE, Britah facilitates dynamic conversations at the Uganda Masterclass, focusing on community-driven solutions and the scaling of social enterprises in East Africa.

Designs programs that actually work for children, youth, and communities - not just on paper, but in the hands of frontline educators, health workers, and entrepreneurs across Kenya and the region. For over 20 years, I have worked at the intersection of child-centered design, systems thinking, and social entrepreneurship, helping organizations move from good intentions to fundable, scalable programs that hold up under real delivery conditions. Through KIDNEXUS, I support NGOs and schools in embedding child- and youth-centered design into education, health, and livelihood programs. At Imuroot, I serve as Strategic Advisor, leading the development of PARABODA, an AI-driven maternal and child health logistics solution, and VAXICHAMP, an immunization adherence innovation both recognized in the UN STI Top 60 Solutions Book. At Stamp Cleantech, I direct M-Ghala, a digital savings and commodity-security platform designed to protect smallholder families from climate shocks. I am particularly experienced in working alongside implementation teams, strengthening coherence, quality, and accountability rather than replacing what already exists. My approach is practical, collaborative, and grounded in the realities of delivery, partnerships, and scale.

Chembo is a social enterprise enabler and mentor, a social entrepreneur and facilitator of learning programs. She has 10 years experience in the sector where she has has failed, succeeded, won, lost and sustained enterprises. Her entrepreneurial and leadership skills have sharpened through this journey. An intentional and life-long learner, Chembo is constantly and actively looking for innovative ways to effectively enable social entrepreneurs.

My joy comes from helping people and communities thrive through entrepreneurship. For over 15 years, I`ve worked in social entreprise sector promoting enterprise development through partnership with NGOs, CSOs and mainstream busineness to design and implement practical, sustainable solutions. I enjoy creating content that connects and delivering training that leaves an impact. Whether I`m managing a project or coaching entrepreneurs, my goal is always to support lasting, meaningful change. I truly believe that entrepreneurship is one of the most powerful tools we have to transform communities.

William Murithi, PhD, is a Senior Lecturer and consultant at Strathmore University Business School. A Fellow at Advance HE (UK) and a Certified Business and Management Educator (UK). He leads the Strathmore University Nonprofits, Social Enterprises, and Philanthropy (SUNSEP) Hub, is a member of the Entrepreneurship and Innovation Hub, CROWF, an academic advisor at Strathmore Entrepreneurship Development and Innovation Centre (SEDIC) and a business coach at iBiz Africa, co-founder of JHUB, as well as a post-doctoral fellow with Sisters Blended Value Project. He has won several grants, published his research in ABS-ranked journals and presented at international conferences.

Adenew Mesfin is the Chief Executive Officer of Social Enterprise Ethiopia, bringing over two decades of experience in the not-for-profit and international development sectors. He is driven by a deep commitment to advancing sustainable development and addressing complex, multi-sectoral challenges. His work spans a wide range of thematic areas, including social enterprise, education, gender equality, human rights, intercultural dialogue, health, youth empowerment, refugee support, and water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH). He has worked with prominent international organizations such as the British Council, WaterAid, and Minority Rights Group International, and has also served as an independent consultant. Adenew is a strong advocate for the social enterprise model, believing it offers a sustainable and scalable pathway to achieving Ethiopia`s and Africa`s development aspirations while enabling individuals and communities to reach their full potential. He remains dedicated to fostering inclusive and sustainable development, empowering communities, and driving transformative change through innovative, socially impactful solutions.

Bio coming soon...

A youth development enthusiast. Making a difference by equipping young people with resources that make them confident and good leaders. This is through training and workshops within Nena Hub.

Dr. Sir. Alexander Tetteh Kwasi Nuer (PhD) is a Multidisciplinary Scholar, Scientist and Expert with over twenty five years` core competencies in International Development Management, Social Entrepreneurship and Agribusiness Management. He has BA (Honours) in Political Science with Philosophy (University of Ghana), MSc in International Development; International Certificate in Monitoring and Evaluation in Food and Nutrition Security, and a PhD in Social Venturing Entrepreneurship, all from Wageningen University of Research Netherlands. He holds certificates and other qualifications from institutions such as Erasmus University ISS and IHS (Netherlands), St. Joseph`s University (USA), Syracuse University (USA), Oberta Universidad de Catalunya (Spain), Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration GIMPA (Ghana). He is currently a Senior Lecturer at the department of Agricultural Economics and Extension (Sasakawa Centre) at the University of Cape Coast, and backstops at the University`s Design Thinking and Innovation Hub. Alexander was a Researcher at Wageningen University, Netherlands from 2010, until he joined the University of Cape Coast (UCC) in November 2017. He belongs to various reputable professional and learned bodies such as (a) Ghana Society of Agribusiness Scientists (b)Tertiary Hubs for Innovation and Knowledge (THINK) Network Ghana, (c) Agriterra Agri-GRADE Advisory Board, (d) Academy of Management USA, (e) Africa Academy of Management, (f) Social Entrepreneurship Doctoral Alumni Working Group (SESAW) Switzerland, (g) UN-PRME Sustainability Mindset Working Group USA, (h) International Food and Agribusiness Management Association (IFAMA), (i) Ghana Monitoring and Evaluation Forum (GMEF). Dr Nuer is also a Patron/Advisor for Young Agribusiness Fellows (YAF) UCC Branch. Mentor/Coach for Kosmos Innovation Center Agritech Challenge Ghana, Technical Advisor/Faculty Coach and Advisor at the Design Thinking and Innovation Hub (DHub-UCC), Chairman for the National Entrepreneurship Committee for the Presbyterian Church of Ghana, Advisor for Presbyterian Relief and Development Services Ghana, Ex-Officio Member for Netherlands Alumni Association- Ghana Chapter and Member/Mentor with Ahaspora Young Professionals, Ghana- Returnee-Diaspora Platform He is also Academic Member for Africa Association Conference on Social Enterprise (AACOSE) Academia, Associate Member - FIFE - Friedensau Institute for Evaluation (Germany), Member at the Netherlands Institute of Social Venturing and Cooperative Entrepreneurship (NICE BV), and Associate Member at the Africa Studies Center, Leiden University, Netherlands. He is currently a Sabbatical Visiting Professor at IST-Tangaza University, Nairobi Kenya (March to May 2026)

Rita Chikwem, Programme and Partnerships Manager, ASEW is a dynamic and passionate individual with a diverse background in program management, mental health advocacy, volunteerism, and social entrepreneurship. Her relentless drive to make a positive impact in the world has led her to excel in various domains, leveraging her unique blend of skills and experiences. She has a proven track record of successfully overseeing and implementing complex projects from inception to completion. Rita is currently the Program and Social Media Manager for ASEW where she plans, executes, and reports on various workshop activities organized around specific themes for the organization. She possesses exceptional organizational and strategic planning abilities, ensuring projects are executed efficiently and effectively. With her keen attention to detail and commitment to excellence, she consistently delivers results that exceed expectations. In addition to her professional accomplishments, Rita is a dedicated Mental Health Advocate. She recognizes the importance of mental well-being and has dedicated her time and efforts to raising awareness, reducing stigma, and promoting accessible mental health resources. Through her advocacy work, she strives to create a supportive environment for individuals facing mental health challenges and encourage open conversations around this crucial topic. Known as a Serial Volunteer, Rita has a passion for giving back to the community. She has actively volunteered for Mental Health for youths` initiatives, Women in ICT, Mental Health with Ditty foundation, The Sunshine Series, Nigeria Mental Health and YouthUp Global and other causes, lending her expertise, time, and energy to make a positive difference in the lives of others.

Samantha is an emerging Development Finance Practitioner driven by a deep passion for economic well-being. Her commitment to social impact has seen her contribute to a financial literacy project with the Stellenbosch University Law Clinic and lead a community-driven initiative that helped a man facing homelessness access opportunities to rebuild his livelihood. Currently, she serves as Project Lead of Mukana, an entrepreneurial support initiative under the Global Shapers Harare Hub. She holds an Honours degree in Financial Analysis and a Bachelor of Commerce in Investment Management both from Stellenbosch University. She works as a Graduate Trainee at Bard Santner Inc, a financial services firm where she is gaining cross-functional experience across retail banking, wealth management, asset management, microfinance, and corporate finance. Her interests lie at the intersection of development finance, entrepreneurship, and inclusive economic growth, with a focus on creating pathways that enable individuals and communities to achieve long-term economic well-being.

Irene Naa Korkoi is an entrepreneurial consultant skilled in curating and facilitating entrepreneurship module workshops using a design thinking approach for start-ups and SMEs. She is also dedicated to unlocking the potential of youth, women, and agripreneurs. Through her work with various developmental hubs and academic institutions in Ghana she has empowered aspiring entrepreneurs to access funding and strategic networks to develop innovative, resilient, and sustainable ventures. Her passion lies in supporting individuals and teams adopt an entrepreneurial mindset, embrace creativity, and apply practical tools to grow their businesses in various business sectors with emphasis within the agricultural value chain and creative industry. Naa Korkoi is highly committed to advancing women’s economic empowerment as well as supporting young leaders to build vibrant start-ups and enhance their career pathways for employment. With a track record of delivering impactful workshops, mentoring and coaching programs, she is known for cultivating environments where innovation, purpose-driven leadership, and real-world solutions thrive.

Diarra Sylla is a telecommunications and computer networks engineer, a strategy and digital transformation consultant, and the founder of InnovRim, an incubator dedicated to innovation and entrepreneurship in Mauritania. With over 11 years of experience, she supports startups, young entrepreneurs, and organizations in developing innovative digital solutions, capacity building, and digital transformation. She is also the creator of SahelFabLab, the first FabLab in Mauritania, which fosters creativity, prototyping, and technological innovation. Committed to the empowerment of youth and women, Diarra Sylla works to promote entrepreneurship, digital skills, and emerging technologies as drivers of inclusive and sustainable development.

Chief Catalyst, Prikkle Academy Rwanda.

Edwin Zu-Cudjoe is the Executive Director of Social Enterprise Ghana, the national network of about 900 social enterprises operating in Ghana. Edwin is also the Founder of SocialFarm Company Ltd, an agribusiness social enterprise in Ghana. He has more than 14 years` work experience in the trade and investment promotion, training and business development having worked with Voltic Ghana Ltd, Vodafone Ghana Ltd and Glo Mobile in various management positions. He has a first degree from University of Ghana, Legon and an MBA in Global Business and Sustainability-Social Entrepreneurship from Catholic University of Sacred Heart, Milan. He is also a graduate in Msc Development Finance (SME Finance and FDI) from Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi Ghana. Edwin is a strong advocate for policies that promote social and green businesses and inter-regional trade and more importantly youth and women entrepreneurs.

Innovative and results driven leader focused on achieving exceptional results in highly competitive business environment that demand continuous improvement. Experienced in driving product, process and customer service improvements while building partnerships with key business decision makers. 25 years of hands on experience gained from within the International Development Agencies , INGOs in Health, High Education and Training, and Private sector in Southern Africa. Won Global Incubation Award in 2013 in Botswana as CEO of Seda Limpopo Jewellery Incubator Established 2 Business Incubators from start to world class brands. Raised R50000000 funding for the Incubator. successfully transferred 7000 ART patients from regional hospital level 1 into local clinics

James is the Managing Director of Permaculture Community Training Centre, a recognized social company in Malawi. James is dedicated to address food poverty through training farmers in Permaculture.

Social Entrepreneur |Social Enterprise Development & Partnerships Expert.

Social Entrepreneur | Social Enterprise Development & Partnerships Expert.Elibariki has 20 years of working experience in Education as Career Guidance counselor, Assistant Lecturer, Trainer of Trainers, Director of Ely Education Vision Organization, Headmaster and Academic Dean of Arusha Teachers college. His passion is to guide people reach their destiny through discovering and developing their talents/potential.

Communications & Tech Lead, Swalisano Advisory. Angela Mutua is a knowledge products designer specialising in transforming complex, technical content into clear, compelling communications for the international development sector. Over more than 5 years, they have produced publications, reports, toolkits, and knowledge products for programmes funded by leading development organisations including GIZ, USAID, and the European Union — work that sits at the intersection of editorial judgment, design production, and sector fluency. Currently pursuing an MBA in Business Analytics, Angela is increasingly focused on the space where data, storytelling, and communications design meet, focused on helping organisations not just present their work, but tell the story of their impact in ways that move funders, partners, and communities to act. At ASEW, they bring this expertise to social entrepreneurs, drawing on both hands-on design experience and a deep understanding of what funders across grants, impact investment, and partnerships actually look for.

Stephen Kagwathi is a passionate Learning Facilitator at Africa Nazarene University with deep expertise in Design Thinking and the Business Model Canvas framework. He empowers individuals and organizations to solve complex challenges through human-centered innovation, creative problem-solving, and strategic business design.

Damilola Obidairo EMBA, CAPM, MNSChE Enterprise and Talent Development Generalist is a veteran enterprise and talent development strategist with an original background in Chemical Engineering and an Executive MBA. For nearly 20 years, he has navigated sectors from Oil & Gas and Telecoms to infrastructure and impact innovation across West Africa. As CEO of 8thGear Hub & Venture Studio, Damilola spearheads B2B venture-building and MSME digital transformation work. He leads the Digiplus Alliance Digital Innovation Hub (GIZ/EU-supported) and serves as an ESO Leader with Conecta Africa/Bridge4Billions. He has partnered with organisations including the UNDP/FCMB, World Bank/DBN, Meristem, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, USADF, GIZ, and LSETF, designing and executing award-winning programs that drive measurable impact. A passionate lifelong learner, Damilola is also a guitarist, cyclist, gardener and proud father of two—bringing creativity and focus both in business and in life.