SPEAKERS

Group Chief Executive Officer: Nation Media Group PLC

Mr. Stephen Gitagama holds an MBA and a Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting) from the University of Nairobi and is a Certified Public Accountant of Kenya. He is the Group Chief Executive Officer and was appointed to the Board in March 2008. Mr. Gitagama steered the business through a tumultuous Covid-19 period that saw media houses in the region issue profit warnings or shut down. He also serves as an executive director and is a director of the Group’s subsidiary companies and is a member of the Strategy and Investments, the Nominations and Governance and the Editorial Committees.

Prior to joining NMG as the Group Finance Director, he worked as the Finance Director with East African Breweries Limited, a subsidiary of Diageo and the leading branded alcohol beverage business in the region.  Mr. Gitagama also served as the chairman of the Media Owners Association between 2021 and 2023. The association endeavours to empower the media sector and champion for press freedom as a condition for democracy and development in the country.

President of India Council on Competitiveness and Editor-in-Chief of Thinkers

Amit Kapoor, PhD, is Honorary Chairman at Institute for Competitiveness, India; Visiting Scholar at Stanford University; President of India Council on Competitiveness and Editor-in-Chief of Thinkers. He is the chair for the Social Progress Imperative & Shared Value Initiative in India. He is an affiliate faculty for the Microeconomics of Competitiveness & Value Based Health Care Delivery courses of Institute of Strategy and Competitiveness, Harvard Business School and an instructor with Harvard Business Publishing in the area of Strategy, Competitiveness and Business Models.

He has been inducted into the Competitiveness Hall of Fame which is administered by Institute for Strategy and Competitiveness at Harvard Business School in addition to being the recipient of the Ruth Greene Memorial Award winner for writing the best case of the year, by North American Case Research Association (NACRA).

Amit is the author of bestsellers “Riding the Tiger”, which he has co-authored with Wilfried Aulber and “The Age of Awakening: The Story of the Indian Economy Since Independence” published by Penguin Random House.

He has worked with NITI Aayog, Indian Prime Minister’s Think Tank, on developing the Ease of Living index for Indian districts (this drives the achievement of Ease of Living across Indian states and districts); Innovation Index for States of India; Police Effectiveness Index and has recently presented his work on cluster mapping in India to Economic Advisory Council to Prime Minister.

He has developed the assessment frameworks for Municipal Performance Index and Ease of Living for the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, Government of India that would be used to assess cities within the country. Detailed frameworks are available at https://smartnet.niua.org/eol19/.

In the last few years, he has delved significantly to understand the democratic upheavals the world is seeing with keynotes at important international gatherings in Washington DC, London, Toronto and Iceland. His body of work includes election prediction model, essays on democracy and producing documentaries on democratic shifts in countries like India, USA, UK and Brazil.

He is also a columnist with Economic Times and Business World. In addition, his contributions have been published by Harvard Business Review Online, Economic Times, Hindu, Business Insider, Hindu Business Line, Mint, Financial Express, Outlook Business, Governance Now, Business Today, FirstPost et al. In all, he has written over 500 opinion pieces apart from publishing academic research (cases and articles). Based on his work three awards have been constituted within the country titled State Competitiveness Awards wherein the Chief Ministers are awarded; City Competitiveness Awards wherein City Heads are awarded and Institute for Competitiveness Strategy Awards wherein the corporates are awarded for their strategic acumen. He chairs the jury and curates Porter Prize in addition to curating events like National Competitiveness Forum, Shared Value Summit, Thinkers 50 (India) etc.

Head of Sustainability Planning Stakeholders & Human Rights, Enel Group

Since December 2023, Maria Cristina Papetti is the Head of Sustainability Planning Stakeholders & Human Rights, Enel Group. Previously, she has been Head of Sustainability at Global Infrastructure and Networks, and Head of CSV, Sustainability Projects and Practice Sharing Unit at Enel Holding where she led the CSV deployment throughout the business value chain of the entire Group: a sustainability model that matches business opportunities while tackling social needs. In 2012 she was appointed Head of External Relation of Enel Green Power. Before joining Enel in September 2007 as Head of Executive Education and Cross Cultural Center, she worked for Edison, Ferrovie dello Stato and Trenitalia. She studied Foreign Languages and Literature, first at Silvio Pellico School for Interpreters and then at IULM University in Milan.

• Senior Lecturer, Strathmore University
• Lead Scientist, Center for Biodiversity Information Development
• Founder and Lead, Climate Change Leadership for Africa,
Strathmore University Business School
• Dean, School of Tourism and Hospitality

A Ph.D. ecologist with extensive expertise in biodiversity conservation, climate change, land-use change, and ecosystem services. Possess a multi-disciplinary skill set focused on climate change and sustainability and actively engaged in multi-stakeholder projects, integrating ecological principles, local knowledge, community needs, and policy to promote sustainable solutions. His scholarly research utilizes innovative approaches and models to effectively communicate conservation and sustainability needs to policymakers, the public, and the private sector, driving positive change at all levels. His leadership in climate change adaptation projects has bolstered the resilience of communities, ecosystems, businesses, and developments. He advances climate change leadership in Africa through policy reviews, climate risk assessments, research, capacity building, carbon marker auditing, science communication, collaboration, and resource mobilization, while maintaining a commitment to ethical and inclusive climate leadership. He is well-equipped to address real-world climate challenges affecting communities, biodiversity, businesses, and developments promoting integrated and sustainable development across Africa. He is a member of the British Ecological Society and the Society for Conservation Biology. He contributed to IPCC sixth assessment report on climate change for COP26 and published widely on biodiversity conservation and climate change. International Foundation for Science representative in Kenya, a former Earthwatch fellow and a current grantee of Africa Oxford University Initiative (AfOx).

Founder:  Kenyan Entrepreneurs’ Conference on Trade & Development (KENCTAD)

Sebastian Davies Ngida is a leading figure in Kenya’s entrepreneurial ecosystem, passionate about driving sustainable business practices. As the founder of the Kenyan Entrepreneurs’ Conference on Trade & Development (KENCTAD), Sebastian fosters connections between government, academia, and the private sector to promote responsible growth.

KENCTAD is a Nairobi-based organization that champions Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles.  Sebastian’s dedication to sustainability extends beyond conferences. He is a vocal advocate through his podcast, “SUSTAINABILITY AS A CONCEPT,” which educates and empowers listeners on integrating sustainability into business strategies.

Recognizing outstanding ESG performance, KENCTAD also hosts the Kenya ESG Awards.

Sebastian’s commitment to sustainable development makes him a valuable asset to the upcoming ESG/ Shared Value summit. His experience in connecting diverse stakeholders and his dedication to promoting responsible business practices will undoubtedly contribute to a productive and impactful event.

CEO, Safaricom PLC

Peter Ndegwa, CEO of Safaricom PLC, has distinguished himself in the telecommunications sector, particularly with the development of M-PESA, the world’s leading mobile payment system. Bringing over 25 years of experience in management, strategy, and finance, Ndegwa’s leadership has been instrumental in Safaricom’s growth and innovation. His tenure includes significant roles at Diageo PLC and East Africa Breweries Limited, where he drove substantial growth and strategic reorganization. Ndegwa’s expertise and vision continue to shape Safaricom’s direction, reinforcing its status as a major player in Africa’s communications industry.

President, Human Capital International Africa
Dr. Emmanuel Dei-Tumi, a prominent author and leadership strategist, is renowned for his expertise in corporate training, keynote speaking, and motivational teaching across Africa. With a focus on strategic leadership and entrepreneurship, Dei-Tumi has significantly contributed to developing young leaders and fostering business growth. His work as the president of Human Capital International Africa and other entrepreneurial ventures underlines his commitment to the continent’s development and his vision for a prosperous Africa through strategic leadership and empowerment.

Executive Secretary, African Capacity Building Foundation
Mamadou Biteye, the Executive Secretary of the African Capacity Building Foundation (ACBF), brings a wealth of experience as an agricultural economist and development expert. His career trajectory includes impactful roles at VISA and the Rockefeller Foundation, focusing on inclusive growth, financial education, and support for small businesses. Biteye’s leadership in humanitarian responses and capacity building across Africa has been widely acknowledged, culminating in recognition as one of the 100 Most Influential Africans by The Africa Report in 2019.

Director, Sustainable Business and Social Impact, Safaricom PLC

Karen Basiye stands out as a leading Sustainability Practitioner and Corporate Environment Manager with over 15 years of experience. Her career has spanned roles at the National Environment Management Authority and Safaricom, where she developed extensive expertise in sustainability reporting, environmental management, and strategic integration of Sustainable Development Goals. As the Director of Sustainable Business, Social Impact, and The Foundations at Safaricom, Basiye is passionate about balancing people, purpose, and profits, striving for sustainable business practices that contribute to societal well-being​​.

Founder, Water Access Rwanda
Christelle Kwizera is a remarkable entrepreneur and social innovator from Rwanda, best known for her work in addressing water scarcity and sanitation challenges through her social enterprise, Water Access Rwanda. Founded in response to the dire need for clean and accessible water, the enterprise has significantly impacted local communities by providing sustainable water solutions. Kwizera’s leadership and vision have not only facilitated the installation of numerous water infrastructure projects across Rwanda but also extended to other parts of Africa. Her dedication to improving lives through innovation in water accessibility has earned her international recognition and several prestigious awards. Kwizera’s work exemplifies the potential of social entrepreneurship in tackling critical issues and fostering community development and resilience.

Presidential Advisor on Women’s Rights, Republic of Kenya

Hon. Harriette Igonanga Chiggai serves as the Cabinet Secretary and Women’s Rights Advisor to the President of Kenya, marking a historic first in the country. With a rich background as an Advocate of the High Court of Kenya, Chiggai brings over a decade of legal and leadership experience to her role. She is deeply committed to advancing the rights and welfare of women and girls, leveraging her extensive experience to influence policy and champion women’s issues at the highest levels. Recognized for her transformative leadership, Chiggai’s efforts in mentorship and governance have earned her the title of the 2015 Phenomenal Africa Women of the year by PAW Africa​​.

CEO, Shift Impact Africa and Shared Value Africa Initiative

Tiekie Barnard is the visionary Founder and CEO of Shift Impact Group, encompassing entities like Shift Impact Africa and the Shared Value Africa Initiative. With a deep passion for the African continent and gender equality, Barnard has been at the forefront of movements such as #Itsnotok, aimed at combating gender-based violence and promoting gender equality. Under her leadership, the Shared Value Gender Equality Unit was launched, further solidifying her commitment to these causes. Her influential work has garnered widespread support and numerous accolades, making her a respected figure in advocating for collective action and empowerment across Africa​​.

CEO, Gautrain Management Agency

Tshepo Kgobe, CEO of the Gautrain Management Agency (GMA), is renowned for his extensive experience in the railway sector, characterized by his innovative approach to infrastructure and technology. With over 22 years in project and operations management across various technical fields, Kgobe’s leadership at GMA has been marked by the development of integrated transport solutions and technological advancements. His commitment to the industry is evident in his deep understanding and passion for railway systems, making him a pivotal figure in South Africa’s transport and infrastructure development​​.

Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Savannah Informatics

Dr. John Muthee’s work involves the use of technology to address barriers to universal healthcare coverage in Kenya. He co-founded Savannah Informatics in 2013, which provides digital solutions for more than 3,000 hospitals and doctors’ offices across Eastern Africa and serves eight of the region’s largest health insurers, enabling them to roll out quality and efficient health insurance services to thousands of people. He is an alumnus of the Ford Foundation Global Fellowship and serves as a board member with WISER Girls School and Population Services International (PSI-GSH). He is a board-certified medical doctor with a Masters in Clinical Informatics from Duke University.

Discovery Limited – South Africa
Head of Integrated Marketing Communication (IMC)

Immaculata Segooa has a master’s degree in business administration focusing on the Shared Value Business Management model, which encapsulates her firm belief in the need for business to utilise its profit-making operations to address social challenges. She is a business professional, with over 25 years’ experience in marketing and related fields.
As Head of Integrated Marketing Communication (IMC) at Discovery, Immaculata is responsible for leading the integration of marketing communication across all brand touch-points through brand design, advertising and media, content management, and operations for the Discovery brand and its product verticals., Immaculata is the Deputy Chairperson of MASA, and serves on the boards of the MRF, the ABC and is also a member of the Vega School of Brand Leadership Advisory Council. She is the Group Head of Integrated Marketing Communications at Discovery and a Shared Value advocate.
Immaculata is chairperson of the board of the Shared Value Africa Initiative and Shift Impact Africa, as well as a member of its Steering Committee.

Wendy is currently the director of Strategic Mindsets a company specialising in energy, strategy and risk consulting and coaching. Before that she was General Manager Organisational Strategy at Eskom, South Africa’s major power utility and her main area of technical expertise is in the energy field where she has worked for more than 30 years. Wendy has held various roles in Eskom in R&D, environment, sustainable development, climate change, safety and strategy and risk.
Wendy is a Secretary General of the South African National Energy Association and the Secretariat of the Energy and Green Economy Working Group of the South African BRICS Business Council.
Wendy holds an MSc from the University of Pretoria, has completed the Management Advancement Programme at the University of the Witwatersrand Business School and the Global Executive Development Programme at the Gordon Institute of Business Science, University of Pretoria. In addition, she has a Diploma in Strategy and Innovation from Oxford University Said Business School and is a qualified coach.