Minister of Planning, Economic Development and International Cooperation of Egypt

H.E Dr. Rania A. Al-Mashat has been part of Egypt’s cabinet of ministers since 2018, where she currently serves as the Minister of Planning, Economic Development & International Cooperation, and has previously served as the Minister of International Cooperation (Dec 2019 - July 2024), and also as the first female Minister of Tourism (Jan 2018 - Dec 2019). She worked at the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in Washington, D.C. as Advisor to the Chief Economist (Aug 2016 - Jan 2018), and Senior Economist (2001 - 2005). She also served at the Central Bank of Egypt (CBE), as the Sub-Governor for Monetary Policy (Aug. 2005 - Jun. 2016), where she contributed to modernizing the CBE’s monetary policy strategy.

Topic Discussed: The Future of Inclusive Economic Growth

This discussion will explore strategies to ensure economic development empowers communities, reduces inequalities, and sustains long-term prosperity. Insights will focus on leveraging ambitious reforms and innovative partnerships to harness demographic advantages and achieve inclusive growth on a global scale.

Minister of Digital Economy and Transformation of Togo

H.E. Cina Lawson has been Togo’s Minister of Digital Economy and Transformation since 2010, leading initiatives in digital innovation, connectivity, and financial inclusion. Previously, she worked at the World Bank and the Orange Group. She is widely recognized for leveraging digital transformation to drive sustainable development and empower communities.

As a minister, she transformed the regulatory environment to boost innovation, competition, and private investments. Under her leadership, Togo’s digital service penetration increased allowing a majority of the population now to have access to mobile telephony (from 33% in 2010 to 78% in 2021) to mobile internet (from 1% in 2010 to 74% in 2021), and to mobile money (from 1% in 2013 to 57% in 2021). Lawson graduated from Sciences Po Paris and earned a Master of Public Policy from the Harvard University Kennedy School of Government.

Topic Discussed: The Future of Digital Transformation in Africa

This discussion will explore how digital innovation is reshaping economies across the continent, fostering financial inclusion, and driving sustainable development. Insights will focus on leveraging connectivity, public-private partnerships, and innovative technologies to empower communities and create a more inclusive digital economy.

Creative Artist & Tech Entrepreneur

As a creative artist, tech entrepreneur, and the Founder & CEO of FYI (a Web 3.0 AI messenger) will.i.am has been recognized by a CLIO Award, an Emmy Award, nine Grammy Awards, the James C. Morgan Global Humanitarian Award, A TIME 100 Impact Award, the World Economic Forum’s Crystal Award, and an Honorary Fellowship by the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET). His i.am Angel Foundation supports STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and math) education programs for more than 13,000 disadvantaged youth in grades K – 12 in Los Angeles, including the i.am College Track after-school tutoring center and college scholarship program, the Boyle Heights STEM Magnet High School, and hundreds of after-school robotics clubs in partnership with the Los Angeles Unified School District and FIRST robotics. 

Topic Discussed: The Future of STEM Education

The future of STEM education holds immense potential and promises to shape the global landscape in unprecedented ways. As technology rapidly evolves, so too must our approaches to teaching science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

Chairman of Africa House

National Council for Arts and Culture, Nigeria

General Manager/CEO of the National Theatre Lagos

Founder of Ubuntu Group, Ubuntu Tribe