The YEAR OF RETURN AFRICA 2025
YORA Summit & EXPO 2025
Fueling the Future: Unlocking Africa’s Entrepreneurial Potential
Africa's fastest growing network for Diaspora Investors Entrepreneurs Business Leaders
4.7 Review
AFRICA’S FASTEST GROWING ENTREPRENEURSHIP & INNOVATION SUMMIT & EXPO
Attendees
Speakers
Countries
Companies
Deal Flow
WHAT IS
The YORA Summit?
The First Year Of Return was a campaign pioneered by the president of Ghana in 2019 as a major landmark spiritual and birth-right journey inviting the Global African family, home and abroad to reconnect, heal and rebuild the homeland.
Africa is blessed with a wealth of natural resources and vibrant young minds. The Year of Return, Africa Summit & EXPO 2025, aims to empowering African youth & businesses through innovation, entrepreneurship, and skill-building initiatives.
You will connect with the industry’s top innovators, gain expert-level insights from dynamic stage sessions, and explore an exhibition hall filled with opportunities to accelerate your career.
YORA Summit & EXPO Kenya, 2025 is a three-day event taking place from Oct 15th -16th at Sarit Expo Centre and YORA Awards in Kilifi on 17th – 19th Oct 2025.


































Themes That Will Paint YORA
YORA Summit, Expo & Awards 2025, we focus on three powerful themes that capture Africa’s future. Each theme combines high-level dialogue, masterclasses, deal-making, and global partnerships, driving both inspiration and action.
NexGen Africa
#1
Aimed at identifying, nurturing, and empowering the next generation of African entrepreneurs. By providing access to critical resources, mentorship, and networking opportunities.
Focus:
Facilitate market access for 5,000 African startups and SMEs
Organize 50 trade missions annually to key international markets
Secure $50 million in funding and investment opportunities
Establish a network of 20,000 African and international entrepreneurs, investors, and mentors.
Launch of the YORA Youth Fund to back scalable ventures.
Nurture Gen Z-led companies in entertainment, sports management, and digital media.

Tech Diplomacy & Cybersecurity
#2
Africa is entering a new era of digital sovereignty and global tech engagement. Through YORA, leaders in government, academia, and business come together to shape Africa’s digital future.
Tech Diplomacy Roundtables with Purdue University’s Krach Institute for Tech Diplomacy.
Cybersecurity Masterclasses to equip Africa’s next 1,000 digital security specialists.
AI, Smart Infrastructure & Policy Dialogues bridging African startups with global partners.
Exclusive Deal Room pipeline targeting $100M in investible tech solutions.
Creative Business (Film, Media & Sports)
#3
The creative economy is one of Africa’s greatest untapped assets. YORA is helping transform it into a global force, while positioning Kenyan Counties as a creative hubs for film, arts, and cultural tourism.
Collaboration with Kilifi Artists and Film Makers and with YORA Awards to honor filmmakers.
Business of Sports Diplomacy — connecting African leagues with global brands.
Creative Business Masterclasses in film production, financing, and distribution.
Long-term vision for a Creative Hub & Residency in Kilifi, scaling to other regions.

Main Program Highlights
Billion Dollar foundations
AI & Maximizing ROI
Monetizing & Blueprints of Africa’s Sports, Media and Entertainment Industry
Access to Africa Markets
Upcoming African Unicorns
Monetizing & Blueprints of Africa’s Film and Theater Industry
Real Estate and Smart Cities
Scaling & Funding Blue Economy
Speakers at YORA Summit & EXPO
They will present actionable insights, data-driven knowledge and innovative ideas on trade, ecommerce, real estate, creative economy and more.

Hon. Huldah Momanyi Hiltsley
Hon. Huldah Momanyi Hiltsley is a trailblazing leader, public servant, and global advocate for equity, innovation, and inclusive development. She currently serves as the Minnesota State Representative for District 38A, making history as the first Kenyan-born legislator elected to the Minnesota House of Representatives.
Representative Hiltsley’s legislative priorities center on housing, public safety, education, healthcare access, workforce development, and mental health policy.
She is widely recognized for her ability to unite diverse voices, build bipartisan coalitions, and champion policies that promote transparency, equity, and sustainable community growth.
She holds three undergraduate degrees—International Business, International Relations, and Reconciliation Studies—and an MBA in Global Business Management. This academic foundation, combined with her lived experience, equips her to navigate complex global, political, and economic landscapes with insight and vision.
Beyond elected office, Rep. Hiltsley is a global data privacy and compliance professional with Boston Scientific, a leading medical device manufacturer. In this role, she ensures compliance with international regulatory frameworks such as GDPR and HIPAA, safeguards sensitive data, and advances ethical global business practices. Her expertise at the intersection of technology, governance, and international business positions her as a trusted voice in conversations about
cybersecurity, healthcare innovation, and market access.
She is also the founder of Stronger Together Leadership, LLC, a platform dedicated to empowering leaders, entrepreneurs, and changemakers through mentorship, training, and cross-border collaboration. A passionate advocate for African diaspora engagement, Rep. Hiltsley recognizes its critical role in fueling billions in remittances, investment, and entrepreneurship across the continent.
Her leadership and impact have been recognized with multiple honors, including the Trailblazer in Global Civic Leadership & African Representation from the Myogenic. She is also a sought-after speaker at high-level gatherings on governance, diaspora engagement, innovation, and gender equity—sharing her insights on how good governance, credible politics, and inclusive economic strategies can drive sustainable growth in Africa and beyond.
She is a sought-after speaker at high-level gatherings on governance, diaspora engagement,innovation, and gender equity, offering a unique perspective shaped by her Kenyan heritage and global professional experience.
From grassroots organizing in Kenya to shaping policy in the United States, Hon. Huldah Momanyi Hiltsley continues to be a bridge-builder—connecting communities, countries, and
continents to create a future rooted in opportunity, dignity, and shared prosperity.
Hon. Huldah Momanyi Hiltsley
Minnesota State Representative for District 38A,

Len Khodorkovsky
Len Khodorkovsky
Senior Advisor to the Chairman - Krach Institute for Tech Diplomacy at Purdue

Zahoor Ahmed
Zahoor Ahmed is a dynamic leader with over 20 years of expertise in the global events and mega-projects industry. As the Vice President of Strategy & Partnerships at MIE Group, he spearheads the company’s strategic initiatives across Dubai, Africa, China, and North America, driving business growth and establishing new international markets.
Zahoor’s visionary approach has been instrumental in the development of MIE’s expansive B2B/B2G portfolio, where he leads a high-performing team of project managers dedicated to fostering cross-border trade, investment, and economic partnerships
Zahoor Ahmed
Vice President of Strategy & Partnerships at MIE Group

Sudi Wandabusi
Chairman – Kenya Film Commission
Sudi Wandabusi
Chairman - Kenya Film Commission

Peter Macon
American Actor
Peter Macon
American Actor

Lisa “The Landstronaut” Alcindor
Founder, Landstronaut | US Senator, World Business Angel Investment Forum
Lisa “The Landstronaut” Alcindor is a visionary space entrepreneur, educator, and advocate for inclusive innovation. As Founder of Landstronaut and US Senator World Business Angel Investment Forum. Lisa leads initiatives that bridge space technology, sustainable development, and cultural diplomacy.
Her work integrates UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles into tangible programs that empower communities, expand STEM access, and foster partnerships between Africa, the global Diaspora, and Historically Black Colleges & Universities (HBCUs), Minority-Serving Institutions (MSIs), and other public benefit institutions.
Lisa has pioneered educational models that connect terrestrial innovation to orbital opportunities, designing frameworks for radiation mitigation, in-space economic development, and space architecture. Her approach blends high-level industry engagement with grassroots empowerment, creating pathways for youth, educators, researchers, and entrepreneurs to participate in the global space economy.
At the YORA Conference, Lisa brings a global network of policymakers, corporate leaders, researchers, and innovators, offering unique insights into building sustainable, inclusive, and future-ready space ecosystems. Her sessions inspire action, unlock collaboration, and challenge the world to imagine and prepare for life beyond Earth.
Lisa Alcindor
Founder, Landstronaut | US Senator, World Business Angel Investment Forum

Peter Kegode
Peter Atswanyi Kegode is a seasoned financial professional with over three decades of experience in the financial sector. He currently serves as the Chief Strategy & Partnership Director at YORA. With a strong background in business strategic planning, execution, consulting, and international trade, Peter specializes in agribusiness and brings unique skills in business mentorship, coaching, scaling, and institutional development.
His expertise spans over 20 years of investment banking experience in the US, where he led Sugar Industry Portfolio Management Funds for sugar projects in Kenya. Peter has navigated high-level global negotiating platforms, including ACP, EU Sugar Protocols, and WTO Negotiations on Agriculture, and has facilitated trade missions between Brazil, Argentina, and Africa.
As a specialist in agricultural value chain analysis, Peter has worked with leading development partners like AGRA, CHEMONICS, and SIDA. He has guided companies in accessing bilateral markets under AGOA Trade Agreements and currently Co-Convener the Year of Return Africa (YORA) Summit 2024 & 2025
Peter’s credentials include an MBA in Finance from Metropolitan State University, a Certificate in Leadership from Wharton Business School, and a Licensed Insurance Agent (Life & Accident) in New York State. He is a member of the Institute of Certified Securities & Investment Analysts (ICSIA) and has received numerous awards for his work, including the Africa Diaspora Network Builders of Africa Award and the Feed the Future USAID Champion Award. Peter is also a published author, with many business publications to his name.
Rev. Peter Kegode
Trade Specialist & Special Advisor Abana International

Vera Songwe
Vera Songwe is Chair of the Liquidity and Sustainability Facility. Songwe is co-chair of the High Level Panel on Finance for Climate Action. She is member of the Global Financial Alliance for Net Zero (GFANZ). She is a nonresident senior fellow at the Brookings Institution. Songwe was previously Under-Secretary-General at the United Nations and Executive Secretary of the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa. Songwe has been recognized as one of Africa’s 100 most influential people in 2022 and was a recipient of the All Africa Continental Leadership Award, Songwe was named one of the nominees for Forbes Africa 50 Top Women in 2023. She recently co-authored a book entitled “ Régional Integration in West Africa: Is There a Role for a Single Currency? “
She has spent the last three years championing the cause for additional liquidity for emerging markets and the need for a new global financial architecture fit for the 21st century’s development challenges.
She has held a number of senior positions at the World Bank, and the International Finance Corporation. Her main areas of interest are financial stability, macro-prudential policy, fiscal and monetary policy, innovative financing mechanisms for development, climate finance, agriculture, energy, and economic governance. She has extensive experience working in Africa, East Asia, Europe and Central Asia and South Asia regions.
Prior to joining the Bank, Dr. Songwe was a Visiting Scholar at the University of Southern California and at the Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis. Dr. Songwe holds a PhD. in Mathematical Economics from the Center for Operations Research & Econometrics from the Catholic University of Louvain-la-Neuve in Belgium. She holds a BA in Economics and a BA in Political Science from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor.
Dr. Vera Songwe
Global Economist, Finance Innovator, and Advocate for a 21st Century Financial Architecture

Jimmi Gathu
Jimmi Gathu is an accomplished media personality with over 28 years of diverse experience in the industry. While he has excelled in roles spanning TV and radio hosting, production, content development, and management, his acting career has also been a standout part of his professional journey.
Gathu has played leading and supporting roles in several notable Kenyan television dramas. He was instrumental in creating entertaining TV shows for KTN in the 1990s that defined the industry. He has taken on prominent acting roles with memorable ones like Alfred the Lawyer in MNet’s “Changes” , playing the President in the Zuku TV series “Statehouse” , Fred Tandala in the hit MNet series “Kina”, which ran for 5 seasons, as the psychopathic millionaire businessman Dickson in Showmax Ssn 3 of “Single Kiasi” and recently another Showmax trendsetter “Chocolate Empire” where he won his first award for Best Actor in a TV series at the prestigious ZIFF Awards.
His ability to bring complex characters to life has earned him recognition and acclaim within the Kenyan entertainment industry.
With his wealth of experience and natural talent, Jimmi Gathu continues to make a lasting impact through his multifaceted media career, including his standout contributions as a broadcast industry leader by identifying, nurturing and mentoring leading talents.
Jimmy Gathu
Actor | TV and Radio Host

Hiba Abdelsalam
Hiba Abdelsalam Ahmed Salih Ortashi is a seasoned executive, architect, and humanitarian leader with over 20 years of experience spanning construction management, women’s empowerment, and refugee support. She currently serves as Executive Director of the Business and Professional Women Voluntary Organization (BPWVO) in Sudan, where she leads initiatives that advance gender equality, sustainable development, and community resilience.
Her career journey includes managing one of Sudan’s largest infrastructure projects, the Merowe Dam Project, and directing strategic operations at Density Engineering Co. Beyond engineering, Hiba has become a respected advocate for women and refugees, representing Sudan at international forums including UN conferences, BPW global summits, and regional development platforms.
She is a PMP-certified project manager with advanced studies in Construction Management and Architecture, and her work bridges the fields of engineering, humanitarian development, and policy advocacy. Passionate about creating opportunities for vulnerable communities, Hiba continues to shape impactful programs that combine technical expertise with social transformation.
Hiba Abdelsalam
Executive Director of the Business and Professional Women Voluntary Organization (BPWVO)

Charles D. Ellison
An award-winning veteran public affairs expert, CHARLES D. ELLISON is Principal & Chief Strategist of B|E Strategy, a 2024 Reed Awards finalist based in the Washington, D.C. region, and founding Publisher of theBEnote.com. He is Executive Producer & Host of the widely viewed public affairs podcast “Decision Makers”
Charles was also a 2023 Emerson Collective “Climate Pivot” Fellow, and is currently Senior Fellow and Strategist at the Smart Surfaces Coalition. He is Founding Director and Chief Lecturer for the Civic Literacy and Media Influence Institute at Learn4Life in California and directs the Council on Communities of Color at the Council of State Governments. Ellison also sits on the Strategic Advisory Board for the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society. Formerly, he was a Visiting Fellow at George Washington University’s Institute for Politics, Democracy and the Internet and a Senior Advisor to the Center for New Politics and Policy at the University of Denver. He has worked for and advised elected and public officials in government on the local, state and federal level.
Charles formerly hosted weekly on SiriusXM’s daily politics channel then formerly hosted a politics and public policy show on WEAA public radio in Baltimore. He then executive produced and hosted a popular long-time daily public affairs program on WURD radio in Philadelphia while creating ecoWURD, the first-ever environmental justice program featured on a Black broadcast media platform. He formerly served as National Politics Correspondent for The Philadelphia Tribune and as a Contributing Editor to The Philadelphia Citizen. He is a recipient of the NAACP’s Leadership 500 Award, a Top 40 Under 40 Washington, D.C. Award recipient and Philadelphia Association of Black Journalists’ Print Journalist of the Year nominee. He lives in the D.C.-area with his wife Dian, Co-Principal of B|E Strategy, and is the father of three wonderful daughters.
Charles D. Ellison
Principal & Chief Strategist of B|E Strategy

Solomon Mahinda
A seasoned leadership and management professional skilled in stakeholder management, government relations, public affairs, communications and marketing. With 20 years experience developing and executing extensive stakeholder and investor relations, marketing, communications (internal/external and brand/corporate) multi market projects including cultural transformations, stakeholder relations, crisis management and introduction of new company visions.
Aligned companies with government and regional long term strategic and economic plans. Aligned company employees and stakeholders to strategic initiatives and operational directives. Initiated, integrated and re-designed Government Relations, Corporate Communications and Marketing departments including recruiting and developing new talent across a variety of businesses and functions.
Vast experience in organising and managing global stakeholder and investor engagement initiatives, representing corporates in major industry and policy forums across the world. I’ve enjoyed being at the core of creating award winning communications campaigns, stakeholder mapping and management, government relations strategies including media/crisis management trainings across multiple markets.
Solomon Mahinda
Vice President TATU city

Martin Keino
Currently Managing Director of Keino Sports Events, the premiere sports events agency that manages sports events, strategic event marketing & management, athlete services and other sports consultancies.
University of Arizona, USA Graduate in Design.
Former professional athlete whose career spanned 10 years competing in the 1500m, 3000m and 5000m races.
Ranked top 5 worldwide for 1500m, 1 Mile and 2000m in the late 90’s.
Career as one of the best middle-distance pacemakers between the late 90s and2005and helped set 7 world records in that period.
Columnist of “Trackside” & “Setting the Pace” in the Sunday Nation newspaper
Commentator for International Athletics Events
Presenter / Host of “Setting the Pace” TV Magazine Show on Zuku Sports
Accomplished Motivational Speaker to corporate groups
Martin Keino
Managing Director of Keino Sports Events

Ronald Bukusi
A transcendental executive with expertise in directing diverse teams and programs by leveraging outstanding leadership, creativity, collaboration and facilitation skills. Brings broad experience in organizational planning, performance and financial management. A consummate networker who inspires teams by working across functions and geographies, motivating diverse stakeholders to achieve or exceed organizational objectives.
Proven expertise in developing strategies that increase brand recognition, generate revenue and accelerate growth. Leverages own elite level athletic training to instill discipline in coaching assignments. Passionate about recreation administration and adept at directing complex sporting events. Have been at the helm of managing a +30, 000 seating capacity stadium and coordinating world-class Olympic calibre events, facilitated by +1500 personnel and volunteers.
Ronald Bukusi
Chief Executive Officer Cricket Kenya

Vaughn Parker
Vaughn Parker is the Founder and visionary force behind Caribbean Kitchen Foods, a health-centered brand dedicated to preserving the bold, authentic flavors of the Caribbean while championing heart health and community empowerment. The company’s mission was originally inspired by his late mother, Yvonne Parker, whose vision Vaughn wholeheartedly embraced. He is committed to creating low-sodium seasoning blends that allow families worldwide to enjoy delicious meals without compromising their wellness, driven by a profound sense of purpose to honor his mother’s legacy.
With a robust background spanning 17 years in leadership, 10 years in customer service, and 5 years in manufacturing, Vaughn brings profound expertise and strategic insight to his role. His professional credentials are complemented by a master’s in business administration and his status as a Gold Award Communicator with Toastmasters. These skills also inform his role as the Executive Director of the nonprofit Great Awakening Assembly, which focuses on community upliftment. Guided by his deep faith, cultural pride, and an unwavering commitment to public health, he has dedicated himself full-time since November 2023 to expanding Caribbean Kitchen Foods into a global brand.
Through his multifaceted work as a business owner, philanthropist, author, and instructor, Vaughn Parker continues to empower households to eat well and live healthy. His connection to food was forged in his family’s kitchen and shaped by his experience as a farmer, giving him a profound respect for fresh ingredients and sustainable practices. By building ethical supply chains and promoting shared health goals, Caribbean Kitchen Foods is positioned to transform historical links between Africa and the Caribbean into modern economic and social partnerships, actively contributing to the empowerment and well-being of the global African diaspora for generations to come.
Vaughn Parker
Founder of Caribbean Kitchen Foods

Gerry Gitonga
Gerry Gitonga is a Kenyan lawyer with expertise in legal reform, human rights, child rights, intellectual property, and the creative industries. He has served in two senior in-house counsel roles, is a Partner at Bryants Law, Advocates LLP, and led a rights-based legal nonprofit organisation where he continues to serve on the board. His work spans the finance and cooperative sector, ICT, sports, media, and creative & cultural policy, advising institutions such as Kenya Film Commission, Communications Authority, Ministry of ICT, Kenya Copyright Board, IFRRO, World Bank, GIZ, Sndbx Ubuntu, Rwanda Film Office, and the UN on reforms in film, entertainment, music, publishing, copyright, digitization, and telecommunications.
Fluent in English and Swahili, Gerry combines litigation and advisory experience with a strong commitment to ethical stewardship and community impact.
He currently serves as General Counsel at Akili Kids! TV, Partner at Bryants Law, Board Member of the CLEAR Kenya Legal Aid Trust (non-profit), and legal advisor to the legendary Les Wanyika Band, reflecting leadership at the intersection of corporate law, human rights, child rights, ICT, creative enterprise, and cultural heritage.
Gerry Gitonga
Partner at Bryants Law, Advocates LLP

Doris Ratego
Doris Ratego is a Tech innovator, engineer, and educator dedicated to bridging the gap in education and technology. With expertise in telecommunications, networks, software development, analytics and automation, I excel at facilitating communication between technical and non-technical teams, ensuring seamless product development and execution
As the Co-founder and CEO of Funlings Entertainment, I am committed to mentoring and equipping the younger generation with digital skills. Driven by a passion for lifelong learning and innovation, I strive to make technology accessible and impactful to all.
Social Media
www.linkedin.com/in/dorisratego
Doris Ratego
Co-founder and CEO of Funlings Entertainment

Sammy Ombogo
Sammy Ombogo
CEO Media One Limited

Soraya Smith
Marie “Soraya” Smith is an accomplished educational leader with over 23 years of administrative experience as a School Principal, High School Assistant Principal, and District-level Administrator.
She currently leads the Westchester County Digital Equity Project in partnership with the Office of Economic Development, advancing technology access and digital literacy for underserved populations. As an Adjunct Professor at Westchester Community College, she supports students with disabilities in career readiness and prepares paraprofessionals and aides for effective classroom roles.
A Board Member for Youth Shelter Programs of Westchester and a proud member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., Soraya is also
a devoted mother and active member of Union Baptist Church in White Plains, NY.
Soraya Smith
Leads the Westchester County Digital Equity Project

Victor Mayeya
Victor Mayeya
Cypace Marketing LLC

Michelle Barry
Michelle Barry, PhD — Co-Founder & CEO, CTI Africa, LifeHealth
Dr. Michelle Barry is a medical and sociocultural anthropologist, serial entrepreneur, and operational leader delivering culturally responsive, AI-powered health and technology solutions at scale. With more than 20 years of experience spanning startups to Fortune 100 companies, she has partnered with global leaders including Amazon, PepsiCo, Unilever, World Vision, Kraft, Bristol Myers Squibb, and Amway.
At CTI-LifeHealth, Michelle leads the creation of the first structured, AI-driven health insights platform designed to bridge critical infrastructure gaps and advance primary health coverage across Africa and the U.S. She is recognized among the Top Women in Healthcare AI and the Top 20 Women Biohackers globally, and is a member of Women in Technology International.
Beyond her work in digital health, Michelle is also the founder of The Resonants, an art and design practice that merges AI, sound, fractals, and biofield research into multisensory experiences. Her art explores the intersections of technology, culture, and healing, extending her vision of human-centered innovation into creative and neuroemotional therapeutic domains.
Her work integrates data, AI, and frontier technologies to improve health access, equity, and outcomes—while driving sustainable revenue models that empower governments, providers, and patients. Michelle’s vision is to build a global digital health ecosystem that transforms lives, fulfills SDG priorities, and creates a lasting humanitarian legacy.
Michelle Barry
PhD — Co-Founder & CEO, CTI Africa, LifeHealth

Marcos Brandalise
Marcos Brandalise
Group C.E.O and Founder of Brazafric Group of Companies (BGC) & Chairman and C.E.O of L.E.A.F. Africa

Catherine Nkirote
Catherine Nkirote
CEO Brundhut Ltd

Nii Shippi Quaynor
Founder & Managing Partner, Loft Real Estate Partners
Nii Shippi Quaynor is a finance and real estate investment professional and developer with extensive experience across global capital markets, private equity, and structured finance. He is the Founder and Managing Partner of Loft Real Estate Partners, a Ghana-based residential development firm dedicated to creating lifestyle-oriented communities that blend thoughtful design, sustainable practices, and strong investment fundamentals.
Nii began his career in the Fixed Income and structured product groups at Goldman Sachs, and Merrill Lynch both New York investment banks, with a focus on derivative instruments and executing complex, multi-asset transactions. He later pivoted to real estate investment and advisory, focusing on unlocking development opportunities in West Africa and mobilizing diaspora capital to support long-term growth and value creation.
He currently leads strategic planning, capital raising, and project execution for Loft’s pipeline in Ghana, including Aklama Beach Resort & Residences in Ningo-Prampram, Lakeview Haven in Akosombo, and C1023 in Tema. His work is guided by a vision to deliver high-quality real estate that elevates both lifestyle and returns in emerging markets.
A graduate of Howard University, Nii is a member of Ahaspora Professionals Network, a community of Ghanaian diaspora and returnee professionals committed to national development through skills transfer and investment collaboration. He is passionate on topics such as diaspora investment, real estate innovation in Africa, and the future of urban and coastal living in frontier economies.
Nii Shippi Quaynor
Founder & Managing Partner, Loft Real Estate Partners

Olivia Kimani
Olivia Kimani is the Director of Partnerships and Services for Kenya at Worldreader, where she develops locally-connected strategies for projects in Kenya. With over 20 years of experience in creating award-winning behavior change initiatives, Olivia has a proven track record of driving social impact through innovative communications. As a former Creative Director at international advertising firms and Marketing Executive for global brands, she brings a deep understanding of the East African market and user behavior to her work.
Olivia’s notable campaigns include the G-PANGE HIV Behavior Change digital marketing campaign, which won the PRSK Digital Award, as well as the Man-UP anti-GBV campaign for the World Bank and LOGICA, and the Break the Silence GBV campaign for Coalition on Violence Against Women, which earned Gold at the APA Awards. Her expertise extends to working with families to identify barriers to parental reading engagement and developing strategies to drive behavior change, supporting home reading initiatives for families with children under the age of 5.
Olivia Kimani
Director of Partnerships and Services for Kenya at Worldreader

Sharon Wata
Mrs Sharon Chahale Wata is an advocate of the High Court of Kenya. She holds an LLB from the University of Nairobi and LLM in Intellectual property law from the University of Turin, Italy. She has also undertaken courses in Senior Management and Strategic Leadership Development at the Kenya School of Government. She is currently the Deputy Director- Training and Research at the Kenya Copyright Board. An accomplished intellectual property lawyer with 17 years industry experience having served as copyright prosecutor, CEO of a Collective Management Organization as well as intellectual property trainer and successfully discharged associated responsibilities.
She also contributes to articles in the Copyright News published quarterly by the Kenya Copyright Board, as well as the Copyright lawyer magazine based in the UK. She has past consultancy experience in various areas including Intellectual property law, environmental law, human rights, democracy and governance issues. Her leadership credibility and knowledge in Intellectual Property has been recognized as highly dependable.
Sharon Wata
Deputy Executive Director of the Kenya Copyright Board

Erastus Mong’are
Erastus B. Mong’are is the Founder and CEO for StartUpAfrica, an international non-profit organization that supports African youth in the building of business skills and in endeavors that foster financial independence, create jobs, and grow African economies. His vision is to partner with other organizations to impact the lives of 10 million youth through entrepreneurship with the UN 17 Sustainable Development Goals by 2030 to “Leave No One Behind.”
Previously, he had a long and successful career in public service where he served in different roles in Federal as a Presidential Appointee (Biden Administration) serving as a Senior Advisor, National Service at the Peace Corps; State Government in Delaware, including a dual role as the Senior Administrator for Delaware’s State Office of Volunteerism and Executive Director for the Governor’s Commission for Community and Volunteer Service that uses federal funds to address local unmet needs through National Service programs like AmeriCorps.
He is a recipient of numerous awards including Kenya’s Presidential Head of State Commendation (HSC) Award, Delaware’s Governor’s Proclamation, Public Allies Delaware Changemaker Award, Tomorrow Leaders Today Award for Community Service, and two-time finalist: Philadelphia Eagles Community Quarterback Award for Community Service. For more information about StartUpAfrica, visit www.startupafrica.org.
Erastus Mong’are
Founder and CEO, StartUpAfrica

Nellie Odera
Nellie Odera’s career in basketball is a testament to a lifelong and all-encompassing passion for the game. She hasn’t just watched Kenyan basketball evolve; she has been instrumental in its development from virtually every possible role.
Her journey began on the court as a talented player for prestigious sides like Team Nairobi and Barclays Bank EA, where her skills earned her a call-up as a national team trialist. After her playing days, she deepened her understanding of the game’s laws and flow by serving as a referee.
This unparalleled practical experience now fuels her leadership off the court. As the Team Owner of Eagle Wings, she builds the sport from the grassroots up. In her executive roles as Chairperson of the Kenya Basketball Women Commission and a Member of the Kenya Basketball Federation Board, she leverages her unique background to shape policy, advocate for women in sports, and drive the sport’s administration forward.
Further demonstrating her versatility, Nellie has expertly managed the Kenya 3×3 team and applies her keen organizational skills as a sports event planner. As a sports coach and administrator, she is committed to mentoring the next generation. Nellie Odera truly embodies the heart, mind, and soul of Kenyan basketball.
Nellie Odera
Chairperson of the Kenya Basketball Women Commission and a Member of the Kenya Basketball Federation Board

Josh SB
Josh SB is a multi-disciplinary audio-visual artist and the founder of ArtX, an Edtech initiative transforming how creatives learn and connect. With 8 years of professional experience in film and audio-visual production, he has directed high-level audio-visual campaigns for brands including Guinness, MTN, and DFCU. His commitment to the development the African Creatives ecosystem through education is demonstrated through his role as a mentor at Swangz Academy and Film256, where he has scaled his impact to train over 1,000 youth in multimedia annually. Josh is now focused on leveraging technology to scale this impact globally, making creative education more accessible and collaborative.
Josh SB
Founder of ArtX

Zippy Kimundu
Zippy is an award-winning Kenyan Filmmaker who has been working in the global industry for nearly two decades. She holds a Masters in Fine Arts from New York University and has worked globally in over 20 countries. She co-directed a short Documentary, ‘a fork, a spoon & a KNIGHT’ with renowned Director Mira Nair, and was the Assistant Editor on the Disney Film ‘Queen of Katwe’. Among other numerous short films, her award winning Feature Documentary ‘Our Land, Our Freedom’ had its world Premiere at IDFA in 2023, her second feature ‘Widow Champion’ premiered at Hotdocs/Tribeca in 2024 – and all continue to and continue to create Impact.
Zippy is the Creative Lead at https://www.terracekilifi.com, a film educator at https://www.illtellyoumystory.com and founder of www.afrofilmsinternational.com, a creative collective working to ignite socio-political consciousness and action, across continents.
Zippy Kimundu
Director (AFROFILMS)

Saitabao Kaiyare
Saitabao Kaiyare is a filmmaker from Kilifi, Kenya with a decade of experience in the film industry. An alumnus of the Filmakademie Baden-Württemberg in Germany, his
short films, documentaries, and TV shows have been critically acclaimed across numerous film festivals internationally and won accolades.
His films have tackled heavy themes such as identity, cultural heritage, colonialism and restitution and repatriation of artifacts. Saitabao is the co-founder at Baruu Collective, a multi-media production house that re-thinks and re-imagines the African narrative.
Saitabao Kaiyare
Co-Director (BARUU)

Mumo Liku
Mumo Liku is a multi-disciplinary trained director, producer and curator. A graduate of communication from Daystar University and one among the 35 students selected to receive the Chevening scholarship in Kenya for the 2019-20 cohort. This opportunity gave him the chance to study an MA in Creative Enterprise at the University of Reading
in the United Kingdom.
He has worked in the Kenya film industry for the last 9 years as a film and television producer where he worked on award winning projects such as; Indulge Me, a short film that won the Inaugural Machafest competition; Career Talk, a television show nominated at Kalasha International Film Festival and Zanzibar International Film Festival; If Objects
Could Speak, a documentary that won at the Los Angeles Cinematography Awards.
He is now working on his first feature documentary called Heirs of No Regret that follows the Wajukuu Arts Collective as they use their art to confront corruption, inequality and generational trauma.
Mumo Liku
Producer (BARUU)

Kevin Mwachiro
Kevin Mwachiro is a Kenyan writer, podcaster, queer activist, and journalist whose media and communications career spans more than two decades. He began as a journalist with the BBC, contributing to its radio, television, and digital platforms.
A self-described custodian of people’s stories, Kevin is deeply committed to amplifying marginalized voices. His debut book, Invisible – Stories from Kenya’s Queer Community, was the first of its kind in the country, breaking ground in documenting queer narratives. He later led the editorial team for the publications We’ve Been Here, a moving collection that shares the stories of LGBTQI Kenyans over 50, and the anthology Rainbow Childhoods.
Kevin was also part of the team behind Boldly Queer – African Perspectives on Same-Sex Sexuality and Gender Diversity. As a writer and cultural commentator, Kevin
contributes to various media outlets and literary journals, offering a nuanced and courageous perspective on LGBTQI issues in Kenya and across Africa.
He was a guest editor for The Commonwealth Foundation, online magazine adda stories’ Remember to Rest edition, further cementing his role as a thoughtful curator of
African and other global south voices.
In 2017, Kevin launched Nipe Story, a storytelling podcast that brings African short fiction to life through audio. Nipe Story was one of 13 African podcasts that were recipients of the initial African Podcast Fund initiative that was set up by Spotify in 2022.
He is also the co- founder of the Out Film Festival, East Africa’s first LGBTQI film festival. Kevin holds a degree from Daystar University in Kenya and an MA in Radio Production from Bournemouth University in the UK. He is also an alumnus of The Rockefeller Foundation’s Bellagio Centre residency program.
Kevin Mwachiro
Festival Director

Betty Bakari
Betty Nanjira Bakari is a qualified ESG Expert with over seven years of experience. She holds a master’s in environmental studies from Kenyatta University and a BSc in Biochemistry from the University of Nairobi. She is certified by the Climate Disclosure Standards Board and GRI and is a registered Associate Expert with NEMA.
As an Environmental Consultant with Environmental Sans Frontieres since 2020, she specializes in conducting ESIAs, ESDD, and developing ESMFs for financial institutions. Her expertise includes leading stakeholder engagements and preparing detailed regulatory reports. Previously, she worked with UNIDO and other organizations on ESG risk assessments and environmental management systems.
Her proven track record includes leading materiality assessments, ESG strategy development, and managing projects such as ESG due diligence for Base Titanium and developing an ESMF for a Green Climate Fund project. Her skills in carbon finance and mitigating environmental risks make her a capable expert dedicated to sustainable development.
Betty Bakari
Senior Environmentalist

Bruno Smadja
Producer of Advocacy Videos
Bruno Smadja
Producer of Advocacy Videos

Caroline Ameyo
Caroline Ameyo is a Kenyan lawyer with 17 years of experience in commercial law, property law and commercial litigation.
She previously worked at UNHCR as a Refugee Status Determination Consultant and as a Restlement Consultant. She is passionate about law reform, human rights, child rights, intellectual property, and the creative industries. He has served in two senior in-house counsel roles, is a Partner at Onyango and Ameyo Advocates.
Caroline Ameyo
Partner at Onyango & Ameyo Advocates.

Christopher Nyalwal
Strategic Finance Leader & Personal Finance Coach with 15+ years of progressive experience in financial management, grants administration, and organizational leadership across international NGOs and corporate settings.
Founder and CEO of Craft Your Future, a financial literacy and coaching organization whose mission is to Educate, Inspire, and Equip individuals, teams and communities with the tools to manage money well, make informed financial decisions, and build wealth that outlives them. Craft Your Future has impacted over 3000 + individuals in Africa.
Academic Qualifications: Christopher holds an MSc. Degree, Finance & Investment from London School of Business and Finance. He has a Bachelor of Commerce Degree from Strathmore University. He is a qualified Association of Chartered Certified Accountant (ACCA).
Author: Unlocking You: Break Mental Barriers, Build Lasting Wealth
Host of podcast: Beyond the Balance sheet
Founder & Visionary for the Next Generation Investor Summit which is a premier annual event designed to equip aspiring thought leaders, investors, entrepreneurs, and professionals with the mindset, strategies, and tools required to build sustainable wealth. The 3rd edition will be happening this year on the 11th of October 2025.
Christopher has a passion for breaking down complex financial topics and making them easy for anyone to understand. He strongly believes that each one of us has a higher God given purpose than simply paying our bills each month while living paycheck to paycheck. So long as money is still a source of stress, the chances of pursuing our greater calling will never happen.
Christopher Nyalwal
Founder and CEO of Craft Your Future

Bruno Smadja
Sally Ngoje A graduate from Colgate University in New York, is a beauty entrepreneur, storyteller, and traveler who bridges worlds through her work. As the founder of Maua Organics, she is redefining clean beauty by creating innovative, plant-powered haircare rooted in African heritage and wellness.
Beyond entrepreneurship, Sally shares her journey as a content creator and travel consultant, highlighting the realities of solo travel and moving abroad, while inspiring her audience to see Africa as a place of possibility, innovation, and belonging.
Her work sits at the intersection of self-care, storytelling, and travel, and her mission is simple: to empower others to embrace their roots while creating futures that are global, intentional, and deeply connected
Sally Ngoje
Founder of Maua Organics

Shannon Mujer
Shannon Mujera is a seasoned technology leader dedicated to leveraging cutting-edge innovations to address critical global challenges. She possesses deep expertise in AI, Robotics, and Quantum Computing, with a proven track record of deploying transformative systems in agriculture, fintech, and real estate for multinational corporations. As a two-time founder, she currently drives advancements in generative AI and climate-tech solutions for agriculture, with her groundbreaking work earning her both local and international acclaim.
Shannon Mujera
Founder & Technology Entrepreneur

Arthur Muiruri
Youth in Agriculture Advocate & Climate-Smart Agriculture Expert
Arthur Muiruri Ann is a passionate youth leader and advocate for agricultural transformation in Kenya. He is currently pursuing a Master of Science in Climate Smart Agriculture at Murang’a University of Technology, where he also serves as the President of the Kenya Agricultural Students Association (KASA).
Arthur is deeply committed to empowering young people in agribusiness and driving sustainable food systems. He is the Founder of Smallholder Africa, a youth-centered organization focused on promoting climate action, agripreneurship, and inclusive growth across Africa.
Arthur Muiruri
President of the Kenya Agricultural Students Association (KASA)

Samuel Thuo
Samuel Thuo, The Senses Architect
Samuel Thuo is an architectural designer, educator, and researcher specializing in multisensory design. His work is dedicated to crafting buildings and spaces that embrace sensory richness to foster neuro-inclusion, health, and overall well-being. He advocates against what he terms “nonsense places”—environments that focus solely on visual aesthetics while neglecting the profound influence of smell, taste, sound, and touch on human experience.
A graduate of the prestigious Department of Architecture at the University of Nairobi, Samuel holds a two-tier Bachelor of Architectural Studies and Architecture. His academic dissertation explored multisensory experience design in Nairobi’s museums, alongside a parallel design project for a proposed Museum of Senses (Senseum) in Nairobi, which integrated Nairobi River Regeneration through Sensory Urbanism.
Through his professional and academic pursuits, Samuel explores how environments can be transformed to deliver holistic and immersive sensory experiences. He is the author of the weekly LinkedIn newsletter The Senses Architect, where he addresses challenges within the built environment and proposes innovative multisensory solutions for healthier, inclusive, and enriching spaces.
As the Conscious Nairobi Chapter Representative and a Convening Fellow at the Centre for Conscious Design, Samuel is committed to advancing Nairobi’s transformation into a conscious, multisensory city. His vision is to champion architecture that engages all senses, creating spaces that promote collective health, inclusion, and well-being through impactful and mindful design.
Samuel Thuo
The Senses Architect

Micah Balucci
Micah Balucci
CEO & Co-Founder Abanaverse
Empowering African Startups
FOSTERING INNOVATION

PROMOTING COLLABORATION

STARTUP ECOSYSTEM

Who You Will Run Into
1M+ per month businesses & startups
Fastest-growing companies in Africa
Celebrities in business & sports, film, and theatre
Successful Investors and venture capitalists & thought leaders
Innovative Entrepreneurs in all sectors
Plus gurus, employees and owners of many of our partner companies and more
Who You Will Run Into
1M+ per month businesses & startups
Fastest-growing companies in Africa
Celebrities in business & sports, film, and theatre
Successful Investors and venture capitalists & thought leaders
Innovative Entrepreneurs in all sectors
Plus gurus, employees and owners of many of our partner companies and more
ONE PASS. THREE GAME-CHANGING DAYS.
GET ACCESS TO:

(Lion's Den)
Exhibitions
Roam freely through the Lion’s Den – the exhibition area where groundbreaking innovations and startups are showcased. Witness the pride and strength of Africa’s entrepreneurship.

(Your Majesty)
Wisdom
Join the Elephant’s Wisdom Circle for exclusive access to panel discussions and keynotes exploring the latest trends and insights. Gain a panoramic view of the entrepreneurial landscape.

(Elevate)
Networking
Elevate yourself at the Giraffe’s Lounge, a networking area where attendees connect with industry giants and thought leaders. Forge alliances that leave an indelible mark.

(Sprints)
Side Events
Sprint into adventure and experience the event from a unique vantage point with numerous side events and exclusive activities. Get a holistic view of Africa’s transformative journey.

YORA Awards 2025
Celebrating Excellence and Impact
🌟 17th – 19th Oct in Kilifi, Kenya
End the YORA by honoring outstanding individuals and companies that have significantly contributed to the development of the African continent.
*LIMITED CAPACITY. Open to YORA attendees only. List will be verified to check ticket purchases.
*Entry Submission Ends on September 20, 2025
Showcasing innovation around health and wellness tailored for Africa’s future.
Flo Maina
Kilimani Wellness Gallery

Peter Kegode
CFO of AVATIST


Showcasing innovation around health and wellness tailored for Africa’s future.
Flo Maina
Kilimani Wellness Gallery



Peter Kegode
CFO of AVATIST


BUY TICKETS
Your ticket is the key to all YORA has to offer – marketplace, stage, and networking events.
Regular
GENERAL
SALE PRICE
FULL PRICE
ONLY FOR GENERAL ACCESS
Identified as attandee
Entry to all the conferences
Entry to the exhibition hall
Your logo on badge (black & white)
2-Day exhibition
35+ Live speeches, panels & Q&As
Official Networking Event (17 Oct)
Invitation to the YORA Awards
Deal Room Access
Exclusive access to the VIP Lounge
YORA 2025 Ticket Bundle available on next step
VIP
EXECUTIVE
SALE PRICE
FULL PRICE
ONLY FOR EXECUTIVE ACCESS
Identified as Executive
Entry to all the conferences
Entry to the exhibition hall
Your logo on badge (black & white)
2-Day exhibition
35+ Live speeches, panels & Q&As
Official Networking Event (17 Oct)
Invitation to the YORA Awards
Deal Room Access
Exclusive access to the VIP Lounge
YORA 2025 Ticket Bundle available on next step
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Each Executive Pass admits one participant only. Additional team members will need separate passes.
Yes! YORA Summit 2025 will feature exclusive networking sessions throughout the event, including:
✔️ Investor & Speaker Networking Lounge
✔️ VIP Cocktails & Private Deal Rooms
✔️ Official YORA Awards Celebration
Details will be announced closer to the event!
Our tickets are already discounted for early bird buyers, and we also provide bundle discounts at checkout. No additional discounts are available beyond these offers.
YORA Summit connects Africa’s entrepreneurs, investors, policymakers, and innovators under one roof. Popular attendee backgrounds include:
✔️ Startup Founders & Scale-ups
✔️ Corporate Executives & Industry Leaders
✔️ Angel Investors & Venture Capitalists
✔️ Government Officials & Policymakers
✔️ Creative Industry Leaders & Tech Innovators
Yes! Once you’ve purchased your ticket, you can request an official invitation letter via our Attendee or Exhibitor Portal. This document will help with your visa application, but we strongly recommend checking your country’s visa requirements before applying.
To upgrade to a YORA 2025 Ticket Bundle, select your desired ticket and click “Buy Now” at checkout. The bundle option will appear before payment.
As per our terms & conditions, refunds are not available. However, you may transfer your ticket to someone else.
Yes! You may reassign your ticket up to 48 hours before the event through our portals:
- Attendee Portal
- Company Portal
- Exhibitor & Sponsor Portal
📍 Venue: Sarit Expo Centre, Nairobi, Kenya
📍 Venue: Pwani University and Vipingo Ridge Beach Club in Kilifi, Kenya
🔹 General Pass – Ideal for entrepreneurs, business leaders, and individuals looking to network, attend keynote sessions, and gain insights from top industry experts.
🔹 Executive Pass – Designed for corporate executives, investors, and high-level decision-makers. Includes premium networking access, exclusive business lounges, and brand visibility opportunities.
🎟️ Secure Your Spot Now! 🚀
Yes! We are always looking for industry experts, innovators, and thought leaders. If you’d like to nominate a speaker or apply, please fill out our Speaker Application Form.
Yes! We accept crypto payments via USDT with a 7.5% processing fee. If you're interested in paying with crypto, please email us at payments@yorasummit.com for details.
📩 Still have questions? Contact us at: support@yorasummit.com 🚀