The YEAR OF RETURN AFRICA 2025

…Igniting Africa’s Entrepreneurship… Fueling Unicorns

The YEAR OF RETURN AFRICA 2024

…Igniting Africa’s Entrepreneurship…
Fueling Unicorns

COLLABORATE WITH OTHER

INNOVATORS

INVESTORS

UNICORN STARTUPS

CELEBRITIES & INFLUENCERS

ENTREPRENEURS

POLICY MAKERS

COLLABORATE WITH OTHER

INNOVATORS

INVESTORS

UNICORN STARTUPS

CELEBRITIES & INFLUENCERS

ENTREPRENEURS

POLICY MAKERS

Introducing YORA 2025

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 2025, aims to empowering African youth & businesses through innovation, entrepreneurship, and skill-building initiatives.

YORA Kenya, 2025 is a two-day conference taking place on October 2025.

Our Leading Voices

Peter Macon

American Actor

Peter Jerrod Macon is an American actor best known for his role as Lt. Commander Bortus in The Orville. Raised in Minneapolis, he studied at the San Francisco Art Institute and the Yale School of Drama. He has worked with a Shakespeare theater company and appeared in shows like Dexter and The Shield. Macon is also a voice actor and recently played “Raka” in Kingdom of the Apes.

Karl Burt

President - Sure Jets LLC

Karl Burt Sr. is a business professional with over twenty years of experience in Business Management, Consumer Mortgage Lending, and Banking/Finance. He created a successful Secured Credit Card Platform for a major online shopping network, targeting minority-owned stores in the US and Caribbean. Specializing in Strategic Planning and Risk Management, Karl has a strong track record of enhancing performance and profitability.

Joaquim Adriano

Board member - Orera Mining

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Samson Kibunja

Master Barista, Trainer, and Coffee Connoisseur

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Bayode Okusanya

CIO & Co-founder of eKNOX

BRENDA MBATHI

CEO Two Rivers International Finance & Innovation Centre

Brenda Mbathi is the CEO of Two Rivers International Finance & Innovation Centre (TRIFIC) SEZ, overseeing operations, financing, talent development, and brand building. Formerly President and CEO of GE East Africa, she led partnerships and digital transformation. With over 35 years of senior leadership experience, she excels in strategic management and corporate relations. Brenda is also Vice Chairperson of Kenya Private Sector Alliance (KEPSA) and a Board member at the MPESA Foundation Academy.

Howard Saddler

CEO and President of Caribbean Finder

Howard Saddler, CEO and President of Caribbean Finder, LLC, promotes Caribbean culture and global economic development with a focus on e-commerce. He is dedicated to cultural awareness and economic growth, advocating for diversity and inclusivity as a person of Caribbean descent. Through Caribbean Finder, LLC, he showcases the rich cultures of the Caribbean and supports education and empowerment initiatives in the Caribbean, Africa, and the USA. Howard’s efforts make him a valuable asset in today’s interconnected world.

Marcos R.G. Brandalise

Group C.E.O. BrazAfric Group of Companies

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Rossana Jeran

Founder & CEO of Hello Computers

Rossana Jeran is the Co-Founder and CEO of Hello Computer, Inc., a social purpose technology startup that has development an AI driven story engine to create and deliver dynamic, interactive content in 137 languages for ANY brand, program or franchise.

MICAH BALUCCI

Entrepreneur Leading Innovation at Abanaverse

Enthusiastic entrepreneur leading technical teams at Abanaverse, driving innovation to empower small businesses. Focused on implementing cutting-edge solutions and revolutionizing working and education systems for sustainable wealth in Africa and beyond. Abanaverse provides entrepreneurs with resources, networking, and AI tools to optimize ROI.

Michel Ussene

Chairman and CEO of Mitra Energy, Black Cheetah Group & Uxene Smart City.

Michel Ussene is a distinguished African business leader known for his work in tourism, manufacturing, and energy. He has promoted Mozambique as a tourism hub and now advances Africa’s energy and capital markets, including through the Uxene Smart City project. Awarded African Young Business Leader of the Year in 2023, his efforts drive significant economic and technological progress.

Jeri F. Muchura

Award Winning Photographer.

Jeri Muchura is an award-winning photographer specializing in luxury portraiture and documentary photography. She previously served as the Global Head of Programming at Photo Start, where she empowered youth through visual storytelling. As a speaker and educator, she uses visual storytelling to drive change and amplify voices, while developing programs to prepare youth for the digital age.

Dr. Robert W. Chiuri

Global Chair & CEO, One Voice Consortium

Robert W. Chiuri is Chairman of Global Standards Resources & Institute (USA) and a certified lead auditor for various global standards. He holds a doctorate in Business Administration from the University of Phoenix, an Executive Masters in International Business from St. Louis University, and an MBA in Entrepreneurship from the University of Nairobi. Chiuri specializes in corporate training, strategic management, and has published research on food safety auditing.

Dr. Marlene Forrest - street

Managing Director of Jamaica Stock Exchange (JSE).

Dr. Marlene Street Forrest is the Managing Director of the Jamaica Stock Exchange (JSE) and its subsidiaries. She has led significant initiatives including the JSE’s demutualization and the launch of new markets. An acclaimed speaker and award recipient, she was honored with the Order of Distinction (CD) and an Honorary Doctoral Degree in Public Policy from the University of the Commonwealth Caribbean in 2021.

Edwin Masivo

Country Director GEX Group

Edwin Masivo is an unwavering Afro-Optimist who is passionate about the growth,
development and opportunities in Africa. He has spent the last 15 years of his career
developing B2B & B2G platforms that link foreign business delegations to these
opportunities. Edwin’s vision is to unlock Africa’s true potential by accelerating regional
integration and catalyzing international trade, investment & tourism.

Lucille Rivin

Actor, Writer, Director, Restorative Practices facilitator, RJI board member.

Experienced Restorative Practices facilitator / trainer. Skilled in Acting, Writing, Directing, Editing, Facilitation, and Public Speaking. Completed Yale Drama School Summer Directors’ Institute. Strong community and social justice commitment.

Victor Mayeya Odwori

Cypace Marketing LLC

Experienced Executive Director with a demonstrated history of working in the public relations and communications industry. Skilled in Sales, Web Design, Corporate Communications, Management, and Marketing Strategy. Strong business development professional with a Master of Business Administration – MBA focused in Leadership and Sustainability from University of Cumbria.

Linda Ogallo

Climate Change Adaptation Expert

With over 15 years in international development, they specialize in helping African sectors adapt to climate risks through tailored information products. As chair of the Eisenhower Fellowship’s Kenyan Chapter, they lead efforts toward global peace and justice. Their Ph.D. in Climate Change and Adaptation underpins their commitment to enhancing the resilience of vulnerable communities.

Samwel Godphrey Ombogo

CEO MEDIA ONE LIMITED

Samwel is a seasoned media leader with over a decade of experience at Nation Media Group, The Standard Media Group, and Royal Media Services. As an accomplished finance expert, he excels in business re-engineering strategies. He holds a Bachelor of Commerce in Finance from Strathmore University and has completed advanced programs in enterprise development and public policy from Strathmore and John Hopkins University

Patricia Close

Executive Board Member, Abana International.

Walter

Financial Analyst

With extensive experience in auditing, financial controls, budgeting, accounting, and tax specialties, He brings on board a comprehensive understanding of the financial landscape and has the ability to navigate complex financial data and identify key insights that lead to informed decision-making as well as improved financial performance. Throughout his career, Walter has demonstrated strong leadership capabilities, motivating and managing high-performing teams to achieve exceptional results.

P. Mudamba Mudamba

Programs Director (Docubox)

Mudamba has for over 10years dedicated himself to the development and growth of great Screen Content, Impact & Creative Freedom. He is a member of Kenya’s CEWG – Creative Economy Working Group; which advocates for better legal and policy frameworks.

He is also a member of the East African Screen Collective that is covering interests of the wider Eastern on Africa film interests. He is an Executive Producer on several finished DOCUBOX documentary films – Great tools for IMPACT.

Rev. Godfrey O'Neale

Rev. Godfrey Leraul O’Neale, born in Barbados, embraced Christianity at a young age and served in various church leadership roles. He studied at local schools and pursued medical laboratory technology at Queen Elizabeth Hospital. Feeling called to ministry, he joined Hospital Christian Fellowship International. For over twelve years, he traveled to 50+ countries as a Regional Coordinator, recruiting and training leaders.

Mr. Peter Kegode

Trade Specialist and Special Advisor Abana International

Rev. Norris Henry

Evangelist

I founded Breaking Barriers Ministries International, expanding its global presence through social media platforms. While on a mission to India, I collaborated with the President of Global Missions Apostolic to help pioneer the Global Missions Apostolic Network, registering it in Maryland. We have since planted Schools of Ministry in nations such as Ghana, Zambia, Indonesia, and Papua New Guinea. Through these efforts, our ministries continue to expand internationally, reaching diverse communities.

Harun M Thiongo

CEO of Coffee Star

Wakio Mzenge

Voice Actor | Film and Theater Director

A versatile actor, director, and voice artist, known for her work in Kenyan film, theatre, and TV, including lead roles in County 49 and Crime and Justice. She founded Beyond The Mainstream Storytellers and leads the Pokeza Skills Program to train young actors. Wakio has won multiple awards, including at Cannes and Kalasha, and serves as an ambassador for the Kenya International Theatre Festival.

Catherine Nkirote

CEO Brand Ltd

Sarah Muthoni

Head of Clubs and Houses Systems

Agwingi Adingo

Actor/ Photographer / Narrator

Betty Bakari

Senior Environmentalist

Has a masters in environmental planning and management with over 9 years experience in climate change adaptation. Proven ability to assess vulnerability and risk associated with natural hazards and human induced threats on natural and managed human natural systems.

Caroline Ombwayo

Advocate

An advocate of 17 years post admission. Practices property law as well as commercial law. Passionate about justice, good governance, integrity and social economic rights.

Coming
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