Meet the speakers
Global leaders shaping international business and investment across Africa at GABS 2026
Bettina Stark-Watzinger
Deputy Chair · Friedrich Naumann Foundation (FNF)
Germany
Carsten Ehlers
Director East Africa · Germany Trade & Invest (GTAI)
Kenya
Christian Ruckteschler
Chief Operating Officer · AmaliTech
Germany
Cynthia E. Gnassingbe-Essonam
Director of Private Sector Engagement and Communications · The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat
Ghana
Edwin Schuh
Director West Africa · Germany Trade & Invest (GTAI)
Ghana
Freda Yawson
Senior Manager · African Centre for Economic Transformation (ACET)
Ghana
Jenny Tala
Director for Southern Africa · Germany Trade & Invest (GTAI)
South Africa
Martina Vollmer
AI Cybersecurity Strategy Lead · Siemens
Germany
Prof. Brando Okolo
Head of Science Technology and Innovation · African Union Development Agency-NEPAD
South Africa
Prof. Dr. Hubertus Bardt
Managing Director · German Economic Institute, IW
Germany
Samuel Opoku
COO & Co-Founder · Kutana Pay
Germany
Sheila Khama
Non-Executive Director · FTSE, Nasdaq, Saudi Stock Exchange and AXS listed companies
Botswana
Thelma Quaye
Chief Digital Infrastructure, Skills and Empowerment Officer · Smart Africa
Ghana
Tobias Maier
CEO · DHL Global Forwarding Middle East & Africa
United Arab Emirates
Wolfgang Niedermark
Member of the Board · Federation of German Industries (BDI)
Germany