Africa Soft Power Summit | 2025
The Africa Soft Power Summit is returning for its fourth consecutive year - bigger, bolder, and better!
From May 21st to 25th, 2025, the city of Nairobi, Kenya will host the premier event for Africa’s creative and tech industries and women’s leadership.
Building on the momentum of our previous summits, the 2025 edition promises to be our most impactful yet, convening visionaries, innovators, and leaders from across Africa and global diaspora communities.
As the “beating heart of East Africa”, Nairobi offers a unique blend of creativity, innovation, and influence—providing the perfect stage to explore the intersection of culture, creativity, commerce, innovation, and Africa’s global impact.
The overall programme – The Remarkable African Women’s Leadership Conference, The Creative & Innovative Industries Conference, and the ASP Gala & Awards – is designed to showcase cutting-edge African and diaspora creativity, and its commercial potential, while maximising interaction and future collaboration amongst individuals and organisations from different sectors.
The summit provides a tangible starting point for change, bringing key stakeholders from a range of industry backgrounds together under one roof to share ideas, opportunities, and strategies for success.
Why Attend
Explore
The vibrant intersection of Africa’s creative, tech, and cultural industries, and their growing influence on the global stage.
Connect
With trailblazers, visionaries, and changemakers from across the continent and the African diaspora, forging impactful partnerships and collaborations.
Discover
Innovative solutions and authentic African perspectives on pressing global issues, from climate change and AI to security and women’s leadership.
Celebrate
Africa’s creative and tech excellence as engines of economic growth and drivers of global narratives,
SPEAKERS

Hon. Naisula Lesuuda (OGW)
Member of Parliament, Samburu West, Kenya National Assembly

Aliya Shariff
Senior Director for Africa Catalytic Impact Fund, Mastercard Foundation

Philip Ikeazor
DG, Financial System Stability, Central Bank of Nigeria

Edwin Macharia
Co-Founder, Axum.Earth; Board Member, Mozilla Foundation

Gakii Mwongera
Mobile Financial Services Director, Ericsson

Dr. Seydina Moussa Ndiaye
President, Senegalese Association for Artificial Intelligence (ASIA); Member, UN High-Level Advisory Body on AI

Chi Ogbuehi
VP of Marketing Technology & Consumer Products, NFL

Temi Popoola
CEO, Nigerian Exchange Group

Kojo Boakye
Director, Public Policy, Africa, Middle East & Turkey, Facebook

Bernard Kinara
Kenya Country General Manager, Interswitch

Ngover Ihyembe-Nwankwo
Executive Director of Business Development, Nigeria Interbank Settlement System (NIBSS Plc)

Ota Akhigbe
Director, Partnerships and Programs, eHealth Africa

Kola Aina
Founding Partner, Ventures Platform

Muthoni Karubiu
Chief Operating Officer, Amini; Lorna Omondi, Partnerships Lead for Google Research Africa (ML/AI)

Lewam Kefela
Principal, Partech Africa

Lorna Omondi
Partnerships Lead for Google Research Africa (ML/AI)

Judy Kibinge
Founder & Creative Director, Docubox
SPEAKER FACULTY
A look at previous Africa Soft Power speakers

H.E. Nana Akufo-Addo
Fmr. President of Ghana

Clare Akamanzi
CEO, NBA Africa

H.E. Dr. Joyce Banda
Fmr. President of Malawi

H.E. Wamkele Mene
Secretary General, African Continental Free Trade Area

Prof. Benedict Oramah
President, African Export-Import Bank

Adefunke Adeyemi
Secretary General, African Civil Aviation Commission

Dean Garfield
VP, Public Policy, Netflix

Tunde Folawiyo
Chairman/CEO, Yinka Folawiyo Group

Chinelo Anohu
Head & Senior Director, Africa Investment Forum

Kenya Hunt
Editor-in-Chief, ELLE UK

Tsitsi Dangarembga
Award-winning Author & Filmmaker

Misan Harriman
Photographer & Filmmaker

Emeka Ofodile
Global Head, Sports Marketing, Apple

Jidenna Mobisson
Award-winning Musician & Producer

Roman Oben
Vice President of Football Development, NFL
HOW CAN YOU GET INVOLVED?
- Become a partner: Gain immersive understanding of Africa’s current business ecosystems, across different nations and in terms of how the continent interacts – and transacts – with the wider world. Tell your story along the way and connect with decision-makers, innovators, and change agents!
- Speak: We’re always seeking fresh voices and perspectives. Share your expertise, insights, and vision with an audience of global leaders and changemakers.
- Attend: Be more than an observer—become an active participant in the conversations reshaping Africa’s global influence.
For programming enquiries, email: michael@africasoftpower.com
FROM THE CONVENER
"At a time when the world faces growing challenges at macro level, spanning everything from climate change, to sustainability, AI, shifting socio-political landscapes and beyond, it is more important than ever before to showcase diverse perspectives and emerging solutions. Africa’s creative and tech sectors have already proven themselves to be a powerful engine for growth on the global stage, and African soft power can be a hugely influential force in driving positive change.
“This year’s move to Nairobi builds on the success of previous editions held in Kigali, Rwanda. The move to Nairobi is a strategic decision. Kigali was an exceptional host for three years, helping us build strong foundations. Nairobi provides an opportunity to tap into a broader regional ecosystem while reinforcing the pan-African vision at the heart of our mission”.Nkiru Balonwu, Founder, ASP Group
A LOOK AT WHAT CAME BEFORE
We’re proud to unveil the theme for the 2025 Africa Soft Power Summit:
Africa’s Growth Engine:
Aligning the Flow of Money, Innovation, and Global Opportunities
In a world where the geo-economic landscape is rapidly shifting, this year’s summit will spotlight Africa’s tech and creative industries as driving forces in global financial conversations. Discussions will center around four key content pillars, designed to inspire action and collaboration:

Capital currents
What direction is global economics flowing in today?

Redrawing borders
How are remittances, diaspora partnerships, and fintech innovations converging to drive sustainable development and build resilient economies in Africa?

Name and sustain
When going mainstream isn’t enough – How can we turn moments of African creative success into sustainable commercial models for growth?

Intelligent economics
How prepared are we for the growing role of AI in our business ecosystems? Can innovation, e-commerce, and regulatory care forge a triumvirate of success?
Programme
Wednesday, May 21st 2025
6:30pm
Arrival & Cocktails
Climate Change Photo Essay Exhibition
Location:
Tribal Gallery
Thursday, May 22nd, 2025 | Remarkable African Women’s Leadership Conference
Location: Hyatt Regency Hotel
8:15am-9:00am
Arrival, registration and networking
9:00am-9:05am

Nkiru Balonwu
Founder and Creative Director, Africa Soft Power Project

Hon. Naisula Lesuuda (OGW)
Member of Parliament, Samburu West, Kenya National Assembly
9:10am-10:10am
In a shifting global landscape, women’s leadership can’t rely on trends, and moments of global attention. Focus areas include systemic change in leadership structures, strategic resilience, and reframing value in environments where inclusion is no longer a primary focus.

Mary Mulili
MD/CEO, UBA Kenya

Wangari Muikia
Founder and Managing Director of Expertise Global

Nkiru Balonwu
Founder and Creative Director, Africa Soft Power Project

Banke Sotomi
Senior DEI Consultant, Delta Alpha Psi
10:05am-10:55am
From escalating trade tensions and the rise of economic nationalism, to AI transforming business models and political shifts reshaping policy environments, global disruptions are redefining how businesses grow and operate. While these changes present widespread challenges, they also open new pathways — especially for markets willing to adapt. This session explores where the real opportunities lie for women’s leadership and inclusive strategies in navigating change and driving sustainable, future-ready growth.

Lewam Kefela
Principal, Partech Africa

Bernard M. Kinara
Kenya Country General Manager, Interswitch

Rose Wachuka Macharia
Chief of Staff, Office of the Chief Justice

Lilian Odhiambo
Acting Country Managing Director, Access Bank Kenya

Edwin Macharia
Co-Founder, Axum.Earth; Board Member, Mozilla Foundation

Sophie Masipa
Co-Founder and CEO, MwunganoESG
11:00am-11:30am
Speed networking break: Have a cup of tea, connect with fellow attendees… explore the fashion showcase
11:35am-12:25pm
Africa’s booming beauty, wellness, and healthcare markets offer more than surface-level value. With women at the centre of both the demand and supply side, this session dives into how innovation, investment, and ethical considerations intersect in this multi-billion-dollar sector. From body image to biotech, we explore the opportunities — and responsibilities — shaping the modern female economy.

Waitherero Githu
Head of East Africa Operations

Ota Akhigbe
Director, Partnerships and Programs, eHealth Africa

Daisy Isiaho
Co-founder and Chief Product Officer at Zuri Health

Umuhany Zuhudi
Co-Founder & CIO of Daya Hub East Africa

Dr Silvia Okamgba
12:30pm-1:20pm
This session explores investment opportunities within the sports and entertainment ecosystems and the growing synergy between them. It will examine where these ecosystems intersect, how resilience is built, what infrastructure means within them, and how to create pathways that contribute meaningfully to Africa’s economic future.

Chi Ogbuehi
VP of Marketing Technology & Consumer Products, NFL

Joel Omotto
Senior Reporter (Sports), Pulse

Julio De Souza
Vice President, Venture Capital and Impact Finance, Stratlink

Celestine Karoney
Senior Journalist, Sports Africa at BBC News
1:20pm-1:25pm
Closing remarks
1:30pm-2:30pm
LUNCH
2:00pm
The ASP Fashion Showcase is a celebration of Africa’s creative excellence — a vibrant expression of the continent’s evolving design narrative. Curated by renowned Style Director, Connie Aluoch, this immersive experience highlights exceptional brands from across Africa, spanning womenswear, menswear, accessories, and leather goods. Expect standout pieces from Kenya, Rwanda, and Nigeria, each embodying the bold spirit and innovation of African fashion today.
6:30pm
Partner event hosted by BellaNaija & eHealth Africa
Explore how to leverage the power of New Media and Tech to transform youth health outcomes in Africa alongside Kenyan-based innovators, health experts, and digital leaders including: BlackRhino VR, Usiku Games, tiko, Reach Digital Health, AIfluence Inc., Shujaaz Inc and others!
Friday, May 23rd, 2025 | The Creative & Innovative Industries Conference
Location: Hyatt Regency Hotel
8:15am-9:00am
Arrival, registration and networking
9:00am-9:05am
Opening remarks
9:10am-10:10am
Infrastructure is innovation’s foundation. From payments systems to telecom partnerships, this session explores how public and private actors can build the systems that power financial inclusion. We’ll spotlight how fintech, AI, and cross-sector collaboration are expanding access and efficiency across Africa’s digital economy — and what gaps remain to be filled.

Philip Ikeazor
DG, Financial System Stability, Central Bank of Nigeria

Aliya Shariff
Senior Director for Africa Catalytic Impact Fund, Mastercard Foundation

Ashish Malhotra
Managing Director, Airtel Kenya

Ngover Ihyembe-Nwankwo
Executive Director of Business Development, Nigeria Interbank Settlement System (NIBSS Plc)

Mphokolo Makara
Head of Energy and Infrastructure, East Africa at Standard Bank Group

Micheline Ntiru
Venture Partner, Delta40 Venture Studios
10:15am–11:25am
Artificial Intelligence is reshaping industries, from banking and customer service, to agriculture and more. For African business owners, the rise of AI offers both opportunity and urgency: access to cost-saving tools, smarter data use, and entry into new markets. Discover how digital sovereignty, ethical AI, and data governance affect business risk, customer trust, and market access.

Dr. Seydina Moussa Ndiaye
President, Senegalese Association for Artificial Intelligence (ASIA); Member, UN High-Level Advisory Body on AI

Muthoni Karubiu
Chief Operating Officer, Amini; Lorna Omondi, Partnerships Lead for Google Research Africa (ML/AI)

Lorna Omondi
Partnerships Lead for Google Research Africa (ML/AI)

Kojo Boakye
Director, Public Policy, Africa, Middle East & Turkey, Facebook

Oluwatobi Olanihun
Founder, The Experience Plug Systems (TEPS)
11:30am-12:00pm
Speed networking break: Have a cup of tea, connect with fellow attendees… explore the fashion showcase
10:15am–11:25am
Remittances are evolving from social lifelines into launchpads for broader development. This session explores how diaspora remittances can be a bridge to bigger opportunities in Africa – spurring investment, trade, and even infrastructure projects – all while strengthening cultural and creative ties.

Temi Popoola
CEO, Nigerian Exchange Group

Gakii Mwongera
Mobile Financial Services Director, Ericsson

Andrew Kabeke Mutha
CEO of Safaricom Money Transfer Ltd

James Irungu Mwangi
Co-founder, Dalberg; Founder and CEO, Africa Climate Ventures

Emmanuel Effiong
Policy and Government Relations Lead, ACIOE Associates
1:20pm–2:15pm
Film is soft power — and big business. This session explores how Africa’s film sector can grow into a truly bankable industry, from sustainable financing and private sector partnerships to global distribution deals. We’ll discuss how to define commercial viability on African terms while still speaking to the global market.

Kola Aina
Founding Partner, Ventures Platform

Judy Kibinge
Founder & Creative Director, Docubox

Sheba Nyathama Hirst
Festival Director, NBO Film Festival

Michael Strano
Founding Chair of Partners Against Piracy Association of Kenya

Njoki Muhoho
Founder and Executive Producer of Zebra Productions
2:15pm-2:20pm
Closing remarks
2:20pm-3:20pm
LUNCH
2:00pm
The ASP Fashion Showcase is a celebration of Africa’s creative excellence — a vibrant expression of the continent’s evolving design narrative. Curated by renowned Style Director, Connie Aluoch, this immersive experience highlights exceptional brands from across Africa, spanning womenswear, menswear, accessories, and leather goods. Expect standout pieces from Kenya, Rwanda, and Nigeria, each embodying the bold spirit and innovation of African fashion today.
7:00pm
The Africa Soft Power Gala & Awards | JW Marriott Hotel Nairobi
Location:
JW Marriott Hotel Nairobi
Saturday
May 24th, 2025
Explore Nairobi (City tours & excursions)
Sunday
May 25th, 2025
Explore Nairobi (City tours & excursions)

Building on the momentum of our previous summits, the 2025 edition promises to be our most impactful yet, convening visionaries, innovators, and leaders from across Africa and global diaspora communities.
The Remarkable African Women’s Leadership Conference
The RAW Conference holds the distinction of being the continent’s first gathering focused on African women’s leadership – and its vital role in addressing the intersectional issues of our time. Powered by African Women on Board, the event presents a novel perspective on gender discourse – advancing the visibility and perspectives of African women in global discourse and highlighting male-driven insights towards gender equality at large.
Creative & Innovative Industries Conference (CII)
A convening of leading businesses and individual voices from around the world, focusing on the symbiotic relationship between creative endeavour and commercial viability, and the role that the private sector can play in shaping the digital, creative, and knowledge economies of the future.
The Africa Soft Power Gala:
Experience the vibrant pulse of African creativity live at the ASP Gala! This dynamic event brings the latest in African art, fashion, film, entertainment, media, and tech to centerstage, breathing life into the themes explored in the RAW and CII conferences.
Join us for an evening of thought leadership and networking, uniting pioneers and visionaries from diverse sectors in a powerful showcase of true African ingenuity, and meaningful connections!
RAW & CII conferences will be hosted at the 5-star Hyatt Regency Westlands Hotel in Nairobi, Kenya.

HELLO NAIROBI, HELLO KENYA!
Nairobi is the capital and largest city of Kenya. The name is derived from the Maasai phrase Enkare Nairobi, which translates to ‘place of cool waters’, a reference to the Nairobi River which flows through the city. It is situated at in South-Central Kenya, 140 Kilometers (87 miles) south of the Equator. It is surrounded by 113 km² (70 mi²) of plains, cliffs and forest that makes up the city’s Nairobi National Park. It is adjacent to the eastern edge of the Rift Valley, and to the west of the city, are The Ngong Hills. Mount Kenya is situated north of Nairobi, and Mount Kilimanjaro is towards the south-east.
It is the most populous city in East Africa, with a current estimated population of about 3.5 million. This makes it the 14th largest city in Africa.
PLAN YOUR TRIP
Whether this is your first summit, your first time in Nairobi, or you’re a returning attendee, we’re here to support you throughout your trip.
Download our travel advisory to learn more about accommodation options, visa requirements, ground transportation, currency exchange and more.
Visionary Partners




Strategic Partners






Media Partners





Join us as partners
Gain an immersive understanding of Africa’s current business ecosystems, across different nations and in terms of how the continent interacts – and transacts – with the wider world. Tell your story along the way and connect with decision-makers, innovators, and change agents!
Get in touch with us: cynthia@africasoftpower.com

Explore our 2025 partnership deck to discover the exciting sponsorship opportunities awaiting you at this year’s summit. Custom activations can be developed to align with specific organizational goals, maximizing visibility, thought leadership, and value.
Considering sponsoring in the future? Delegate passes for groups of 3-5 offer a valuable way to experience the summit firsthand. Your team can network, learn, and explore future sponsorship opportunities. Organizations purchasing 5+ passes will be recognized as “Participating Organizations” on event materials.
You can purchase delegate passes at https://bit.ly/ASPSUMMIT25 or contact the ASP team at asp@theafricasoftpowerproject.com for more information.