Jeff Gable Chief Economist at Absa Group Jeff Gable Chief Economist at Absa Group Website Jeff Gable is a Managing Principal, Head of FIC Research and Chief Economist for Absa Group. His research teams cover fundamental macroeconomic and market strategy research on South African and across numerous Sub Saharan markets. Jeff joined the South African business from Barclays in late 2006 as part of the build out of the investment bank. In his 25 years as a professional economist Jeff’s career also spans Deutsche Bank in London, the International Monetary Fund in Washington DC, and the Canadian central bank. Jeff studied Economics at the University of Western Ontario and Queen’s University, Canada.
Abdi Mohamed CEO & Managing Director of Absa Bank Kenya PLC
Abdi Mohamed CEO & Managing Director of Absa Bank Kenya PLC An accomplished leader and senior executive in banking with over 15 years' experience in senior leadership in the industry. Experience in various African markets and Europe. Currently the CEO of Absa Bank Tanzania and just concluded a successful program to rebrand the organization from Barclays to Absa.
Mncedisi Dumse Senior Vice President: Real Estate Finance (Africa Regions) at Standard Bank Group
Mncedisi Dumse Senior Vice President: Real Estate Finance (Africa Regions) at Standard Bank Group Property Finance: I have been working in the Property Finance industry from 2012. I have been exposed to funding opportunities across various sectors (industrial, retail, residential and offices) and geograhic locations (North West, Limpopo, Mpumalanga and Gauteng in South Africa. Cross border includes Kenya, Ghana, Mozambique and Zambia).
Samuel Karuiki CEO of Mi Vida Homes Samuel Karuiki CEO of Mi Vida Homes Website A senior Business, Finance and Investment Executive, with over 16 years of experience in Corporate
Ann Mugweru Executive VP Real Estate and Diversified Industries at Stanbic Bank Kenya
Ann Mugweru Executive VP Real Estate and Diversified Industries at Stanbic Bank Kenya Seasoned Corporate & Investment Banker with 15 years experience in Banking Industry in Kenya and South Africa. Served in various capacities including corporate analyst, corporate relationship manager, client coverage manager and most recently as a Sector head within Corporate & Investment Banking. During this period I have gained sector specialization from a banking perspective in multiple economic sectors including Real Estate, Industrial corporates, Consumer sector, Telecoms & Media sectors. I’m passionate about connecting and building strategic business partnerships; finding innovative & sustainable corporate financial solutions. My key strengths being strategic forward-thinking, reliable business insights, effective and eloquent communication, Leadership skills & driving desired results through teamwork. I aspire to continue rising to be a prolific financial advisor, giving back to our country by contributing viable solutions to financial challenges in our economy.
Wayne Godwin CEO of JLL Africa Wayne Godwin CEO of JLL Africa Website Promoting investment into the right buildings, that in turn invest in people, is the impact I want to leave. I’m very privileged to lead JLL’s business in Africa, a collection of some of the fastest-growing collections of urban centres in the world. I am privileged to also lead JLL’s Hotels & Hospitality Group in Africa, the largest and most successful hotel advisor and broker in Africa, with a team of investment sales and advisory specialists helping solve problems, create value and bring greater transparency to hospitality and real estate on the continent. JLL’s Hotels & Hospitality Group has transacted on over USD 1.0 billion in hospitality assets in Africa.
Kenneth Mbae Managing Director of Centum Real Estate Kenneth Mbae Managing Director of Centum Real Estate Website Kenneth joined Centum in 2010 as an intern in the real estate team and has grown to his current position though delivery of various projects including leading the setup of Pearl Marina (UG), establishing the estate and mall management business within Two Rivers Development, setting up Vipingo Development from value creations all the way to ground breaking. He also served as the Ag. Deputy Managing Director of Athena Properties.
Peter Stokes Partner at dhk Architects
Peter Stokes Partner at dhk Architects Peter has over three decades of experience in the architectural and urban design realm and an extensive track record working with both public and private sector clients in the design and delivery of small- to large-scale projects, accepting full responsibility for maintaining the highest professional and technical standards across all sectors. Peter joined dhk in 2008, where he is a Partner. Peter is familiar with all aspects of sustainable development, from the design of individual buildings to master planning and green infrastructure. In this area his work over the course of his career has included the design of numerous low-energy award winning buildings and involved the use of the latest low-energy and renewable technologies, such as GSHP, CHP, solar water and photovoltaics. This considerable experience in pioneering energy-conscious design work has proved most valuable in the delivery of sustainable developments and working towards innovative zero carbon solutions. Peter has particular experience in the adaptive reuse of historic structures, commercial office space, retail, mixed-use and mixed-tenure residential neighbourhoods and resorts and hospitality. Peter leads the sustainability, IT, AI and BIM initiatives at dhk, ensuring that the company stays at the cutting edge of technology in South Africa.
Sakina Hassanali Co-CEO & Creative Director of HassConsult Real Estate
Lucy Githinji Head of Corporate Solutions: East Africa Hub at JLL Lucy Githinji Head of Corporate Solutions: East Africa Hub at JLL Website Lucy joined the JLL team in Nairobi in 2015 and was instrumental in setting up the Corporate Solutions business. Her role has changed over the years and she currently supports the the team as an Affiliate Partner. Lucy provides her local market knowledge and network, leveraging the JLL global expertise and network to deliver best in class real estate solutions to corporates across East Africa. Lucy is passionate about the opportunities our global best practice brings to the corporate real estate function and its impact on business performance. Lucy has over twenty-five years of experience in real estate, with multifaceted exposure to portfolio management, lease acquisitions, property sales and acquisitions. Lucy’s involvement in a variety of real estate functions has built solid expertise in supporting clients and projects in the financial services sector, technology, pharmaceuticals and business services sectors. Prior to joining JLL, Lucy was Head of Corporate Solutions for Standard Chartered Bank Kenya Limited and had oversight over East Africa.
Grant Kirchmann Senior Director, Leasing Advisory of JLL
Grant Kirchmann Senior Director, Leasing Advisory of JLL Grant brings 27 years of experience within the South African Real Estate market. Grant leverages his expertise and wealth of knowledge to expertly handle end-to-end transactions and drive win-win outcomes. He possess a deep understanding of deal structures, financial analysis, and the ability to negotiate favourable terms and conditions. With a proven track record of developing and maintaining long-term relationships with clients, he is able to understand client’s unique business objectives, operational needs, growth strategies, anticipate needs, and deliver tailored solutions that achieve desired outcomes. Grant manages many global and local client accounts ensuring all leases are sustainable and that real estate costs are optimized.
Anne Rinu Cluster Head: Corporate Real Estate Service at Standard Chartered Bank
Anne Rinu Cluster Head: Corporate Real Estate Service at Standard Chartered Bank Anne Rinu is the Cluster Head of Corporate Real Estate Services at Standard Chartered Bank (SCB) West Africa; a seasoned Chartered Surveyor (MRICS) and Board member CoreNet Global (SSANG), with 37 years’ track record in global business development: notable success in creating starter organizations, developing and executing transformational strategies; human capital growth, supply partnership outsourcing contract management and completion of visionary projects in collaboration with subject matter experts. At SCB, Anne provides authentic leadership; delivering an integrated plan across 6 countries, driving Fit For Growth transformation change with Corporate and Retail businesses. She has effectively balanced strategy, governance and stakeholder management, financial performance, people and talent, risk/crisis management and business compliance and conduct. Her deep knowledge combined with astute technical competence and strong global client network drives continued success.
Asef Ahmed Director of Turner & Townsend
Asef Ahmed Director of Turner & Townsend I am a director in Turner & Townsend's East Africa business. Prior to that I led in the UK the Midlands region Programme Advisory team... developing propositions and winning new business (with diverse clients such as OFWAT, Neos Networks, OFGEM and Digital Catapult); plus I delivered operational assignments (clients included EE, Network Rail, Welsh Water, Transport for London, and the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport). Before Turner & Townsend I was with British Telecom (BT) and Openreach: I designed and delivered outsourcing projects; managed regulatory driven changes; and delivered multi-million pound cost efficiency programmes. Before BT I worked for Thames Water International and for PA Consulting. At PA I specialised in transformation projects, including setting up of shared services and reward transformation. At Thames I worked on projects to set up new business units and operations in a variety of countries. I hold formal business qualifications (practitioner in MSP; SAFe agile practitioner) and also have an MBA from the University of Reading. In addition I speak fluent Turkish and French and conversational Bengali.
Lenore Cairncross EDGE Program Lead: Africa at IFC
Lenore Cairncross EDGE Program Lead: Africa at IFC Program Leadership & Strategy: Spearheaded the growth of IFC’s EDGE green building certification program across Africa, resulting in 13% market penetration of new builds in South Africa in 2022, from zero in 2017. Successfully scaled the EDGE certification to become the leading green building standard across Africa by volume. Stakeholder & Donor Engagement: Managed multi-stakeholder relationships with donor partners such as the UK Government, SECO, financial institutions, certifiers, professional organisations and developers across seven African countries. Technical Advisory to Financial Institutions to support the creation of green financial products integrating green building certification. Advisory Support to Developers: Worked with developers to create green assets benefiting from green financial products, such as green bonds and sustainability-linked loans. Training & Capacity Building: Delivered training to local government officials and stakeholders to enhance technical capacity around green buildings, facilitating the integration of sustainable building practices into government programs.
Michael Aldridge CEO of KOFISI Africa Michael Aldridge CEO of KOFISI Africa Website Michael is a successful entrepreneur with over 15 years business experience in multiple sectors, including business services and retail. He is also committed to creating wider social impact in education through innovation in finance. Michael cofounded KOFISI, the leading provider of flexible workspace, fit out and facilities management in Africa. Responding to client demand and the market opportunity, KOFISI, set a goal of being Africa’s top provider of inspirational workspaces. KOFISI and Sunbird operate in over six African countries including Kenya, Tanzania, South Africa, and Nigeria. KOFISI has office centres in Nigeria, Kenya, Tanzania, and South Africa.
Julians Amboko Host at Business Redefined & CFO Chat
Julians Amboko Host at Business Redefined & CFO Chat Julians Amboko is a Research Analyst with StratLink Africa Ltd, a Nairobi-based financial advisory firm focusing on emerging and frontier markets. He covers macroeconomic research and analysis for Sub-Saharan Africa, including markets such as Nigeria, Kenya, Ethiopia, Ghana, and Angola.
Njambi Macharia Green Buildings Country Lead-Kenya at IFC
Njambi Macharia Green Buildings Country Lead-Kenya at IFC As a Senior Project Manager, my focus has been on delivering excellence in greenfield production facilities and high-end residential projects. My tenure in the construction industry has been marked by rigorous program leadership, adept project coordination, and a steadfast commitment to manufacturing process improvement. Leading teams to assess client needs and specifications, I have ensured total customer satisfaction by staying true to design documentation, planning approvals, and efficient contract management. With my APM certification and expertise in green buildings, I have leveraged my technical knowledge to optimize construction practices for efficient project delivery. My recent work has involved a deep dive into the complexities of construction drawings and specifications, which has enabled me to execute plans effectively. My mission is to continue contributing to sustainable development and mentorship programs, aiming to provide innovative energy solutions where they are most needed.
Shiv Arora Chief Executive Officer at Superior Homes Kenya
Shiv Arora Chief Executive Officer at Superior Homes Kenya Shiv is the Chief Executive Officer at Superior Homes Kenya (PLC), East Africa’s leading residential master-planned real estate developer with over 10 years’ experience in the real estate and investment industry. His work experience spans across the real estate development and financial services sectors respectively, in Investment Banking, Global Wealth Management, and Fund Management, gained with Citibank, Merrill Lynch Wealth Management, Britam Asset Managers, Cytonn Investments, and Superior Homes Kenya, respectively. Key focus areas include (i) Mergers & Acquisitions, private market transactions, and deal structuring, (ii) real estate investment and development, and (iii) investment analysis and fund management.
Heri Bomani Managing Director of Pangani Group Heri Bomani Managing Director of Pangani Group Website Entrepreneur with interests in Financial Services, Property, and Investments. Extensive Banking / Financial Services and Real Estate experience in East Africa and Zambia. Seasoned Governance & Director experience with extended links to the NGO sector via past and current directorships at the Foundation for Civil Society, and TMARC. Music Philanthropist with a passion for Entertainment & the Arts.
Donald Borthwick Managing Director: Industrial Structure & Kenya of GRIT Donald Borthwick Managing Director: Industrial Structure & Kenya of GRIT Website A seasoned industry player, Donald has been involved in property development and investment for three decades! His early career was in international corporate finance in London and Paris, before heading up the Africa division of New London plc, an oil services company, gaining extensive continental experience in West and Northern Africa. At New London he performed corporate finance functions and negotiated joint ventures internationally.
Beatrice Chege Head of Mortgages at Absa Kenya
Beatrice Chege Head of Mortgages at Absa Kenya Beatrice is a seasoned professional with over two decades of distinguished experience in the banking sector. She is currently the Head of Mortgage business at ABSA Bank Kenya. Her extensive background includes; strategic leadership across sales, marketing, bank operations, credit structuring, real estate development financing and mortgage finance. In her current role, she is responsible for creating, developing and driving home ownership financing solutions which are dreams, long-term investments, places of security today and a store of value for tomorrow for desiring home owners.
Asbury Maruza Chikwanha Founder & Managing Director of Ivhu Logistics Real Estate Asbury Maruza Chikwanha Founder & Managing Director of Ivhu Logistics Real Estate Website Asbury Maruza Chikwanha is a Zimbabwean-Australian Industrial real estate developer based in Nairobi Kenya. He sits on the REITS Association of Kenya, REITS Issuance Committee. With over 25 years’ emerging and developed markets experience, he holds a B.App.Sc (Construction Management) from RMIT University and was responsible for delivering 74% of Nairobi’s Grade A industrial stock during his time as Development Director at ALP. He also led the development of Africa’s first Industrial park to earn IFC EDGE Advanced certification and is now Founder & MD of Ivhu Logistics Real Estate, a pure-play Industrial platform focused on building green, institutional-grade logistics parks and supply chain infrastructure across the COMESA trade bloc.
Veerha Bhogun Head: Business Development at Rogers Capital
Veerha Bhogun Head: Business Development at Rogers Capital Veerha is currently Head in the Business Development at Rogers Capital Corporate Services since January 2024. She currently lives in Mauritius after having spent 13 years in London and 7 years in Sydney. She is a qualified Chartered and Certified Accountant from London in December 1999, and is also a full member of the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP) in April 2023 (FCCA,
Andrew Barden CEO of The Kenyan Wall Street
Andrew Barden CEO of The Kenyan Wall Street Andrew is an industry-leading media and corporate events specialist. Andrew is a Co-Founder of the Wall Street Africa Group and CEO of The Kenyan Wall Street - the fastest growing digital business & finance media company in Kenya. As a content-focused professional, Andrew has played a pivotal role in the launch and growth of several major email newsletters: including the Africa's Weekly Fintech Review which has a reach of over 35,000+ industry professionals and The Weekly Brief by The Kenyan Wall Street which despite only being launched in October 2023, has welcomed over 29,000+ subscribers.
Jidy Chitta Special Projects Associate at Charter Cities Institute
Jidy Chitta Special Projects Associate at Charter Cities Institute Jidy Chitta is a Special Projects Associate at the Charter Cities Institute. His primary role at CCI is developing new city projects in Zanzibar, where he currently lives. Previously, Jidy was the Chief of Staff to the CEO at Braavos Cities, a charter city search fund which explored projects in Africa, Latina America and the Caribbean. Before entering the charter city space, he worked as a VC and private equity analyst at SageLink Capital and Kickstart Seed Fund. He studied economics, business and international development at Brigham Young University.
Craig Clulow CEO of Kigali Innovation City
Craig Clulow CEO of Kigali Innovation City Extensive property development and asset management experience, with some of the world’s leading property companies/institutions across all sectors of real estate, including, luxury hotels, retail, commercial office, residential, serviced apartments, warehousing, and infrastructure (ports, utilities, rail, roads). Experience enables Craig to manage the key components of development and asset management of all real estate projects, including business case development, budget forecasting, financial application, design management, project management and overall departmental management.
Osvaldo Coelho Business Development Manager at Senmarch Energy Ltd
Osvaldo Coelho Business Development Manager at Senmarch Energy Ltd Osvaldo Coelho is a Kenya-based digital infrastructure Expert with 20 years plus experience in senior management and business development roles in Datacentres | Connectivity | Fiber Networks | Energy Solutions
Mark Dunford CEO of Knight Frank Kenya Mark Dunford CEO of Knight Frank Kenya Website I currently have the privilege and responsibility of overseeing Knight Frank’s business in Kenya. Knight Frank LLP is the leading independent global property consultancy, serving as our clients’ partners in property for over 125 years. Headquartered in London, Knight Frank has more than 20,000 people operating from 488 offices across 57 territories. Recruiting and retaining exceptional people is key to Knight Frank’s continued success. As such, I get the pleasure to work with a dynamic and canny group of colleagues out of our base in Nairobi, the commercial capital of East Africa. Most of my career has been spent providing advice and building businesses across multiple global markets. As a result, I have strong knowledge of international corporate growth and commercial real estate. Given my studies at the Ecole hôtelière de Lausanne, I began my journey in the hotel yield management space before growing into a hospitality development specialist and then transitioning into more generic leadership. I am a firm believer that real estate has a vital role to play in a global future that is socially and environmentally conscientious, responsible and sustainable.
Hooman Ehsani CEO of Century City Property Hooman Ehsani CEO of Century City Property Website Hooman Ehsani is the Director of New Developments for Greenhills Investments the developer of Tribe, a luxury 5-star boutique hotel, that has won numerous global awards including being named “one of the Top 100 hotels in the World” The Village Market mall and newly opened Trademark Hotel. Hooman is also the CEO of Century City Property with interests in residential and retail development, property brokerage services and consultancy. Century City recently won the International Property Award for the Best International Residential Development for their Palm Valley development in Nairobi. He is a graduate of Tufts University in Boston, where he majored in Economics and International Relations.
Ian Gaitta Partner at ALN Kenya
Ian Gaitta Partner at ALN Kenya Ian is a Partner at ALN Kenya | Anjarwalla & Khanna and a member of the firm’s projects and infrastructure practice group. Ian’s practice involves advising project developers, sponsors and investors on structuring and execution of infrastructure projects and infrastructure-related investment and divestment transactions across various sectors including power generation, roads, ports, water supply, waste management, oil and gas, and telecoms infrastructure projects. Ian is also part of the team leading the firm’s advocacy and advisory efforts in the emerging climate change and sustainability space. He has also conducted training seminars on PPPs and energy and infrastructure projects for international developers, financiers and public sector officials in the region, and has contributed to PPP and project finance publications and trainings by the African Legal Support Facility, a capacity building institution hosted by the African Development Bank. He has also contributed to infrastructure PPP trainings by the Trade and Development Bank (TDB) and USAID.
Raghav Gandhi CEO of ALP Raghav is an experienced real-estate professional with a proven track record of delivering results globally across asset classes. He has jointly led the growth of a major commercial real estate start-up venture in India and headed the development of projects across the MENA region for a major real estate developer in Kuwait, where he was also responsible for optimising returns from a number of underperforming investments. He subsequently established his own consulting practice, which advised GCC families and corporates on real estate transactions and projects in the UK and the Middle East.
Eleni Georgopoulou Founder & CEO of YourHost
Eleni Georgopoulou Founder & CEO of YourHost With over six years of experience as the founder and CEO of YourHost, I lead East Africa's premier property management company that operates in the short-term rental industry. YourHost helps property investors and developers in the African continent generate the highest possible yield for their assets in a smart and effortless way. At YourHost, we are committed in unlocking property's value by using sustainable design practices, hospitality practices and cutting-edge technology. As an individual and leader, I am passionate about hospitality values, tech innovation, and impactful design practices. I leverage my skills in customer relationship management, team leadership, and public relations to deliver innovative tech solutions and out-of-the-box design practices. My goal is to create a community where all three pillars are accessible to everyone, anywhere. Therefore, this is the mission of YourHost; to disrupt Africa's existing real estate landscape towards a greener, impactful, and well-balanced future.
Robert Gichohi Country Director of Turner & Townsend
Robert Gichohi Country Director of Turner & Townsend At the helm of Turner & Townsend’s operations in Kenya, my leadership has been pivotal in scaling multiple business units and spearheading the real estate sector’s growth. With a strong emphasis on project and cost management, I've successfully led our team to deliver exceptional advisory services, ensuring robust business management and strategic project planning. My tenure as Country Director and Head of Real Estate in Kenya is marked by a commitment to fostering sustainable development and implementing effective risk management strategies. The ability to drive value engineering and contract administration, complemented by certified executive leadership coaching, has established me as a key influencer in Kenya's construction and infrastructure sectors.
Gikonyo Gitonga Managing Director of Axis Real Estate Limited Gikonyo Gitonga Managing Director of Axis Real Estate Limited Website A highly experienced and qualified Real Estate Professional Services expert. Holder of a MSc (Econ) in Urban Development Planning from the University of London and BA (Land Economics) from the University of Nairobi. A full member of The Institution of Surveyors of Kenya (Valuation & Estate Agents Chapter). Registered Estate Agent.
Hubert Golay Vice President: Transactions & Advisory at HTI Consulting
Hubert Golay Vice President: Transactions & Advisory at HTI Consulting 12+ years experience in the hospitality business in both operations and consulting capacities. Over ten years experience with HTI in providing Advisory and Transaction assistance to both institutional and private investors across all major real estate asset classes. Strong focus on Africa and the Indian Ocean.
Dominic Grammaticas Managing Director of Governors’ Balloon Safaris
Dominic Grammaticas Managing Director of Governors’ Balloon Safaris Dominic Grammaticas is a 26 year veteran of the Safari industry in Kenya. He believes he may be the only person who is both a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales and a member of the Kenya Professional Safari Guides Association. His experience within the Safari industry included 15 years as MD of the Governors Camp Collection, one of Kenya's best known Safari brands. He has developed properties in Kenya and Rwanda and has experience building allied supporting businesses in tour operation, fixed wing aviation and hot air ballooning. He is also a founder member of the Mara Ecosystem Investors association and is active in conservation and community development initiatives in various parts of Kenya. He has recently completed an executive training programme in Sustainability and the Circular Economy at the Judge Business School, Cambridge.
Charles Haba Managing Director of Century Real Estate Charles Haba Managing Director of Century Real Estate Website Charles read law at the University of Rwanda and has more than 20 years’ experience in Real Estate and Housing Finance in both the public and private sector.
Bani Hadad Managing Director of Aleph Hospitality
Bani Hadad Managing Director of Aleph Hospitality In 2015 Bani Haddad founded Aleph Hospitality to provide hotel owners in the Middle East and Africa with a customised, results-driven alternative to traditional hotel management models. Bani has 30 years’ experience in the hospitality industry whereof 19 years have been focused on the Middle East and Africa. Consistently ranked as one of the most powerful hoteliers in the Middle East, Bani won “Business Leader of the Year” in the 2022 MEED SME Awards, and in 2023 and 2024, Bani made it onto the prestigious Forbes Middle East list of Top 100 Travel & Tourism Leaders.
Anthony Havelock Managing Director of Havelock Real Estate Partners
Jason Horsey Executive Director of Unity Homes Jason Horsey Executive Director of Unity Homes Website Jason is the Executive Director at Unity Homes. Unity Homes is a vertically integrated real estate development company with almost 2,000 apartments under project at Tatu City, as well as in Nigeria through a sister company. Prior to Unity Homes Jason worked at Civicon, a regional construction company, from 2005 until 2017, where he went from Construction Manager in Uganda to eventually the Group CEO. Whilst at Civicon he was very involved in the nascent Oil and Gas industry and gained extensive experience in the region delivering projects in Uganda, South Sudan, DR Congo and Kenya. In 2018 he took up an executive role at Unity Homes, where he was already a director and shareholder, and together with the executive team is responsible for implementing the corporate strategy. Jason holds an Oil & Gas MBA from Middlesex University.
Thomas Kabaki CEO of Private Wealth Capital Limited
Thomas Kabaki CEO of Private Wealth Capital Limited He is the Chief Executive Officer of Private Wealth Capital Limited. He has a wealth of knowledge in Corporate Finance Advisory, Real Estate, Fixed Income and Private Equity Mr. Kabaki was the Executive Director of Dyer & Blair Investment Bank Ltd, the leading Investment Bank in the Region, till April 2011. Mr. Kabaki has worked in the Capital Markets performing various roles for over 30 years. He developed extensive expertise in Bond Trading as Head of Fixed Income at Dyer & Blair and later on moved on to become the Head of Investment Banking originating and managing major capital market transactions successfully. He has developed substantial experience and network over the years. He has successfully led major Capital Markets transactions across East Africa and has established an excellent track record. Mr. Kabaki has a B.A.(Hons) Economics degree from Panjab University, India and an MBA from University of Buckingham, U.K. Kabaki is an avid amateur marathon runner who participates in major international marathons across the world
Donald Kairuki Investment Manager at Norfund
Donald Kairuki Investment Manager at Norfund Donald Muchiri Kariuki is an experienced Investment Manager at Norfund, specializing in deploying investment capital across Sub-Saharan Africa, with a focus on agribusiness and manufacturing. With over 10 years of experience, Donald works closely with portfolio companies to help senior management achieve their strategic, operational, and impact objectives. Before joining Norfund, Donald worked at Centum Investment Company and the International Monetary Fund (IMF). He holds a Master’s in Finance from BI Norwegian Business School and a Bachelor of Business Science in Financial Economics from Strathmore University.
Charles Kanungi Property Services Manager at Britam Asset Managers Charles Kanungi Property Services Manager at Britam Asset Managers Website Charles is a dynamic real estate investment professional specializing in deal origination, investment screening, capital structuring, fund raising and real estate asset management with over 7 years’ managerial experience. He is the Head: Property Asset Management at Britam Asset Managers (K) Ltd where he heads the real estate services division that incorporates the real estate investment advisory, property asset management as well as facilities and project management. He has particularly undertaken investment advisory assignments for Pension Schemes in relation to structuring tenant purchase schemes (TPS), joint ventures (JVs), resettlement action plans (RAP), forward leases, debt swaps among others. He is a registered valuer with the VRB, registered estate agent with the EARB and is a full member of the ISK where he served as a member of the special committee that developed the ISK Valuation Standards 2021. He holds a MSc Real Estate Investment Finance from Oxford Brookes University and a Bachelor of Land Economics from the University of Nairobi amongst other investment certification courses.
Alex Kanyi Partner-Kenya at CDH Legal
Alex Kanyi Partner-Kenya at CDH Legal Alex Kanyi is a Partner in our Tax & Exchange Control, Dispute Resolution, and Corporate & Commercial practice areas. Alex has worked in Kenya and Ireland for clients with operations in Europe, Asia and Africa. He has extensive experience in tax structuring, tax dispute resolution, international tax advisory, risk management, restructuring, legal audits, legal due diligence, company secretarial, acquisitions, corporate governance and regulatory compliance.
Paul Kavuma CEO & Founder of Construkt Africa LLC
Paul Kavuma CEO & Founder of Construkt Africa LLC Paul has c.30 years of management consulting, entrepreneurial, investment banking, private
Khalil Ketari Senior Consultant: Asset Management at Kasada Capital Management
Khalil Ketari Senior Consultant: Asset Management at Kasada Capital Management Khalil is a senior consultant on the asset management team and leads Kasada's co-working initiatives. Khalil has over 15 years of experience in the real estate and energy sectors in Sub-Saharan Africa and Southeast Asia. Prior to joining Kasada, Khalil was based in Johannesburg where he was CEO of a growing coworking brand in Africa. Khalil began his career at SAPIEM in the oil and gas sector, where he spent 12 years leading large-scale strategic projects and was part of the strategic team advising senior management on global business development in Nigeria, Angola, Singapore, Indonesia and France. Khalil holds a BA in Civil Engineering from École Spéciale des Travaux Publics, and an Executive MBA from INSEAD. Khalil is French and Tunisian and grew up in Tunisia. He speaks French, English and Arabic.
Boniface Abudho Research Analyst - Africa at Knight Frank Boniface Abudho Research Analyst - Africa at Knight Frank Website With over six years of experience in Urban Management and Research, Boniface has served in various roles within both government and private sectors. Notably, he was a pivotal team member in reviewing the building codes for Malawi and Afghanistan and the Konza Techno City Development Plan. Boniface's educational background in Urban Planning and GIS provides a strong foundation for his professional work. As a corporate member of the Kenya Institute of Planners and the Commonwealth Association of Planners, Boniface is committed to promoting sustainable urban development. Currently, he serves as the Knight Frank Africa Research Analyst, acting as a Research Spokesperson for Africa. Boniface is passionate about real estate research and regularly contributes to several Knight Frank Global and Africa Research publications.
Adnan Khan Partner at ALN Kenya
Adnan Khan Partner at ALN Kenya Adnan is a Partner in the Real Estate and Construction department at ALN Kenya. He focuses on property law, conveyancing, property development work, property joint ventures, construction, banking and corporate commercial law. He also advises extensively on property acquisitions, property joint ventures, construction contracts, asset and share acquisitions, non-contentious probate matters, and the structuring of property developments, including residential and mixed-use projects. Adnan’s expertise is acknowledged by leading global directories including Legal 500 and Chambers Global. He is a member of the Public Policy and Advocacy Committee of the Kenya Property Developers Association, an Advocate of the High Court of Kenya and qualified by the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants.
Jugal Khushalani Senior Director, Lodging Development, East Africa of Marriot International
Ram Lokan Managing Director - Investments of Kasada Capital Management
Ram Lokan Managing Director - Investments of Kasada Capital Management Ram is a Principal within the Investment Team and leads transactions across Kasada’s target economies. Ram has over 15 years of experience in global real estate private equity and operations across North America, India and SSA. Prior to joining Kasada, Ram was based in Dar es Salaam where he was CEO of Village Supermarket, a regional Supermarket chain that he led and expanded over 4 years. Prior to that he spent 8 years in real estate and infrastructure investments, notably at the Xander Group in Singapore and Global Infrastructure Partners in New York. Ram started his career as an M&A Analyst at Credit Suisse in New York. He holds an MBA from Harvard Business School where he was elected George F. Baker Scholar and a Bachelor of Commerce from McGill University obtained with First Class Honors. Ram is French and grew up in Guadeloupe. He speaks French and English.
Pumi Lukhele Head of Construction & Developments: East Africa at GREA Pumi Lukhele Head of Construction & Developments: East Africa at GREA Website Nompumelelo (Pumi) Lukhele is armed with over 18 years of experience in commercial real estate development and in the last 4 years Pumi’s experience expanded across the African continent delivering on retail, offices, hospitality, industrial and data center projects. Pumi joined Gateway Real Estate Africa (GREA) in 2018 when it was 2 years in business and was involved in introducing processes and procedures to be implemented specifically in the development department and then later integrated these into other departments. Pumi’s successful engagement with land and property owners, local authorities, financial institutions, local and international consultants/tenants as well as the media houses across East Africa and South Africa enhanced industry awareness of GREA’s appetite for commercial real estate investment and development. This resulted in the acquisition, refurbishment, and launching of its 1st retail property in East Africa in 2019 and further increased project pipeline within the East African Region.
Kenneth Luusa Head: Project Management & Investments at KCB Group
Kenneth Luusa Head: Project Management & Investments at KCB Group Ken serves as the Head of Project Management and Investments at KCB Group and is the current Chairman of the Kenya Property Developers Association (KPDA). He previously held the position of Chief Commercial Officer and Executive Director at Acorn Holdings Ltd for over 17 years. Ken earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Land Economics from the University of Aberdeen in Scotland in 1990 and is a qualified Chartered Surveyor with over 30 years post qualification experience. He began his career at a prestigious international firm of Chartered Surveyors, working in the property management department at the Aberdeen office. In this role, he was responsible for managing the firm’s client portfolio across the Northeast of Scotland. Before joining Acorn Group, Ken was the Regional Chief Executive Officer at Property Development and Management Ltd (PDM), a company within the Aga Khan Development Network and oversaw the management and development of the organization’s commercial property portfolio across East Africa. Ken is also an Independent and Non-Executive Board Director of Vipingo Ridge Ltd, Superior Homes Plc and the Chairman of Karume Holdings Limited, all of which are industry leading Property Investment and Master planned Development Companies operating in Kenya. Ken is also a retired Board Director of the National Construction Authority and past Chairman of the National Construction Authority Staff Retirement Benefits Scheme.
Fawaz Maamari Green Building Consultant at IFC
Fawaz Maamari Green Building Consultant at IFC Fawaz Maamari is working for the IFC as the EDGE Program Lead in Morocco. With a multidisciplinary background spanning architecture, green building design, and innovation management, Fawaz brings over 25 years of experience in the building sector. He holds a PhD in Civil Engineering and Building Physics, an EMBA in Innovation Management, and a Master’s degree in Architecture
Paul Macharia CEO of KiotaPay Paul Macharia CEO of KiotaPay Website I am a seasoned fintech founder and leader with over a decade of experience in tech-enabled business development and innovation. My expertise spans fintech, financial markets, and digital transformation, with a focus on empowering small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across Africa and other emerging markets. My professional journey has involved working closely with experts in cryptocurrency on-and-off ramps, stablecoins, liquidity management, and foreign exchange (FX) strategies. These experiences have equipped me to design and implement financial solutions that address the unique needs of SMEs in high-growth regions. I am passionate about bridging financial and operational gaps for SMEs by leveraging technology to improve access to capital, enhance cash flow management, and foster economic growth. By integrating innovative financial tools and payment systems, my work helps unlock the potential of businesses, enabling them to scale sustainably and thrive despite economic challenges. Currently, I lead a fintech company specializing in orchestrating seamless payment systems for SMEs and infrastructure businesses across Africa. Our focus is on optimizing cash flows, controlling costs, protecting revenue, and automating financial processes to support business growth and resilience. Through collaboration with global partners and a deep commitment to innovation, I strive to create impactful solutions that drive prosperity and inclusion for SMEs in emerging markets.
Winnie Maingi Estate Planner: Legal and Trusts at ICEA LION Trust Company Ltd
Winnie Maingi Estate Planner: Legal and Trusts at ICEA LION Trust Company Ltd I allow modern Kenyan and diaspora families protect their wealth and legacy through practical, people-centered estate planning. With over a decade of experience in law and trust advisory, I simplify complex issues like succession, family trusts, and cross-border planning so that families don’t just pass on assets, they pass on clarity, peace, and continuity.
Mathew Mania Executive Director of Acorn Investment Management Limited (AIML)
Mathew Mania Executive Director of Acorn Investment Management Limited (AIML) Mathew is the Executive Director of Acorn Investment Management Limited (AIML), the largest REIT management business in East Africa, with over KES 26 billion in assets under management. He leads the day-to-day operations of AIML while also spearheading investor relations and capital-raising initiatives. Since the launch of the Acorn Student Accommodation REITs (ASA REITs) in 2021, he has successfully mobilized over KES 6 billion in new equity from institutional and high-net-worth investors. Mathew serves as a main Committee Member of the REIT Association of Kenya and chairs its REIT Issuance Committee, where he plays a key role in shaping policy, enhancing market structures, and driving industry growth. With more than 17 years of experience in investment management and fund administration—including segregated retirement funds across East and Southern Africa—Mathew brings deep industry expertise to the table. Prior to joining Acorn in 2021, he spent more than a decade at Alexforbes (now Zamara Group in Kenya), a diversified financial services firm, where he held several senior leadership roles. He is an alumnus of the Saïd Business School, University of Oxford (Real Estate Program, 2024) and holds a bachelor’s degree with Honors in Actuarial Science from Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT). Mathew is a Certified Full Member of the Institute of Certified Investment and Financial Analysts (ICIFA) and holds certifications from the Chartered Institute for Securities & Investment (CISI).
Gibson Mapfidza Chief Business Officer at Shelter Afrique
Gibson Mapfidza Chief Business Officer at Shelter Afrique Experienced built environment professional with a demonstrated history of excellence. Has acquired vast skills in effective delivery of real estate developments, and quantitative real estate investments performance analysis to optimise portfolio returns. Attended the University of Reading, College of Estate Management (UK), and a full member of the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS). Interested in Responsible Property Investments (RPI), property development, inner city revitalisation and new city developments. Currently reading Responsible Property Investments (RPI) with Henley Business School (University of Reading). Lecturer at the University of Zimbabwe.
Bangwani Maphophe Banker, Commercial Property Finance at Absa
Bangwani Maphophe Banker, Commercial Property Finance at Absa A banking professional and chartered accountant (South Africa) who is passionate about Africa’s real estate financing and investment banking opportunities. I work alongside our clients to invest in the development or acquisition of some of Sub-Saharan Africa’s most iconic real estate opportunities. Our clients are keen investors in the residential, industrial, retail, office as well as emerging sub sectors of real estate in Africa.
Willgis Mbiro Real Estate Executive at Breakthrough Attorneys
Willgis Mbiro Real Estate Executive at Breakthrough Attorneys Willgis Mbiro is a dynamic Real Estate Executive, Advocate, and Economist with a proven track record of structuring and securing high-value real estate deals. As the Head of the Real Estate Department at Breakthrough Attorneys, he leads a team specializing in high-stakes transactions, due diligence, project structuring, and compliance ensuring investors and developers navigate complex markets with confidence. With over USD 25m in structured transactions, Willgis and his team have successfully advised on acquisitions, joint ventures, and large-scale developments. Breakthrough Attorneys also partners with leading financial institutions, helping investors secure funding and optimize their investment potential.
Immaculate Mbithe Associate: Real Estate Finance Africa Regions at Standard Bank
Immaculate Mbithe Associate: Real Estate Finance Africa Regions at Standard Bank Immaculate is an accomplished professional with 14 years’ experience in the banking and finance industry. With a strong background in client analysis and relationship management, she has consistently contributed to revenue growth and strategic planning in various sectors.
Bobby McKenna Managing Partner at Ubunifu Africa Bobby McKenna Managing Partner at Ubunifu Africa Website Accomplished Senior Executive with over 30 years of management experience driving growth for luxury hospitality and real estate companies across East Africa. Skilled in strategic planning, operations, branding/marketing and business development. Led development projects for premium safari lodges and eco-resorts overseeing all aspects from conceptualization to opening. Directed real estate ventures spanning residential, commercial, and mixed-use projects up to $1.5b. Strengths in feasibility analysis, deal structuring, and investor relations. Increased occupancy across managed properties by 25% over 3 years through innovative sales strategies and marketing campaigns tailored to high-end leisure travelers.
Shadrack Mella Head of Valuation-Africa at AIRE Shadrack Mella Head of Valuation-Africa at AIRE Website Shadrack brings over a decade of experience in real estate valuation, advisory, and management across Africa. He joins AIRE from JLL, where he was the Valuation Lead for Sub-Saharan Africa. Prior to that, he was the Head of Acquisition, Valuation, and Research at Acorn, a Student Accommodation REIT in Kenya. Early in his career, Shadrack held various roles in property and portfolio management at a real estate services firm in Kenya. Shadrack holds a bachelor’s degree in Land Economics and a master’s degree in Finance and Investments. His experience, skills, and expertise will be instrumental in driving the growth of AIRE Valuation across Africa.
Sandile Mpanza Head: Commercial Property Finance, Africa Region at Absa CIB
Sandile Mpanza Head: Commercial Property Finance, Africa Region at Absa CIB Sandile brings over 15 years of experience in finance, banking, and investments, with more than a decade specializing in commercial real estate. He has extensive expertise in real estate investment, financing, and structured transactions, with over six years covering Africa Regions. He has worked across diverse real estate asset classes, providing strategic investment and capital solutions to institutional investors, developers, and corporate clients across the continent.
Govind Mundra Head of Development - Middle East & Africa at Wyndham Hotels & Resorts
Govind Mundra Head of Development - Middle East & Africa at Wyndham Hotels & Resorts Passionate real estate and hospitality development professional with experience in the Middle East, Africa, and South West Asia Region. Currently, responsible for the development of Wyndham Hotels & Resorts in Middle East & Africa as Head of Development based at the regional head office in Dubai, India. Specialties: Hotel and resort Development, Mixed-use development, Hotel Branding, Hotel Management Agreement, Hotel Franchising, Contract Negotiation, Asset Management, Market Study and research, Feasibility Analysis, Design and development, and Valuation.
Shawn Muraya CEO & Co-Founder of SiteSeer Technologies
Shawn Muraya CEO & Co-Founder of SiteSeer Technologies I’m a real estate and technology entrepreneur committed to transforming East Africa’s construction industry through AI driven insights. Over the past decade, I’ve overseen the delivery of more than 3,000 homes under the Suraya Property Group and built proprietary BIM datasets spanning 1.2 million sq ft to power SiteSeer’s predictive analytics. My platform now provides real time progress tracking and predictive delay prevention across the regional housing sector. Recognized as the youngest panelist and a two time speaker at GBB Ventures’ Global Real Estate Development Summit.
Gadwel Musyoka Founder & CEO of BAKYSON ENTERPRISES LIMITED Gadwel Musyoka Founder & CEO of BAKYSON ENTERPRISES LIMITED Website I am a multifaceted, highly-qualified, and self-motivated professional. My on-the-job experience has afforded me a well-rounded skill set in areas of; Sales and marketing, Customer Service Management, Business Development, Project Planning & Promotions
Stella Mutai Head: Mortgage Business at HFC Kenya Stella Mutai Head: Mortgage Business at HFC Kenya Website Stella Mutai, Head of Property Finance NCBA Kenya, has over 10 years’ experience in Property Finance, Diaspora-Banking, and Retail Banking Product Development, sales and marketing in local, regional and diaspora markets. She is an MBA Graduate in Strategic Management and holds a Bachelor of Arts in Communication degree from Daystar University. Stella also holds a Postgraduate Diploma in Project Management from Kenya Institute of Marketing (KIM), and a Professional Diploma in Marketing and Certificate in Real Estate and Property Management. She is a Full Member of Kenya Institute of Management and Member of Women in Real Estate (WIRE).
Ranee Nanji Managing Director of Tilisi Developments PLC Ranee Nanji Managing Director of Tilisi Developments PLC Website Ranee Nanji is currently serving as the Executive Director of Tilisi Developments PLC, a mixed use, master planned and controlled development in Limuru, on the outskirts of Nairobi. She is also a Director of the Spin Ventures Group, a diversified family conglomerate.
Charl Nel Development Manager: Middle East & Africa at Wyndham Hotels & Resorts
Charl Nel Development Manager: Middle East & Africa at Wyndham Hotels & Resorts Charl Nel is an accomplished hospitality and real estate development professional with over 15 years of experience across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. Currently based in Dubai, he leads hotel development for Wyndham Hotels & Resorts across the Middle East and Africa, driving the group’s growth through strategic management and franchise agreements. Charl has held leadership roles with some of the industry’s most recognized names, including Hilton, Radisson Hotel Group, TUI, and a multi-asset real estate company with brands such as Best Western. He began his career in hotel operations, gaining hands-on experience in sales and marketing, revenue management, and front office, which continues to inform his pragmatic approach to development and deal-making. His expertise spans the full development lifecycle—from market entry and feasibility, to deal structuring and execution—across diverse markets including the GCC, Southern, Eastern, and Central Africa. He holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree from the University of Stellenbosch and is a Certified Hotel Appraiser (CHA), combining strong financial acumen with deep industry insight. Charl’s ability to align international brand strategies with local investment goals has made him a trusted partner to hotel owners, investors, and developers throughout the region.
Alex Njage Partner & Head of Real Estate and Construction-Kenya at Bowmans
Alex Njage Partner & Head of Real Estate and Construction-Kenya at Bowmans Alex Njage heads Bowmans’ Nairobi office Commercial Property Practice. He specialises in commercial and retail property, real estate development, joint ventures, acquisitions and disposals, due diligence and real estate financing. He has particular expertise in structuring large-scale mixed developments, joint ventures, commercial and retail property; and conservation and tourism developments, including the corporate and real estate structuring of private conservancies. Alex sits on the Contracts Committee of the Joint Building and Construction Council in Kenya. He has an LLB from the University of Nairobi and a Diploma in Law and Practice from the Kenya School of Law.
Wesam OKASHA Managing Director & Board Member of TUI Blue Hotels LLC
Wesam OKASHA Managing Director & Board Member of TUI Blue Hotels LLC Wesam Okasha is a German citizen and a native Global Player with direct link to worldwide network of ultra high-net-worth individuals (HNWI/UHNWI) and regional Family Offices. He completed his early education in Beirut & received his academic education in Switzerland, Germany and the USA, specializing in all aspects of hospitality & tourism industries. Wesam is well versed in all development, Procurement & operating disciplines including Pre-& Post-openings as General Manager & Regional Manager as well. He was most noted and known for the "Cosmopolitan Energizer Osprey" in all his Merges & Acquisitions activities on 4 continents. Mr. Okasha has completed several strategic merges, acquisitions, rebranding and investments for cnt group and other companies/investors in the Emerging markets and Middle East area, where he also served as Regional Director of operation, turn around General Manager & business developer. Due to his extensive experience & exceptional relationships within the emerging markets, Wesam acted as senior consultant in different merge & acquisition catering-projects before been appointed at the Lufthansa SG as Vice President Sales & Services for the Emerging Markets Region. Since 2014, Wesam fully contributed as Senior Development Advisor to the TUI Group & ROBINSON Club Brands. Introduced 65+opportunities with local JV partners for equity placement abroad. Focus countries Seychelles, Mauritius, Maldives, Vietnam, Thailand, La Reunion, Rodrigues Island, United Arab Emirates & a selected key cities within the EMEA. With a versatile professional and multiple lingual backgrounds, Wesam has command of a variety of cultural settings including Africa, Western Europe, the Middle East and the Americas. He is fluent in French, German, English, Spanish and Arabic, also he is conversant in Italian and Hebrew. Wesam Okasha holds an MBA with major in International Business from the Chase University in Athens, Georgia, United States of America.
Christabel Ojuok Chief Operating Officer at RentScore Christabel Ojuok Chief Operating Officer at RentScore Website With a unique blend of professional expertise in real estate and a solid academic background in finance, I have over a decade of specialized experience in Property Asset Management. My extensive knowledge encompasses property and facilities management, overseeing a diverse portfolio exceeding 1 million sq.ft of commercial and residential real estate, catering to both institutional and high-net-worth clients. I'm a registered estate agent actively engaged in providing strategic consulting to clients seeking to optimize their real estate portfolios.
Ruth Okal Assistant General Manager at ICEA LION Asset Management Limited
Ruth Okal Assistant General Manager at ICEA LION Asset Management Limited Ruth is a distinguished real estate investment executive with over 20 years of leadership in advisory and asset management across East Africa. As an Assistant General Manager at ILAM Fahari I-REIT under ICEA LION Asset Management Limited, she has played a pivotal role in pioneering the region’s first listed Income REIT and its landmark restructuring into East Africa’s inaugural restricted I-REIT. Her expertise spans asset management, deal origination, investor relations and regulatory compliance, underpinned by a strong record of driving growth and innovation in real estate investment. Ruth’s governance credentials include serving as a gazetted member of the Land Acquisition Tribunal and previously as a member and Vice Chairperson of the Valuers Registration Board for six years. She chairs the Policy, Research & Publications and Conference Programs & speakers Committees of the REIT Association (RAK) and contributes to professional development as an examiner at the Institution of Surveyors of Kenya (ISK). Known for her integrity and visionary leadership, Ruth is a strategic trendsetter committed to advancing industry standards and mentoring emerging professionals. Her academic credentials include a Master’s in Valuation and Property Management and a Bachelor’s in Land Economics from the University of Nairobi, alongside certifications in securities, financial analysis (Chartered Institute of Securities (CISI) level 2, Certified Financial Analyst (CFA) – Level 3 on-going), and Certified Professional Coaching (CPC). Ruth’s comprehensive expertise and leadership continue to shape the evolution of real estate investment frameworks in Kenya and the broader East African region being a registered valuer and Real estate Agent.
Koen Oosterbroek Marketing & AI Consultant at koenOosterbroek
Koen Oosterbroek Marketing & AI Consultant at koenOosterbroek Koen Oosterbroek is an AI consultant and marketing strategist with 18+ years of experience in business transformation. He has worked with global brands like Nike, Heineken, and Amnesty, helping organizations streamline workflows, optimize decision-making, get more clients, and future-proof their businesses. Koen specializes in making AI practical and accessible. He guides professionals and teams, especially in non-technical fields, on how to leverage AI for growth.
Gurmukh Singh Panesar Founder & Principal Architect of Grasp Design Limited
Gurmukh Singh Panesar Founder & Principal Architect of Grasp Design Limited Gurmukh is the Founder and Principal Architect at Grasp Design Ltd and a registered architect with the Board of Registration of Architects and Quantity Surveyors of Kenya. He also serves as the Vice Chairperson of the Kenya Green Building Society. With over 15 years of experience, he blends digital tools with local craft to design innovative, fluid spaces grounded in context and guided by data, environmental analysis, and performance modelling. His work spans hospitality, residential, and commercial projects. Notably, he designed Africa’s first LEED v4.0 Platinum-certified project, which was named best in its class globally at the International Property Awards.
Ryan Pape Country Manager at CBRE Excellerate
Ryan Pape Country Manager at CBRE Excellerate Chartered Planning & Development Surveyor (MRICS) with Managing Director experience across Real Estate and Quick Serve Restaurant sectors in East Africa
Bobby Patel Managing Director & Global Head of Real Estate Investment at CrossBoundary
Bobby Patel Managing Director & Global Head of Real Estate Investment at CrossBoundary Bobby Patel graduated Magna Cum Laude from Austin College, where he majored in International Economics & Finance and minored in Chemistry. He was a member of the Phi Beta Kappa US national honor society. He is originally from Kenya and has also lived in Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Prior to CrossBoundary, Bobby worked as an Investment Analyst for the International Finance Corporation, supporting transactions in Angola, Mozambique, Tanzania, Kenya, and other African markets. His focus sectors included manufacturing, agribusiness, and real estate. Bobby was previously an Investment Analyst for the Goldman Sachs & Co. Special Situations Group, where he was involved in principal investing through middle market debt and structured equity under the Specialty Lending Group platform, with facilities ranging from US$10m to US$150m.
Samir Patel CEO of Workable
Samir Patel CEO of Workable Samir Patel is the Founder and CEO of Workable, a premium provider of flexible workspaces. Under his leadership, Workable seamlessly integrates state-of-the-art office environments with hospitality-driven service, continuously innovating its offerings to meet the evolving needs of modern professionals and businesses.
Chetan Ratna Segment Leader: Commercial & Industrial Buildings at Schneider Electric East Africa
Chetan Ratna Segment Leader: Commercial & Industrial Buildings at Schneider Electric East Africa Chetan Ratna is a seasoned business and commercial leader with over 15 years of experience in the buildings industry. As a professionally trained Engineer, Chetan combines his technical expertise with a deep understanding of market dynamics to drive business growth and deliver innovations to the East African Market. His role involves managing complex projects, developing strategies that impact the sector and maintaining strong relationships with clients and stakeholders alike. He excels in identifying and prescribing relevant solutions to meet client needs. Chetan is known for his relentless pursuit of knowledge and his ability to stay ahead of industry trends. His passion for delivering value have earned him a reputation as a trusted advisor for the commercial and industrial buildings segment.
Graeme Reid CEO of Tilisi Developments PLC
Scott Revell Enterprise Account Executive: Africa at MRI Software
Scott Revell Enterprise Account Executive: Africa at MRI Software Scott Revell is a performance-oriented property professional with 10 years of experience in South Africa’s commercial real estate sector. He specialises in strategic tenant management and asset repositioning and possesses a deep understanding of the property development life cycle. Recently, he joined MRI Real Estate Software, where he focuses on expanding property technology across the African continent. His goal is to improve operational efficiency and modernise property management systems to enhance asset performance and streamline property operations. With over a decade of experience in commercial real estate, he provides valuable insights and solutions to the dynamic and diverse property sector.
Kavit Shah Executive Director of Tilisi Developments PLC
Kavit Shah Executive Director of Tilisi Developments PLC A qualified Chartered Accountant turned Property Developer, I have 14 years of experience leading the line in various sectors in the real estate market including residential, retail, commercial and infrastructure projects. Currently heading Maisha Developments, focused on developing 1,100 apartments and villas in the middle-income sector.
Snehar Shah CEO of iXAfrica Data Centres
Snehar Shah CEO of iXAfrica Data Centres Snehar joined iXAfrica Data Centres as CEO in September 2023, following an extensive career over 15 years at global telecoms operator, Orange, covering various leadership roles in finance and strategy across UK, Europe and East Africa. Snehar has been at the helm of the start-up ecosystem on the African continent having built businesses such as Eaton Towers as Regional CFO (sold to American Tower in 2018)and Azuri Technologies as GM, Africa (powered more than 250,000 households across five African countries). Snehar holds a degree in electrical and electronic engineering from Imperial College, London, as well as qualifications in Chartered Accountancy from PwC and Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA). He has been recognised among the Top 40 under 40 by Business Daily Africa and in active leadership positions at Young Presidents Organisation (YPO).
Sandeep Sinha Head of Healthcare and Life Sciences Consulting at JLL
Sandeep Sinha Head of Healthcare and Life Sciences Consulting at JLL Sandeep has 24+ years of experience in the healthcare industry with rich experience in strategic consulting, hospital projects, operations & management, and HCIT solutions. He has managed over 700+ research and consulting projects across MEA and South Asia region in the areas of ; healthcare delivery, medical technology, healthcare IT, biotech & pharma, diagnostics, wellness, extended care, business & financial Sector (Private Equity & IBs). Sandeep ‘s core strength lies in growth strategies, market entry strategies, geographical expansion, new product launch, detailed business plan & feasibility studies, , business facilitation and partner search, competitive benchmarking, technical , commercial & operational due diligence & M&A support, healthcare IPOs. Sandeep has worked with most of the leading healthcare and life sciences clients in the region: In his previous assignments Sandeep has worked with Frost & Sullivan, Dubai as Head and Associate Partner of Healthcare practice for MEA and SA region, Televital India, Narayanan Health India (he was involved in setting up six hospitals projects across South Asia), NU Hospitals, India.
Sybrand Strauss Director & Founder of Fernridge Solutions (Pty) Ltd
Sybrand Strauss Director & Founder of Fernridge Solutions (Pty) Ltd Sybrand Strauss co-founded Fernridge in December 2002. Twenty-two years on, Sybrand serves as Director, Head of Operations and Head of Shopping Centre and Consumer Insights in the firm, which delivers actionable insights to help clients make informed business decisions by providing location-based proprietary data and solutions in Sub-Saharan Africa. He has extensive experience in consulting to prominent shopping centre owners, commercial developers and other corporate institutions across sub-Saharan Africa. He oversees numerous advisory reports every month, from existing centres, new developments and revamps conducted in all nine South African provinces and throughout Sub-Saharan Africa.
Kei Tamaki Investment Officer at IFC
Kei Tamaki Investment Officer at IFC Bilingual investment professional committed to private sector development in developing countries by executing high-impact, innovative, and profitable investments. Diverse working experience in Japan, the U.S., and Africa. During his investment banking years, developed solid project management skills by executing numerous cross border M&A transactions and providing financial and strategic advisory services for major Japanese corporations. At Fortress, led valuation and detailed due diligence of various types of corporate, real estate, and infrastructure deals while negotiating with lenders and counterparties during the execution phase. Thrive in a volatile and high-pressure environment and through collaborating with multicultural teams.
Kevin Teeroovengadum Board Director
Mercy Thuo Acting Executive Director of CPF Capital & Advisory Limited
Mercy Thuo Acting Executive Director of CPF Capital & Advisory Limited Mercy Thuo is the Acting Executive Director of CPF Capital & Advisory Limited, a firm licensed by the Capital Markets Authority (CMA) to provide investment advisory and REIT management services. In this role, she leads strategic initiatives in capital markets, structured finance, and real estate investment, driving innovative financial solutions across multiple sectors. She also serves as the Group Head of Projects at CPF Group, where she oversees alternative investment initiatives, ensuring the development and execution of projects that align with the Group’s broader investment strategy. With over 15 years of experience in real estate, banking, and pensions, Mercy has played a key role in structuring and executing complex transactions. Her expertise spans real estate finance, alternative investments, and structured financial solutions, positioning her as a key figure in investment advisory and asset management.
Daniel Trappler Senior Director Development of Radisson Hotel Group Daniel Trappler Senior Director Development of Radisson Hotel Group Website Hotel Brokerage, Finance Raising, Feasibility Studies, Investment Appraisal, Project Concept Development, Hotel Valuation, Asset Management, Investment Packaging, Market Analysis, Business Plans, Operator Selection
Wayne Troughton CEO of HTI Consulting Wayne Troughton CEO of HTI Consulting Website Involved in the hospitality, leisure and tourism industries for the past 30+ years. Held operational management positions in hotels in the United Kingdom and South Africa and led a specialist hospitality advisory and brokerage firm consulting to blue chip clients in the Tourism, Hospitality and Leisure sectors in 51 countries in Africa and the Middle East over the past 25 years. Specialties: Hotel and mixed-use market and financial feasibility studies, operator selection, valuation analysis, business and financial advice, management contract negotiations, brokerage and finance raising.
Faith Waithaka Cloud & Service Provider Segment Lead: Anglophone Africa at Schneider Electric
Faith Waithaka Cloud & Service Provider Segment Lead: Anglophone Africa at Schneider Electric Faith Waithaka is a distinguished leader in the Data Centre industry, known for her excellence, innovation, and strategic foresight. As the Cloud and Service Provider Segment Lead for Anglophone Africa at Schneider Electric, she leverages over a decade of experience to guide organizations through complex challenges and transformative growth. She is deeply passionate about the future of data centers in Africa, recognizing their critical role in driving digital transformation and economic development across the continent. She is a committed champion to initiatives around sustainability, STEM education, and environmental and energy conservation.
Caroline Wanjeri Director Mortgage Business of KCB Bank Group
Caroline Wanjeri Director Mortgage Business of KCB Bank Group Caroline is the Immediate Former Chief of Party- KCB Foundation and is currently the Director of Mortgage Business at KCB Kenya Limited. She also serves as a Board Director at Kenya Property Developers Association (KPDA). Additionally, she is a Trustee in the KCB Staff Pension Fund. She played a critical role as a member of the taskforce that developed guidelines for the electronic registration of Land transactions- NLMIS (Ardhi Sasa). She has Over 19 years’ experience in SME Banking, Sustainability Finance, Micro-Finance, Real Estate and Mortgage Financing having worked in Senior Management in various institutions that includes Housing Finance, Standard Chartered Bank, Equity, UBA Bank Kenya Limited and KCB Foundation. She is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA(K) from Strathmore University and holds a degree in BA (Mathematics and Business Studies) from Kenyatta University. She is also a Licentiate member of the Institute of Data Processing Management; LIDPM, ICPAK-Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Kenya and AWAK (Association of Women Accountants of Kenya).
Utari Wanjohi Investment Manager at E3 Capital
Utari Wanjohi Investment Manager at E3 Capital Utari is an investment manager at E3 Capital. He has 9+ years of experience in private equity across Africa. His expertise spans a diverse range of sectors, having been involved in the complete investment cycle on numerous ventures across the continent. At E3, Utari is responsible for deal sourcing, screening, execution and post investment portfolio management amongst others. Prior to E3, Utari worked at Ethos Private Equity and Centum Investment where he was involved in executing investment strategies across Africa. Utari holds an undergraduate degree in Engineering and a master's in finance from University of Nairobi.
Philippe de Beer CEO & Founder of Park Lane Properties
Philippe de Beer CEO & Founder of Park Lane Properties Philippe de Beer brings a global perspective to real estate, with Dutch roots, a French upbringing, and over 30 years of experience in Mauritius. In 2004, he co-founded Park Lane Properties, a local boutique family-run agency with an international reach, alongside his wife Frédérique, joined later by their brother-in-law Brian Blatch. Under his leadership, Park Lane has grown into Mauritius’ leading independent brokerage, offering expert guidance to both local and foreign clients. Passionate about excellence and teamwork, Philippe has built a trusted brand that delivers outstanding real estate experiences while maintaining the personalised touch of a boutique agency.
