NNC 2025
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NNC 2025
Break Out Sessions, Speakers
The breakout sessions offer focused, interactive discussions on the conference tracks. They bring together experts, policymakers, and innovators to share insights, explore opportunities, and develop practical solutions that drive trade, investment, and sustainable growth.
Digital Transformation
Dr. Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi
Director-General/CEO, National Information Technology Development Agency, NITDA
Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi is a thoroughbred IT professional, with an impressive resume in public and private sector IT development, policy formulation, and IT governance. He graduated with a bachelor’s degree in computer science from Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Bauchi.
He holds various executive certificates from top-notch universities such as Harvard University, University of Cambridge, London Business School and Oxford University, UK. Abdullahi is also an alumnus of the prestigious IMD Business School, Switzerland, and a trained strategist from the world-famous Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).
Peter Olusoji Ogundele
Country Manager & Managing Director, Ericsson Nigeria
Peter Olusoji Ogundele is a distinguished telecommunications and ICT executive with over two decades of experience spanning West and Southern Africa. He has led multi-country operations with annual portfolios exceeding $100 million, consistently achieving strong performance metrics and sustainable revenue growth.
His expertise encompasses strategic account management, regulatory engagement, and enterprise-level service delivery, with a proven record of fostering lasting customer relationships and driving operational excellence.
Ogundele holds a master’s degree in information technology and a Postgraduate qualification in Computer Science, complemented by executive development programmes with McKinsey & Company and Ericsson.
Renowned for his leadership in 5G innovation, strategic negotiations, and high-value contract management, he brings a results-driven approach to business transformation — combining technical acumen with a deep understanding of market dynamics across Africa’s rapidly evolving ICT landscape.
Lars Johannisson
CEO, Rack Centre
Lars leads Rack Centre, one of Nigeria’s foremost tier-3 data centre providers offering colocation, cloud, and infrastructure services. His professional experience spans over Telecom, Information Technology, Managed Services and large transformation programs.
Under his leadership, Rack Centre has expanded and developed innovative solutions for enterprise and cloud operators. Lars positions Rack Centre at the intersection of Nigeria’s digital transformation and sustainable infrastructure growth.
Okunlola Kehinde Odusote
Senior Consultant, TechCabal Insights
Kehinde Odusote is a Senior Consultant at TechCabal Insights, the research and consulting arm of Big Cabal Media. She leads business development and strategy for the unit, driving growth initiatives across both private and public sector clients. In her role, she supports leadership in proposal design, project execution, and team development, while exploring new opportunities for innovation and revenue expansion across Big Cabal Media’s ecosystem.
Before joining TechCabal Insights, Kehinde built a dynamic career in consulting and media with global organizations such as Ernst & Young, Google, Warner Bros. Discovery, and Warner Chappell Music. Her professional expertise spans strategy, business development, and digital innovation — from crafting market entry and revenue growth strategies to supporting global media launches and digital transformation initiatives.
She holds dual Master’s degrees in Business Administration and Public Administration from The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania and the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University. Kehinde also earned a Bachelor’s degree in Economics and African Studies from Emory University.
Marco Rebecchi
Country Manager, Nokia
Marco Rebecchi is the Country Manager for Nigeria and Ghana at Nokia, where he leads the company’s commercial, operational, and strategic initiatives across both markets. With over 20 years of experience in the telecommunications sector, his career encompasses leadership roles at Nokia, Alcatel-Lucent, and Telecom Italia.
Prior to assuming his current position in mid-2023, Rebecchi managed Nokia’s operations in Ghana, overseeing customer delivery, network engineering, and business development. His leadership has been instrumental in strengthening Nokia’s presence and fostering innovation within West Africa’s rapidly evolving digital landscape.
He holds a Master’s degree in Telecommunications and an Executive MBA from HEC Paris, providing him with a strong combination of technical expertise and strategic management insight.
Oula Järvinen
AI Transformation Lead, GoFore
Oula Järvinen is a strategic AI leader at GoFore with over 20 years of experience in artificial intelligence, digital transformation, and XaaS business models. With a human-centered yet business-driven approach, he has been at the forefront of innovation since filing his first AI/ML patent in 2011.
Renowned for his expertise in design thinking and analytical strategy, Järvinen leads cross-functional teams and global organizations toward sustainable, technology-enabled growth. His leadership combines deep technical insight with a passion for shaping ethical and inclusive digital futures.
As a visionary founder and transformation strategist, Oula continues to build value through trusted partnerships, forward-thinking leadership, and bold ideas that drive measurable impact across industries.
Zainab Olisamah
Director, Financial Planning and Analysis, IHS Nigeria
Zainab Olisamah is the Director of Financial Planning and Analysis at IHS Nigeria, bringing about 20 years of experience in corporate finance, strategic planning, and performance management across the telecommunications and infrastructure sectors. She joined IHS in 2015 and has held progressive leadership roles within the finance function. Zainab holds a master’s degree in business and financial Analysis from Alliance Manchester Business School and a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration. She is a fellow of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA).
She is a recipient of the Women in Leadership full scholarship at London Business School and currently serves as Country Lead for the Beibei Haven Fertility Foundation. Zainab is also a published author and an active mentor, committed to advancing female leadership and inclusion.
Green Energy Transition
Eruvwun Juweto
Investment Associate, Empower New Energy
Eruwvun is responsible for providing legal advice on setting up and managing investments, creating contracts, reviewing and negotiating documents, managing risk, conducting research, and ensuring compliance with applicable regulations.
She holds educated as a law degree from the University of Lagos and the Nigerian Law School, with accredited certifications in compliance and financial technology law. Her work experience includes Nigerian law firms as well as the Ministry of Justice.
Mr. James Ogunleye
Manager, Carbon Limits Nigeria
James Ogunleye manages Carbon-Limits Nigeria. His focus is on Climate, Energy and Environment.
He has about 20 years’ experience working with specialized power and renewable energy consulting outfits that played active roles in the emerging Power Industry in Nigeria.
He is currently involved in the development of climate strategies, implementation of climate mitigation actions, monitoring and verification of GHG emission reduction for mitigation projects such as gas flare projects, biomass projects, electricity projects, both in Nigeria and other Africa countries.
Dr. Mustapha Abdulahi
Director-General and CEO, Energy Commission of Nigeria
Dr. Mustapha Abdullahi is the Director-General and CEO of the Energy Commission of Nigeria (ECN), appointed in 2023 by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. A native of Okene, Kogi State, Dr. Abdullahi holds a PhD in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Manchester, with expertise in oil and gas structural health monitoring.
He brings over 14 years of experience across energy, sustainability, and space technology, having worked with institutions such as NUPRC, NASRDA, and the University of Manchester.
Mr. Biodun Ogunleye
Commissioner for Energy and Mineral Resources, Lagos State
Mr. Biodun Ogunleye is the Honorable Commissioner for Energy and Mineral Resources in Lagos State. With over 20 years of leadership experience in energy, utilities, and strategic project management, he previously served as CEO of PowerCap Ltd, advising public and private entities on energy solutions across Nigeria.
He also sits on the board of Emmanuella Consulting Services Ltd, supporting MDAs in procurement, outsourcing, and infrastructure development. Mr. Ogunleye brings deep expertise in electricity markets, corporate governance, and stakeholder engagement.
Mr. Joseph Ogunshola
Director (Energy Transition & Carbon Monetization), NUPRC
Ole-Morten Erichsrud
Chief Executive Officer, Moreld Minox
Ole-Morten Erichsrud is the CEO of Moreld Minox, a company driving innovation in sustainable process technology. With a strong background in leadership and strategic development, Ole-Morten is committed to accelerating the green energy transition through impactful and scalable solutions.
At Nordic Nigeria Connect, he will present Moreld Minox technology platform and explore opportunities for sustainable investment and collaboration in Nigeria.
Yusuff Wale Raphael
Managing Director, Wärtsilä Marine & Power Services Nigeria Ltd
Yusuff Wale Raphael is a seasoned energy professional with nearly two decades of experience in Sales, Marketing, Business Development, and Management within Nigeria’s Oil & Gas and Power sectors. He currently serves as the Managing Director of Wärtsilä Marine & Power Services Nigeria Limited and as Business Development Manager for Wärtsilä Energy Business, Africa West, with a strategic focus on Nigeria and Ghana.
Wale has played a pivotal role in the development and sales of medium to large-scale power plant projects, particularly those based on internal combustion engine technology for industrial and captive independent power generation. His expertise spans the full lifecycle of energy solutions, from concept development to execution.
A regular speaker at both local and international energy and power conferences, Wale is known for delivering insightful technical papers and thought leadership on sustainable energy solutions and market dynamics in West Africa.
He holds a master’s and bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering, a Mini MBA from Tekedia Institute, and is a corporate member of the Nigeria Society of Engineers (MNSE), registered engineer with COREN and on course as a member of CIoD.
His professional development includes numerous trainings and courses both locally and abroad.
Bello Abayomi Oboh
Channel Business Manager, Motion Business Area | ABB Nigeria
Bello Abayomi Oboh is a seasoned sales and business development leader with over a decade of experience driving industrial growth and technology adoption across Nigeria’s manufacturing and energy sectors.
As Channel Business Manager for ABB Nigeria’s Motion Business Area, he leads channel partner development and market engagement, advancing ABB’s mission to enable smarter, more efficient, and sustainable operations through cutting-edge motion technologies.
Abayomi holds a Master’s degree in Production and Manufacturing Engineering and a Bachelor’s degree in Industrial and Production Engineering from the University of Ibadan, Nigeria.
Healthcare Innovation
Dr. Abdu Mukhtar
National Coordinator, PVAC
Dr. Mukhtar was appointed the National Coordinator of the Presidential Initiative for Unlocking the healthcare value chain in October 2023 to lead Nigeria’s medical industrialization drive. Prior to that, he was the Director, Industrial and Trade Development at the African Development Bank (AfDB), where he oversaw the implementation of the Bank’s industrialization strategy and private sector investment operations in the manufacturing and services sectors across Africa, and the implementation of 2030 Vision and Action Plan to support Africa’s pharmaceutical/vaccine industry.
Prior to that, he was the Group Chief Strategy Officer at Dangote Group of Industries, Africa’s largest industrial conglomerate. Dr. Mukhtar holds a Doctor of Medicine degree from the Ahmadu Bello University, Nigeria; Ph.D.in Pathology and Laboratory Medicine from the Boston University School of Medicine; MBA from the Harvard Business School and MPA from Harvard Kennedy School. He was an Archbishop Tutu Leadership Fellow and the recipient of several international awards.
Dr. Tolulope Adewole
CEO, Medserve
Dr. Tolulope Adewole is a highly regarded healthcare expert with over two decades of diverse experience, spanning clinical practice, healthcare management, and executive leadership. His academic journey began at the University of Ibadan, followed by a medical internship at Lagos University Teaching Hospital and a Residency Program in Chemical Pathology at the University College Hospital, Ibadan, where he earned a Fellowship from the National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria. In addition to his medical training, he completed a Healthcare Management certificate program at the University of Washington. He is also a distinguished member of several professional organizations, including the American Diagnostic and Laboratory Medicine (ADLM) and the American Association of Clinical Oncologists (ASCO).
In 2019, Dr. Adewole was appointed CEO of NSIA Healthcare Development & Investment Company (NHDIC), where he oversaw healthcare projects valued at $21 million, primarily focused on cancer care and diagnostics across Nigeria. In 2024, he was appointed CEO of NSIA Advanced Medical Services Limited (MedServe), where he is leading the Healthcare Expansion Programme, an ambitious initiative involving the development and operationalization of 23 modern medical diagnostic centers, 3 oncology centers, and 7 catheterization laboratories, with a projected cost of approximately $280 million.
Dr. Olufunke “Funke” Fasawe
Global VP of Integration and Country Director, CHAI
Dr. Olufunke “Funke” Fasawe (she/her) is the Global VP of Integration at CHAI, Country Director for CHAI Nigeria, and Interim Regional Director for West and Central Africa, leading health equity efforts across 11 countries. With over a decade in global health, she is committed to strengthening health systems and empowering women and girls.
Funke has worked with UNAIDS and WHO in Geneva and holds degrees from the University of Lagos, Bocconi University, and a DrPH from UC Berkeley.
Dr. Mories Atoki (Hon)
CEO, ABCHealth
Dr. Mories Atoki (Hon) is the Chief Executive Officer for the African Business Coalition for Health (ABCHealth), a not-for-profit Social enterprise Coalition of African business leaders working with other critical stakeholders to support the Governments of African Countries to improve the continent’s health sector.
She serves as the Facilitator of the Health Policy Commission (HPC) at the Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG) and she is an alumnus of the Harvard Business School (HBS), London Business School (LBS), and YALE University.
Mories has Masters degrees in Law, Finance, and Business Administration, among other academic achievements and her career spans various industries and fields in the public and private sectors. Mories currently sits on the boards of a number of organizations. An avid reader and leadership coach, Mories is passionate about youth empowerment, sustainable development, and service delivery.
Ms. Njide Ndili
Country Director, PharmAccess
Njide Ndili is the Nigeria Country Director for PharmAccess, an international NGO that leverages digital technology to accelerate development in health markets across sub-Saharan Africa. Its integrated approach addresses both the demand and supply sides of healthcare systems.
Her work promotes innovative demand-side financing, institutionalizes quality improvement, facilitates business loans for health SMEs through the Medical Credit Fund, and provides technical assistance to enhance SME operations. She also leverages digital technology to connect patients, payers, and providers, facilitates public-private partnerships, and strengthens government regulatory capacity through sustainable mechanisms.
Njide is the President of the Healthcare Federation of Nigeria (HFN), an advocacy platform that champions greater private-sector involvement in strengthening Nigeria’s healthcare system. She is also a founding member of the Digital Transformation for Health Lab with its office in Geneva Campus Biotech, which identifies technologies to accelerate universal health coverage, particularly for low- and middle-income countries and the youth population across the world.
She holds an MSc in Health Economics, Policy, and Management from the London School of Economics, an Advanced Management Program (AMP) qualification from INSEAD Business School in France, an MBA from the University of Houston, a Postgraduate Diploma in Finance, and a B.Sc. in Computer Science from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka.
Ms. Olufunke Falade
Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA)
Funke is a healthcare financing and investment professional with over 18 years’ experience in management consulting, public health and healthcare infrastructure financing.
Funke started her career with KPMG Nigeria where she provided strategy, financial and project management advisory services to clients in the infrastructure, government and health sectors. She has also worked on a series of USAID-funded health systems strengthening projects where she led resource mobilization, strategic purchasing and private sector engagement activities across six (6) states in Nigeria, Ethiopia, Mali and Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
At the Nigerian Sovereign Investment (NSIA) where she currently works, Funke is exploring opportunities to invest in and catalyse medical manufacturing and industrialization in Nigeria. Funke holds a B. Pharm from University of Lagos, a masters in Global Health Policy and Management from Brandeis University and is a chartered, certified accountant (ACCA).
Mr. Kareem Adeniji
Managing Director, Tabade Pharmaceutical Chemists Ltd.
Kareem Adeniji is the Managing Director of Tabade Pharmaceutical Chemists Limited, a family-owned diversified Nigerian healthcare company that was established in 1977.
Kareem is a healthcare practitioner with over 16 years of leadership experience across many healthcare subsectors such as pharmaceutical retail, laboratory services, smart AI data platforms, IVD diagnostic devices, optical imaging, eye care products, and maternal health.
Tabade PCL currently has affiliations with all Finnish healthcare product companies operating in Nigeria, such as Team Pac Oy, Niva Medical Oy, Optomed Oy, Finnsusp Oy, and Hankintatukku Oy.
Kareem holds a Master of Pharmacy degree from Cardiff University, a BSc in Biomedical Science from Ulster University, and a Master of Business Administration degree from the University of South Wales.
Agriculture & Food Security
Hon. Abisola Ruth Olusanya
Lagos State Commissioner of Agriculture and Food Systems
Hon. Abisola Ruth Olusanya is the Commissioner for Agriculture & Food Systems in Lagos State, and previously served as Special Adviser on Agriculture to the Governor. With a B.Sc. in Architecture (University of Lagos) and an MBA from Lagos Business School, she brings a blend of technical, managerial, and strategic expertise.
Before joining public service, she held significant roles in the private sector—including in supply chain, sales, and operations with Olam International across West Africa.
As Commissioner, Abisola champions food security, local value chain development, SME inclusion, and agricultural innovation, notably through initiatives like the Imota Rice Mill Project.
Martin Skanderby
Sales Group Manager, GEA Process Engineering
Martin Skanderby is a global leader in process technology and equipment for the food, dairy, and beverage industries. With over two decades of experience in advanced process design, Martin specializes in powder processing, spray drying, and production optimization for high-value food applications.
He has contributed to several GEA innovations, including technologies that enhance powder recovery and reduce manufacturing downtime in dairy processing. Before joining GEA, Martin held senior technical and commercial roles at Chr. Hansen A/S, where he worked on application development and process improvement for nutritional and dairy products.
Martin holds a master’s degree in Food Science and Engineering from the Royal Veterinary and Agricultural University, Denmark, and has co-authored technical publications on dairy powder and infant formula production. Passionate about innovation and efficiency, he helps clients across Europe, Africa, and Asia adopt sustainable and high-performance process solutions.
Anders Fogh
SEGES Innovation P/S (Agriculture technology)
SEGES Innovation is an independent Danish research and innovation company dedicated to advancing sustainable and competitive agriculture and food production.
By integrating scientific insights with cutting-edge digital technologies, SEGES Innovation develops practical solutions that are applied directly in barns, fields, and across the entire agri-food value chain—from farm to fork.
The organization works both in Denmark and internationally to address global challenges such as climate change, resource efficiency, and food security.
Roudy Akiki
CT Technologies (Food security, cold chain)
Roudy Akiki is the Chief Commercial Officer for Africa at CT-Technologies ApS, a Danish company specialized in sustainable cold chain and turnkey refrigeration solutions.
He holds a master’s degree in mechanical engineering from Paris and has over 15 years of project and commercial management experience, most of them in Africa. Over the past six years, he has focused on the design, training, and consultancy of cold chain infrastructure across the continent.
Roudy is a trilingual professional (Arabic, English, French) and an active trainer on various cold chain topics, regularly traveling throughout Africa to build local capacity and promote best practices. He works to advance sustainable and efficient cold chain development to reduce post-harvest losses and strengthen food systems in Africa.
Engr. Tony Jibunoh
Barn Holdings Group
Engr. Tony Jibunoh is a seasoned entrepreneur, engineer, and agribusiness leader with expertise in engineering, project, and construction management of large-scale projects in agriculture and the oil and gas sector of the economy
As the founder and CEO of Barn Holdings Group, he is driving a revolution in dairy, grain and pasture cultivation, food processing, and agrotourism, with a focus on food security, sustainability and economic growth.
Barn Holdings Group is a diversified agribusiness and hospitality enterprise comprising Milkin Barn AgroServ, Grain Barn AgroServe Limited, and Barn Estate & Resort.
Under his leadership, Barn Holdings has successfully established a fully operational dairy farm, supplying fresh milk, grains and pasture to industrial off-takers. The group has also expanded pasture and grain cultivation, ensuring feed security.
Engr. Jibunoh holds a Master’s degree in engineering management and is an alumni of Harvard Business School
Building on this success, Barn Holdings is scaling up dairy production, grain and pasture cultivation, and food processing, alongside investments in the Èrúwà Valley Resort, a 350-hectare luxury hospitality project integrating agrotourism and eco-conscious business practices.
Engr. Jibunoh is also the founder and CEO of the Land and Marine Group which,specializing in pipeline and facilities construction on land, swamp, and offshore for the oil and gas sub sector.
With three decades of experience from the oil and gas sector, he has brought a fresh perspective and innovation into agribusiness, enhancing food security and economic development across the livestock and fodder value chain.
Engr. Jibunoh holds a Master’s degree in engineering management and is an alumni of Harvard Business School
Adamu Garba, Moderator
Nigeria Climate Innovation Center
Adamu Garba is the Chief Operating Officer of the Nigeria Climate Innovation Center (NCIC), where he leads efforts to accelerate the growth of climate-smart enterprises driving Nigeria’s transition to a green economy.
With over a decade of experience in the banking sector, Adamu brings strong expertise in business development, strategic partnerships, and enterprise growth. Since joining NCIC in 2019, he has played a pivotal role in providing venture support to green innovators through access to finance, mentorship, and market linkages.
He has led impactful programs across renewable energy, circular economy, water innovation, and smart agriculture, and serves on the National Steering Committee on Digital Transformation for Sustainable Job Creation.
A strong advocate for gender inclusion and youth empowerment, Adamu is committed to building an inclusive and sustainable green ecosystem for Nigeria and beyond.
Jan Swart
Danbred (Genetics)
Jan Swart is an experienced professional in the agricultural industry, specializing in Agribusiness Management and Agricultural Economics. He earned his BSc degree in Agribusiness Management from the University of Pretoria, where he developed a strong foundation in agricultural economics, management, and production.
After completing his studies, Jan began his career in the agriculture sector by working on a 1000-sow commercial pig farm. This early experience allowed him to gain practical, hands-on knowledge in the day-to-day operations of large-scale farming, including managing livestock production and farm systems. He also worked in the feed mill, where he was involved in the production process, ensuring the efficient manufacturing of feed to support healthy and productive livestock.
Currently, Jan holds the position of Technical Manager at DanBred Africa, a leading company specializing in the breeding of pigs for commercial production. In this role, Jan combines his technical expertise and industry experience to provide guidance and support to clients, ensuring they achieve optimal production efficiency and profitability. His strong background in both practical farm operations and agribusiness management has been essential in his career, making him a trusted advisor and leader in the agricultural sector.
Kathrine Tveiterås
Director, Strategy and Operations,
Norwegian Seafood Council
The Norwegian Seafood Council is a marketing communications organization working together with the Norwegian seafood industry to increase the value of Norwegian seafood in new and established markets all over the world. Itis a public company owned by the Norwegian Ministry of Trade, Industry and Fisheries.
NSC aims to increase the value of Norwegian seafood resources through market insights, market development, market risk management and reputational risk management in selected markets around the world.
Prince Kayode Oguntayo
Regional Partner, GrowPipes AB
Prince ‘Kayode Oguntayo is an agripreneur specializing in sustainable horticulture and smart agriculture adapted to local environments. He advocates for climate positive agricultural practices and represents the Association for Vertical Farming in Nigeria. He manages three companies: Greens&Berries Farm Limited, regional partner of GrowPipes AB, that’s focuses on greenhouse/CEA vertical hydroponic farming; FF Fruits&Veg, which cultivates and supplies fresh produce to contract off takers; and Smithfield Market Services, a fresh produce delivery service.
With an MBA and a BSc in Business Administration (Finance), he is recognized for strategic planning, project management, and financial analysis that support business decisions and organizational success.
Doubra Eghaghe
Investment Director, Impact Fund Denmark
Doubra Eghaghe is an investment professional with over 17 years’ experience in investment management and private equity roles. She is currently an Investment Director at Impact Fund Denmark (formerly IFU), where she drives investment strategy and execution within the Sustainable Foods Systems team.
Doubra Eghaghe has a wealth of experience leading capital deployments, executing value creation plans, and exits across various sectors in West Africa. She previously worked at Sahel Capital, an agriculture focused private equity firm in Nigeria, where she engaged stakeholders in attractive value chains within the agriculture sector, making investments and supporting investee companies. She is passionate about making an impact through sound investment decisions that create sustainable value, while delivering attractive returns to investors.
Doubra has an MBA from IE Business School, Madrid; an Accounting bachelor’s degree with First Class Honours from the University of Lagos; and is a CFA Charter holder.
Snorri Sigurdsson
Senior Manager, Raw Milk Supply & Production, Arla Nigeria
Snorri Sigurdsson is a dairy production specialist currently serving as Senior Manager for Raw Milk Supply & Production at Arla Foods in Nigeria.
He brings a practical foundation as a farmer and holds a Master’s degree in agronomy. Between 2017 and 2021, he led the China-Denmark Milk Technology Cooperation Centre — a joint initiative of Arla and Mengniu — to improve dairy productivity, animal welfare, and milk quality in China.
In Nigeria, he leads Arla’s efforts to scale local milk production in partnership with smallholder farmers, while promoting sustainability, improved farm practices, and innovation in cold chain and milk cooling technologies.
Victoria Epelle
Commercial Advisor, Sustainable Food & Agriculture & Healthcare.
Royal Danish Consulate, Lagos
Victoria Epelle serves as Trade Advisor at the Royal Danish Consulate in Lagos, where she leads bilateral engagements advancing sustainable food systems, agriculture, and health collaboration between Denmark and Nigeria.
She drives flagship initiatives such as the Nigeria–Denmark Cold Chain Project, connecting Danish innovation with African development priorities and strengthening climate-resilient infrastructure across West Africa.
With a background spanning international business, structural engineering, tech and private-sector strategy, Victoria has worked across multiple industries to promote inclusive economic growth and sustainability. Her portfolio covers agrifood systems, vocational training and health partnerships. She plays a key role in linking Danish companies like Arla Foods, Novo Nordisk, and Dalum with Nigerian public and private sector stakeholders to foster long-term capacity partnerships.
Passionate about impact-driven innovation, Victoria champions solutions that integrate commercial viability with social progress helping position agriculture as Africa’s most dynamic growth engine in the green transition.
Niels Erik Jespersen
International Relations Officer & Program Manager, Dalum Academy of Agricultural Business (Dalum Landbrugsskole), Denmark
Niels Erik Jespersen is an agricultural educator and program manager at Dalum Academy of Agricultural Business, Denmark, with over three decades of experience in agribusiness education, sustainability, and international training. Since joining Dalum in 1991, he has managed partnerships and exchange programs across Europe, Asia, and Africa, and lectured extensively in soil science, crop and roughage management, pest control, and sustainable farming practices.
Before his tenure at Dalum, Niels worked as a dairy and beef farmer and biogas plant operator at Højboggaard, gaining practical expertise that underpins his teaching and consultancy. He has also served as a lecturer at Riber Kjærsgaard Agricultural College and contributed to global knowledge exchange programs in Japan, Brazil, China, and Canada.
Niels is the co-author of “Fertilizing/Gødningslære” and “Plantens vækst”, educational resources on soil, crop biology, and fertilizer application published by SEGES. A graduate of the Danish Agricultural Education System, he combines technical depth, hands-on farm experience, and a lifelong commitment to advancing sustainable agricultural education worldwide.
Peter Adamsen
Pan African Development and Trade Group (Agric Specialist)
Peter Adamsen is COO of the African Development & Trade Group (PAD&T), where he oversees operations, business development, IT, and agricultural projects across Africa. In his role, he leads the integration of agritech, infrastructure, and trade solutions that connect European capital and know-how with African markets. (PAD&T lists him as COO of the organization).
He holds a degree from Copenhagen Business School, combined with formal education in agriculture (agronomy or agricultural science). Before joining PAD&T, Peter built experience in project development, supply chain systems, and rural investment in emerging economies.
He is passionate about sustainable agribusiness, value chain transformation, and leveraging innovation to strengthen food security and trade in Sub-Saharan Africa.
Amaka Kolawole
AAK, Corporate Strategy
Amaka Kolawole is a senior leader in corporate strategy and business development with a wealth of experience in strategic leadership, business development, and strategic partnerships across emerging markets. She is currently the Director of Business Development and Corporate Affairs at AAK, a leading provider of value-adding plant-based oils and fats.
Most recently, she served as the Regional Head of Strategy & Business Development for West Africa at Arla Foods amba, where she led cross-functional initiatives that shaped regional market strategies, drove sustainable growth, and deepened stakeholder partnerships.
With her proven ability to align strategic vision with execution, she brings not only deep regional expertise but also a passion for building inclusive and resilient business ecosystems.
Amaka received her MBA from the Northwestern University Kellogg School of Management, where she focused her studies on Management and Strategy. Prior to business school, Amaka was Assistant Vice President at Bank of America Merrill Lynch, where she managed technology projects of various sizes, from periodic trading application enhancement, to business-driven annual projects.
Beyond her professional endeavours, Amaka is creative at heart with a passion and talent for art, photography, and design. She is married and lives with her family in Accra, Ghana.