ACOEDI 2026
Meet the ACOEDI 2026 Speakers and Ambassadors
Meet the speakers, presenters, conference leaders and ambassadors contributing to the African Conference on Economic Development and Innovation 2026. The programme brings together voices from business, academia, development finance, policy, professional practice and economic-development institutions across Africa.
Dr Albert Jeleni
ACOEDI 2026 Organiser and Chief Executive Officer
Institute for Economic Development and Innovation Africa (IfEDI Africa)
Dr Glenda Maluleke
Conference Chair, ACOEDI 2026
African Conference on Economic Development and Innovation (ACOEDI) 2026
Prof Michael Twum-Darko
ICBMD 2026 Convener and Deputy Chair: ACOEDI 2026
The Centre of Entreprenetics (Africa)
Dr Mpho Tshikororo
ACOEDI 2026 Deputy Organiser; Head of the Department of Agricultural Economics and Agribusiness, UNIVEN
University of Venda (UNIVEN)
Hon. Parks Tau, MP
Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition (The DTIC)
Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (The DTIC)
Hon. Buti Manamela, MP
Minister of Higher Education and Training (DHET)
Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET)
Hon. Panyaza Lesufi, MPL
Premier of Gauteng Province
Gauteng Provincial Government (GPG)
Hon. John Steenhuisen, MP
Deputy Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition (The DTIC)
Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (The DTIC)
Executive Mayor Ald. Nkosindiphile Xhakaza
Executive Mayor of the City of Ekurhuleni
City of Ekurhuleni
Adv. Mtho Xulu
President of the South African Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SACCI)
South African Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SACCI)
Mr Khulekani Mathe
Chief Executive Officer, Business Unity South Africa (BUSA)
Business Unity South Africa (BUSA)
Mr Zwelibanzi Sapula
Executive Director, SADC Development Finance Resource Centre (SADC-DFRC)
SADC Development Finance Resource Centre (SADC-DFRC)
