Joyce-Ann Wainaina is the Founder and Managing Partner of Chui Ventures, a Pan-African Seed Fund with a gender-inclusive focus, backing local founders building mass-market solutions. Joyce-Ann is passionate about enabling entrepreneurs in Africa and has been an active investor with a track record across Africa. She was awarded ‘Woman Investor of the Year 2023’ by EAVCA.
Prior to her current role, Joyce-Ann had an extensive career with Citibank for over 30 years where she held senior positions across Africa including Managing Director, Global Network Banking - Sub-Saharan Africa, and CEO of Citi East Africa.
Joyce-Ann supports talent development in Africa; She co-designed the Sapphire Leadership Programme, targeting senior talent mentoring and development in Citi across Emerging Market countries. She also partnered with the Kenya Bankers Association and the Central Bank of Kenya to establish a mentorship program for Women Leaders in the Banking Industry in Kenya. She is a founding Trustee of the JB Wanjui Education Trust focused on providing grants to girls in universities in Kenya.
Joyce-Ann is a Senior Fellow - at Jackson School of Global Affairs, Yale University. She holds an M.S Financial Economics from the University of London (SOAS) and a B.S Finance from Duquesne University Pittsburgh, USA.

Brenda Mbathi is the CEO of Two Rivers International Finance and Innovation Centre SEZ (TRIFIC SEZ), where she leads strategic initiatives to foster business innovation, global investment, and local economic empowerment.
A seasoned executive with over 30 years of leadership experience, Brenda has a proven track record in corporate governance, organizational transformation, and sustainable development.
Previously, she served as President & CEO of General Electric East Africa, where she spearheaded renewable energy, healthcare, and social impact initiatives across the region. She also chaired GE’s Diversity and Inclusion Council, driving equity-focused strategies globally.
Beyond her corporate leadership, Brenda serves as Vice Chairperson of the Kenya Private Sector Alliance (KEPSA), a Governor of the Mpesa Foundation Academy, and formerly as President of the American Chamber of Commerce (AmCham) Kenya. Her leadership philosophy is anchored in creating sustainable

Megan is the CEO and co-founder of Grounded - a Kenyan based women-run manufacturer of non-toxic cleaning solutions powered by African-grown ingredients. She’s a manufacturing professional, trained in China as a new product development expert. Megan is also a wellness nerd, certified Yoga teacher, and lifelong student of Chinese Medicine. She has 12 years experience in East Africa, building and scaling startups -- initially in social enterprise, driving operational and brand excellence (Burn Manufacturing, Fenix International), and then as co-founder of Grounded (East Africa's leading non-toxic consumer products brand), Booch (raw kombucha), and 254 Brewing Co (craft beer). Megan is an alum of Stanford University, a mother of 2 (both practiced product testers), and a fierce believer in the power of local manufacturing and the impact of real, good products.

Phyllis is a Country General Manager at Microsoft. She is responsible for driving strategy that enables transformation and accelerates growth for government and businesses. She has a solid reputation as a bold leader and a business catalyst and is passionate about using technology to unlock Africa’s potential, drive broad scale transformation, and market impact. This has seen her appointed to chair of sectoral reforms working group on ICT & Digital Economy by the Ministry of ICT and Digital Economy.

Phyllis has over 20 years of experience in strategy and operations leadership, brand development, marketing, and program management. She has held leadership roles in ICT, FMCG and Consulting in India, Europe, Africa, and North America. Passionate about transforming African SME to resilient African multinationals, she is Chair of Advisory board, for several female led organizations, which are also focused on driving impact with the youth.

A graduate of Catholic University of Eastern Africa and Hult International Business School(Boston). Phyllis is passionate about empowering communities to be self-sufficient and she is committed to making a positive impact on the continent.

MaryAnne Mwaura is a dynamic leader with over two decades of experience in the financial services sector, specializing in Public Affairs, Marketing, Business Development, and Customer Service. As the Director of Public Affairs, Sub-Saharan Africa, she provides strategic counsel across all core businesses in the region. Her role encompasses media relations, crisis management, and employee engagement, reflecting her comprehensive expertise. Additionally, MaryAnne serves as the Regional Head for the Citi Foundation, driving initiatives that promote economic progress and improve the lives of individuals in low-income communities.

Before joining Citi, MaryAnne held pivotal roles at Standard Chartered Bank as the Cluster Head of Service Quality for East Africa, where she demonstrated her proficiency in change management. She also served as the Acting Communications and Corporate Affairs Manager at NIC Bank Limited, honing her skills in corporate communications and stakeholder engagement.

MaryAnne's academic credentials include an Honours degree in Sociology and Literature from the University of Nairobi. She further enhanced her professional development with a Diploma from the Chartered Institute of Public Relations (UK) and a Diploma in Executive Coaching from the Association of Executive Coaches (UK).

Beyond her corporate responsibilities, MaryAnne is a passionate advocate for personal leadership and community development. She played a crucial role in establishing the Institute of Customer Service Kenya Limited and has been an active member of the Sema Toastmasters Club in Kenya. Committed to nurturing future leaders, she volunteers her mentoring services to various organizations, embodying her dedication to empowering others.