OCTOBER 14th
Opening
João Bosco Monte | Founder and President of the Brazil Africa Institute
Plenary | Room: Ballroom
Guest of honor
Mauro Vieira | Minister of External Relations of Brazil
Plenary | Room: Ballroom
Special guest
Martin Mbeng | Ambassador of Cameroon and Dean of the African Heads of Mission in Brasília
Plenary | Room: Ballroom
Family photo
Plenary | Room: Ballroom
TRENDS Research & Advisory Special Pronouncement
Plenary | Room: Ballroom
Agro-Industry: Solving production and logistics challenges in Brazil-Africa food supply
Although Africa holds nearly 60% of the world's uncultivated arable land, it remains a net food importer, spending billions annually. The synergies between Brazil and Africa in agribusiness are significant, given their fertile land, favorable climates, and growing populations. Brazil, a leading agribusiness player, excels in productivity and crop yields, offering valuable expertise to Africa.
Roberto Rodrigues | Former Minister of Agriculture of Brazil and Coordinator of the Center for Agribusiness Studies at FGV EESP
Philippe Rubini | Chief Investment Officer of Fictor Group
Márcio Rodrigues | Executive Manager for New Markets at JBS
Gustavo Bastide Horbach | CEO of EuroChem
Cristina Costa | Technical Coordinator of the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture in Brazil
Gilberto António | Senior Advisor to the Secretary-General of the Secretariat of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA)
Moderator: Eduardo Castro | Journalist at BAND Network Group
Plenary | Room: Ballroom
Renewable Power: Building block for a sustainable energy future
The transition to renewable energy is essential for a sustainable future, particularly in Africa, where growing energy demand poses challenges for policymakers. Renewable sources reduce dependence on fossil fuels while fostering economic growth, creating jobs, and expanding access in remote areas. Brazil serves as a success story, with a diverse energy matrix largely based on hydroelectric, wind, solar, and biomass. Its experience underscores the importance of public policies, investment in technology and infrastructure, and public-private collaboration.
Enio Verri | Brazilian General Director of Itaipu Binacional
Carlos Lopes | Honorary Professor at Nelson Mandela School of Public Governance, Faculty of Commerce, University of Cape Town
Paulo Gomes | Chairman of the Advisory Board of the Africa-South East Asia Chamber of Commerce
Radaés Fronchetti Picoli | Sustainable Fuel General Manager at Petrobras
Bharat Adlakha | Director of Uttam Sucrotech International, Uttam Group
Moderator: Vinícius Assis | International Correspondent covering Africa
Plenary | Room: Ballroom
Lunch
Public-Private Partnerships: Strategic tool for infrastructure investment
Brazil and many African countries face infrastructure deficits that hinder economic growth. Attracting private investment is crucial to meet rising demand. Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) offer a powerful solution for channeling investment into bankable projects. When well-coordinated with regulatory frameworks, PPPs can help close the infrastructure investment gap sustainably.
Miguel Azevedo | Chairman of Investment Banking for Middle East and Africa at Citi
Mônica Monteiro | Senior Executive Advisor for Times CNBC Brazil and President of the BRICS Women’s Business Alliance Brazil Chapter
Maria Auxiliadora Figueiredo | Ambassador of Brazil and Assistant Secretary to the São Paulo Municipal Secretary for International Relations
Ibraimo Abdul Carimo Issufo Ibraimo | Founding partner of Ernest and Young and Former Chairman of the Executive Board of Moza Bank
Moderator: Caroline Ribeiro | Journalist at Diário de Notícias
Plenary | Room: Ballroom
Exploring the Agricultural and Livestock potential of Niger State
Organized by the Government of the State of Niger, Nigeria
Niger State is the largest State by land mass in Nigeria with vast arable and irrigable land area, however still underdeveloped with untapped potential. It has a typical Savanah (Cerrado) vegetation with several patches of floodplain and substantial annual rainfall. Agriculture in the Niger State is still largely subsistence based and small scale. To ensure food security and stimulate economic development by leveraging the State’s arable land, Niger State promoted a Green Economy Framework that will engender commercial scale agriculture.
His Excellency Mohammed Umaru Bago | Executive Governor of Niger State, Nigeria
Mr. Sam Adigun | CEO of Niger Foods – Security System and Logistics Company Limited
Mr. Jerry Cunningham | CEO of WM Agro International Ltd
Mr. Oloyede, Olawoyin Adebowale | Head of Operations of Niger Foods –Security System and Logistics Company Limited
Side Event | Room: Salvador II Room
Artificial Intelligence: Boosting digital and financial inclusion
In the past decade, East Africa has led a digital and financial revolution, becoming the hub of mobile money. AI is now driving financial inclusion in Africa and Brazil, where traditional banking access is limited. Fintechs are using AI to serve underserved markets, creating start-up ecosystems, offering micro-credits, and personalized investments, overcoming the lack of banking infrastructure.
Mohammed Abdullah Al-Ali | CEO and Founder of TRENDS Research & Advisory
Matilde Ribeiro | Professor at the Universidade da Integração Internacional da Lusofonia Afro-Brasileira (UNILAB)
Nana Baffour | CEO and Chairman of Qintess
Michelle Chivunga | Founder and CEO of Global Policy House
Francisco Javier Trujillo Ramírez | Director of Las Palmas Port Authority
Moderator: Vinícius Assis | International Correspondent covering Africa
Plenary | Room: Ballroom
Signing of International Agreement between the Brazil Africa Institute and Port Authority of Las Palmas
Espaço L'Atelier | Sheraton WTC São Paulo
Welcoming cocktail
Sponsored by Fictor Group
OCTOBER 15th
Keynote address
Haytham El Maayergi | Executive Vice President for Global Trade Bank at Afreximbank
Plenary | Room: Ballroom
Perspectives and opportunities between Brazil and Africa
Carlos Sérgio Sobral Duarte | Secretary for Africa and the Middle East of the Ministry of External Relations of Brazil
Plenary | Room: Ballroom
Unearthing the Future: Global prospects and local challenges in the mining sectors
The future of mining in Brazil and sub-Saharan Africa is tied to the global shift toward sustainable energy, presenting both challenges and opportunities. These regions, rich in minerals vital for green technologies, can turn mining into a driver of sustainable development. However, this requires addressing infrastructure and sustainability challenges and ensuring equitable economic benefits. With the right policies, investments, and focus on sustainability, they can lead responsible mining in the global energy transition.
Raul Jungmann | CEO of the Brazilian Mining Institute
Lígia Pinto | Vice-President of Government and Institutional Relations of Sigma Lithium
Luiz Cossa | Director of Sales & Operations at CXT-Comexport Group
Paulo Gomes | Chairman of the Advisory Board of the Africa-South East Asia Chamber of Commerce
Pious-Bismark Dadzie | President of the Piglo Group
Moderator: Eduardo Castro | Journalist at Bandeirantes Network
Plenary | Room: Ballroom
Lunch
Changing Climate: Insights from the Global South
Over 1.6 billion people rely on forests for their livelihoods. Recent studies show deforestation caused USD 78.6 billion in losses, with 10% of global carbon emissions coming from deforestation and degradation. The global south holds the largest tropical rainforests, home to over half of the world's biodiversity. Similarly, oceans and their ecosystems are vital, as coastal regions house over half of the global population and are highly vulnerable to climate change. Investment in the blue economy is crucial for a sustainable future in coastal urban centers.
Paulo Protásio | Executive Director of the Rio de Janeiro State Authority for Sustainable Development
Maria Beatriz Bley Martins Costa | CEO of Green Rio
Maria Tereza Umbelino | Founder and President of BMV Group
Otagogo Kenneth Aigbinod | President of Vintage Vantage Advisory
Moderator: Carolina Maíra Morais | Historian and Founder of The African Pride Company
Plenary | Room: Ballroom
Sustainable Prosperity: A Governance Approach to Boosting Investment in African Infrastructure
Organized by TRENDS Research & Advisory
In response to the African market’s growing appeal as a competitive destination for infrastructure investments, this symposium brings together thought leaders, innovators, and policymakers to explore how governance can enhance the African business environment. The focus of this session will be on aligning infrastructure investments with sustainability standards by strengthening governance indicators.
Mohammed Abdullah Al-Ali | Founder and CEO of TRENDS Research & Advisory
Dr. Hamad Al Kaabi | CEO of AlEtihad News Center
Abdul Aziz Al Shehhi | Senior Researcher and Deputy Head of Research sector at TRENDS Research & Advisory
Dr. Mohamed Hamad Al-Kuwaiti | Head of United Arab Emirates Cyber Security Council
Otaviano Canuto | Former Vice-President and Executive Director at the World Bank Group
Paulo Gomes | Chairman of the Advisory Board of the Africa-South East Asia Chamber of Commerce
Maria Auxiliadora Figueiredo | Assistant Secretary to the São Paulo Municipal
Secretary for International Relations
Side event | Room: Curitiba I Room
The role of financial institutions in infrastructure investment and development
Financial institutions are crucial in supporting infrastructure development, especially post-COVID-19. Multilateral development banks and international finance institutions provide funding, technical expertise, policy support, and promote sustainability. Their efforts drive economic recovery, foster inclusive growth, create jobs, and improve access to essential services.
Luiz Lessa | President of Banco da Amazônia
Otaviano Canuto | Former Vice-President and Executive Director at the World Bank Group
Armando Manuel | Chairman of the Board of Directors of Angola Sovereign Fund (FSDEA)
Natália Dias | Advisory Board Member of Din4mo Venture Building
Haytham El Maayergi | Executive Vice President for Global Trade Bank at Afreximbank
Zemedeneh Negatu | Global Chairman of Fairfax Africa Fund
Moderator: João Bosco Monte | President of the Brazil Africa Institute
Plenary | Room: Ballroom
Closing
Plenary | Room: Ballroom
