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Bridging Business Frontiers:
Africa-Middle East Legal and
Investment Forum (AMELIF)

The African continent – a testament to resilience and versatility, has emerged stronger in the face of global challenges. With momentous forces of change reshaping its economic, legal, and social landscapes, Africa stands at the cusp of a transformative era that promises to impact the globe and sectors ranging from public and private to academic and nonprofit. Similarly, the Middle East continues to be a dynamic partner on this journey, showcasing innovation, growth, and a commitment to fostering sustainable development.

AMELIF acts as a pivotal platform for bringing together thought leaders, innovators, and policymakers from Africa and the Middle East.
Our mission is to synergize collaboration and connection, tackling the intricacies of cross-regional ventures and unlocking the vast potential within these vibrant regions.
With a focus on navigating regulatory hurdles and comprehending local market dynamics, businesses and investors alike seek clarity and effective pathways for leveraging opportunities.
AMELIF is committed to shedding light on the routes to successful investments, facilitating legal navigation, and fostering sustainable business practices that will shape the future landscape of Africa and the Middle East.

Featured Speakers

Click on each speaker to learn more about them.

speakers
His Excellency Wamkele Mene
Secretary-General,
African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat
speakers
Dr. Aboubacar Fall
Co-Founder,
Africa Law Alliance
speakers
Boma Adoki
Senior Associate,
Al Tamimi & Company
speakers
Christo Els
Senior Partner,
Webber Wentzel
speakers
Diogo Xavier da Cunha
Managing Partner,
Miranda & Associados
speakers
Hussein Matar
Senior Director –
Business Development,
AMEA Power
speakers
Isaac Kwaku Fokuo
Principal,
Botho Emerging
Markets Group
speakers
Karim Anjarwalla
Senior Partner,
ALN Kenya
speakers
Laureen Fredah
Solicitor,
Al Tamimi & Company
speakers
Mark Brown
Partner, Head of Projects,
Al Tamimi & Company
speakers
Mohamed Sajid Darsot
Director,
Corporate and M&A, ENS
speakers
Nora Naadu Sena
Regional Treasurer-
Middle East, Africa, Pakistan & Turkey, Nestlé
speakers
Paras Shah
Managing Partner,
Bowmans Kenya
speakers
Priscilla Balgobin-Bhoyrul
Senior Partner,
Dentons (Mauritius) LLP
speakers
Ronald Philip
Senior Director –
Strategic Planning,
Agility Logistics Parks
speakers
Steven De Backer
Chief Executive Officer,
Afriwise
speakers
Tom Griffin
Partner, Middle East & Africa,
Control Risks
speakers
Tshifhe Ramabulana
Senior Legal Counsel,
Global & Commercial Banking, Africa & Middle East, Standard Chartered Bank

Agenda

08:30 – 09:30
Registration & Light Breakfast
09:30 – 09:45
Opening & Welcome Address
Speaker

Samir Kantaria, Chair, Africa Working Group, Partner, Head of Employment, Al Tamimi & Company

09:45 – 10:30
Keynote Address

Bridging Business Frontiers: Investment and Legal Landscape in Africa and the Middle East

Speaker

His Excellency Wamkele Mene, Secretary-General, African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat

10:30 – 11:15
Panel Discussion

Delivering Giga-Projects in Africa: Opportunities for Infrastructure Investment Beyond Borders

Moderator

Christo Els, Senior Partner, Webber Wentzel

Panelists
  • Dr Aboubacar Fall, Co-Founder, Africa Law Alliance
  • Diogo Xavier da Cunha, Managing Partner, Miranda & Associados
  • Hussein Matar, Senior Director – Business Development, AMEA Power
11:15 – 11:30
Coffee Break
11:30 – 12:15
Panel Discussion

Opportunities in Africa’s Hospitality & Food Sectors: Key Considerations for Owners and Operators

Moderator

Boma Adoki, Senior Associate, Al Tamimi & Company

Panelists
  • Karim Anjarwalla, Senior Partner, ALN Kenya
  • Mohamed Sajid Darsot, Director, Corporate and M&A, ENSAfrica
  • Nora Naadu Sena, Regional Treasurer - Middle East, Africa, Pakistan & Turkey Nestlé
  • Christo Els, Senior Partner, Webber Wentzel
12:15 – 13:00
Panel Discussion

Untapped opportunity: Financing trade and investment between Africa and the GCC

Moderator

Mark Brown, Partner, Head of Projects, Al Tamimi & Company

Panelists
  • Tshifhe Ramabulana, Senior Legal Counsel, Global & Commercial Banking, Africa & Middle East, Standard Chartered Bank
  • Priscilla Balgobin-Bhoyrul, Senior Partner Dentons (Mauritius) LLP
  • Paras Shah, Managing Partner, Bowmans Kenya
13:00 – 14:30
Lunch Break
14:30 – 15:30
Solar Buddy - CSR Initiative

‘Give the Gift of Light’ – Group Activity

15:30 – 16:15
Panel Discussion

Doing Business in Africa: Insights for successful market entry, risk mitigation and regulatory tendencies in African markets

Moderator

Laureen Fredah, Solicitor, Al Tamimi & Company

Panelists
  • Isaac Kwaku Fokuo, Principal, Botho Emerging Markets Group
  • Steven De Backer, Chief Executive Officer, Afriwise
  • Ronald Philip, Senior Director – Strategic Planning, Agility Logistics Parks
  • Tom Griffin, Partner, Middle East & Africa, Control Risks
16:15 – 16:30
Coffee Break
16:30 – 16:45
Closing Remarks

Patrick Earl, Chief Operating Officer, Al Tamimi & Company

17:00 – 18:00
Cocktail Reception