SPEAKERS & PANELISTS

Akello Beatrice Akori is a Ugandan politician and the current Minister of State for Economic Monitoring in the Office of the President. She is also the Women’s Representative of Agago District in the 11th Parliament of Uganda. She is known for being one of the most hardworking RDCs and for dedicating her life to addressing the challenges that women face. She also worked for the Alliance for Integrated Rural Development Information and Resource Centre (AIRDIRC) in Kamuli District, Uganda

Andries was trained as a computer scientist and has over 25 years experience in the investment banking / trading and technology industries. His focus has always been the enabling of the investment banking and trading businesses by implementing suitable technology architectures. He has worked in numerous international markets such as the IBJ-Numora joint venture in Tokyo, as well as his time as a member of the Global Professional Services team with Sungard in London. Andries serves as a board member and Director to all 42Markets companies.

Kwanele Hlabangana is a seasoned businessman, development practitioner and social entrepreneur. He is an environmental enthusiast with a passion in conservation and climate issues. As Co-founder of a Pan African Climate Action Movement (AVCCMF), Mr Hlabangana is committed to the development of young Climatepreneurs in the African continent in order to accelerate the participation of Africa into the Climate Economy.

Mr. Alfred Mthimkhulu has been in the Capital Markets for two decades, mostly in stockbroking. Alfred has also held leadership roles outside the financial sector including being Head of Research at Good Governance Africa’s SADC office in Johannesburg and lectureships at several universities in southern Africa. He has his PhD and a Master’s in Development Finance from Stellenbosch Business School and a Bachelor of Commerce Honours in Finance from the National University of Science and Technology.

Dr Alex is a nuclear scientist, neuroscientist, Entrepreneur, and pioneer of faith based organisations. His formal education includes two Ph.Ds., two Masters, and other junior degrees and diplomas, with which he serves humanity in diverse sectors, including: Diplomacy, Scientist, Business Owner, Academic, Author, Leadership Mentor, and Faith Based Leader to name a few. He has built multinational businesses with presence in 9 countries in Africa, Asia, Middle East, and the United States of America. Dr Alex believes in excellence and innovation for creating new paradigms in service delivery.

Sifundisise N. Moyo is an advocate of the high courts of South Africa with over 12 years of extensive experience providing representations and advice to individual clients, government departments, and not-for-profit organisations. She is involved strongly in human rights and has been involved in the litigation and advocating of many constitutional and socio-economic rights matters. She believes that climate change affects the enjoyment of a broad range of human rights including the rights to life, water and sanitation, food, and health and as such, it is important that due diligence is conducted in a way that recognises and respects these rights.

Prosper B. Matondi holds a PhD in Rural Development from the Swedish University of Agricultural University based in Uppsala, Sweden. He has more than 15 years experience researching on land, natural resources management, environmental policy and planning in Zimbabwe, within the southern African region and internationally. He currently serves as the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Environment, Climate and Wildlife Management in the Republic of Zimbabwe.

Anglistone Thembani Sibanda is Executive Director of AVCCMF, and chairperson for Green Afrique technologies Pvt Ltd. He is a seasoned development practitioner with over 25 years experience in the development sector, He is a prolific speaker who has presented in a number of International Platforms, an astute business and organizational development strategist, renowned opinion leader an Agro-climate-prenuer, and award winning economic and social justice activist. Sibanda has founded, co- founded and sat in governance boards of a number of organizations. He holds a Masters Degrees in Public Management, Theology and ministry, Hons Degrees in Development Studies and Ministry. He holds several post graduate and professional qualifications.

Dr Joyce Chuma is an entrepreneur in the mining and energy industry. She holds a Bachelor of Science Honours Degree and a Masters Degree in Economics from the University of Zimbabwe. She attained her PhD in Economics from the University of South Africa. Dr Chuma pursued an academic career for over 12 years before she began her entrepreneurial journey. Joyce is passionate about the environment and her entrepreneurial aspirations stem from the need to contribute towards the development of projects that reduce carbon emissions. Her entrepreneurial journey has prompted renewed research interests in the African perspective on climate change and its interface with projects developed in mining, agriculture and energy.

Adv. Nsikelelo Mafa is a Senior Attorney with over 21 years’ experience admitted to practice law as an Attorney, Notary Public and Conveyancer in January 2002. He is a dynamic leader with extensive legal experience having worked the Corporate, Mining Sector, Law-firms, Non-Governmental Organisations, Public Service and in Academia. Adv. Mafa is a multi-skilled Attorney with cross-jurisdictional legal experience having worked in four countries in Southern Africa, in Botswana, Namibia, South Africa and Zimbabwe.

Mkhuthazi Steleki is a director: Climate Change Developments and International Mechanisms. He works at Department of Fisheries Forestry and the Environment (DFFE) focusing on climate change negotiations mainly under UNFCCC. His specific focus in negotiations is on economic instrument(s), particularly carbon markets. He also serves as a member of the 6.4 supervisory body - whose focus is on elaborating on rules modalities and procedures on article 6.4 on carbon markets. Part of his scope also extends to facilitating the NDC process which captures SA's commitments on climate action under the UNFCCC. The scope thereof includes research, stakeholder consultations etc. His academic background is in economics. Prior to working at DFFE, he has previously worked at the department of trade and industry.

Mmakhutso Aphane is a national of the Kingdom of Eswatini. She holds a Bachelor of Science, double major in Biological Sciences and Geography, Environmental Science & Planning (GEP). Currently Eswatini Youth Climate Champion and an active member of Hlumisa Eswatini Youth climate change network, her focus is on climate change advocacy.

Munyaradzi C Shamudzarira is a career scientist who has spent the last 12 years innovating agricultural solutions aimed at enhancing productivity, resilience and sustainable agricultural practices. As Director for Special projects, Munyaradzi focuses on identifying Carbon reduction opportunities within the crop production systems, furthermore, he specialises in promoting green solutions that enhance sustainable agricultural systems in Southern African states.

Tandzile Vumile Mdlovu is a national of the Kingdom of Eswatini. She is a professional Medical Laboratory Technologist and Climate Change Activist. She is the CEO of International Green Innovation Club (IGIC) based in Durban South Africa and a member of Hlumisa Eswatini. She was a COY-17 Delegate of the Kingdom of Eswatini. She is innovative, goal driven and very passionate about climate change and climate action.