Our Chief Guest
At IFAI, our esteemed Chief Guest embodies excellence and leadership, bringing invaluable insights and expertise to our event. Their presence not only honors us but also inspires innovation and dedication across all fields, reflecting a shared commitment to progress and excellence.
We are privileged to introduce Mr. Farouk Khailann, an accomplished entrepreneur and visionary leader who serves as the Chief Executive Officer of Premium Africa Holdings, an investment holding company that operates across Ghana, Liberia, Gambia, and Sierra Leone. His company is engaged in a diverse range of industries, including construction, ICT, mining, agribusiness, and fintech, playing a pivotal role in driving economic growth and development across the African continent.
In addition to his leadership at Premium Africa Holdings, Farouk Khailann holds the esteemed position of Managing Partner at Akon Lighting Africa, a groundbreaking initiative spearheaded by globally renowned music icon Akon. This ambitious project aims to tackle the issue of energy poverty by bringing sustainable electricity to millions of people across Africa, fundamentally transforming lives and empowering communities.
Farouk’s influence extends beyond Africa, as he is also a Venture Partner at Erez Capital, a prestigious venture firm that is at the forefront of advancements in artificial intelligence and machine learning. Through his role at Erez Capital, Farouk is contributing to innovations that are shaping the future of technology, making significant strides in the global tech landscape.
Farouk Khailann’s contributions to international development have earned him numerous high-profile appointments on the global stage. He has collaborated with several African heads of state on initiatives focused on economic transformation and sustainable development, further solidifying his reputation as a visionary leader and advocate for progress in Africa.
It is with great honor and pride that we welcome Farouk Khailann as the Chief Guest at IFAI 2024. His wealth of experience, global insights, and dedication to the betterment of Africa make him an inspiring figure and a fitting keynote speaker for this prestigious event. We look forward to the invaluable knowledge and inspiration he will bring to this year’s conference.
Farouk Khailann
We are privileged to introduce Farouk Khailann, the Chief Executive Officer of Premium Africa Holdings, an investment holding company operating across Ghana, Liberia, Gambia, and Sierra Leone in sectors like construction, ICT, mining, agribusiness, and fintech. Farouk also serves as Managing Partner of Akon Lighting Africa, a groundbreaking initiative led by music icon Akon to bring electricity to Africa. Additionally, he is a Venture Partner at Erez Capital, a venture firm leading advancements in AI and machine learning. With numerous international appointments and collaborations with African presidents on economic transformation, Farouk is recognized globally for his contributions. We are honored to have him as a Chief Guest at IFAI 2024.
Farouk Khailann
Our Honorable Guests
At IFAI, our Honorable Guests represent a diverse array of fields, each bringing unique perspectives and expertise. Their presence enriches our event, showcasing a shared commitment to excellence and inspiring innovation across all sectors.
We are privileged to introduce Pietro Elisei, a distinguished urban planner with extensive experience in sustainable development and strategic planning. With academic credentials from the University of Rome “La Sapienza” and a doctorate from Roma 3, Pietro has held influential roles, including President of ISOCARP and EC URBACT expert. His leadership in urban regeneration and city innovation has made a significant impact globally. Currently, he leads URBASOFIA as Managing Director. We are honored to have Pietro as a distinguished guest at IFAI.
Pietro Elisei
We are privileged to introduce Arben Shkodra, a seasoned professional with over three decades of expertise in economics, trade, finance, governance, and international affairs. With academic credentials from the University of Tirana and the University of Palermo, Arben has held significant roles in both public and private sectors, including Head of Human Resources, Finance, and Operations at the Prime Minister’s Office, Vice President of the Union of Chambers of Commerce and Industry in Albania, and Secretary General of the Albanian National Economic Council. Currently, he leads as Managing Partner at Damiani & Partners and Executive Director at Future Center. We are honored to have Arben as a distinguished guest at IFAI.
Arben Shkodra
We are privileged to introduce Pietro Elisei, a distinguished urban planner with extensive experience in sustainable development and strategic planning. With academic credentials from the University of Rome “La Sapienza” and a doctorate from Roma 3, Pietro has held influential roles, including President of ISOCARP and EC URBACT expert. His leadership in urban regeneration and city innovation has made a significant impact globally. Currently, he leads URBASOFIA as Managing Director. We are honored to have Pietro as a distinguished guest at IFAI.
Pietro Elisei
We are privileged to introduce Arben Shkodra, a seasoned professional with over three decades of expertise in economics, trade, finance, governance, and international affairs. With academic credentials from the University of Tirana and the University of Palermo, Arben has held significant roles in both public and private sectors, including Head of Human Resources, Finance, and Operations at the Prime Minister’s Office, Vice President of the Union of Chambers of Commerce and Industry in Albania, and Secretary General of the Albanian National Economic Council. Currently, he leads as Managing Partner at Damiani & Partners and Executive Director at Future Center. We are honored to have Arben as a distinguished guest at IFAI.
Arben Shkodra
We are privileged to introduce Ranjeet, a military veteran with over 22 years of diverse experience in both the uniformed and corporate sectors. His expertise spans physical security strategy development, crisis management, counter-terrorism strategies, and the creation of mitigation frameworks and policies. Ranjeet has successfully executed security projects across industries such as critical infrastructure, oil & gas, transport, energy, manufacturing, and real estate, both in India and internationally. A recognized speaker on the effective use of new-age technologies for security and crisis management, he holds certifications like ISO 27001 LA and CASM (Aviation). Ranjeet is a key member of MitKat Advisory, our Knowledge Partner for IFAI 2024, and we are honored to welcome him as a distinguished guest at the event.
Ranjeet Sinha
We are honored to introduce Nuria Muñoz, a well-being interior designer renowned for her expertise in biophilic and sustainable design. With over fifteen years of experience in the design and fashion industry, Nuria founded a design firm in Spain, focusing on creating spaces that nurture both human well-being and the environment. Her work has garnered international recognition, and she passionately shares her knowledge through courses and retreats, inspiring designers worldwide. At IFAI, we are thrilled to have Nuria as our esteemed guest, bringing her vision of harmony and purpose to the forefront of our event.
Nuria Muñoz
We are honored to introduce Soukaina, an accomplished architect with a rich academic background from England and extensive international experience in managing diverse construction projects. Her expertise spans theoretical and practical approaches, blending art and science to create thoughtful, functional designs. Soukaina views architectural design as a multidisciplinary science influenced by aesthetics, sociology, technology, and global trends. Committed to sustainable development, she incorporates environmental considerations and technical innovations into her work. We are excited to welcome her as a distinguished guest at IFAI 2024, where her unique vision will inspire many.
Soukaina ELAOUAD
We are honored to introduce Zeeshaan Pathan, CEO of World Development Corporation and a trailblazer in corporate governance, digital transformation, and ESG. With extensive global experience, Zeeshaan has spearheaded innovative projects that drive technological advancements and sustainability across industries. As a recognized TEDx speaker and recipient of the ET Leadership Excellence Award, his contributions have been pivotal in reshaping governance and fostering international collaborations. Zeeshaan’s visionary leadership continues to inspire, and we are delighted to welcome him as a distinguished guest at IFAI 2024.
Zeeshaan Pathan
We are honored to introduce Ranjeet, a military veteran with over 22 years of experience in both uniformed and corporate sectors. His expertise includes physical security, crisis management, counter-terrorism, and policy development. Ranjeet has led security projects across industries like critical infrastructure, oil & gas, and real estate, both in India and internationally. A recognized speaker on using modern technologies for security, he holds certifications like ISO 27001 LA and CASM. As a key member of MitKat Advisory, our Knowledge Partner for IFAI 2024, we welcome him as a distinguished guest.
Ranjeet Sinha
We are honored to introduce Nuria Muñoz, a well-being interior designer renowned for her expertise in biophilic and sustainable design. With over fifteen years of experience in the design and fashion industry, Nuria founded a design firm in Spain, focusing on creating spaces that nurture both human well-being and the environment. Her work has garnered international recognition, and she passionately shares her knowledge through courses and retreats, inspiring designers worldwide. At IFAI, we are thrilled to have Nuria as our esteemed guest, bringing her vision of harmony and purpose to the forefront of our event.
Nuria Muñoz
We are honored to introduce Soukaina, an accomplished architect with a rich academic background from England and extensive international experience in managing diverse construction projects. Her expertise spans theoretical and practical approaches, blending art and science to create thoughtful, functional designs. Soukaina views architectural design as a multidisciplinary science influenced by aesthetics, sociology, technology, and global trends. Committed to sustainable development, she incorporates environmental considerations and technical innovations into her work. We are excited to welcome her as a distinguished guest at IFAI 2024, where her unique vision will inspire many.
Soukaina ELAOUAD
We are honored to introduce Zeeshaan Pathan, CEO of World Development Corporation and a trailblazer in corporate governance, digital transformation, and ESG. With extensive global experience, Zeeshaan has spearheaded innovative projects that drive technological advancements and sustainability across industries. As a recognized TEDx speaker and recipient of the ET Leadership Excellence Award, his contributions have been pivotal in reshaping governance and fostering international collaborations. Zeeshaan’s visionary leadership continues to inspire, and we are delighted to welcome him as a distinguished guest at IFAI 2024.
Zeeshaan Pathan