Speakers

JACQUELINE KALI Is the CEO & National Secretary of the Kenya Association of Women in Tourism (KAWT), where she champions governance, implementation, and innovation in the industry. With nearly 30 years of experience in hospitality, aviation, and business development, she previously held leadership roles at British Airways Kenya and was internationally placed in Amsterdam. Passionate about women's empowerment, Jacqueline leads KAWT's Programs Committee, ensuring impactful initiatives for female professionals. She is also an Associate Member of Equality in Tourism, a member of KEPSA Women Entrepreneurs Associations (WEA), and a dedicated mentor and advocate. A strong believer in creativity and innovation, Jacqueline has secured two patent certifications for Al app solutions and continues to explore Al's role in business growth. Her certifications include governance, security, Al, and faith-based corporate excellence. With a strategic mindset and a passion for inclusion, Jacqueline is committed to driving change and uplifting women in tourism. Her mantra: "A healthy attitude is contagious- be a carrier!"

Ben fell in love with Africa in 2001, when he moved to Ghana to work at the Ghanaian Ministry of Justice. Since then, Ben has accumulated eighteen years of experience investing in, founding, growing and managing companies and non-profits across Africa. Ben founded and led Journalists for Human Rights (now Canada’s largest media development NGO) and Newsana Incorporated (a news aggregation platform); more recently spent nearly four years as Senior Partner at AHL Venture Partners, one of Africa’s largest early stage investors. In this role Ben ran AHL’s Nairobi office and oversaw AHL’s East and Southern African portfolio; notably, Ben led an investment and subsequent exit in Twiga Foods that won the 2019 ‘Exit of the Year’ award from the East Africa Private Equity and Venture Capital Association. Ben is also the Recipient of Canada’s Meritorious Service Medal (MSM) one of Canada’s highest civilian honours, winner of Canada’s Top 40 Under 40 Award and the Queen’s University Alumni Humanitarian Award. Ben has a MSc from the London School of Economics.