In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TEDTalks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organized (subject to certain rules and regulations).

SPEAKERS
Speakers may not be confirmed. Check event website for more information.

Emma Theofelus
Deputy Minister of ICT, Namibia
Theofelus is a former youth activist, having served as deputy speaker of the Children’s Parliament from 2013 to 2018. She started her career after she completed a law degree at the University of Namibia, as legal officer in the Ministry of Justice. Theofelus was appointed Namibia’s deputy minister of Information, Communication and Technology in March 2020, as part of Hage Geingob’s second term cabinet. At the time of cabinet appointment, Theofelus was 23 and one of Africa’s youngest cabinet ministers. She is also a board member of the National Council of Higher Education. In 2020 she was judged to be one of 100 most influential African women, the youngest person on this list. Ms. Theofelus received the 2022 United Nations Population Award individual laureate award for her work advocating for women’s empowerment and adolescent sexual and reproductive health in Namibia

Femi Reis
Cybersecurity Researcher
Femi Reis is a cloud security administrator and cybersecurity researcher with over a decade of experience in implementing early adoption of business technologies in small and medium enterprises in immerging economies. As the Head of Research and Implementation at BIS Africa, Femi focuses on developing tools and resources for knowledge optimization in the technical and business domains of information technology and cybersecurity. He consults for organizations in diverse industries to help them use technology as a critical component for policy implementation. His current research is in the area of early integration of information security in elementary curriculums in Africa. He has published several books and learning resources that are used by aspiring cybersecurity professionals around the world. Outside of work, Femi spends time giving talks and stirring unconventional conversations around issues that many see but few discuss.

Lauren Nkuranga
Entrepreneur, Investment Expert
Lauren Nkuranga is an expert at starting and scaling businesses in Africa. Lauren currently serves as Chief Advisor to the Chairman & the CEO at the Rwanda Development Board, the Rwandan government’s main body that oversees private sector development. In this role, she focuses on privatization, attracting investment into priority projects, and leading RDB’s governance. She also serves as the Board President of the American Chamber of Commerce in Rwanda, founding the AmCham’s Rwanda chapter in 2019. Lauren serves as Vice Chairman of the Board at Rwanda Farmers’ Coffee Company, known by its brand name, Gorilla’s Coffee, the largest coffee roaster in Rwanda. Before her time in Rwanda, Lauren worked for Nike, Inc., including 2 years in Rwanda with the Nike project Girl Effect. In 2014 Lauren left Nike to found GET IT. Today, GET IT is Rwanda’s largest fresh food distributor, serving the country’s major hotels, restaurants, and national airline.

Sue Snyman
Director of Research, ALU School of Wildlife Conservation
Susan Snyman, PhD, is the Director of Research at the African Leadership University’s School of Wildlife Conservation. Previously, Sue worked for Wilderness Safaris, a private sector ecotourism operator, for 10 years in various roles, including as Group Sustainability Manager. She is vice-chair of the IUCN WCPA Tourism and Protected Areas Specialist (TAPAS) Group and Coordinator of the Communities & Heritage Working Group in TAPAS. She recently managed the Biodiversity and Protected Areas Management Programme for IUCN in 24 countries in Africa. Her research and work focus is on sustainable, diversified wildlife economies in Africa.

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