Our Speakers
Meet the industry leaders, innovators, and experts who will share their insights and expertise at AfroTech Namibia 2025.
Dr. Emma Kantema
Minister of Gender and Child Welfare
She serves as the, Minister of Gender and Child Welfare, in the government of the Republic of Namibia. Dr. Kantema Emma holds a Doctorate in Business Administration from the University of Namibia, and a a Master’s Degree in Business from the Namibia University of Science and Technology. Additional qualifications include a Postgraduate Certificate in Strategic Leadership from the UK’s University of Coventry, an Advanced Certificate in Corporate Governance from UNISA, and a Certificate in Managing Social Security Pensions from the University of Witwatersrand. She is also the former Deputy Minister of Sport, Youth and National Service.
Dr. Natalie Raphil
Founder of Robots Can Think
Dr. Natalie Raphil is the Founder of Robots Can Think – a fintech using AI for good across the globe, Forbes Africa’s Top 100 Innovators and Inventors, Women in AI Southern Africa Ambassador, International Key Not Speaker, CTO at FCB.ai – an African financial services fintech who’s saving lost sales leads and thereby retaining customers in both Africa and Europe, SA’s financial services sectors only black female innovator for 4 consecutive years, winning FNB’s innovation 1st prize. Dr Natalie Raphil holds and Ivy League PhD in AI and her philanthropic work ameliorates communities and industries.
Lelanie Basson
Ambassador for Women in AI Namibia
Lelanie Basson is a strategic management consultant, AI enthusiast, and a leading advocate for women in technology and artificial intelligence in Namibia. She currently serves as the Ambassador for Women in AI Namibia, where she is dedicated to fostering inclusivity, closing the digital divide, and empowering women to excel in tech and AI research.
Arinze Okafor
Founder of NIFA Academy
He is the founder of NIFA Academy, an initiative dedicated to transforming finance education and personal development in Namibia. Arinze is recognised for his commitment to capacity building, social impact investing, and mentoring the next generation of financial leaders in Namibia. His work bridges theory and practice, emphasising practical education and entrepreneurship to drive sustainable economic growth in Namibia.
Lisel Engelbrecht
Chief Information Officer, Data, Analytics & AI
Standard Bank of S.A.
She is a dynamic data executive at Standard Bank of South Africa, leading the Data, Analytics & AI engineering division. She has spearheaded large-scale enterprise projects across Manufacturing, Retail, eCommerce, Operations, and Personal Banking, expertly applying data management principles to drive strategic business decisions. Her slightly irreverent yet constructive approach combines technical expertise with strategic thinking. Recognised as one of ITWeb/Brainstorm's 100 Influential Women in Tech and a Global Top 100 Innovator in Data & Analytics (2022), Lisel also serves as Chief Data and Analytics Officer for Women in AI. She champions data literacy and empowers others to embrace data-driven decision making.
Nazareen Ebrahim
Communications and Technology Specialist
She has built specialist capabilities in media, technology and communications over 20 years, leading Naz Consulting International: Africa's Premier Communications and Digital Marketing Firm. With AI Ethics as her focus for five years, she serves as AI Ethics Lead at Socially Acceptable, building responsible digital citizenry through extensive public education via radio, television and digital platforms. An experienced moderator and keynote speaker, she's participated in major events including African Union Media Fellowship Programme, AI Expo Africa, Global AI Summit, and World Cybersecurity Summit. She provides weekly tech commentary on Cape Talk Tuesdays and Radio Al Ansaar Wednesdays.
