Theme: The Substance Of Things Not Seen

Rain is a great blessing in Botswana and you wish a person well by saying to them, in Setswana, 'Pula'. So, Maru-a-Pula – 'rainclouds' – come to have a wider meaning: the promise of blessing. Clouds form when the invisible water vapor in the air condenses into visible water droplets or ice crystals. For us, the theme; 'the substance of things not seen,' is synonymous with the brand name as we design a future full of blessings.

Avani Conference Centre
Avani Hotel
Maruapula
Gaborone, South-East, 0001
Botswana

Amanda Chembezi

Pro-Africanist | Gloabal Stategy Advisor

Amanda is an experienced international executive leader with skills in business strategy, corporate governance, leadership development, policy drafting, workshop facilitation, and consulting for gender equity. She sits on the regional board of The Centre for Coordination of Agricultural Research and Development for Southern Africa (CCARDESA) where she is a member of the HR and Governance Committee, Programmes Committee and the Audit, Risk, and Compliance Committee. She is a member of The Institute of Business Advisors Southern Africa (IBASA), The Boardroom Africa, and the International Leadership Association (ILA). Over the last few years, Amanda has designed and supported the launching of a Fellowship program that places young people as Chief of Staffs or Special Advisors to Senior Government Officials across Africa through her work at the African Leadership Academy.

Anael Granoux

Strategy Advisor | Lecturer

Anael Granoux is a French consultant, lecturer, speaker, and entrepreneur with two decades of experience in strategy formulation, strategy execution, and performance management. He has worked with renowned consulting houses (including Strategy& - Booz&co - PwC) as well as smaller boutique firms in Europe, the Middle East, Latin America, and Africa.

Christopher Maurice

CEO | YellowCard

Chris Maurice is an entrepreneur, writer, and public speaker who has led early developments in emerging industries and markets. He is the CEO and co-founder of Yellow Card, Africa’s largest cryptocurrency exchange, which in 2021 raised the largest Series A round for any African crypto company. Chris is continuing to expand Yellow Card’s presence across 14 countries on the continent and beyond. He has spoken everywhere from the U.S. to Ethiopia, sharing insights into digital currencies with a particular focus on the African continent.

Irene Chikobvu

Financial Services

Chartered Accountant with a demonstrated history of working in Audit, financial reporting, Management consulting and currently in Investment banking.

Kiana Dancie

Comedian

Kiana Dancie, a multifaceted talent, excels as an actress, comedian, author, and transformational speaker, also noted for her mental health advocacy, highlighted by her Harvard Certification in managing anxiety and mental health. She's performed with comedy greats like Dave Chappelle and Kevin Hart, and founded the nonprofit B.A.G.S., earning her four American Presidential Awards for her humanitarian work. As a Forbes Business Council speaker and former host of a nationally syndicated talk show, Kiana blends humor, leadership, and advocacy to impact diverse audiences.

Malik Shehu

Wealth Advisor

I’m a Chartered Financial Analyst™ who helps individuals and businesses manage their assets and wealth. I started teaching financial courses back in 2017 until I ventured into investment advisory, portfolio management and mentoring.

Richard Cullinan

Transformational Trainer

Richard Cullinan is the founder and CEO of eq4me and is a transformational trainer and coach. He is the author of 30 EQ Strategies that will change your life. He will be speaking on "How EQ saved my ADHD life". Please welcome Richard to the TEDx Mauapula Stage!

Serena Serene Mmifinyana

Screenwriter | Film & TV Advocate

Serena is a professional filmmaker who holds two significant roles in Botswana's industry: film practitioner and film and television advocate.

Tahira Lee

Entrepreneur

Dr. Tahira Lee, affectionately known as The Real HOPE Doc, is a dynamic leader, educator, and advocate for positive change. As the CEO of HOPE Enterprises Inc., she channels her passion for community empowerment into transformative initiatives that uplift and inspire. Born and raised in Twenty-nine Palms, CA, Dr. Lee's journey has been defined by a steadfast commitment to service and a deep-rooted belief in the power of hope. With a background in Humanitarianism, Business Development, and Youth Education, she co-founded HOPE Enterprises Inc. alongside her husband and six children, with a mission to spread hope, empower individuals, and foster positive change.