The Network

Our Leadership

Our leadership embodies a team of visionary individuals dedicated to driving
collaboration, innovation and impactful solutions across Africa’s political, business,
academic and civil society landscapes.

Advisory Council

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H. E Barlen Vyapoory

Mauritius

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MR. RAKASH

Indian

H.E Dr. Laila Rahhal El Atfani

Dubai (UAE)

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Dinga George

Cameroon

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Dr Pamela K Dillon

USA

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Dr Abdulaziz Ahmad

Dubai (UAE)

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HRH Zolani Mkiva (MP)

South Africa

Dr Anthony Johnson

Dr Anthony Johnson

USA

Board of Directors

Dr. Erise Mary Dinga M.A

President

Mr Nayer Refky

Vice President
EGYPT/CANADA

Ferdinand

Ferdinand Fang

Secretary General
CANADA

Kimberly

Kimberly

Board Member
USA

Udo Idongesit Essien

Udo Idongesit Essien

Board Member
NIGERIA

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S.I Ndumbe

Board Member
UK/FRANCE

Mr.Mahmoud Abdel Aziz

Board Member
EGYPT

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Laila Rahhal El Atfani copy

H.E Dr. Laila Rahhal El Atfani

H.E. Laila Rahhal El Atfani is a distinguished entrepreneur, humanitarian, and global leader dedicated to empowering women and fostering international collaboration. As the Founder & CEO of Woman Business Circle and Business Gate, she has established platforms that facilitate business development, franchising, and financing opportunities, bridging connections between the UAE and other nations.

In her esteemed role as Crown Senator of the Royal House of Queen Sheba, H.E. Laila contributes to initiatives that promote cultural diplomacy and global unity. Her commitment to women’s empowerment is further exemplified through her leadership in organizations such as the I Am Africa Platform and the Global Chamber of Business Leaders, where she serves as Vice Chair.

H.E. Laila’s influence extends to the media and non-profit sectors, holding positions as Vice President of The Voice Magazine, and as Founder & Vice President of both the Refai NGO in Switzerland and Youth Gate in Cambodia. These roles underscore her dedication to youth development, education, and social inclusion.

A respected figure in international affairs, H.E. Laila Rahhal El Atfani continues to inspire and lead with a vision of sustainable development, cultural exchange, and the advancement of women and youth globally.

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Dr. Erise Mary Dinga M.A

Executive Summary of Dr. Erise Mary Dinga
◦ Harvard University Executive Alumni
◦ Global Leader
◦ Author
◦ Speaker 

Key Leadership Roles & Ventures
Dr. Dinga has established multiple high-profile organizations that influence governance,
business, and social development:
◦ State Consultant: Advises executives, organizations, and governments on high-level strategy
and international relations.
◦ Chief Executive Officer (CEO): Emmi Global Executive Consulting (A consultancy focused on
executive and corporate strategy).
◦ President: Africa Promote Network (A platform dedicated to continental development and
promotion).
◦ Founder: (EMMI Empire) A major philanthropic and youth empowerment initiative.
◦ Author & Speaker: A recognized thought leader in leadership and professional development.

Professional Identity
Dr. Erise Mary Dinga is an international consultant, author, philanthropist, and entrepreneur,
widely recognized for her transformational impact in youth empowerment, women’s leadership,
and executive branding across Africa, the USA, and global markets. As a State Consultant, she
advises executives, organizations, and governments, specializing in:
◦ Executive Branding & Corporate Positioning
◦ Strategic Leadership & Business Diplomacy
◦ Reputation Management & Investment Facilitation

Founder & Visionary Initiatives
◦ Bajude Nursery & Primary School (2016, Cameroon) – Expanding access to quality
education for underserved communities.
◦ EMMI Global Leadership & Sustainable Empowerment (2021) – A flagship program
combining leadership training with youth empowerment and SME support.
◦ Africa Promote Network – Connecting leaders, entrepreneurs, and innovators across Africa
for global collaboration.
◦ Real Worship & Gospel International Center – A faith-based initiative impacting audiences
across Africa, Europe, and the USA.

Author & Publisher
◦ The Bride of Christ
◦ My Identity (Devotional)
◦ The Millennial Leadership Testament
◦ How to Monetize Your Idea
◦ Editor-in-Chief & Publisher – Emmi Empire Magazine.

Awards & Recognition
◦ World Changers Award – USA, 2019
◦ Prix de Mérite PanAfricain – Meilleure Actrice Sociale Féminine
◦ Global Annual Investment Congress & Summit – Dubai, 2021
◦ PANAFES Excellence Award – Most Innovative Female Entrepreneur, 2021
◦ Les Grands Prix Gold Star Award – Book of the Year, 2020
◦ Les Oscars – Black Africa Award, 2020
◦ Youth Connekt Cameroon Champion (Ambassador)
◦ Philanthrope d’Exception Award
◦ International Eminence Excellence Award – Dubai, 2023.

Advocacy & Passion
Dr. Erise Mary believes that youth are the backbone of every nation. Her mission is to equip
women and young leaders with the tools for innovation, entrepreneurship, and leadership,
bridging the gap between untapped potential and real opportunities. Through her platforms, she
continues to inspire thousands, helping leaders and communities elevate their identity, expand
their influence, and drive social and economic transformation

Nayer Refky

Mr. Nayer Refky

Vice President – Africa Promote Network
Provides strategic leadership for cross-border collaboration, investment mobilization, and sustainable development programs that drive socio-economic transformation across Africa.

Business Development Director
Designed and executed expansion strategies, built key partnerships, and consistently delivered measurable growth in competitive international markets.

Chief Business Development Officer
Oversaw business development operations, negotiated multimillion-dollar deals, and aligned corporate partnerships with long-term organizational strategy.

Country Director
Directed national operations, ensured compliance with regulatory frameworks, and built high-performing teams to drive growth and impact.

Mr. Nayer Refky is a multinational executive with dual Egyptian and Canadian nationality, bringing more than 20 years of proven success in business development, strategic expansion, and cross-cultural leadership across Africa, the MENA region, and global markets.

He is recognized for driving transformative initiatives, unlocking high-value investments, and forging sustainable partnerships that deliver measurable socio-economic impact. Over his career, he has:

  • Delivered large-scale infrastructure projects in energy, water, and construction across 20+ African countries.

  • Spearheaded complex tenders, donor-funded initiatives, and multimillion-dollar negotiations with governments, global institutions, and financial stakeholders.

  • Structured high-value deals and growth strategies through expertise in financial modeling, corporate governance, and regulatory compliance.

Nayer’s leadership consistently strengthens corporate strategy, operational frameworks, and performance in dynamic, high-growth markets. By combining strategic foresight with hands-on execution, he is well-positioned for senior leadership roles that demand innovation, resilience, and sustainable impact.

Mahmoud

Mr. Mahmoud Abdel Aziz

Mahmoud Abdelaziz is a seasoned infrastructure and investment professional with over 24 years of experience leading large-scale, multi-billion-dollar projects across the Middle East, including Egypt, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Qatar. His extensive hands-on experience enables him to navigate complex investment landscapes and deliver transformative projects that positively impact communities and economies.

He holds a Master of Laws (LLM) in Construction Law from Salford University and a BSc in Civil Engineering, a combination that equips him with a unique ability to assess large-scale developments from legal, technical, and commercial perspectives. This multidisciplinary expertise underpins his success in international contracts, risk management, and project execution.

Mr. Abdelaziz brings invaluable strategic guidance and leadership to initiatives aimed at fostering smart, sustainable investment in Africa, making him a key driver of projects that build prosperity and long-term impact.