Geography: Sub-Saharan Africa

  • Mina Mohammadi

    Mina Mohammadi is a data journalist and researcher. She currently works as an AI Policy Program Manager at the Mozilla Foundation. Prior to this, she worked as a Data Analyst at Google News Initiative. She holds a Masters of Science from the Oxford Internet Institute at the University of Oxford, and a Bachelors from New York University. Mina’s main research interests exist at the intersection of privacy-enhancing tech (PETs), tech workers rights and computational social science methods.

  • Melanie Garson

    Melanie is an Associate Professor in International Security in the Department of Political Science at University College London where she teaches her flagship course “From Cyberwarfare to Robots: The Future of Conflict in the Digital Age” that examines the nexus of disruptive tech and building defence and resilience. She also teaches courses on international negotiation and tech diplomacy, as well as problem-solving for policymaking at HM Treasury.

    She provides practical insights and thought leadership for policymakers across the full spectrum of cyber policy, tech geopolitics, and defence innovation challenges. Having spent four years at the Tony Blair Institute for Global Change, where she set up the cyber policy function, she has advised leaders globally on cyber resilience policy, the geopolitics of the internet, space, AI, and compute, the rise of tech companies as geopolitical actors, data governance as well as the future of defence.

    Melanie is an accredited mediator and prior to joining UCL worked as a solicitor in the International Disputes department of Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer, covering Public International Law, International Arbitration, and International Corporate Investigations, as well as teaching mediation and negotiation techniques.

  • Marie GERMA

    After practicing law in London (UK) for six years, Marie joined the Government of Canada, most specifically the Department of Public Safety. In this role, she works at the intersection of counterterrorism and emerging technology. She leads a team responsible for developing policies to address the rise in terrorist content on tech platforms.

  • Maja Cuic

    Product Compliance compliance expert with over 9 years experience within Trust & Safety space.

  • Lisa Johnson

    Lisa Johnson is Starship Technologies’ Vice President of Global Public Affairs and Corporate Communications. Starship is the world leader in autonomous robot delivery, having completed more than 8 million deliveries globally. Lisa leads on all aspects of regulatory policy, with a particular focus on market entry and creating supportive regulatory environments for first-of-a-kind technology. Her team is responsible for developing industry-leading social acceptance campaigns for the introduction of embodied AI into public spaces.

    Prior to joining Starship, Lisa worked in external relations and political affairs for UK trade unions and Members of Parliament.

  • Lina Ghazal

    Lina is a policy and public affairs professional with over a decade of experience in media and tech, both in the public (Ofcom) and private (TF1, Meta) sectors. She’s currently leading regulatory and public affairs for safety tech provider Verifymy.

    Lina is an expert in building large-scale policy initiatives and partnerships and has led engagements about online regulation with diverse groups of stakeholders and regulators across Europe, the Middle East, Africa and the US.

    Lina studied Law, Economics and Management at Ecole Normale Superieure and Queen Mary University of London. She holds a Master of Finance & Corporate Strategy from Sciences Po Paris.

  • Laveena Iyer

    Laveena is a global technology and telecoms analyst at Economist Intelligence, this is the research and analysis business of The Economist Group. Based in the London office, she delivers industry, geopolitical and macroeconomic insights to clients in the government, corporate and academic sectors. In this role she also oversees client relations and partnerships for corporate clients in India.

    She is a seasoned industry analyst with over a decade of experience and in 2021 Onalytica named her among the industry’s top 10 technology analysts. She is a sought-after public speaker and has presented at conferences in Europe, the Middle East and Asia. Her expertise lies in topics such as geopolitics of technology, digitalisation, artificial intelligence, 5G, cybersecurity, digital wallets and sustainability in technology.

    She often shares her comments on industry trends and latest developments with news media such as the BBC, Nikkei Asia, South China Morning Post, Al Jazeera and CNA Singapore. Prior to this role, Laveena covered corporate strategy, start-ups and the tech industry in India as a financial correspondent for a business magazine.

  • Larissa Zutter

    Currently, I work as a consultant at McKinsey and Company. I am also a member of the Board of Directors at the Center for AI and Digital Policy (CAIDP), where I provide strategic vision and direction, write policy recommendations, and consult various stakeholders on responsible AI. I have been involved with CAIDP in various capacities such as Senior AI Policy Advisor, Research and Teaching Fellow, where I advised on matters of AI and related policy as well as helped with CAIDP’s expansion projects. Previously, I have also worked in Pharmaceuticals (Novartis), Healthcare (UNAIDS), Fintech (Unique AG) and various NGOs (e.g. Michael Dukakis Institute)

    I graduated from a dual master’s degree in International Security and International Political Economy from Sciences Po Paris and London School of Economics. With a strong foundation in business, economics, and political science, I bring a unique blend of expertise and perspective to the intersection of technology, business, and policy.

  • Kemi Adeyanju

    Strategic leader with expertise in legal, public policy, and regulatory compliance, specialising in digital infrastructure (Subsea Cable, Data Center, Space and AI) across EMEA, North America, Asia and Australia. Experienced in managing complex projects, negotiating contracts, and leading diverse teams to secure regulatory approvals. Proven ability to develop and implement strategic partnerships and policies in challenging environments.

    My work bridges the public and private sectors—guiding connectivity projects involving submarine, terrestrial fibre, Satellite, and advocating for regulatory reforms that accelerate digital inclusion.
    I’ve led cross-border compliance efforts, advised on government engagement strategies for emerging tech platforms, and partnered with telecom ministries to align infrastructure projects with national broadband plans. My interests lie at the intersection of technology, governance, and ESG.

    Whether navigating licensing frameworks, supporting blockchain regulatory pilots, or drafting policy briefs on spectrum allocation, space debris or AI, I bring a strategic, evidence-based approach to policy challenges.

  • Kelli Fairbrother

    Kelli Fairbrother is co-founder and CEO of xigxag, a Cornwall-based startup leading first-ever innovation across the digital audiobook ecosystem. She’s ex-McKinsey, Whitbread, Deluxe digital media, and the former Chief Operating Officer of print tech scaleup Gelato. Not content with taking on Amazon, Kelli is a leading voice in also challenging Apple and Google’s monopoly control of mobile app ecosystems in the UK.