2025 WTCA Middle East & Africa Conference Recap

This article is part of a new series, "WTCA Member Spotlight," a series of articles written by WTCA team members to give readers a glimpse into the diversity and dynamism of the global WTCA community.

Penned by Milan Ramjee, WTCA Membership & Business Development Lead-Middle East & Africa 

The 2025 WTCA Middle East & Africa (MEA) Conference, skilfully hosted by WTC Algiers from September 6-8, delivered a high-impact agenda that seamlessly combined strategic insights, cutting-edge innovation, and Member-driven engagement.

Set against the rich, colourful and vibrant backdrop of Algiers, the day began with opening remarks from Ahmed Tibaoui, General Manager and CEO, WTC Algiers, and Chair, WTCA MEA Regional Advisory Council (RAC); Chakib Kouidri, Managing Director, Algerian Chamber of Commerce & Industry; Crystal Edn, Executive Director-Member Services, WTCA; and setting the stage for dynamic discussions on business opportunities in Algeria.

Keynote Address by Emeka Uzomba, Director at Afreximbank, and Special Advisor to the Secretary General of AfCFTA Secretariat, followed, offering forward-looking perspectives of AfCFTA and the expected impact it would have on intra-Africa trade. Immediately after, his insights were further explored in Panel 1 —  “AfCFTA and Development Prospects for Africa: Trade, Innovation and Sustainability in a Changing Continent” — where he joined other regional leaders to examine how trade integration and sustainable infrastructure are reshaping Africa's future. This panel was moderated by Milan Ramjee, Membership & Business Development Lead-Middle East & Africa, WTCA; and included regional experts Emeka Uzomba, Ali Harbi, owner, AHC Consult; Abderahmane Hadef, Project Team Leader, Economic Development & Investment Promotion; and Mohamed Ould Mohammedi, Secretary-General, Trans-Saharan Highway Liaison Committee (Comité de Liaison de la Route Transsaharienne (CLRT)).

At mid-morning, a second Keynote Address by Emeka Onyia, Director-Digital Innovation at Afreximbank, underscored the critical role of digital innovation in accelerating Africa’s integration and transformation. His address led smoothly into Panel 2: “Digital Innovation Across the Region: Accelerating Africa's Integration and Transformation,” featuring contributions from technology and financial leaders across Africa. This panel was moderated by Diego Cortese, Vice President, Venue Commercial, Dubai WTC, and included regional experts Emeka Onyia, Souheil Guessoum, Founder The Drilling Company; Mohamd Hakim Soufi, CEO, MacirVie; Nouara Baroudi, Head of Development, Société Générale Algérie; and Yvonne Botchey, Managing Director, WTC Accra.

After lunch, the conference spotlight turned to Membership-driven value during the WTCA Member Pitches Session, where WTCA Members showcased their initiatives, services, and collaborations — demonstrating the tangible benefits of being part of the global WTCA community.

The afternoon agenda continued with updates from Crystal Edn, Ahmed Tibaoui, and Milan Ramjee; an interactive segment titled “Global WTCA Network at Your Fingertips;” and an Interactive Workshop on practical ways to leverage WTCA Membership — delivering actionable takeaways for delegates.

The day closed on an engaging note, with closing remarks, a rich cultural evening and a closing dinner — rounding out a program that blended insight, innovation and community engagement.

Key Highlights:

• Strategic Vision Delivered: The keynote addresses by Afreximbank leaders Emeka Uzomba and Emeka Onyia anchored the conference in expert, real-world perspectives of the AfCFTA and digital integration/innovation — essential for stakeholders navigating Africa’s evolving economic landscape.
• Action-Oriented Learning: Through thematic panels and an interactive workshop, participants gained both high-level insights and hands-on strategies for leveraging network advantages.
• Member Empowerment: The Member Flash Presentations illustrated the energy and innovation within the WTCA community — highlighting collaboration, entrepreneurial spirit and the shared mission of unlocking regional growth.