Prof. Tshilidzi Marwala has been the Rector of the United Nations University (UNU) and Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations since March 2023, and a member of the UN Secretary-General’s Scientific Advisory Board since August 2023. Marwala is a scholar and thought leader with multi-disciplinary research interests that include the theory and application of AI to engineering, computer science, finance, social science, and medicine. He was the Vice-Chancellor and Principal of the University of Johannesburg.  He holds a Bachelor of Science from Case Western Reserve University and a PhD in AI and Engineering from the University of Cambridge. 

Prof. Okori is an agricultural scientist and academic leader with expertise in plant breeding, research innovation, and higher education development. He has driven the development and commercialization of more than 30 improved crop varieties which are widely adopted across East and Southern Africa. At ICRISAT, he was part of the team that championed agricultural technologies that reach over 50,000 households annually. A thought leader in agricultural development, Prof. Okori has shaped strategies for numerous regional and global institutions including RUFORUM, CCARDESA, ASARECA, FARA, COMESA, AU, and CGIAR. He holds a PhD from the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences and BSc and MSc degrees from Makerere University.

Prof Vukosi Marivate is a Professor of Computer Science and holds the ABSA UP Chair of Data Science at the University of Pretoria. He specialises in developing Machine Learning (ML) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) methods to extract insights from data, with a particular focus on the intersection of ML/AI and Natural Language Processing (NLP). His research is dedicated to improving the methods, tools and availability of data for local or low-resource languages. As the leader of the Data Science for Social Impact research group in the Computer Science department, Vukosi is interested in using data science to solve social challenges. He has worked on projects related to science, energy, public safety, and utilities, among others. 

Adama Ibrahim is an award-winning innovation leader with over 25 years in the NHS and global pharma, including Roche, Amgen, Biogen, Novartis and Novo Nordisk. She has led 100+ clinical trials across multiple therapeutic areas and pioneered digital innovations like decentralized trials and connected devices. A strategic, trilingual expert in clinical, digital, and business domains, she has built and led global high-performing teams. Adama co-led the UK Women in Innovation Network, champions inclusive research and advocates for clinical trials in Africa. She serves as Vice-Chair at the Science for Africa Foundation and advises Zühlke Engineering. 

Darlington Akogo is a globally recognized AI leader and founder of minoHealth AI Labs, KaraAgro AI, Runmila AI Institute, and Gudra AI Studio. He was named to Forbes 30 Under 30 (2025) and the Global Top 100 Most Influential People of African Descent in Healthcare. He chairs the UN/WHO/ITU Topic Group on AI for Radiology and led the AU working group that developed Africa’s AI strategy. Akogo also advises the International Development Innovation Alliance, comprising leading global development agencies such as USAID, Gates Foundation, GIZ, and UNICEF, on innovation and AI.

Sam Carter is the Senior AI Manager at J-PAL, where she manages efforts to maximize the social impact of artificial intelligence, and to generate new evidence on AI’s impacts and unintended consequences. Previously, Sam was a Senior Advisor at USAID, leading efforts to improve the cost-effectiveness of USAID programs around the world. She previously designed and evaluated new products for smallholder farmers at Precision Development, and has also advised philanthropists at Founders Pledge and the JBJ Foundation. Sam holds a Master’s in International Economics and a Bachelor’s in Economics and International Studies, both from Johns Hopkins University.