6–8 November 2026

Programme

7 sessions

10:00 – 22:00 · Exhibition Ground

Business Exhibitions & GEF Virtual Studio

Theme: Showcasing Innovations That Transform Lives

From 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM

Running order: Business Exhibitions & GEF Virtual Studio
Time	Duration	Programme segment	Details
10:00 AM		Business Exhibitions	Live & Virtual Business Exhibitions, all day
1:00–3:00 PM	2 hrs	GEF Virtual Studio	Presenters: Efa Iwara; Barr. Emmanuella Daniel; Dr. Farida Mirzebalaeva (Fari Elysian) Live Interviews & Global Leaders Engagement
10:00 AM–10:00 PM	12 hrs	Business Exhibition	General access for delegates; exhibitor showcases, business engagement, and networking continue until 10:00 PM.

10:00 AM
Business Exhibitions
Live & Virtual Business Exhibitions, all day
1:00–3:00 PM · 2 hrs
GEF Virtual Studio
Presenters: Efa Iwara; Barr. Emmanuella Daniel; Dr. Farida Mirzebalaeva (Fari Elysian)
Live Interviews & Global Leaders Engagement
10:00 AM–10:00 PM · 12 hrs
Business Exhibition
General access for delegates; exhibitor showcases, business engagement, and networking continue until 10:00 PM.

11:00 – 14:55 · Hall 1 · Main Auditorium

Entrepreneurs Investment Program Grand Finale

Theme: Funding Ideas, Lifting People

Shortlisted entrepreneurs pitch to investors.

Running order: Entrepreneurs Investment Program Grand Finale
Time	Duration	Programme segment	Details
11:00–11:10 AM	10 min	Opening Remarks	Dr. Francina Norma, GEF Board Member
11:10–11:35 AM	25 min	Keynote	Vusi Thembekwayo, Founding CEO, MyGrowthFund Venture Partners
11:35 AM–12:15 PM	40 min	Panel	Topic: Partnership & Global Capital Access Moderator: Oluwaseyi Adenowo, GEF Dealroom Lead & Partner, Grays Capital Speakers: Engy El-Sabban, Chairwoman of Community Ads; Dr. Remi Duyile, CEO, Image Consulting Group; Legacy Premier Foundation; Ambassador Afolabi Oke, Permanent Representative of Nigeria to ECOWAS; African Union 6th Region Global & CEO, Global Infoswift Consulting Limited; Johan Richards, CEO, Synergos Partners; Dr. William Amponsah, Founder, Transformation Ghana Leadership Initiative (TGLI); Stephen Read, Partner, Spaciousness Works
12:15–12:20 PM	5 min	Keynote Speech	Olugbenga “GB” Agboola, Founder and CEO, Flutterwave
12:20–12:40 PM	20 min	Fireside Chat	Vusi Thembekwayo, Founding CEO, MyGrowthFund Venture Partners; Dr. Summy Smart Francis, President, Global Entrepreneurship Festival
12:40–1:25 PM	45 min	Startup Presentations & Shortlist to Top 10	Shortlisted entrepreneurs pitch before the judging panel, followed by questions and assessment. Top 10 entrepreneurs are selected to advance.
1:25–2:05 PM	40 min	Final Pitch Round & Shortlist to Top 5	Top 10 entrepreneurs deliver their final pitch before investors and judges, followed by questions and assessment. Top 5 advance to final judging.
2:05–2:35 PM	30 min	Final Judging, Certificate Presentation & Recognition	Final judging and deliberation, followed by certificate presentation and recognition of participating entrepreneurs.
2:35–2:55 PM	20 min	Grand Finale: Announcement of Top 3 Winners & Closing	Announcement and recognition of the Top 3 Winners, closing remarks, official photographs and formal close of EIP 2026.

11:00–11:10 AM · 10 min
Opening Remarks
Dr. Francina Norma, GEF Board Member
11:10–11:35 AM · 25 min
Keynote
Vusi Thembekwayo, Founding CEO, MyGrowthFund Venture Partners
11:35 AM–12:15 PM · 40 min
Panel
Topic: Partnership & Global Capital Access
Moderator: Oluwaseyi Adenowo, GEF Dealroom Lead & Partner, Grays Capital
Speakers: Engy El-Sabban, Chairwoman of Community Ads; Dr. Remi Duyile, CEO, Image Consulting Group; Legacy Premier Foundation; Ambassador Afolabi Oke, Permanent Representative of Nigeria to ECOWAS; African Union 6th Region Global & CEO, Global Infoswift Consulting Limited; Johan Richards, CEO, Synergos Partners; Dr. William Amponsah, Founder, Transformation Ghana Leadership Initiative (TGLI); Stephen Read, Partner, Spaciousness Works
12:15–12:20 PM · 5 min
Keynote Speech
Olugbenga “GB” Agboola, Founder and CEO, Flutterwave
12:20–12:40 PM · 20 min
Fireside Chat
Vusi Thembekwayo, Founding CEO, MyGrowthFund Venture Partners; Dr. Summy Smart Francis, President, Global Entrepreneurship Festival
12:40–1:25 PM · 45 min
Startup Presentations & Shortlist to Top 10
Shortlisted entrepreneurs pitch before the judging panel, followed by questions and assessment. Top 10 entrepreneurs are selected to advance.
1:25–2:05 PM · 40 min
Final Pitch Round & Shortlist to Top 5
Top 10 entrepreneurs deliver their final pitch before investors and judges, followed by questions and assessment. Top 5 advance to final judging.
2:05–2:35 PM · 30 min
Final Judging, Certificate Presentation & Recognition
Final judging and deliberation, followed by certificate presentation and recognition of participating entrepreneurs.
2:35–2:55 PM · 20 min
Grand Finale: Announcement of Top 3 Winners & Closing
Announcement and recognition of the Top 3 Winners, closing remarks, official photographs and formal close of EIP 2026.

13:00 – 14:30 · Hall 2

Breakout: Agriculture & Food Security

Theme: The Power To Help

Topic: Agriculture and Food Processing: Building Resilient Value Chains

Sector-focused discussions exploring industry opportunities, emerging trends, innovation, and strategic partnerships for economic growth.

Running order: Breakout: Agriculture & Food Security
Time	Duration	Programme segment	Details
		Opening Remarks	Dr. Tony Bello Founder/Chairman, Shine Bridge Global Inc.
		Keynote	Chairman Niyi John Olajide Founder & Chairman of Cavista Holdings
		Panel Moderator	Joshua Kodjo Mensah GEF Official MC
		Speakers	Hussein Bahgat, Founder & Managing Director, Ritual Coffee Company; Hajia Maria Adamu-Zibo, Managing Director, Federated Commodities PLC (FEDCO); H.E. Gov. Dauda Lawal, Governor of Zamfara State, Nigeria; Sherif Hussien, Co-Founder & CEO, LOriental; John Adedamola Alamu, Founder & Group Managing Director, CapitalSage Holdings

Opening Remarks
Dr. Tony Bello
Founder/Chairman, Shine Bridge Global Inc.
Keynote
Chairman Niyi John Olajide
Founder & Chairman of Cavista Holdings
Panel Moderator
Joshua Kodjo Mensah
GEF Official MC
Speakers
Hussein Bahgat, Founder & Managing Director, Ritual Coffee Company; Hajia Maria Adamu-Zibo, Managing Director, Federated Commodities PLC (FEDCO); H.E. Gov. Dauda Lawal, Governor of Zamfara State, Nigeria; Sherif Hussien, Co-Founder & CEO, LOriental; John Adedamola Alamu, Founder & Group Managing Director, CapitalSage Holdings

13:00 – 14:30 · Hall 3

Breakout: Artificial Intelligence, Technology, and Innovation

Theme: The Power To Help

Topic: Innovation, Access and Sustainable Impact

Sector-focused discussions exploring industry opportunities, emerging trends, innovation, and strategic partnerships for economic growth.

Running order: Breakout: Artificial Intelligence, Technology, and Innovation
Time	Duration	Programme segment	Details
		Keynote	Omar ElSahy (TBC) General Manager, Amazon Egypt
		Moderator	Ahmed Rashad Founder of Business Belarabi platform and angel investor
		Speakers	Olugbenga “GB” Agboola, Founder and CEO, Flutterwave; Eng. Mohamed Shebl, Chief Business Officer, Orange; Mohamed Aboulnaga Nagaty, Chairman, Exits Mena; Apurv Singh, Founder, HQ Digital - AI-First Marketing Educator and Growth Architect; Dr. Wael Eldesouki Bedda, Secretary General of SKSEED; Dr. Eslam Wageed, Executive Manager of Arab Center for Artificial Intelligence; Saleh Kamel, Sustainable Entrepreneurship & Enterprise Development

Keynote
Omar ElSahy (TBC)
General Manager, Amazon Egypt
Moderator
Ahmed Rashad
Founder of Business Belarabi platform and angel investor
Speakers
Olugbenga “GB” Agboola, Founder and CEO, Flutterwave; Eng. Mohamed Shebl, Chief Business Officer, Orange; Mohamed Aboulnaga Nagaty, Chairman, Exits Mena; Apurv Singh, Founder, HQ Digital - AI-First Marketing Educator and Growth Architect; Dr. Wael Eldesouki Bedda, Secretary General of SKSEED; Dr. Eslam Wageed, Executive Manager of Arab Center for Artificial Intelligence; Saleh Kamel, Sustainable Entrepreneurship & Enterprise Development

14:30 – 16:30 · Deal Room Hall

Global Dealroom: Deal Closing & MoU Announcements

Theme: Helping Entrepreneurs Leverage Partnerships, Investment, Deal Closing & MoU Announcements

Powered by: Entrepreneurship Village · Implementation Partner: Gray Capital · Strategic Partners: Khedive Law Firm & Al Salam

Running order: Global Dealroom: Deal Closing & MoU Announcements
Time	Duration	Programme segment	Details
2:30–2:35 PM	5 min	Opening Brief & Investor Alignment	Welcome, investor alignment, pitching structure, and expected Dealroom outcomes.
2:35–3:05 PM	30 min	Investment Pitching — Session 7	Three structured 10-minute pitching rounds connecting selected businesses and opportunities with relevant investors.
3:05–3:35 PM	30 min	Investment Pitching — Session 8	Three additional 10-minute pitching rounds, including investor questions and assessment.
3:35–4:05 PM	30 min	Investment Pitching — Session 9	Final three 10-minute pitching rounds, including expressions of interest and next-step discussions.
4:05–4:15 PM	10 min	Investor–Business Matchmaking	Targeted follow-up between investors and businesses where there is demonstrated interest.
4:15–4:20 PM	5 min	Deal Closing & Documentation	Confirmation of investment discussions, partnerships, MoUs, and agreed next steps.
4:20–4:25 PM	5 min	Deal, Investment & MoU Announcements	Announcement of significant investments, partnerships, MoUs, and Dealroom outcomes.
4:25–4:30 PM	5 min	Closing Remarks & Next Steps	Formal close of the Global Dealroom and confirmation of post-GEF deal follow-up.

2:30–2:35 PM · 5 min
Opening Brief & Investor Alignment
Welcome, investor alignment, pitching structure, and expected Dealroom outcomes.
2:35–3:05 PM · 30 min
Investment Pitching — Session 7
Three structured 10-minute pitching rounds connecting selected businesses and opportunities with relevant investors.
3:05–3:35 PM · 30 min
Investment Pitching — Session 8
Three additional 10-minute pitching rounds, including investor questions and assessment.
3:35–4:05 PM · 30 min
Investment Pitching — Session 9
Final three 10-minute pitching rounds, including expressions of interest and next-step discussions.
4:05–4:15 PM · 10 min
Investor–Business Matchmaking
Targeted follow-up between investors and businesses where there is demonstrated interest.
4:15–4:20 PM · 5 min
Deal Closing & Documentation
Confirmation of investment discussions, partnerships, MoUs, and agreed next steps.
4:20–4:25 PM · 5 min
Deal, Investment & MoU Announcements
Announcement of significant investments, partnerships, MoUs, and Dealroom outcomes.
4:25–4:30 PM · 5 min
Closing Remarks & Next Steps
Formal close of the Global Dealroom and confirmation of post-GEF deal follow-up.

15:00 – 16:30 · Hall 2

Breakout: Real Estate, Housing and Infrastructure

Theme: The Power To Help

Topic: Real Estate, Housing and Infrastructure: Building for Inclusive Growth

Sector-focused discussions exploring industry opportunities, emerging trends, innovation, and strategic partnerships for economic growth.

Running order: Breakout: Real Estate, Housing and Infrastructure
Time	Duration	Programme segment	Details
		Opening Remarks	Otunba Akinboboye Wanle President & Founder, La Campagne Tropicana Beach Resort
		Keynote	Dr. Martha Namundjebo-Tilahun Chairperson, United Africa Group (UAG)
		Moderator	Safari Nichole Williams Founder, Safar Group International
		Speakers	Hany Saad, Founder & CEO, Hany Saad Innovations; Dr. Bassem Kalila, Founder and CEO of Expo Republic; Confidence Molade, CEO, Eden Oasis Ltd; Bedier Rizk, Paragon; Ahmed Adel, Sumou Boulevard; Omar El-Tayebi, CEO of TLD; Ahella El Saban, Co-Founder & Vice Executive Chairman, Exits UK

Opening Remarks
Otunba Akinboboye Wanle
President & Founder, La Campagne Tropicana Beach Resort
Keynote
Dr. Martha Namundjebo-Tilahun
Chairperson, United Africa Group (UAG)
Moderator
Safari Nichole Williams
Founder, Safar Group International
Speakers
Hany Saad, Founder & CEO, Hany Saad Innovations; Dr. Bassem Kalila, Founder and CEO of Expo Republic; Confidence Molade, CEO, Eden Oasis Ltd; Bedier Rizk, Paragon; Ahmed Adel, Sumou Boulevard; Omar El-Tayebi, CEO of TLD; Ahella El Saban, Co-Founder & Vice Executive Chairman, Exits UK

18:00 – 01:30 · Grand Ballroom

Global Entrepreneurs Award

Theme: Helping Humanity, Impact With Compassion

Running order: Global Entrepreneurs Award
Time	Duration	Programme segment	Details
6:00–7:00 PM	60 min	Red Carpet, Cocktail & Paparazzi Experience	Arrival of award recipients, dignitaries, and distinguished guests; red carpet interviews, cocktail reception, official photography, paparazzi moments, media engagements, and networking.
7:00–7:10 PM	10 min	Opening Performance	High-impact opening performance to formally open the Global Entrepreneurs Award.
7:10–7:20 PM	10 min	Opening Remarks	Baher Mounir Ghabbour, Chairman, Global Entrepreneurship Festival – Egypt and Chairman of Sakkara Travel Group Welcome, recognition of distinguished guests, and introduction to the Global Entrepreneurs Award.
7:20–7:40 PM	20 min	GEF Vision	Dr. Summy Smart Francis, President, Global Entrepreneurship Festival
7:40–7:45 PM	5 min	Group Video Remix I — Awardee Reveal	Cinematic introduction and announcement of the first group of award recipients.
7:45–8:10 PM	25 min	Award Presentation — Block I	Presentation of awards, official photographs, and recognition of recipients.
8:10–8:15 PM	5 min	Group Video Remix II — Awardee Reveal	Introduction and announcement of the second group of recipients.
8:15–8:40 PM	25 min	Award Presentation — Block II	Presentation of awards and official photographs.
8:40–8:50 PM	10 min	Goodwill Messages I	Brief goodwill messages from selected distinguished global leaders and dignitaries.
8:50–8:55 PM	5 min	Group Video Remix III — Awardee Reveal	Introduction and announcement of the third group of recipients.
8:55–9:20 PM	25 min	Award Presentation — Block III	Presentation of awards and official photographs.
9:20–9:25 PM	5 min	Special Performance	Short, high-energy entertainment interlude.
9:25–9:30 PM	5 min	Group Video Remix IV — Awardee Reveal	Introduction and announcement of the fourth group of recipients.
9:30–9:55 PM	25 min	Award Presentation — Block IV	Presentation of awards and official photographs.
9:55–10:05 PM	10 min	Goodwill Messages II	Brief goodwill messages from selected distinguished leaders and partners.
10:05–10:10 PM	5 min	Group Video Remix V — Awardee Reveal	Introduction and announcement of the fifth group of recipients.
10:10–10:35 PM	25 min	Award Presentation — Block V	Presentation of awards and official photographs.
10:35–10:45 PM	10 min	Final Performance	Major entertainment performance building momentum toward the final award presentation.
10:45–10:50 PM	5 min	Group Video Remix VI — Final Awardee Reveal	Cinematic introduction and announcement of the final group of award recipients.
10:50–11:15 PM	25 min	Award Presentation — Block VI	Final award presentations, recognition, and official photographs.
11:15–11:25 PM	10 min	Art Heritage Presentation	Special recognition and presentation to Art Heritage in recognition of its contribution to the arts and creative industry.
11:25–11:30 PM	5 min	Closing Remarks	Dan Walkovitz, Board Chairman, Global Entrepreneurship Festival Thank recipients, dignitaries, partners, and guests; officially close the Global Entrepreneurs Award 2026 and invite everyone to the after-party/closing concert.
11:30 PM–1:30 AM	2 hrs	After-Party DJ	Celebration, entertainment, networking, and closing experience.

6:00–7:00 PM · 60 min
Red Carpet, Cocktail & Paparazzi Experience
Arrival of award recipients, dignitaries, and distinguished guests; red carpet interviews, cocktail reception, official photography, paparazzi moments, media engagements, and networking.
7:00–7:10 PM · 10 min
Opening Performance
High-impact opening performance to formally open the Global Entrepreneurs Award.
7:10–7:20 PM · 10 min
Opening Remarks
Baher Mounir Ghabbour, Chairman, Global Entrepreneurship Festival – Egypt and Chairman of Sakkara Travel Group
Welcome, recognition of distinguished guests, and introduction to the Global Entrepreneurs Award.
7:20–7:40 PM · 20 min
GEF Vision
Dr. Summy Smart Francis, President, Global Entrepreneurship Festival
7:40–7:45 PM · 5 min
Group Video Remix I — Awardee Reveal
Cinematic introduction and announcement of the first group of award recipients.
7:45–8:10 PM · 25 min
Award Presentation — Block I
Presentation of awards, official photographs, and recognition of recipients.
8:10–8:15 PM · 5 min
Group Video Remix II — Awardee Reveal
Introduction and announcement of the second group of recipients.
8:15–8:40 PM · 25 min
Award Presentation — Block II
Presentation of awards and official photographs.
8:40–8:50 PM · 10 min
Goodwill Messages I
Brief goodwill messages from selected distinguished global leaders and dignitaries.
8:50–8:55 PM · 5 min
Group Video Remix III — Awardee Reveal
Introduction and announcement of the third group of recipients.
8:55–9:20 PM · 25 min
Award Presentation — Block III
Presentation of awards and official photographs.
9:20–9:25 PM · 5 min
Special Performance
Short, high-energy entertainment interlude.
9:25–9:30 PM · 5 min
Group Video Remix IV — Awardee Reveal
Introduction and announcement of the fourth group of recipients.
9:30–9:55 PM · 25 min
Award Presentation — Block IV
Presentation of awards and official photographs.
9:55–10:05 PM · 10 min
Goodwill Messages II
Brief goodwill messages from selected distinguished leaders and partners.
10:05–10:10 PM · 5 min
Group Video Remix V — Awardee Reveal
Introduction and announcement of the fifth group of recipients.
10:10–10:35 PM · 25 min
Award Presentation — Block V
Presentation of awards and official photographs.
10:35–10:45 PM · 10 min
Final Performance
Major entertainment performance building momentum toward the final award presentation.
10:45–10:50 PM · 5 min
Group Video Remix VI — Final Awardee Reveal
Cinematic introduction and announcement of the final group of award recipients.
10:50–11:15 PM · 25 min
Award Presentation — Block VI
Final award presentations, recognition, and official photographs.
11:15–11:25 PM · 10 min
Art Heritage Presentation
Special recognition and presentation to Art Heritage in recognition of its contribution to the arts and creative industry.
11:25–11:30 PM · 5 min
Closing Remarks
Dan Walkovitz, Board Chairman, Global Entrepreneurship Festival
Thank recipients, dignitaries, partners, and guests; officially close the Global Entrepreneurs Award 2026 and invite everyone to the after-party/closing concert.
11:30 PM–1:30 AM · 2 hrs
After-Party DJ
Celebration, entertainment, networking, and closing experience.