Speakers 2025

• Minister for Trade, Agribusiness & Industry, Republic of Ghana
• Former Minister for Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts of Ghana
• Member of Parliament for Techiman North Constituency
• Founder of the Elizabeth Law Centre and seasoned legal practitioner
• Leadership of flagship tourism and cultural projects including the Marine Drive Project and Homofest
• Former Board Chair, Cocoa Merchant Company Limited
• Board service with Multi Trust Financial Services and Phoenix Life Assurance Limited

Hon. Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare (Mrs.) is Ghana’s Hon. Abla Dzifa Gomashie (MP) is Ghana’s Minister of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts and a two-term Member of Parliament for the Ketu South constituency. A veteran actress, producer, scriptwriter, and cultural advocate with over three decades of experience, she has dedicated her life to promoting Ghanaian and African heritage. Dzifa is renowned for pioneering projects such as the beloved storytelling programme ‘By the Fireside,’ and for providing strategic guidance to civil society organisations, public agencies, and international partners across the creative arts ecosystem. She is the founder and Chief Executive of Values for Life, a non-governmental organisation that promotes creative arts, culture, traditional heritage, tourism, and digital innovation among youth. Hon. Gomashie holds a Master of Philosophy in African Studies and a Bachelor of Fine Arts (First Class Honours) from the University of Ghana, and is an alumna of St. Louis Senior High School in Kumasi. A celebrated performer with credits spanning stage and screen—including Blackstar Mambo, Chaka, Jojo, The Third Woman, Ghost Tears, House of Pain, and Heart of Gold—she has received numerous accolades for her artistic contributions. She also served as Deputy Minister for Tourism, Arts and Culture (2013–2017) and returned to the Ministry in 2025. Beyond politics, she is the Queen Mother in charge of protocol for the Aflao Traditional Area, known by the stool name Mama Dzramedo. A consensus-builder and passionate community advocate, she has served on parliamentary committees covering poverty reduction, trade, industry, tourism, and public accounts. Hon. Abla Dzifa Gomashie is committed to leveraging her creative, political, and diplomatic experience to advance Ghana’s tourism and creative sectors, drive inclusive economic growth, and deepen cultural pride.

Key Achievements

• Minister of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, Republic of Ghana
• Member of Parliament for Ketu South constituency (two terms)
• Former Deputy Minister for Tourism, Arts and Culture (2013–2017)
• Founder and CEO, Values for Life NGO
• Creator and producer of the storytelling programme ‘By the Fireside’
• Award-winning actress and cultural advocate with 30+ years of experience
• Queen Mother (Mama Dzramedo) responsible for protocol, Aflao Traditional Area

Education

• MPhil in African Studies, University of Ghana
• Bachelor of Fine Arts (First Class Honours), University of Ghana
• St. Louis Senior High School, Kumasi

Expertise

• Tourism and cultural policy leadership
• Creative arts advocacy and programme development
• Legislative process and public administration
• Community engagement and consensus building
• Media production, storytelling, and performance
• Youth empowerment through culture and education
• Strategic partnerships and stakeholder collaboration

Obed Navele is a Ghanaian spoken word artist, M.C, and passionate mental health advocate whose work is anchored in the profound connection between language, mind, and society. A recent 2024/2025 graduate of the University of Ghana, where he pursued a combined major in Psychology and Linguistics, Obed is uniquely positioned to harness the power of words, sound, and artistic expression to awaken consciousness and drive social change. Obed’s performances are characterized by their deep emotional resonance, rhythmic African cadence, and intellectual depth. He composes heart-piercing pieces that weave psychology, culture, and purpose into narratives that serve as both a ‘mirror and medicine’ for society.

Key Achievements

• 2024/2025 graduate of University of Ghana with combined major in Psychology and Linguistics
• Invited performer at ‘She Builds Nations’ – Young Women Business Summit 2025, Ghana
• Featured performer at ‘Who Is the Citizen of Our World?’ – UNIV Nigeria Conference, Pan-Atlantic University, Lagos
• Performer at ‘The Enemy Within’ – Mental Health Awareness Convention, University of Ghana
• Featured at ‘Together for Tomorrow: A Call for Peaceful Elections’ – Bible Society of Ghana, 2024
• Performer at ‘Behind the Veil’ – University of Ghana, Poetry & Purpose Series
• Unique fusion of academic psychology and linguistic expertise with artistic expression

Education

• Combined major in Psychology and Linguistics, University of Ghana (2024/2025 graduate)

Expertise

• Spoken word performance
• Mental health advocacy
• Psychology and linguistics
• Cultural storytelling
• Social transformation through art
• African identity and consciousness
• Civic responsibility and national transformation

Experience

• Spoken word artist and performer
• M.C and event hosting
• Mental health advocacy and awareness
• Academic research in psychology and linguistics
• Cultural diplomacy through storytelling
• Youth engagement and social change initiatives

Impact

• Using spoken word as a powerful engine for cultural diplomacy and sustainable economic development
• Strengthening African identity and championing the continent’s collective future
• Demonstrating how African storytelling can drive social change
• Aligning artistic work with Creative Economy and AfCFTA framework vision
• Addressing mental wellness, civic responsibility, and national transformation through art
• Serving as both ‘mirror and medicine’ for society through his narrati

Tshifhiwa Tshivhengwa is the Chief Executive Officer of the Tourism Business Council of South Africa and the Co-Chairperson of the Africa Tourism Private Sector Alliance. A strategic, versatile, and innovative marketing, tourism, communications, and business executive, he has more than 20 years of experience with a track record of visionary leadership, strategic project development and execution, travel and tourism events management, and communications. Tshifhiwa holds an MSc in International Business, Leadership, and Management from the University of York, a Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing Communications and a Diploma in Marketing from the Institute of Marketing Management, and a National Diploma in Tourism Management from the University of Johannesburg. In the two decades since his first foray into the world of work, Tshifhiwa has served across the tourism value chain with organizations including South African Tourism, Myriad Marketing, FEDHASA, Rennies Travel, SARS, and others, while also consulting for a range of companies. He has been a member of the Tourism Transformation Council, the Tourism Grading Council of South Africa, and currently serves on the global Board of Advisors for The Sigmund Project, which supports innovation and collaboration in tourism worldwide. A respected thought leader and advocate for South African tourism, Tshifhiwa regularly writes, debates, and comments on tourism development and growth across South Africa and the African continent.

Key Achievements

• Chief Executive Officer of the Tourism Business Council of South Africa
• Co-Chairperson of the Africa Tourism Private Sector Alliance
• More than 20 years of leadership across marketing, tourism, communications, and business strategy
• Career experience with South African Tourism, Myriad Marketing, FEDHASA, Rennies Travel, SARS, and other tourism value chain organisations
• Member of the Tourism Transformation Council and the Tourism Grading Council of South Africa
• Global Board of Advisors member for The Sigmund Project supporting tourism innovation
• Trusted advisor and consultant to companies across the tourism sector
• Recognised thought leader and spokesperson for South African tourism growth

Education

• MSc in International Business, Leadership, and Management, University of York
• Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing Communications, Institute of Marketing Management
• Diploma in Marketing, Institute of Marketing Management
• National Diploma in Tourism Management, University of Johannesburg

Expertise

• Tourism strategy and policy
• Destination marketing and promotion
• Stakeholder engagement and advocacy
• Travel and hospitality operations
• Business development and partnerships
• Events and tourism project management
• Thought leadership and media engagement

Impact

• Championing tourism development and transformation in South Africa
• Driving collaboration across the African tourism private sector
• Shaping national discourse on tourism recovery and growth
• Mentoring emerging leaders in travel and hospitality
• Amplifying Africa’s tourism brand through global advocacy

Zodwa Msimang is a true embodiment of leadership and entrepreneurial service excellence. As a businesswoman, she has contributed to the Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE) Industry, serving on the boards of Tourism KZN and Durban ICC across HR, business development, and marketing committees. She is also a founding member and non-executive director of Omame Investment—an investment business with portfolios in facilities management, resilience, and gaming & betting. In 2019 she spearheaded the brand expansion of Ikhono, birthing new divisions under Ikhono Thrive Global (ITG). Zodwa is passionate about uplifting and empowering women and youth in rural and peri-urban areas, a commitment that powers the Ikhono Foundation (NPO). During the lockdown she launched the Thriving in Abundance Talk Show on YouTube to educate and inspire communities and founded Woman Thrive, a movement that celebrates women leaders across sectors. Formally trained in communications, psychology, and education, Zodwa began her career as an educator and has since added a qualification in Social Entrepreneurship through GIBS alongside multiple certifications from the Institute of Directors. Her leadership has been recognised with accolades such as the Top 40 Women in MICE Awards, the Sebenza Women Awards Business Leader of the Year, and the prestigious Albert Cronheim Scholarship to attend the Wolfsberg Seminar on professional conference planning.

Key Achievements

• Group Chairman & CEO of Ikhono Thrive Global
• Managing Director of Ikhono Communications (2001-2018)
• Chairman of Ikhono Foundation
• Top 40 Women in MICE Awards winner (2016)
• Sebenza Women Awards – Business Leader of the Year 2020
• Gagasi Fm SHERO Awards – Social Entrepreneurship (2021)
• Finalist, Standard Bank – Top Women Awards 2017
• Finalist, Businesswomen Association Achiever 2006, KZN Region
• Albert Cronheim Scholarship recipient for Wolfsberg Seminar on professional conference planning
• Board member of Tourism KZN & Durban ICC, Enterprise Ilembe, SAACI, Omame Investments
• Creator of the Thriving in Abundance Talk Show on YouTube
• Founder of the Woman Thrive movement celebrating women leaders

Education

• BA Communications, University of Zululand
• Higher Diploma in Education, University of Zululand
• Diploma in Public Relations, Damelin College
• Diploma in Human Resources, Damelin College
• Post Graduate Diploma in Company Direction, Graduate Institute of Management & Technology (GIMT)
• Certificate Social Entrepreneurship Program, Gordon Institute of Business Science
• Certificate Business Entrepreneurial Program, Joseph Business School
• Institute of Directors (IOD) certificates

Expertise

• MICE industry leadership
• Business strategy and governance
• Brand expansion and development
• Facilities management
• Social entrepreneurship
• Women and youth empowerment
• Community development
• Board leadership

Experience

• MICE industry operations and strategy
• Business development and marketing
• Event management and conference planning
• Board directorship and governance
• Social entrepreneurship and community upliftment
• Brand expansion and portfolio management
• International business exposure and travel

Impact

• Passionate about uplifting and empowering women and youth in rural and peri-urban areas through Ikhono Foundation
• Created Thriving in Abundance Talk Show on YouTube to educate and inspire communities
• Founded Woman Thrive movement celebrating women as leaders in their chosen fields
• Spearheaded brand expansion creating new divisions: Ikhono ICE, AFRIthrive brands, Zulu Madame, Mzansi Thrive and Ikhono Suite
• Contributing to MICE industry growth in South Africa and Africa
• Serving on multiple boards to drive economic and social development
• Championing women leadership post-COVID-19 period