Herman Warren is The Economist Corporate Network’s Network Director for Africa. Herman works with corporate clients to provide insight and analysis on a range of topics related to the broad and specific African context, helping clients to prosper in one of the world's fastest growing and most dynamic economic zones. He regularly chairs and moderates events and delivers custom briefings to senior executives. Herman is the author of a number of white papers on infrastructure, financial and commercial developments in the region. Herman has previously worked as a management consultant with Bain & Company, started and run a successful mobile technology company and has held senior posts in both public- and private-sector corporations. Herman holds a BBA degree in Finance from Howard University.

Vukani Mngxati is the Chief Executive Officer of Accenture in Africa. In 2019, he was appointed the Commissioner for Presidential Commission on the 4th Industrial Revolution.

Mngxati joined Accenture in 2000 after completing his studies, and made his way to senior manager level. With more than 20 years of consulting experience, Mngxati brings extensive experience in various strategic roles, combining technical expertise and business acumen. He also understands the local market and has been delivering real value as well as impact for public and private sector clients through innovative digital solutions. Prior to his current role, he was the Managing Director for Accenture’s Health and Public Service – a position which has given him invaluable experience and insight in the public sector space.

Mngxati is deeply passionate about helping clients achieve the type of agility they need to succeed in today’s climate with strong interest in emerging digital technologies. He believes embracing such technologies is vital for Governments and clients’ survival and success. “This is a journey that not only improves service delivery and bottom lines, but is also a part of nation building, making this an incredibly exciting time to be able to help shape the future of Africa through digital technologies,” says Mngxati.

Mngxati holds a BCom degree in Business Information Systems and Accounting from the University of KwaZulu-Natal.

He enjoys outdoors when his busy schedule allows.

Professor Tawana Kupe is the Vice-Chancellor and Principal of the University of Pretoria since 2019. He holds a DPhil in Media Studies from University of Oslo, Norway and an Honorary Doctorate in Humanities was bestowed on him by Michigan State University in December 2019. Prof Kupe has a notable publication record, having authored journal articles, books and book chapters in his main discipline, Media Studies and Journalism. He is an active member of several Civil Society Organisations, including the AmaBhungane Centre for Investigative Journalism and is Chairman of the Board of Media Monitoring Africa. He has been a judge and convenor of multiple major journalism awards in South Africa and is a member of the Council of the International Association of Media and Communication Research. He is the co-Chair of the Australia Africa Universities Network (AAUN); and is a member of the Association of Commonwealth Universities (ACU) Council; the Association of African Universities (AAU); the National Advisory Council on Innovation (NACI) in South Africa; and the Advisory Committee of the South African Sustainable Development Goals Policy Support Initiative, amongst others

Msc (Chem Eng)
18 yrs in Chemical Industry
21 yrs in Packaging Industry (last 18 at Huhtamaki SA (Pty)Ltd)
Currently VP Middle East, Africa and South America in the Fiber Foodservice Segment at Huhtamaki, managing operations in Turkey, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, South Africa and Brazil