DABI - McGill Desautel's African Business Initiative

A few highlights from the annual McGill DABI Conference📸

Thank you for everyone who showed up!
It was a day filled with inspiring people, powerful conversations, and ideas that keep pushing our community forward🚀🔋

A big thank you to our sponsors and vendors for supporting the McGill DABI Conference.
Your partnership helps make this event possible, and we’re grateful to have you as part of our community. ✨

The wait is over — here’s the agenda for the McGill DABI Conference!⌛️

Get ready for a day filled with insightful speakers, impactful discussions, and incredible networking opportunities. That’s not all!! A complimentary lunch, pastries and coffee as well as access to a professional headshot session will be provided for attendees🍽️🧁. We can’t wait to see you there :))

We are excited to feature an address by Dr. Nii A. Addy at the McGill DABI Conference.
Dr. Addy is an Associate Professor (Professional) at McGill University School of Continuing Studies and leads the Sustainable Growth Initiative Office of Sustainable Africa. Through his work, he develops cross-sector partnerships, applied research, and training programs that support students and alumni in transitioning from academic studies to employment and entrepreneurship.
His work focuses on creating pathways for opportunity and sustainable economic development, and we look forward to the insights he will share with our community. 🌍✨

We are honoured to welcome Her Excellency Professor Dora Francisca Edu-Buandoh, High Commissioner of Ghana to Canada, as a keynote speaker at the McGill DABI Conference.
A distinguished academic and diplomat, Professor Edu-Buandoh brings a powerful perspective on leadership, global collaboration, and the impact of education.
We are excited to welcome her to our stage and hear her inspiring insights. 🌍✨

💻 Panel 2: AI for Impact – Scaling Innovation Across African Industries

How is artificial intelligence transforming industries across Africa?📈🔋

From agriculture to healthcare, education, and urban development, AI-driven tools are unlocking new ways to tackle local challenges and scale solutions across diverse markets. This panel will explore how innovators are leveraging AI to improve efficiency, strengthen industries, and build technologies rooted in local realities. The conversation will also highlight the importance of ethical AI deployment, local talent development, and collaboration between entrepreneurs, policymakers, and investors.

🎤 Featured Speakers:
• Alika Arpin — Lead, Mila Ventures Accelerator
• Ahmed Nabih — General Manager, Synapse Analytics
• Chris Emezue — Founder, Lanfrica Labs | NLP Researcher, Masakhane

Register through the link in our bio and join us for an engaging discussion on how AI is shaping the future of innovation across African industries!!🎟️

🌍 Panel 1: Green Innovation in Africa – Sustainability, Food Systems & Energy

How are African businesses embedding sustainability to drive economic growth, climate resilience, and social impact? 🌱⚡️

Using Ghana as a case study, this panel will explore how innovations in agriculture, nutrition, and renewable energy are strengthening food systems, improving public health, and supporting local livelihoods. Our speakers will also discuss how sustainability-driven businesses can scale while remaining rooted in local economic and social realities.

Featured Speakers🎤:
• H.E. Professor Dora Francisca Edu-Buandoh — High Commissioner of Ghana to Canada
• Mr. Gideon Ofori Osabutey — Academic in Sustainable Futures, Ashesi University | Consultant, Oaks Law
• Dr. Addo Philip Wiredu — Biomass Production Lab, Department of Bioresource Engineering, McGill University

Register through the link in our bio and join us for an insightful conversation on the future of green innovation in Africa (FREE REGISTRATION🎟️)!!

DABI’s 12th Annual Conference is here and this year’s theme sets the stage for a bold new chapter!🌍⭐️

At the heart of Africa’s future lies a powerful intersection between sustainable entrepreneurship, artificial intelligence, and bold business innovation. This year’s conversation explores how African-led enterprises are redefining what growth looks like. From embedding sustainability into core business models to leveraging AI as a catalyst for scalable, context-driven solutions, we’re spotlighting the changemakers building businesses that don’t just compete globally, but lead with purpose.

This is where sustainability meets technology.
Where entrepreneurship meets opportunity.
Where Africa shapes its own economic future.

🗓️March 21, 2026
⏱️11:00 AM - 6:00 PM
📍Bronfmam, 2nd Floor, 1001 rue Sherbrooke O, Montreal, QC H3A 1G5, Canada
🎟️FREE ENTRY. Registration required (link in bio)

Join us for a full day of powerful dialogue, networking opportunities, a complimentary lunch, and access to a professional headshot session!!

Meet our Presidents 📂🌍
Nassim and Anna are the hearts and minds guiding DABI’s vision, bringing people together, supporting the team, and leading with purpose and passion!

Meet our Speaker Relations Director 🎤📇
Rana is behind our amazing guest speakers, building authentic connections, coordinating conversations, and helping bring powerful voices to our annual DABI conference!

Meet our Logistics Directors🗂️🗄️
Meriem and Coumba-Lina make sure everything comes together, behind the scenes and on the big day for our annual DABI conference. From planning details to solving last-minute surprises, they help turn our ideas into smooth and unforgettable experiences!

Meet our Newsletter Director 📝🗞️
Sara is the voice keeping our community connected, informed, and inspired, sharing stories, updates, and highlights around African business!