Focus on African food summit speakers at SIAL Paris 2024

PUBLISHING DATE
July 16, 2024

During SIAL Paris this year, several distinguished speakers will be present at the African food summit 2024, offering insights into various aspects of the agri-food industry. This event will highlight leaders and innovators in the field, showcasing their contributions and sharing their expertise.

Georgiana Viou – Michelin-Starred Chef

Georgiana Viou is a Michelin-starred chef at Rouge restaurant in Nîmes, France. Born in Cotonou, Benin, Viou moved to France in 1999 to study at the Sorbonne. Initially working as a conference interpreter, she transitioned to gastronomy through culinary competitions, showcasing her instinct and energy. Her cuisine reflects her multicultural background, blending French culinary techniques with Beninese flavors.

Kako Nubukpo – Commissioner, UEMOA

Kako Nubukpo is a Commissioner at the West African Economic and Monetary Union (UEMOA), responsible for agriculture, water resources, and the environment. A Togolese economist, Nubukpo has an extensive academic and professional background, including roles as Dean at the University of Lomé, Togo’s Minister of Foresight, and researcher at the French Agricultural Research Centre for International Development (CIRAD). He has been recognised as Financial Afrik’s Best Economist of 2022.

Nicolas Bricas – Food Socio-Economist, CIRAD

Nicolas Bricas is a renowned food socio-economist at CIRAD, working at the Montpellier Interdisciplinary Centre on Sustainable Agri-food Systems (MoISA). He studies the effects of urbanization and globalization on eating habits and food policies in Africa and Asia. Bricas coordinates the Specialized Master’s degree in “Innovations and Policies for Sustainable Food” (MS IPAD) and holds the UNESCO Chair in World Food Systems. His recent book, “An Ecology of Food,” delves into sustainable food systems.

Victor Nono – CEO, Asfood International

Victor Nono, CEO of Asfood International, hails from Manengolé, Cameroon. His company, established in 2016, focuses on post-harvest loss reduction through innovative processing plants. In partnership with CIRAD, Nono aims to improve the livelihoods of smallholder farmers and rural communities by enhancing sustainability and productivity.

Fatima Fall Niang – Former Director, CRDS

Fatima Fall Niang, an expert in preventive conservation and intangible cultural heritage, recently retired as Director of the Center for Research and Documentation of Senegal (CRDS). Niang played a pivotal role in the nomination of the Island of Saint-Louis and Ceebu Jën to the UNESCO World Heritage List. Her book, “Le Ceebu Jën, un patrimoine bien sénégalais,” has been twice nominated at the Gourmand Awards.

Edouard Gning – Journalist, Brut Afrique

Edouard Gning is a journalist and presenter at Brut Afrique, covering news from Senegal, Mali, and Niger. He highlights young African entrepreneurs promoting the continent’s intellectual, cultural, and culinary heritage. Gning’s reports and interviews with political and cultural figures underscore his passion for Africa’s dynamic landscape.

Sandrine Vasselin Kabonga – Founder & Managing Director, Misao Kivu Spices & Commodities

Sandrine Vasselin Kabonga, founder of Misao Kivu Spices & Commodities, hails from South Kivu, Democratic Republic of the Congo. Transitioning from an 18-year finance career, she now works with local farmers to produce and market rare spices. Misao is known for introducing unique Central African spices to the European market and recently opened La Maison des Poivres in Brussels.

Axel Mbetcha Tiezan – General Commissioner, “Les Rencontres des Cuisines Africaines”

Axel Mbetcha Tiezan, co-founder of Chefs in Africa, coordinates “Les Rencontres des Cuisines Africaines.” With qualifications in marketing and culinary arts from the Institut Paul Bocuse, Tiezan has worked with notable chefs and restaurants. He is dedicated to promoting African culinary traditions and innovation.

Damien Conaré – Secretary General, UNESCO Chair in World Food System

Damien Conaré, Secretary General of the UNESCO Chair in World Food System, initially worked in agricultural journalism. He joined the non-governmental organisation Solagral before becoming editor of “Courrier de la planète.” Since 2011, Conaré has led the UNESCO Chair, fostering science-society dialogues and coordinating research and training programmes.

Lydia Merrouche – Founding Director, Fossoul Agricole

Lydia Merrouche, an advocate for sustainable agriculture in Algeria, transitioned from law to entrepreneurship in 2008. As of 2016, she began focusing on organic farming, pioneering the field in Algeria. Merrouche trains farmers and promotes environmentally friendly agriculture, significantly impacting the sector’s development.

For more news, click here

Featured image: Sial Summits


Learn more about SIAL Summits Book your spot for SIAL Summits