The Nordic-Africa Business Forum comes for another edition to Kannusali

The previous edition welcomed an exceptional lineup of distinguished guests, including Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, Former President of Nigeria (represented by Oba (Prof.) Saka Adelola Ayokanmi Matemilola, Olowu of Owu Kingdom), ANM Ousainou Darboe, Former Vice President of The Gambia, alongside 13 high-level international investors from Africa and the United States. This remarkable gathering set a high standard—one the 4th Edition is set to exceed.

The 4th Edition: Elevated, Strategic, Impact-Driven

The 2026 Forum has been carefully enhanced to deliver focused networking, meaningful dialogue, and measurable outcomes. The program is structured into key segments, including the Grand Forum and Gala, designed to foster strategic partnerships across continents.

A First in 2026

For the first time, Ceci Educare Oy, in partnership with Kannusali Espoo, will host the Nordic Africa Business Forum as a separate event from the Grand Gala creating a powerful platform where Finnish businesses, diaspora enterprises, invited guests, and honorees engage in high-level business discussions ahead of the Gala.

• Nordic Panelists Joining Us at Kannusali

Nora Haapala

Attorney-at-Law / Business Development Manager / IP Specialist

Rödl Finland

Mrs. Kati Kivisaari

Honorary Consul of Ghana in Finland

(Exhibitor at the Event)

Timo Heiskala

CEO / Director, Autism Foundation, Finland

Rauno Ali-Kovero

Renowned Architect, Ali-Kovero Architects Ltd

Tommi Neuvonen

CEO & Founder, AAVA Climate Oy

Marina Repina

Go-To-Market Advisor, Venture Gate Strategic

• Distinguished Guests from Africa (Joining via Zoom)

Landing B. Sanneh

Mayor/Chairman, Mansakonko Area Council, Lower River Region, The Gambia

Joseph Kusaga

Renowned Tanzanian Investor

Lord Mayor Rohey Malick Lowe

Lord Mayor of Banjul, The Gambia

Dr. Patrick Essien

Deputy Director of Mining, Environmental Protection Agency, Ghana

Eric Adangba

CEO, Ahoko Rent, Ivory Coast

Plamena Cherneva

Founder & CEO, WonderCoders

Co-Founder, Nordic Women in Tech Awards

Romial Kenmogne

K Business Consulting & RK IMMO-FINANZ, Germany

• Diaspora Leaders (Joining via Hybrid)

Dr. Irene Akyaa Kujala

Entrepreneur, Business Owner & Senior University Lecturer

Chief Joshua Temile, Are Bobajiro, Owu Kingdom

CEO/MD, Menal Technical Services Ltd & J.T Farm Ltd

Plamena Cherneva

Founder & CEO, WonderCoders

Co-Founder, Nordic Women in Tech Awards

Amara Doumbouya

Nordic Solar Investor (Nordic–Africa)

Dr. Kofi J. Brobbey

Project Director, PearlChem

AGI Chem and Supplies Ltd

…and many more influential leaders and investors

The Visionary Behind the Forum

The Nordic Africa Business Forum is the vision of Mputu Hemaa Nana Abena Enyimba II, widely known as Cecilia Naadensua Quarshie, a Ghanaian entrepreneur who has lived in Espoo for a bit over 18 years and remains deeply committed to building sustainable economic bridges between Africa, the Nordics, and the global diaspora.