IBAFCAN

Speaker biographies

List of speakers.

IBAFCAN

Speakers.

Foto D. José Segura Clavell

José Segura Clavell

Director General of Casa África.

Biography
LUIS_PADILLA

Luis Padilla Macabeo

Director General of International Relations with Africa, Government of the Canary Islands.

Biography
PEDRO_ORTEGA

Pedro Ortega

President of the Canary Islands Confederation of Employers.

Biography
JOSÉ SEGURA GONZÁLEZ

José Alberto González-Ruiz

Secretary General of the CEOE.

Biography

Gonzalo piernavieja

Director of R&D&I at the Technological Institute of the Canary Islands.

Biography
Foto Agustín Manrique de Lara

Agustín Manrique de Lara

Secretary General of the Iberoafrican Canarias Forum (IBAFCAN)

Biography
KINGSLEY LAAR

Kingley Laar

Research Officer, Ghana Employers Association (GEA).

Biography
TERESA-MADRIGAL

Teresa Madrigal

Business Development Manager, Cofides Investment Area.

Biography
JUAN_SOCAS

José Socas Álamo

President of the Canary Islands Federation of Port Companies (FEDEPORT).

Biography
JOSÉ ANTONIO MARTÍNEZ MPANGA

José Antonio Martínez Mpanga

CEO of Grupo Martínez Abolafio.

Biography
PAU ABELLO

Pau Abelló

Director of Institutional Relations, Roca Group.

Biography
ÁNGELA DE MIGUEL

Ángela de Miguel

President of CEPYME.

Biography
FÁTIMA TAHER

Fátima Taher Sahraoui

Director of Business Development, ELECNOR.

Biography
RAFAEL HERRERA CHECA

Rafael Checa

Director of Sustainable Development at Canaragua.

Biography
RODRIGO_POTRO

Rodrigo del Potro

Business Development Manager, XCALIBUR.

Biography
NARCISO-CASADO

Narciso Casado

Permanent Secretary of the Council of Ibero-American Businessmen (CEIB)

Biography
RICHARD YEBOAH

Richard Yeboah

CEO of MDF Training & Consultancy (Ghana).

Biography
RAÚL ORTIZ

Raúl Ortiz

Senior Business Analyst for the State Account, CESCE.

Biography
PAPA_DEMBA_DIAW

Papa Demba Diaw

Technical Advisor for Strategy and Resource Mobilisation, Agency for the Economisation and Management of Energy (AENER) (Senegal).

Biography
SHAIMAA BAHAA EL-DIN MELIGY

Shaimaa Bahaa El Din Meligy,

Director of International Relations and Partnerships Development, Federation of Egyptian Industries (FEI).

Biography
AHMED FIKLY ABDEL

Ahmed Fikry Abdel Wahab

Vice President of the East Port Said Development Co (Egypt).

Biography
Lemrabott

Lemrabott Tanji

Vice-President of the Union Nationale de Patronat Mauritanien (UNPM).

Biography
FRANCISCO JAVIER

F. Javier Álvarez Casanova

Deputy Director General for Mediterranean countries, Africa and the Middle East, Ministry of Economy, Trade and Enterprise.

Biography
AINHOA MARÍN

Ainhoa Marín Egoscozábal

Coordinator of the Economic Transformation and Sustainability Area, Women for Africa Foundation.

Biography
ANDRÉS RAIGOSA

Andrés Raigosa

Director of the Chamber of Entrepreneurship and Acceleration – ANDI of the Future.

Biography
FERNANDO CASANOVA

Fernando Casanova

Programming Officer, ILO/CINTERFOR.

Biography
JUAN CARLOS TEJEDA

Juan Carlos Tejeda

Director of the Education and Training Department, CEOE.

Biography
BEGOÑA-FERNÁNDEZ

Begoña Fernández Costales

Bego Costa África and Worldwide and Federación Asturiana de Empresarios (FADE).

Biography
JOANA-VALENTE

Joana Valente

Executive Director of International Relations of the Portuguese Business Confederation (CIP).

Biography
Joaquim_Almeida

Joaquim Almeida

President of the General Assembly of the Industrial Association of Angola (AIA)

Biography
GustavoGonzalezVega

Gustavo González de Vega

Deputy Minister of Economy and Internationalisation, Government of the Canary Islands.

Biography
BABO-AMADOU

Babo Amadou Ba

Director General of 3FPT, Ministry of Vocational Training of Senegal

Biography
Logo_GobCan_claim_color_mod2

Gobierno de Canarias

Soon

Biography

NEWSLETTER

The first IBAFCAN newsletter is now available!

Check it out to keep up to date with the latest IBAFCAN news and current political and business events in the region.

José Segura Clavell 1

Director General of Casa África.

Doctor in Chemical Sciences, Professor of Thermodynamics at the Official School of Nautical Studies of Tenerife, and Associate Professor of Applied Physics at the University of La Laguna. He has served as counselor and president of the Tenerife Island Council, senator for the island of Tenerife, mayor of the municipality of San Cristóbal de La Laguna, deputy for the province of Santa Cruz de Tenerife, and government delegate in the Canary Islands. He has been recognized with the Gold Medal of the island of Tenerife, the Silver Cross for Merit from the Civil Guard, and the Grand Cross of the Order of Military Merit. He is the author of publications on various topics, with his latest works focusing on African issues.

Juan Ramírez

President of the Círculo de Empresarios de Gran Canaria.

At 62 years old, Juan Ramírez stands out for his professional career, characterized by a constant drive for innovation and problem-solving. He began his career in the technology field in 1985, contributing to various projects at Andersen Consulting. His time at public entities in the Canary Islands, such as the Society for Economic Promotion and the Canary Islands Institute for Research and Development, showcased his ability to implement key initiatives, such as the Canary Islands Network.

In 1999, he founded Contactel Teleservicios, which, after 25 years, has become a leader in information and communication technologies in the Canary Islands, specializing in customer service. His entrepreneurial vision continues with INETEL Technologies, the result of the strategic merger between Inerza and Contactel, positioning itself as the leading ICT business group with 100% Canarian capital.

Juan Ramírez, who has also held the vice-presidency of the Canary Islands Confederation of Entrepreneurs since June 2022, is known for his focus on quality, value-based management, and his ability to anticipate market needs. These elements support his goal of establishing Inetel as the largest technology group in the Canary Islands.

In addition, in June 2024, Juan Ramírez Said was appointed as the new president of the Gran Canaria Business Circle, a new responsibility he has embraced with the aim of contributing to building a more productive and competitive Canary Islands.

María Peñate

Project and Knowledge Management Technician COTEC Foundation.

PhD in Economics and Business from the University of Santiago de Compostela (USC), with a Master’s degree in Economic Development and Innovation (USC). She is a researcher specialized in public procurement, particularly in the area of innovation and its strategic uses, such as sustainability, health, and social inclusion. She has several publications in prestigious journals and publishers on public procurement of innovation and demand-driven innovation policy. She has participated in research projects related to innovation and public policies, as well as in multiple international conferences.

Bernarda Modu Ebuka

General Secretary of La Patronal de Guinea Equatorial.

Bernarda Modu Ebuka: An experienced professional in management, education, and training with a strong background in leadership. She is currently the Secretary General of the Employers’ Association of Equatorial Guinea and founder and director of the Nardy Educa International School. She has also served as Training Coordinator at Noble Energy and as a teacher at the Spanish School of Malabo. She represents her country at the annual ILO conferences in Geneva and has participated in international seminars on social dialogue in Lisbon and other countries. Her profile stands out for her skills in strategic planning and institutional relations, focused on business and educational development.

Javier Franco Hormiga

Director of the Agency for Innovation and the Information Society of the Government of the Canary Islands (ACIISI).

Graduated in Mathematics from the University of La Laguna. A career civil servant, he has been responsible for New Technologies and Innovation at the Cabildo of Fuerteventura, coordinator of the Fuerteventura Technology Park project, a member of the Board of Directors of the public company Fuerteventura Technology Park, and a member of the Canary Islands Information Society Forum.

He has been responsible for Telecommunication Development at the Puerto del Rosario Research and Science Institute and a member of the Editorial Board of the science and technology journal Majorensis. He coordinated the Fuerteventura Island Network of Telecenters (Semilla) and founded the Community of Telecenters of Spain. He has also been responsible for Telecommunications at the Cabildo of Fuerteventura and coordinated the Smart Tourist Destination program of Fuerteventura. He has taught Statistics as a professor at the Fuerteventura Nursing School (ULPGC).

Veronique Birguad

COO, Jokkolabs.

Véronique Brigaud is a dynamic and seasoned professional with over 37 years of experience in West Africa, particularly in fostering innovation and entrepreneurship. Currently serving as the Chief Operations Officer at Jokkolabs Global, she manages operations across multiple African countries (Senegal, Congo, Mali, Burkina Faso, …). Véronique excels in project management, business planning, and international development. She has successfully coordinated high-impact initiatives such as the 10×1000 Fintech Foundation Program, Construire le Mali, and Pro Jeunes Digital, demonstrating her ability to drive complex projects with international partners and stakeholders.

Graduated from the University of Wisconsin – Madison, with degrees in International Business and Political Sciences. Her robust skill set includes project management, strategic planning, and international relations, making her an invaluable asset in the development of digital ecosystems.

Kingsley Laar

Kingsley Laar is an economist and a research professional with extensive experience in labour market policy, productivity, and enterprise development. He serves as a Senior Research Officer at the Ghana Employers’ Association, where he leads policy research and projects promoting decent work, sustainable enterprise growth, and responsible business conduct. Kingsley has contributed to national, regional and international initiatives with the International Labour Organization (ILO) and other Development partners, advancing employer advocacy and capacity building across different sectors in Ghana and Africa. He is passionate about inclusive growth, skills development, and evidence-based policymaking for Africa’s economic transformation.

SHERIF_EL_GABALY

Sheryif El Gabaly

Dr. Sherif El-Gabaly hold B.Sc., Faculty of Engineering, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt – 1971 and PhD, Higher Institute of Chemical Technology, Sophia – 1976 , Dr. El-Gabaly is specialized in the field of Fertilizers and Chemicals Industry and heads one of the biggest Co. producing fertilizers in Africa (The Polyserve Fertilizers and Chemicals Co.).

 He has several activities on the African level as he is chairman of industry committee in COMESA business council and head the Africa relation committee at the Federation of Egyptian Industries (FEI) and Egyptian Businessmen Association (EBA). He is an MP (independent) in the Egyptian Parliament and heads the Africa relations committee in the Parliament. He actively participates and heads different organizations involved in public works.

JUAN_SOCAS

José Juan Socas Álamo

José Juan Socas Álamo has been president of the Canary Islands Federation of Port Companies (FEDEPORT) since October 2024. With a solid track record in the maritime-port sector, he comes from a prestigious business family in the Port of Las Palmas, linked to the SEPCAN/SAPCAN group, where he serves as CEO and managing director. These companies specialise in ship mooring services, offshore operations and marine pollution control.

He is also a partner in Global Ports Canary Islands, in strategic alliance with Global Ports Holding, from where he manages the cruise terminals in the ports of the archipelago.

He is a member of the Executive Committee of the Canary Islands Confederation of Entrepreneurs (CCE) and the Ports of Las Palmas Foundation. He also plays an important role in teaching port training programmes aimed at professionals from Macaronesia and Africa.

His management at the helm of FEDEPORT is characterised by a firm commitment to innovation, sustainability and the modernisation of the Canary Islands port sector.

José Antonio Martínez Mpanga

CEO and President of GMA

Canarian businessman committed to sustainability and innovation in the tourism sector. At the helm of Grupo Martínez Abolafio (GMA), the fourth generation of this business holding company, he promotes projects that combine economic development, environmental respect and social welfare. With 16 companies, he operates in Guinea and the Canary Islands in sectors such as tourism, real estate, distribution and logistics. He has promoted initiatives such as the Marina Innova Hub, aimed at training in new technologies, entrepreneurship and innovation between the government and the private sector. He collaborates with Netmentora Madrid and other business support networks through the Martínez Abolafio Foundation, advocating a model of ethical and humane leadership that prioritizes positive impact on people and the region.

Pau Abelló Pellicer

PAU ABELLO PELLICER is a 55-year-old Spanish national (from Reus / Tarragona), who is married with 2 children.

He holds a Degree in Business Administration and an MBA from ESADE. With 27 years of experience at the Roca Group, having joined in 1998, he has been a member of the Executive Committee since February 2017. His career at the company includes roles such as Head of Central Administration at Roca Sanitario SA (2002-2010) and IT Director for the Roca Group (2010-2013).

He then took on international responsibilities as Managing Director for Roca India (2013-2017) and Senior Managing Director for Latin America (Brazil, Argentina, and Mexico), while simultaneously serving as Managing Director for Roca Brazil (2017-2020).

From 2020 to 2023, he was the Senior Managing Director of New Businesses, followed by Senior Managing Director of Corporate Operations (Supply Chain, Procurement, After Sales, and Quality) from 2023 to 2025.

 Since May 2025, he has held the position of Senior Managing Director of Institutional Relations for the Roca Group.

Ángela de Miguel

President of CEPYME since May 2025.

She is the first woman to preside over a national business organisation.

Since that date, she has also been Vice-President of CEOE.

She has been President of CEOE-CEPYME Valladolid and Vice-President and spokesperson for CEOE Castilla y León.

She is also Vice-President of the Association of Women Entrepreneurs and Executives of Spain (AMMDE) and chairs the Mexico-Spain Business Association (AEMEES).

With a degree in Law from the University of Deusto and founder and director of Negotia Abogados, a law firm specialising in legal and business advice, she is a prominent lawyer and businesswoman with more than 25 years of experience in the legal, business and associative fields.

FÁTIMA TAHER

Fátima Taher Saharaoui

Fatima Taher Sahraoui is Director of Business Development at ELECNOR, with over 15 years’ experience in the energy and water sectors, particularly in Africa. In her role, she drives projects that promote sustainable and reliable access to essential infrastructure, contributing to the well-being of communities and the responsible growth of the company. An engineer by training, she combines a strategic vision with a firm commitment to energy transition and sustainable development, working closely with local and international actors to generate a positive and lasting impact.

RAFAEL HERRERA CHECA

Rafael Herrera Checa

Rafael Herrera Checa is an industrial engineer with a solid track record in the water and environment sector in the Canary Islands. As Director of Sustainable Development at Canaragua, his work focuses on aligning business strategy with ecological transition, promoting technical innovation and local governance projects for the circular economy and mitigating and adapting the territory to climate risks.

RODRIGO_POTRO

Rodrigo del Potro

Rodrigo del Potro holds a PhD in Earth Sciences, with a thesis focused on geological hazards on the island of Tenerife. He began his professional career in academia, working at universities in the United Kingdom and Central America. He has combined teaching and research with his work as an international consultant. Since 2022, he has been the Business Development Director at Xcalibur Smart Mapping, a Spanish company that is a world leader in airborne geophysics.

JOSÉ SEGURA GONZÁLEZ

José Alberto González-Ruiz

Secretary General of the Spanish Confederation of Business Organizations (CEOE)

José Alberto González-Ruiz (Madrid, 1957) is currently the Secretary General of the Spanish Confederation of Business Organizations (CEOE). Previously, he served as Secretary General of CEPYME (the Spanish Confederation of Small and Medium Enterprises) for seven years, from 2012 to 2018.

González-Ruiz holds a degree in Economics and Business Administration from the Complutense University of Madrid. Additionally, he studied European Economics at the Free University of Brussels (Belgium).

His career reflects his expertise in these fields, having worked as Director of Institutional Relations for the European Union at ALTADIS. He also served as CEO of the State Society for the Transition to the Euro, S.A. (SETESA) and as Director of CEOE’s delegation in Brussels.

Furthermore, José Alberto González-Ruiz has extensive experience in the tourism sector, an industry he knows in depth. He was General Director of Viajes Internacional Expreso, S.A. (VIE) within the Marsans Group, President of the State Society for Technological Development of Tourism (SEDETTUR), and President of the State Society for Tourism Information Management, S.A. (SEGITUR).