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SORA Economic Forum 2024 Speakers

Dr. Makoto Takemiya

Soramitsu Co-Founder & CEO

• Visiting Research Fellow, University of Tokyo
• Former Research Engineer in Neuroinformatics at ATR in Kyoto, Japan
• Authored 20+ Peer-Reviewed Scientific Papers
• Master`s in Computer Science, California Polytechnic State University
• PhD in Interdisciplinary Information Studies, University of Tokyo

Clement Berthou

Adjunct Professor & Visiting Researcher at the Royal University of Law and Economics, Cambodia

• Former Head of Network Management for the Correspondent Banking Department of Société Générale
• Master`s in Development Economics, Université Grenoble Alpes
• PhD Candidate in Economics, Université Grenoble Alpes

Dr. Asmaa Sami

Senior Economist at the Central Bank of Egypt

• Head of Market Monitor and Impact Assessment at the Competition Unit, Central Bank of Egypt
• Contributed to several publications on Monetary Policy, Inflation Targeting, and Economic Reform
• PhD in Economics, with a focus on Macroeconomic Policy, Zagazig University, Egypt

Dr. Elwaleed Ahmed Talha

Independent Economic Advisor

• Former Central Banker and Senior Economist
• Served as an Economic Consultant for the International Labour Organization (ILO)
• Former Research Assistant at the University of Tokyo`s Graduate School of Economics and Public Policy
• Master`s in Public Policy, University of Tokyo
• PhD in Economics, Sudan University of Sciences and Technology

Jean Baptiste Aboyitungiye

Research Economist at the Banque de la République du Burundi

• Visiting Faculty at Universitas Sebelas Maret, Indonesia (2021-2023)
• Lecturer at Bujumbura International University and Université du Burundi
• Published several research papers focused on Macroeconomics relevant to Emerging Markets
• Expertise in formulating policies addressing Financial Inclusion and Economic Growth
• Master`s in Economics Development, Sebelas Maret University in Surakarta, Indonesia

Dr. Ayo Teriba

CEO of Economic Associates (EA)

• Visiting Faculty at the Nigerian University of Technology and Management (NUTM)
• Former Vice-Chairman of the Technical Committee of the National Council on Privatization (TC-NCP)
• Former Member of the Governing Council of the Nigerian Ministry of Finance Incorporated (MOFI)
• PhD, Applied Econometrics/Monetary Economic, University of Durham

Ifeoma Malo

Clean Tech Hub Nigeria Co-Founder & CEO

• Leading advocate for Sustainable Energy Solutions in Africa
• Prominent voice in shaping Nigeria`s Climate Policy, working with Government, NGOs, and Private Sector
• Named one of the “100 Most Influential People in Climate Policy” by Apolitical in 2019
• Master`s in Law, Harvard University; MBA, Master`s in IT, Master`s in Dispute Resolution, UMass Boston

Ernest Bosha

Policy Analyst, Fintech and Payments System, Central Bank of Nigeria

• Expert in Digital Asset Policy
• Formerly part of the team for Nigeria’s CBDC
• Involved in managing Nigeria’s Open Banking Implementation and Regulatory Sandbox Initiatives
• Former Co-Founder of CloudMab, a technology service provider
• Master`s in Economics, Nile University, Nigeria

Dr. Iyabo Olanrele

Senior Research Fellow, Nigerian Institute of Social and Economic Research (NISER)

• Team Lead at NISER Policy Response Unit, supporting evidence-based solutions for Nigeria`s economic challenges
• Authored over 25 Peer-Reviewed Papers
• Research Interests: Energy Economics, Climate Change, Macroeconomics, and Public Policy to address critical socio-economic issues.
• PhD in Applied Economics, University of Ibadan

Johannes Duong

Treasurer at the Oesterreichische Nationalbank

• Extensive Experience in Central Banking with over a decade at OeNB (central bank of Austria)
• Responsible for Blockchain Projects DELPHI and CITADEL at OeNB
• Master`s in Computer Science, Vienna University of Economics and Business

Paul Pacher

IT at the Oesterreichische Nationalbank

• Paul Pacher joined the OeNB in 2012 and has been involved in numerous software development projects
• He has also been participating in the development of blockchain-related projects in recent years

Maximilian Pfeifer

Treasury Back Office at the Oesterreichische Nationalbank

• Maximilian Pfeifer joined the OeNB in July this year and is mainly tasked with the ECMS project
• Besides that, he is also working together with Johannes Duong on the current Fintech (DLT) topics

Shiva Bissessar

Managing Director, Pinaka Consulting Ltd.

• Pioneered Digital Currency Research and Retail CBDC Implementation in the Caribbean
• Serves on the Trinidad and Tobago’s National Risk Assessment for Virtual Assets and VASPs
• Former Lead on the ECCB’s DCash Project
• Cybersecurity and Risk Management Expert
• B.Sc. in Computer Science, an MBA, and an M.Sc. in Information Assurance

Kevin Itoiz

Science and Technology Manager at the Ministry of Economic Development, Buenos Aires

• Key figure in Buenos Aires` innovation landscape with a background in Economic Sciences
• Advocate for Sustainable Development with a focus on Financial Empowerment
• MA in Governance, Development, and Public Policy, Institute of Development Studies, University of Sussex

Diego Favarolo

Chairman & Chief Architect of Space AI Inc., Bumeran.com Founder

• At 18 years old, Diego founded Latin America`s largest job search engine, Bumeran.com, which became one of the top three Internet companies in the region
• Pioneer in Biotechnology and Space Innovation
• Leader of Space AI Inc., a cutting-edge company building an open space network with satellites
• Alumnus of Singularity University`s GSP 11 program, specializing in Exponential Technologies and Innovation

Tim Swanson

Head of Market Intelligence at Clearmatics

• Industry Thought Leader and highly regarded expert in Blockchain and Financial Technology
• Track record of pioneering Market Research and Analysis in Emerging Tech
• Contributed significantly to industry discussions on Blockchain Policy, Innovation, and Market Structure
• Former Director of Market Research at R3, a global leader in Enterprise Blockchain

The event is set to start at 10 AM GST on November 20th. Each speaker will have up to one hour, which includes introductions and a Q&A session hosted by Dr. Makoto Takemiya. Please see the detailed event schedule for more.