Innovation Summit - Meridian International Center

Participant Biographies
Mr. Joaquim Ulisses Catinda – Angola
Chief Executive Officer, KixiCredito
Mr. Catinda is the CEO of KixiCredito, an emerging microfinance institution that has quickly become
the leading provider of microfinance services in Angola. KixiCredito is currently implementing a
microfinance project funded by USAID that aims to increase access to sustainable sources of
financial services, such as loans and savings, in the active segments of the informal economy in
Luanda, Cabinda and Soyo provinces, where access to conventional banking services is limited. Mr.
Catinda is also a local board member of the international NGO Development Workshop in Angola.
Ms. Tshepang Lerato Chilume – Botswana
Treasury Sales Manager, Barclays Bank
As the Treasury Sales Manager of Barclays, one of the four big banks in Botswana, Ms. Chilume’s
responsibilities include daily interaction with clients to provide updates on markets, and pricing and
booking profitable trades. Ms. Chilume is also in the process of acquiring a franchise from a health
fast food outlet based in South Africa called Kauai. In addition, she and a partner have a company
called “Symbiotic Lifestylz” that hosts lifestyle events. Ms. Chilume and her business associates are
working to acquire a car wash in Gaborone. In addition to her many business ventures, Ms. Chilume
is interested in volunteerism, especially raising awareness about people with physical disabilities
and working with youth from disadvantaged backgrounds.
Mr. Thierno Mamadou Diallo – Guinea
Political Desk Officer and English Language Programs, Radio Horizon FM
Mr. Diallo is particularly well-known for his investigations into drug trafficking as a media professional
with Radio Horizon FM. Radio Horizon FM was established in January 2007 during the dictatorial
regime of the late General Lansana Conte to address the marginalization of youth and opposition
parties from the state media. The station achieved local and national notoriety. In 2010, following
the first-ever democratic presidential election in Guinea, the station was awarded a trophy for
excellence and community spirit. Mr. Diallo wants to link media services to the farming sector
by establishing a farm radio station that operates for, and by, the community. He also works with
an NGO that is involved in increasing youth political and civic activism by encouraging youth to
participate in service organizations and take leadership roles in and outside of the school structure.
Ms. Wafa El Muaiz Elsaied Abd Elraziq - Sudan
Manager, Megamix Business Solutions
As the production manager at Megamix Business Solutions, Ms. Elraziq’s responsibilities include
managing client relations, developing advertising plans, and producing advertisements. Megamix
Business Solutions is a company that specializes in marketing communication services for large and
mid-sized enterprises. During her tenure, Ms. Elraziq has demonstrated creativity and imagination
in advertising that has not only led to an established client base but a 50 percent increase in
revenue for her firm. Over the past three years, Ms. Elraziq has planned, established, and launched
two communications companies in Sudan.
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