Igniting the African Growth Story: Harnessing Data, AI, and ML to Empower Industries, Markets, and Lives.

As an Intrepreneur/Entrepreneur, I am fuelled by a burning passion for propelling business growth through effective processes and structures. However, my vision extends far beyond that. I firmly believe that the power of Data Insights, Artificial Intelligence, and Machine Learning will serve as the catalysts propelling Africa into a realm of double-figure growth in sectors such as Agriculture, Financial Inclusion, Insurance Penetration, and more.

Forever a Mentee and student of life, I have amassed 9 years of invaluable experience as a dedicated and detail-oriented Project Lead/Owner. My journey has taken me through diverse environments, honing my skills in monitoring, maintaining, and surpassing client satisfaction goals and growth objectives through data-driven teams.

I hold a special interest in capturing the millennial market and leveraging Modelling Artificial Intelligence systems to unlock exponential growth opportunities in the African Market. To complement my expertise, I am currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Actuarial Science at the esteemed University of Nairobi.

Beyond my educational background and industry experience, I have founded two successful startups that showcase my commitment to driving technological advancements and intrinsic value in the world:

1. BimaSmart: An Insurance Evaluation platform revolutionizing risk assessment and pricing of micro-insurance. I successfully sold the concept to https://jetsure-agritech.com/ in 2016-2017.

2. Tose Technologies LTD: A groundbreaking Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning think tank focused on implementing AI in Agriculture Value Chains to mitigate risk associated with financial instruments. Though currently at the ideation stage, we are poised to embark on a proof of concept journey in October 2022.

Igniting the African Growth Story: Harnessing Data, AI, and ML to Empower Industries, Markets, and Lives. As an Intrepreneur/Entrepreneur, I am fuelled by a burning passion for propelling business growth through effective processes and structures.... Show more

I have started in 2012 as SharePoint developer. My carreer has changed in 2019 while turning myself to the Power Platform. I am currently a Technical Lead on Power Platform. I love to share what I know and learn from others.

I have started in 2012 as SharePoint developer. My carreer has changed in 2019 while turning myself to the Power Platform. I am currently a Technical Lead on Power Platform. I love to share what I know and learn from others. Show more

Liz loves a challenge, so everything from a business problem to troubleshooting an error in a system is just another learning opportunity. As a trainer and international speaker, she hopes to inspire others to learn something they can apply to their own work immediately. When she is not working in SharePoint or traveling, you may find her in a variety of activities as diverse as she is: playing music, riding motorcycles, training her dog and even a craft or two.

Liz loves a challenge, so everything from a business problem to troubleshooting an error in a system is just another learning opportunity. As a trainer and international speaker, she hopes to inspire others to learn something they can apply to their ... Show more

Jessica Randall is a Master's graduate in Mathematics, an Android developer Co-lead at Mentorlst, and a Zindi Ambassador. Deeply immersed in the world of Android development, she is passionate about Kotlin and Jetpack Compose, thriving in the collaborative environment of Android Studio.

She applies her background in data science and Topological Data Analysis to address complex societal issues. As a Zindi Ambassador, she advocates for data science and machine learning, empowering others to solve real-world problems through technology.

As an organizer for GDG Cape Town, she fosters local developer communities and shapes impactful tech events in South Africa. Her journey as a Google Crowdsource Influencer sparked her interest in AI and Machine Learning, fueling her continuous learning. A forward-thinker, she is an inspiring figure in the ever-evolving tech landscape.

Jessica Randall is a Master's graduate in Mathematics, an Android developer Co-lead at Mentorlst, and a Zindi Ambassador. Deeply immersed in the world of Android development, she is passionate about Kotlin and Jetpack Compose, thriving in the collabo... Show more

Asif is the founder and CEO of VisualSP (https://www.visualsp.com). Asif is hyper focused on the areas of digital transformation and digital adoption and advises CIOs at organizations around the world routinely on how best to support and train their employees with a blended training approach that includes a mix of synchronous and asynchronous mechanisms.

Asif has been training and mentoring on Microsoft technologies since 2002. He has been a Microsoft MVP for 16 years as of 2022 and has authored several books over the years for Wiley publications. Asif has also been a speaker at conferences on numerous topics. He resides in United States, but has performed speaking engagements in Germany, Netherlands, New Zealand, UK, Sweden, Ireland, Canada and more.

For a more detailed bio, please visit http://www.visualsp.com/about/
You can reach Asif at: asif@visualsp.com.

Asif is the founder and CEO of VisualSP (https://www.visualsp.com). Asif is hyper focused on the areas of digital transformation and digital adoption and advises CIOs at organizations around the world routinely on how best to support and train their ... Show more

Will is a Senior Software Engineer at Microsoft, working in the Industry Solutions Engineering team.

Will has extensive experience in software development, building solutions in the financial, health and agricultural industries. Will has also previously been a Microsoft MVP for Kubernetes and Open Source before joining Microsoft.

Will regularly speaks at conferences, user groups and developer events around the world, such as Microsoft Ignite, NDC Conferences, and Techorama. When he is away from his keyboard, you'll find him hiking around the countryside.

Will is a Senior Software Engineer at Microsoft, working in the Industry Solutions Engineering team. Will has extensive experience in software development, building solutions in the financial, health and agricultural industries. Will has also pre... Show more

Anu is a Data and AI Consultant with 25+ years of experience working in design and development of Data Warehouse, Business Intelligence, AI enabled applications and SaaS integrated solutions. Anu is a Microsoft Data Platform and AI MVP, Microsoft Certified Trainer and really passionate in sharing knowledge. Anu loves solving complex business problems with innovative solutions using technologies.

Anu do speak at Conferences (PASS Summit, SQL Saturdays, Data Platform Summit, Difinity) and organise local user group meetups.

Anu is a Data and AI Consultant with 25+ years of experience working in design and development of Data Warehouse, Business Intelligence, AI enabled applications and SaaS integrated solutions. Anu is a Microsoft Data Platform and AI MVP, Microsoft Cer... Show more

Alex Soto is a Developer Advocate at IBM. He is passionate about the Java world and software automation and believes in the open-source software model. Alex is the co-author of Manning and O'Reilly books Testing Java Microservice, Quarkus Cookbook, Kubernetes Secrets Management, GitOps Cookbook, RHCE Ansible Automation Study Guide, Applied AI for Enterprise Java Development, and AI Agents with Java.
A Java Champion since 2017, he is also an international speaker (Devoxx, KubeCon, DevNexus, JavaOne, JavaLand, ...) and teacher at Salle URL University. You can follow him on Twitter (@alexsotob) to stay tuned to what’s happening in Java.

Alex Soto is a Developer Advocate at IBM. He is passionate about the Java world and software automation and believes in the open-source software model. Alex is the co-author of Manning and O'Reilly books Testing Java Microservice, Quarkus Cookbook, K... Show more

Nicky van Vroenhoven is a BI professional focused at the Microsoft stack and a Data Platform MVP. He mainly works with Power BI, Power Platform and T-SQL. Nicky started working with SQL Server and SSIS in 2005 in the DWH space, and later moved from Power Pivot to Power BI. After working 10 years in BI-consultancy jobs in several industries and companies, he worked for 5 years as a Power BI Administrator at a wealth management bank, and he is currently working as Unit Lead Fabric/Power BI at Powerdobs in The Netherlands.
Nicky has spoken at several User Groups and conferences including SQL Saturday Events, the Power BI World Tour, SQLBits and the Fabric Community Conference. In addition he enjoys tweeting and blogging about topics like Power BI and Power Platform at https://nickyvv.com.
In his spare time Nicky likes to go running, play chess or try to improve his Rubik's cube record. He is also a husband, father of 3 and a (former) ballroom dancer.

Nicky van Vroenhoven is a BI professional focused at the Microsoft stack and a Data Platform MVP. He mainly works with Power BI, Power Platform and T-SQL. Nicky started working with SQL Server and SSIS in 2005 in the DWH space, and later moved from P... Show more

Grant Fritchey is a Data Platform MVP and AWS Community Builder with over 30 years’ experience in IT, including time spent in support and development. Grant works with multiple data platforms including SQL Server and PostgreSQL as well as multiple cloud platforms. He has also developed in VB, VB.NET, C#, and Java. Grant writes books for Apress and Simple-Talk. Grant presents at conferences and user groups, large and small, all over the world. He joined Redgate Software as a product advocate in January 2011.

Grant Fritchey is a Data Platform MVP and AWS Community Builder with over 30 years’ experience in IT, including time spent in support and development. Grant works with multiple data platforms including SQL Server and PostgreSQL as well as multiple cl... Show more

John P White is the CTO of tyGraph and Evangelist at AvePoint. He holds a Master’s degree in Engineering from the University of Guelph and has been a Microsoft MVP since 2010 and a dual MVP since 2018 in both Microsoft Apps and Services and Data Platform.  He has spent far too long (since 1990) in the Information Technology space, and possesses a skill set that spans both architecture and development. He has been instrumental in delivering projects and applications that have been recognized with both local and global awards from Microsoft and IBM.
 John has accumulated a plethora of legacy technologies over the years like Novell, Lotus Notes and Java, and of course Microsoft technologies. This experience has proven invaluable when architecting systems. Over the past decade, he has been focused on the Microsoft collaborative and data platforms and is a frequent speaker on these topics.
 He blogs as actively as possible at the White Pages and is the co-host of the weekly https://bifocal.show/ which covers the Microsoft business intelligence space. John lives in the country just outside of Guelph, Canada. He is a father to 5, is an avid scuba diver, gardener, and photographer, both under and above the water (but mostly under).

John P White is the CTO of tyGraph and Evangelist at AvePoint. He holds a Master’s degree in Engineering from the University of Guelph and has been a Microsoft MVP since 2010 and a dual MVP since 2018 in both Microsoft Apps and Services and Data Plat... Show more

Marcel is the co-founder and Global MD & CTO Xebia Microsoft Services. Xebia Microsoft Services started as an individual company under the Xebia group in 2014 and provides high-end consulting services to companies on Microsoft Azure, DevOps, Cloud Native Software Development, and Managed Services.

Marcel spends most of his time working with organizations to deliver software to production multiple times a day in a secure and compliant way! He helps organizations and leadership teams move to become high-speed, innovative, and productive while still being secure and compliant.

Marcel loves to learn new technologies and use this to advance his customers. He shares his learnings at conferences and training. Marcel has the conviction the CEO title in technology companies should have a second meaning: Coding Executive Officer. This is driven by his strong belief that great leaders in tech need to be technical! Only by staying on top of technology, you can lead the way going forward.

Marcel is a frequently asked public speaker at well-known industry events like Microsoft //Build, Microsoft Ignite, Azure Lowlands, Visual Studio Live!, Techorama, and KCDC, to name a few.

Marcel is part of the Techorama board and helps organize this event in Europe. In his spare time, he also builds online courses for Pluralsight. You can find his courses here: https://app.pluralsight.com/profile/author/marcel-devries

Marcel has been awarded by Microsoft the Microsoft MVP award for more than 17 consecutive years and has been a Microsoft Regional Director since 2008. You can always contact him to talk about subjects like Cloud Adoption Strategies, Business Development, DevOps, Cloud Computing, Microservices, Containers, IaaS, PaaS, and SaaS.

Marcel is the co-founder and Global MD & CTO Xebia Microsoft Services. Xebia Microsoft Services started as an individual company under the Xebia group in 2014 and provides high-end consulting services to companies on Microsoft Azure, DevOps, Cloud Na... Show more

Rachel currently works for JetBrains as a Developer Advocate. She has been in the business of creating software for over 25 years, as an author, mentor, and speaker at top industry conferences such as Techorama, //build, Øredev, NDC and SDD. During her career, she has worked on projects of all sizes from the smallest of apps, to the largest enterprise systems at some of the world’s leading companies.

Rachel’s expertise is in web development on the Microsoft stack, specifically Azure Functions, ASP.NET MVC, Web Forms, SignalR, C#, HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and TypeScript. Her hobbies include science, AI, reading, languages, and travel.

Rachel currently works for JetBrains as a Developer Advocate. She has been in the business of creating software for over 25 years, as an author, mentor, and speaker at top industry conferences such as Techorama, //build, Øredev, NDC and SDD. During h... Show more

Danilo Dominici is a senior consultant, speaker, and author specializing in SQL Server since version 6.5, mostly in the design, implementation, monitoring, and performance tuning of SQL Server-based solutions, both on-premise and in the cloud (Azure/AWS). He is also specializing in PostgreSQL performance tuning, high availability and monitoring. Danilo is a Microsoft Certified Trainer since 2000, a 6-times Data Platform MVP (2014-2020) - now MVP Alumni, an active member of UGISS (the Italian SQL Server User Group), and has been the co-leader of the PASS Global Italian Virtual Chapter. He wrote some of the chapters of the Microsoft SQL Server 2012 and 2014 Upgrade Guides and co-authored the book "Azure Data Solutions: an Introduction" published by Microsoft Press.

Danilo Dominici is a senior consultant, speaker, and author specializing in SQL Server since version 6.5, mostly in the design, implementation, monitoring, and performance tuning of SQL Server-based solutions, both on-premise and in the cloud (Azure/... Show more

I'm the founder organizer of Experts Live India, organizing physical and online conferences. I also host a tech/semi tech podcast, Experts Live India podcast.

I'm a 2x Microsoft MVP (recently in Azure AI services) and been awarded Azure content hero and Azure community hero badgers by Microsoft.

I'm active in the observability and AI space.

I'm the founder organizer of Experts Live India, organizing physical and online conferences. I also host a tech/semi tech podcast, Experts Live India podcast. I'm a 2x Microsoft MVP (recently in Azure AI services) and been awarded Azure content he... Show more

Aleksandar Nikolić is a Microsoft Azure MVP and a co-founder of PowerShellMagazine.com, the ultimate online source for PowerShell enthusiasts. As a Microsoft Azure Advisor, he provides valuable feedback and insights to the Azure engineering team. With over 18 years of experience in system administration, he is a trusted trainer and speaker who travels the globe to share his knowledge and skills on Azure and PowerShell. He has spoken at prestigious IT events such as Microsoft Ignite, ESPC, NIC, Techorama, PowerShell Conference Europe, NTK, and various others.
You can find him on Twitter (https://twitter.com/alexandair) and LinkedIn (http://www.linkedin.com/in/alexandair).

Aleksandar Nikolić is a Microsoft Azure MVP and a co-founder of PowerShellMagazine.com, the ultimate online source for PowerShell enthusiasts. As a Microsoft Azure Advisor, he provides valuable feedback and insights to the Azure engineering team. Wit... Show more

André is a Data Engineer and architect mostly in Azure. He has done a lot of DBA work on 1000’s of SQL Servers where he discovered his love for Powershell, architecting data solutions, building and tuning ETL processes (with BIML), and even implementing PDW. Having to wrangle a lot of data he's using Python, SparkSQL in Azure Databricks, Data Factory, dbt and Power BI as well these days. André is a Data Platform MPV since 2009, Dutch Microsoft Data Platform Meetup lead, organiser of Data Saturday Holland and Data & BI track volunteer for Techorama Holland

André is a Data Engineer and architect mostly in Azure. He has done a lot of DBA work on 1000’s of SQL Servers where he discovered his love for Powershell, architecting data solutions, building and tuning ETL processes (with BIML), and even implement... Show more

Ásgeir brings nearly two decades of experience in designing and implementing scalable data platforms using Microsoft technologies. With deep expertise in data architecture, data engineering, and analytics, he helps organizations turn complex data landscapes into streamlined, high-performing solutions. In addition to hands-on delivery, Ásgeir advises clients on governance, security, and platform strategy.

As a recognized Microsoft Data Platform MVP and active speaker at global data events, he stays ahead of industry trends and brings cutting-edge insights to every project. In addition to speaking at events Ásgeir is a co-organizer of Data Platform Next Step, Power BI Next Step and Power BI Cruise in Denmark.

Ásgeir focuses primarily on the data technologies in the Azure cloud.

Ásgeir is the co-author of Pro Power BI Administration from APRESS and the Power BI MVP book

Ásgeir is passionate about data and loves solving problem with BI.

Ásgeir brings nearly two decades of experience in designing and implementing scalable data platforms using Microsoft technologies. With deep expertise in data architecture, data engineering, and analytics, he helps organizations turn complex data lan... Show more

Magi Naumova is an SQL Server Architect and Consultant, speaker and trainer, Microsoft Certified Master, MVP, MCT, Founder of SQL Master Academy, and founder and CEO Of Inspirit Data Platform Consulting Company in Bulgaria and Norway, founder, and the leader of Bulgarian SQL & BI User group and Azure Analytics User Group BG. She has more than 25 years SQL Server training and consulting experience. Magi is a former member of Microsoft Services Worldwide Technical Leadership Team. Currently she speaks, writes, trains and consults people on SQL Server and MS Fabric Data Platform. She is MVP for 15 years in a row. Her unique SQL Master Academy training program has helped hundreds of specialists to feel knowledgeable in their daily work or to find an inspirational career path in the world of SQL Server.

Magi Naumova is an SQL Server Architect and Consultant, speaker and trainer, Microsoft Certified Master, MVP, MCT, Founder of SQL Master Academy, and founder and CEO Of Inspirit Data Platform Consulting Company in Bulgaria and Norway, founder, and th... Show more

Je suis tombé dans la marmite Agile en 2018, après 17 ans de vie dans l'IT et la conception de produits.
D'abord Product Owner, puis Scrum Master. Aujourd’hui, j’accompagne les équipes dans leur découverte de l’Agilité.
Je me considère comme agnostique en matière d’Agilité. Pour moi les frameworks sont des outils utiles, à condition d’être bien compris et utilisés avec discernement.
Mon objectif est de rester fidèle au Manifeste Agile et à son esprit, tout en étant attentif aux impacts humains, organisationnels et environnementaux — notamment en promouvant un numérique responsable.

Je suis tombé dans la marmite Agile en 2018, après 17 ans de vie dans l'IT et la conception de produits. D'abord Product Owner, puis Scrum Master. Aujourd’hui, j’accompagne les équipes dans leur découverte de l’Agilité. Je me considère comme agnost... Show more

Andreas spent most of his professional life and a career of over 25 years integrating "backend" applications. First inside or between Enterprises and Startups directly, then - "in the cloud".
Before that, Andreas dabbled with Virtual Reality in the 90s. In 2013, he integrated an innovation focus into his work - from Kinect for Windows, Microsoft HoloLens, and Mixed Reality, to a strong focus on Applied Artificial Intelligence. Andreas told audiences years before ChatGPT to look at Generative AI.
He cannot stop talking about technology, which apparently some people like so Microsoft gave him the MVP award. Because he has shown leadership can advise C-levels and business, he also got accepted into the ranks of the Microsoft Regional Directors .
Andreas helps customers as a trusted advisor, external CTO and innovation consultant, he also produces exciting applications and solutions with a great team of skilled individuals.
He acts as CTO Applied AI for daenet.

Andreas spent most of his professional life and a career of over 25 years integrating "backend" applications. First inside or between Enterprises and Startups directly, then - "in the cloud". Before that, Andreas dabbled with Virtual Reality in the ... Show more

Jess Pomfret is a Data Platform Engineer and a dual Microsoft MVP. She started working with SQL Server in 2011, and enjoys problem-solving and automating processes with PowerShell.

She also enjoys contributing to dbatools and dbachecks, two open source PowerShell modules that aid DBAs with automating the management of SQL Server instances. She has also contributed to the SqlServerDsc module, adding several new resources to use when configuring your SQL Servers.

She grew up in the South West of England and outside of her DBA life enjoys Crossfit, cycling and watching proper football.

Jess Pomfret is a Data Platform Engineer and a dual Microsoft MVP. She started working with SQL Server in 2011, and enjoys problem-solving and automating processes with PowerShell. She also enjoys contributing to dbatools and dbachecks, two open ... Show more

Emilie Rønning, a data girl in a Fabric world.

She is a managing data engineer, based in Oslo, Norway. In addition to creating well-functioning insights and analysis data platforms, Emilie loves creating and implementing structure and solutions automating manual processes for her clients.

When not geeking out, she enjoys a long hike and a night or two in her hammock.

Emilie Rønning, a data girl in a Fabric world. She is a managing data engineer, based in Oslo, Norway. In addition to creating well-functioning insights and analysis data platforms, Emilie loves creating and implementing structure and solutions a... Show more

Roy Derks is a lifelong software developer, author and public speaker from the Netherlands. Currently chasing his dreams in Silicon Valley, California. Roy's mission is to make the world a better place through technology by inspiring developers all over the world, more specifically AI and Web Development technologies. Before jumping into Developer Advocacy and joining IBM in Product Management, he founded and worked at multiple startups.

Roy Derks is a lifelong software developer, author and public speaker from the Netherlands. Currently chasing his dreams in Silicon Valley, California. Roy's mission is to make the world a better place through technology by inspiring developers all o... Show more

Lars is a Principal Developer Advocate at Atlassian, an author, trainer, Microsoft Azure MVP, community leader, aspiring YouTube host and part time classic car collector. He is heavily involved in the space of cloud computing services, especially Azure, and is a published author, solution architect and writer for numerous publications. He has been a part of the software development community for the past 20 years and co-organises the DDD Melbourne community conference, organises developer events with Microsoft, and also runs a part time car restoration business. He has spoken at numerous technical events around the world and is an expert in Australian Outback Internet.

Lars is a Principal Developer Advocate at Atlassian, an author, trainer, Microsoft Azure MVP, community leader, aspiring YouTube host and part time classic car collector. He is heavily involved in the space of cloud computing services, especially Azu... Show more

I am Microsoft 365 solution architect. I create applications and solutions that improve and facilitate work using Power Platform, SharePoint, and Teams.

My adventure in IT began in 2005. Since then I have been creating and implementing business applications based on SharePoint and Microsoft 365 platforms. I am a big fan of task and process automation (Power Automate) and Modern Workplace platforms (Microsoft Teams).

Privately a husband, father of 2 sons. Fan of science fiction and cyberpunk, futurist. I co-organize the SharePoint Saturday Warsaw conference and speak at Microsoft's community events.

I am Microsoft 365 solution architect. I create applications and solutions that improve and facilitate work using Power Platform, SharePoint, and Teams. My adventure in IT began in 2005. Since then I have been creating and implementing business ap... Show more

AI, BI and everything data. Fabric admin. Automation enthusiast. Co-pilot in a crew of 5.

AI, BI and everything data. Fabric admin. Automation enthusiast. Co-pilot in a crew of 5. Show more

What do I do? I select, I select stars!

Data enthusiast with a mathematics background. Working with SQL Server for over 15 years. Microsoft Data Platform MVP and Microsoft Certified Trainer with a couple of certificates sharing knowledge. Blogger at (bronowski.it).

Not long ago Poland Data Community member, now proud UK Data Platform active member and SotonDataCloud.org leader.

When not working or teaching, learns new things or attends various data/technical conferences and meetups.

Italian Calcio fan and traveller, amateur photographer catching anything that moves.

What do I do? I select, I select stars! Data enthusiast with a mathematics background. Working with SQL Server for over 15 years. Microsoft Data Platform MVP and Microsoft Certified Trainer with a couple of certificates sharing knowledge. Blogger ... Show more

I work as consultant and I am specialized in designing solutions for Microsoft 365, Microsoft Azure and Azure AI Services. I'm a conference speaker, blogger, and Microsoft MVP.

I work as consultant and I am specialized in designing solutions for Microsoft 365, Microsoft Azure and Azure AI Services. I'm a conference speaker, blogger, and Microsoft MVP. Show more

CTO at Infinite Services, a company specializing in developing state-of-the-art data platforms for large enterprises. In his professional career Pawel has always been associated with data engineering and analytics (SQL, BI, Big Data). Founder of the Polish SQL Server Users Group (PLSSUG), today known as Data Community Poland. Regular speaker at conferences, community events and user groups. Former Microsoft Most Valuable Professional (MVP).

CTO at Infinite Services, a company specializing in developing state-of-the-art data platforms for large enterprises. In his professional career Pawel has always been associated with data engineering and analytics (SQL, BI, Big Data). Founder of the ... Show more