They speak at the Forum CAPBLEU 2025 | BLUESHIFT 2025

Ambassador to the African Union and the UNECA, Ben Marc Diendéré has extensive experience in public affairs and communications, acquired at VIA Rail, Sollio Coop and Quebecor. He holds master's degrees in marketing (Paris Assas) and sociology of information (Ouagadougou), is also president of UNICEF Canada and active on several boards related to inclusion, art and education.

Jean-Claude (J.C.) D’Amours was reelected for a third term as an MLA on October 21, 2024. This time, it was for the riding of Edmundston—Vallée-des-Rivières. He served as the member for Edmundston-Madawaska Centre for two terms following the elections of September 24, 2018, and September 14, 2020. Following the October 2024 election, he was appointed Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs, Minister responsible for Immigration, and Minister responsible for Military Affairs. In September 2025 he was assigned the additional responsibilities of Minister of Post-Secondary Education, Training and Labour and Minister responsible for the Research and Productivity Council.

As a Liberal Party member, he was again appointed Health and Wellness Critic for the Liberal caucus following the September 2020 election. In September 2022, Mr. D’Amours became Critic for Economic Development and Opportunities NB, Critic for Small Business and Trade Policy, and Critic for Population Growth and Immigration. He held these positions until the 2024 provincial election was called.

Mr. D’Amours is in his third term as an MLA, but he has been in politics for many years. From 1998 to 2004, he served as a municipal councillor for the city of Edmundston. In 2004, he was elected as the Member of Parliament for the federal riding of Madawaska—Restigouche. He was re-elected in 2006 and in 2008. During those years, he served as the Official Opposition Critic for National Revenue, the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, the Atlantic Gateway, and Official Languages. He also sat on many parliamentary committees.

As a private member of the Legislative Assembly, Mr. D’Amours introduced two bills that passed and received royal assent. On June 11, 2021, An Act to Amend the Tobacco and Electronic Cigarette Sales Act, which banned electronic cigarettes and flavoured substances, received royal assent. On June 16, 2023, the Human Organ and Tissue Donation Act, which resulted in the adoption of a deemed consent model for organ and tissue donation in New Brunswick, received royal assent.

Mr. D’Amours has held various positions on boards of directors and has worked with various organizations and on different events in his community. He was Northwest Vice-President of the Tree of Hope Provincial campaign, member of the board of directors for Alianco and for Atelier des Copains, treasurer of Oeuvres de l’Hôtel-Dieu de Saint-Basile, and chair and cochair of the Salon du livre d’Edmundston organizing committee.

Mr. D’Amours has extensive professional experience as the Business Development Manager of the Business Development Bank of Canada from 2000 to 2004 and the Regional Director of Brunswick News from 2011 to 2018.

Mr. D’Amours earned a bachelor's degree in arts in multidisciplinary studies (political science and management) in 1997, a bachelor's degree in commerce (management and accounting) in 1998, and a master's in business administration in 2022 from the Université de Moncton. He holds a diploma in accounting and another in management.

Mr. D'Amours lives in Edmundston with his wife, Hélène, and two daughters, Émilie and Alexandra.

Originally from Charlo, New Brunswick, Isabelle Doucet holds a bachelor's degree in business administration from the Université de Moncton and a certificate from the École Supérieure de Commerce d'Amiens (France).
Her first job at the Embassy of Canada in Paris in the Promotion and Communication – Immigration department allowed her to develop an extensive network in France, Belgium and Switzerland, in addition to confirming her interest in international relations.
Returning to New Brunswick in 2008, she joined the Government of New Brunswick where she held various management positions in development, strategic planning and innovation with the Regional Development Corporation until 2015. She took part in several multi-sectoral missions in France while completing the program of the Canadian Economic Development Association.
In March 2015, Isabelle joined the Export and International Trade team at Opportunities New Brunswick. She leads several national and international economic missions. In November 2016, she was selected for the Leadership Management International program, a privileged opportunity to acquire the knowledge and skills to become a senior manager.
Destined to play an even more active role internationally, in March 2017 she was appointed Director of the International and Multilateral Francophonie in the Intergovernmental Affairs Division of the Executive Council Office of the Government of New Brunswick.
In October 2020, she was appointed Personal Representative of the Premier of New Brunswick (Sherpa) to the International Organization of La Francophonie.Passionate and dedicated, Ms. Doucet is regularly involved in various cultural activities and is committed to promoting her native province on the international scene.

Sylvie Painchaud has been Executive Director of the Council of Ministers on the Canadian Francophonie since 2017. Her expertise in the Canadian Francophonie has been developed over fifteen years, during which she held several positions within the Government of Yukon, first at the Department of Education and then at the French Language Services Branch. Studies in public administration at Alaska Southeast University complemented her initial training in communication, acquired at the Université du Québec à Montréal. Before joining the government sphere, she worked for twenty years as a public affairs journalist, including ten years at the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation.

Her Excellency Mrs. Fatima Braoulé Méïté is a Malian diplomat and politician, committed to development, governance and human rights. Ambassador of Mali to Canada and Permanent Representative to ICAO from 2020 to 2024, she worked to strengthen bilateral relations and promote Mali's interests on the international scene. A former municipal councillor in Bamako and president of REMAFEDE, she campaigns for greater participation of women in politics. A graduate of UQAM and SUNY Stony Brook, she is also the founder of Nova Consulting, supporting strategic projects in governance and development.

Mr. Bafétigué Ouattara is an expert in disarmament, international security and a specialist in international organizations (UN, AU, ECOWAS). He is one of the resource persons within the Ivorian Ministry of Foreign Affairs on issues of arms control, counter-terrorism and governance.

His diplomatic career began in 2004 at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Côte d'Ivoire, where he held several positions related to international security. In 2008, he was assigned to the Permanent Mission of Côte d'Ivoire to the UN in New York, in charge of disarmament and international security issues.

From 2013 to 2016, as Deputy Ambassador-Permanent Representative to the UN, he played a key role in managing the end of the crisis in Côte d'Ivoire, post-crisis reconstruction and overseeing the implementation of international sanctions. After his return to Côte d'Ivoire, he successively headed the Departments of African International Organizations and Americas and Caribbean Issues until 2021.

Appointed Ambassador of Côte d'Ivoire to Canada in January 2021, he presented his Letters of Credence on September 9, 2021 to Her Excellency the Right Honourable Mary J. SIMON, Governor General of Canada.

Since October 25, 2024, Ambassador Ouattara has also been the Permanent Representative of Côte d'Ivoire to the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).

Ambassador Bafétigué Ouattara is a graduate of the École Nationale d'Administration (ENA) of Côte d'Ivoire, with a specialization in diplomacy, and holds a Master's degree in Law (Public Administration) from the Alassane Ouattara University in Bouaké.

In addition to his degrees, he has strengthened his expertise by obtaining several certifications and, above all, by taking part in numerous international missions and conferences in Europe, Asia, Africa, as well as during his assignment in the United States.

A specialist in maritime and port cooperation, Jean Marie KOFFI heads the PMAWCA and the PAPC, federating the main African port associations. With more than 20 years of experience, he has contributed to the modernization of Ivorian ports and is now leading port sustainability initiatives. With an MBA in Marketing, a Master's degree in Philosophy and a Diploma in HR, he works to strengthen the competitiveness of African ports.

Sylvain Charlebois is a visiting professor at McGill University in Montreal and a full professor in agri-food distribution and policy in the Faculty of Management at Dalhousie University in Halifax (Canada). He is also the Scientific Director of the Laboratory of Analytical Sciences in Agri-Food at the same university. He is also the former Dean of the Faculty of Management at Dalhousie University. Prior to joining Dalhousie, he co-founded the Arrell Food Institute at the University of Guelph.

His area of research and expertise encompasses food distribution, safety and security. He is one of the most cited experts on the supply chain, agri-food value chain and traceability. Since 2020, he has been co-host of The Food Professor podcast discussing current topics in the food, restaurant, grocery and restaurant industries.

For nearly 20 years, he has been a regular contributor to the editorial pages of La Presse, the Toronto Star and the Globe and Mail as an expert in the agri-food field. His research and commentaries are published by the most important newspapers and magazines in Quebec, Canada and the world, including the Journal de Montréal, the National Post, the New York Times, the Boston Globe, the Wall Street Journal and the Washington Post. His comments are also regularly heard on regional, national and international television and radio: LCN (where he has a weekly column), TVA, Radio-Canada, RDI, TVA, LCN, CTV, CBC, Global, BBC, NBC, ABC, Fox News, etc.

Since 2012, it has published the now highly anticipated Food Price Report annually, which provides an overview of food price trends for the coming year. He has published 8 books dealing with global agri-food systems, including one entitled Poutine Nation, which explores the journey of this iconic Quebec dish, from its humble beginnings to its success on the international stage. He is also the author of more than 750 articles published in international scientific and professional journals in the field of food science and management. He is the editor of the academic journal Trends in Food Science Technology.

In the spring of 2025, he was awarded the King Charles III Coronation Medal by the Lieutenant Governor of Quebec, in recognition of his significant contribution to the agri-food industry. In addition, in 2024, he was recognized as one of the 100 influential personalities in Quebec by L'Actualité magazine.

He has testified on several occasions as an expert witness before parliamentary committees on issues related to agri-food policy. He has been asked to act as an advisor on food and agricultural policies in many Canadian provinces and other countries. He is also a speaker at numerous international conferences and an expert in various research bodies in Canada and abroad. In addition, since 2011, he has been a member of the Canadian Food Inspection Agency's Scientific and Expert Advisory Committees and is also a member of the board of the Washington-based Global Food Traceability Center.

With extensive experience working with businesses, governments and NPOs, Mr. Charlebois combines academic rigor with real-world expertise, making him one of the most influential voices in the global agri-food landscape. His work contributes to advancing the understanding of food systems, fostering innovation and resilience in an ever-changing industry.

Yaye Peukassa is President and CEO of Pont-Bridge Canada, as well as President of the CAPBLEU 2025 Forum. A graduate in political history, with a major in business administration, he stands out for his in-depth expertise in business development, strategic partnerships and government relations. A visionary and committed, he uses his leadership to strengthen economic, cultural and institutional ties between Francophone communities in Canada and elsewhere.

Prior to founding Pont-Bridge Canada, Mr. Peukassa held several key positions, including Office Manager for the Société Économique de l'Ontario in the northwest of the province. He has also worked in the field of municipal political administration, as head of business development and partnerships for the Association des municipalités francophones de l'Ontario (AFMO). In this role, he represented and defended the interests of more than 56 municipalities, including Toronto and Ottawa, with the provincial and federal governments.

Recognized for the strength of his network and his influence in economic and institutional circles, Yaye Peukassa has seen several of the projects he has led receive national media coverage. A passionate strategist, he is now working to build lasting bridges between Canada and Africa.

Dr. Urbain Thibauthéon Aaron Sonagnon BRITO, Director of Fisheries Production of Benin since 2023, is a recognized expert in fisheries governance, quality, hygiene and sustainability of value chains. He holds a doctorate in Quality Control, Audit and Sustainable Development, and has more than 20 years of experience and is also Vice-President of the International Whaling Commission. Active in several international bodies, he works for traceability, the fight against illegal fishing and maritime diplomacy in French-speaking Africa.

Dr. Yann Alix has been General Delegate of the SEFACIL Foundation since 2011, leading an international think tank on maritime transport, ports and logistics. He holds a PhD in Transportation Geography and a PhD from Concordia University and has led IPER and the logistics department at NBS. Author of more than 200 conferences and numerous publications, he is also the founder of the collections Les Océanides and Afrique Atlantique, dedicated to maritime and port dynamics.

Thierry Basque is the founder and CEO of Bluehome, an innovative Canadian company that stands out in the blue economy sector. Driven by a clear and sustainable vision, it develops artificial reefs to restore marine ecosystems, improve biodiversity and support coastal communities through responsible fishing.

Originally from Tracadie, Thierry grew up in a family of entrepreneurs. A graduate of the W.A. Losier School (1997) and holder of a Red Seal in Masonry, he founded Entreprises Bastech Inc. in 2014 and is also involved in Basque Construction Ltd., the family business.

In addition to his professional commitments, Thierry is a father of five children. He embodies deep values of work, integrity and solidarity, which he passes on to his family and team.

Former CEO of NB Power and the Economic Council of New Brunswick, Gaëtan Thomas is now Executive Vice-President of bluehome, a company specializing in the restoration of marine ecosystems. An engineer by training, he is also a strategic advisor, chair of the ACRI board, and a five-time winner of the Atlantic Top 50 CEOs.

Maud Chasseriau, an international expert in customs, port logistics and risk management, has more than 40 years of experience in trade facilitation and trade security. A former executive of the Directorate General of Customs (France), she is now a consultant for institutions such as the WCO. A specialist in customs procedures and connectivity of logistics systems, she has contributed to the recasting of the EU Customs Code and operates in more than 15 countries, mainly in Africa.

Jean-François is a Senior Consultant for CPCS. He holds a Ph.D. in Transportation Geography from the University of Paris-Est, France, and a Master's degree in Marine Resource Management (transportation) from the Université du Québec à Rimouski. With 28 years of experience in applied research, consulting and training both in Canada and abroad, and having contributed to more than 150 research/consulting projects, he has developed in-depth knowledge in the assessment of transportation and logistics demand and needs. Prior to joining the CPCS team, he was a marine and port transportation analyst for Maritime Innovation in Rimouski and for the Institut portuaire d'enseignement et de recherche (IPER) in Le Havre, France, as well as a professor in maritime transportation, port management, and logistics in Quebec and France. His main research activities focus on supply chain analysis, corridor benchmarking, marine transportation, port management, and transportation logistics.

Jonathan Duffaud has been the CEO of the CÉNB since 2025, where he has been employed since December 2022, as the Atlantic Sustainable Development Coordinator for RDÉE NB, helping several SMEs successfully position themselves as sustainable businesses. With a background in political science, specialized in business administration (management, finance and local development), experienced in the coordination of economic and social projects, he has accompanied entrepreneurs for 20 years, in France and Canada. He has had the opportunity to help more than 300 business leaders in the creation, takeover, development and transfer for nearly 10 years on behalf of the Regional Institute of Business Leaders (IRCE), in the Southern Alps (France), with a team of consultants, trainers and coaches. He has also created the support ecosystem for an incubator for eco-committed start-ups in Brittany (France). Over the course of his professional journey, Jonathan has developed an excellent ability to build networks and understand the needs of SMEs, and economic development grounded in reality. He is well versed in the economic, political and social environment of New Brunswick. It also worked effectively with key federal and provincial partners.

An engineer by training and a visionary leader in the field of Franco-African higher education, Jean YOUTOU embodies academic excellence and commitment to skills development in Africa. Holder of engineering degrees in electrical engineering and industrial computing, he is currently pursuing a PhD in Artificial Intelligence applied to biobanks, illustrating his permanent quest for innovation and cutting-edge expertise.

As Vice-President of the Collège de Paris, an internationally renowned French educational group based in Paris La Défense (Grande Arche), Mr. YOUTOU plays a strategic role in the development and influence of the group. He is the main architect of the Collège de Paris' African expansion, having successfully established an institutional presence in nine countries on the continent: Cameroon, Gabon, Central African Republic, Senegal, Togo, Benin, Congo, Guinea Conakry and Morocco.

Mr. YOUTOU oversees a diverse portfolio of institutions of excellence, including Digital College, Keyce Informatique et Artificielle Intelligence, Ascencia Business School, ECEMA, College of Art & Design, Upsilon, Paris Santé, and the Collège de Paris Supérieur. His leadership extends to three major areas:

He leads Bachelor's and MBA level training programs for students and professionals in strategic fields: digital marketing, digital communication, banking finance & digital, human resources & digital, management management and control, purchasing & logistics, artificial intelligence, IT and networks, information systems administration, cybersecurity, Big Data & Blockchain, start-up management, international digital project management, health, nursing and physiotherapy.

Under his leadership, the group offers tailor-made solutions to private and public companies, including training workshops, seminars, audits, coaching and support for digital transformation.

Mr. YOUTOU coordinates the offer of globally recognized certifications in the fields of human resources, project and organization management, marketing, digital transformation, financial performance and international arbitration.

A leader committed to the promotion of educational excellence and the transfer of skills between France and Africa, Jean Calvin YOUTOU works daily to create lasting academic and professional bridges. Its vision is part of a concrete impact approach: to train the African talents of tomorrow while promoting the emergence of an educational ecosystem of excellence on the continent.

Combining scientific rigor, technical expertise and a strategic sense of institutional development, Mr. YOUTOU embodies a new generation of Franco-African educational leaders, resolutely focused on innovation, performance and sustainable development.

An expert in education, training and technologies applied to learning, Cyrille Simard is a seasoned trainer and manager. Vice-President of Development at CCNB since 2020, he has a wealth of international experience in distance education, pedagogical innovation and professional training. Former mayor of Edmundston (2012-2020), he combines academic expertise and community involvement.

Eunice Boué is the CEO and founder of U-Event, a French-language event communications and public relations agency based in Toronto. As Ambassador of La Francophonie of the Americas to the OIF and the Centre de la francophonie des Amériques, she has been working for several years to promote Francophone initiatives throughout the Americas, by putting communication at the service of cultural, educational and economic influence. Holder of a Master's degree in marketing and communication, she puts her strategic expertise to work for the benefit of institutions, organizations and companies that share her vision of an inclusive and modern Francophonie.

At the same time, Eunice Boué is Executive Director of the Salon du livre de Toronto, where she promotes Francophone literature in Ontario and fosters exchanges between authors, readers and institutions. Vice-President of the Canadian Club of Toronto and President of the Prix RelèveON, she actively contributes to the development of Francophone leadership and the next generation in the business world.

As part of the Canada-Africa Forum, Eunice Boué takes on the role of Director of Communications and Public Relations for CAPBLEU2025 | BLUESHIFT2025, the first edition of the Forum dedicated to the port industry and the blue economy. She leads the institutional visibility strategy, media relations and the coordination of international communications between Canada and Africa. Its action contributes to positioning the Forum as a platform for strategic cooperation, anchored in the values of dialogue, innovation and sustainable development.

Finalist for the 2024 GAF Award (Groupe des Ambassadrices et Ambassadeurs francophones d'Ottawa), Eunice Boué is also the host of the "Zoom Franco" column on CHOQFM, Toronto's French-language radio station, where she highlights the talents and initiatives of the contemporary Francophonie. Through its various commitments, it strives to build lasting bridges between Francophone communities in Canada and around the world, embodying an open, ambitious and creative Francophonie.

Mr. Ramses LABA ZOULLA is a civil engineer and urban planner graduated from the Ecole Nationale Supérieure Polytechnique de Yaoundé. Dynamic, he has participated for 10 years in the design, implementation and monitoring of large-scale projects in Cameroon.

Since August 2022, when he joined the PAK, he has focused on the management of port projects where he works as coordinator of the technical secretariats of the committees in charge of the maturation and monitoring and evaluation of investment projects.

Thanks to his rich experience in public administration, he has been able to implement procedures for the efficient and effective management of projects within the PAK. His leadership has enabled the internal structures of the PAK to align themselves with national and international standards.

Mr. Ramses LABA ZOULLA began his career in the private sector as a junior engineer, where he participated in the realization of several technical studies of buildings and public works. He then continued his professional career in the public administration where he spent 4 years at the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development.

Mr. Michael MAMA is a seasoned executive in the maritime and logistics sector with a strong background in port management, supply chain optimization and international trade. Since June 2019, he has held the position of Chief Operating Officer at Port Authority Kribi, where he oversees day-to-day operations, drives performance improvement and drives strategies related to concession monitoring, logistics management and business development.

As a pioneer of the PAK, MR. MAMA was instrumental in implementing and consolidating the foundations that led to the remarkable growth and operational excellence of the Port of Kribi. His leadership has been key in positioning Kribi as a modern gateway to global trade and a benchmark for efficiency and security in the Gulf of Guinea.

Before assuming his current position, he headed the department in charge of port domain development, concession monitoring and logistics regulation, after having also worked in the operational unit of the Kribi Industrial-Port Complex Construction Project. He has also contributed to the strengthening of client relationships and the development of international partnerships.

Mr. MAMA began his career at Africa Express Line Limited, where he managed reefer container operations, quality control and inventory management. He holds advanced degrees from ISTELI (France) in Logistics, Supply Chain Management and International Trade.

Jurist, expert, specialist in public law, public governance, public litigation, and public business law;

Lecturer and researcher at the Department of Public Law of the Faculty of Legal and Political Sciences of the Cheikh Anta Diop University of Dakar (since June 2015);

Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Port Authority Dakar (since July 2024);

Secretary General of the Circle of Public Administrators (CAP) (since October 2024);

Member of the public law consulting and litigation firm AVEX Conseils (since January 2022);

President of the High Regulatory Authority of the PASTEF-LES PATRIOTES Party (since April 2022);

Member of the Board of Directors of the Institute of Human Rights and Peace of the Cheikh Anta Diop University of Dakar (May 2016 to June 2019);

Chairman of the Scientific Committee of the Tink Tank Afrikajom Center (January 2021 to June 2024);

Temporary Teaching and Research Associate (ATER), Faculty of Law and Management, University of La Rochelle (2012 – 2015);

Lecturer and researcher at the Faculty of Legal Sciences of the University of Grenoble-Alpes (2010 - 2012).

Coordinator of the Strategic Partnerships and International Cooperation Unit of the Dakar Port Authority since 2018, Abdoul Hamid SY has more than 20 years of experience within the Dakar Port Authority at different levels of management. Abdoul Hamid SY joined the Port Authority in Dakar in 2004 as Executive Assistant to the Chairman of the Board of Directors. He was then appointed Head of the Marketing and Communication Department within the Sales Department, a position he held until 2012. From 2013 to 2018, he became the Coordinator of the Communication and Public Relations Unit. Passionate about writing, he initiated the establishment of the "Tam-tam du Docker" newspaper, an information belt between the General Management of the Port and the Dakar port community, of which he was the editor-in-chief.

In charge of Partnerships and International Cooperation, he was one of the architects of the study on the National Port Strategy, at a time when the government of Senegal has decided to entrust the management of all public ports to the Dakar Port Authority.

A graduate in International Economics from the University of Aix-Marseille 3, in France, Abdoul Hamid is married and has four children.

Jakub Skrzypczyk is the Director of Engagement at Canada's Ocean Supercluster, where he leads strategic initiatives to drive engagement and membership growth, as well as build impactful partnerships across the ocean economy. With a dynamic career between Europe and Canada, Jakub brings more than a decade of leadership experience in fundraising, stakeholder engagement, and cross-sector partnerships.

Visionary, strategist and builder, Abdourahman is one of the major figures of economic and sports leadership in Cameroon. Managing Director of ECOPETROL in addition to his duties as Vice-President of the Cameroon Handball Federation and Central Africa Representative of Pont-Bridge Canada, he is a recognized expert in the oil sector and a key player in entrepreneurial development. He brilliantly combines managerial rigour and a passion for collective excellence.

Holder of an MBA, he successfully runs ECOPETROL, a leading company in oil distribution and logistics in Cameroon. Under his leadership, the company has established itself as a key player in the national energy chain, adopting innovative approaches to strengthen security of supply and operational performance in a highly strategic sector for the African continent.

At the same time, he is the head of RAYANA SARL, a consulting and business facilitation company, which supports foreign investors wishing to set up in Cameroon. Through its network and expertise, RAYANA promotes technology transfer, the creation of local jobs and the emergence of a resilient economic fabric connected to international markets.

His influence extends beyond national borders: as Pont-Bridge Canada's Representative for Central Africa, he plays a key role in Canada-Africa economic diplomacy, fostering strategic partnerships in the areas of energy, infrastructure and sustainable development. It embodies the bridge between African and North American entrepreneurs, helping to build lasting and mutually beneficial business relationships.

A committed leader, Abdourahman is also a fervent defender of sport as a driver of social cohesion and the emancipation of young people. In his capacity as Vice-President of the Cameroon Handball Federation (FECAHAND), he actively works for the professionalization of Cameroonian handball, supports elite clubs such as FAP and TKC, and promotes development programs aimed at raising Cameroon among the great African nations of the discipline. Under his vice-presidency, the country has seen remarkable performances, including historic qualification for the semi-finals of the Africa Cup of Champion Clubs.

Between energy, entrepreneurship and sport, Abdourahman embodies the new generation of African leaders: leaders rooted in their territory, open to the world, and driven by the same ambition — to promote Cameroonian excellence on the international scene.

Hamadi Baba Hamadi is a recognized Mauritanian expert in the field of fisheries and maritime affairs, with a career that spans more than four decades. Trained as a civil engineering and industrial technology operator, he has been able to combine technical expertise and political commitment to become a key figure in the Mauritanian maritime sector.

His career began in February 1983 when he was appointed Secretary General of the Federation of Fishing Industries and Armaments, a position he held until December 1990. This founding experience allowed him to acquire an in-depth knowledge of the Mauritanian fisheries sector. Since January 1991, he has been working as an expert in Fisheries and Maritime Affairs, accredited by the Courts and Tribunals of Mauritania, thus consolidating his reputation as a legal and technical expert.

Between 1998 and 2000, Hamadi Baba Hamadi held the position of Senior Consultant and Expert in Marine Fisheries, before continuing as a Senior Consultant in Development Economics from 2000 to 2007. This period marks a transition to more strategic responsibilities in the country's economic development. From April 2007 to August 2009, he was appointed Project Manager at the Commissariat for the Promotion of Investments, helping to attract investment in the Mauritanian maritime sector.

His political career began in earnest in August 2009 with his appointment as Minister of National Defence, a position he held until March 2011. He then demonstrated his ability to take on major government responsibilities. From March 2011 to September 2013, he was appointed Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, during which time he represented Mauritania on the international scene and developed the country's diplomatic relations.

In September 2013, Hamadi Baba Hamadi returned to his field of expertise by becoming Minister of Fisheries and Maritime Economy, a position he held until February 2014. This appointment underlines his legitimacy and recognized expertise in the fisheries sector. Following this ministry, he was appointed Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Port Authority of Nouakchott, known as the "Port of Friendship" (PANPA), a strategic function that he holds until December 2020, contributing to the development and modernization of Mauritanian port infrastructure.

Since October 2021, Hamadi Baba Hamadi has been president of the National Fisheries Federation, a position that completes the circle of his career by bringing him back to his first responsibilities in the fishing sector. With his ministerial experience and in-depth knowledge of the maritime sector, he continues to play a major role in the development and regulation of the Mauritanian fishing industry.

Fayza Abdallaoui is a systems thinker and social entrepreneur who works at the intersection of financial and economic literacy, entrepreneurship and community transformation. Founder of Prosperities Inc., she designs learning spaces and facilitation experiences that make complex economic systems accessible and open concrete pathways to individual and collective prosperity.

A personal finance columnist at Radio-Canada Toronto for more than four years, Fayza has delivered more than 70 segments where she has connected economic news with critical analysis and realities. She was featured in the Radio-Canada series Vocation Leader hosted by Gérald Fillion. A sought-after facilitator and speaker, she has designed and facilitated more than 350 workshops and mentored entrepreneurs, newcomers and change agents across Canada.

The daughter of an Algerian ambassador and passionate about global economic issues, Fayza brings an international perspective and a unique ability to build bridges between sectors, cultures and communities. She has served on several boards of directors as president or co-founder and actively contributes to provincial and federal committees on Francophone economic development.

Holder of a bachelor's degree in philosophy, a master's degree in communication and engaged in public leadership training at the Harvard Kennedy School, she brings recognized expertise in strategic facilitation and multi-stakeholder dialogue.

Indira Moudi is an African-Canadian entrepreneur and certified administrator who embodies the link between global vision and local impact. An industrial engineer by training, she built a solid career in the international energy sector, notably at Schlumberger, Baker Hughes and Orano, before acquiring Viandes Lafrance, a century-old agri-food company in Quebec, in 2012. Under his leadership, the company became the first federally certified multi-species slaughterhouse in Quebec (lamb, beef and goat) and developed the Responsible Meats Process, an innovative model focused on sustainability and inclusion, in collaboration with family farms. This approach has earned the company the 2023 Mercuriades Award for Sustainable Development. Recognized for her human leadership built on trust and innovation, Indira Moudi was named CEO of the Year 2023 (SME) by Les Affaires and received the Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2024 Canada-Africa Summit. A sought-after speaker, she speaks at international forums such as COP28 in Dubai, the Africa CEO Forum in Kigali and the Victoria Forum 2025 in Canada, where she promotes responsible and inclusive entrepreneurship.