Africa Day Thought Leadership engagement (Paris) - Sustainable Growth in Africa
Africa Day Thought Leadership engagement: Stellenbosch Business School and Stellenbosch University in association with emlyon business school.
An expert panel from France and Africa will address the historical and economic links with Africa, emphasising the importance of promoting innovation and entrepreneurship for sustainable development, with a focus on: France-Africa collaborations in technology and innovation, the role of French companies in supporting African start-ups, building partnerships in renewable energy, education, and infrastructure, and encouraging investments that prioritise inclusion and sustainability.
This event forms part of a series of three events to be hosted in May 2025 to celebrate the United Nations Africa Day on 25 May 2025. For this series, we follow themes which resonate with the University and Business School’s trajectories, but in solidarity with the Africa Day celebration. Africa Day is the annual commemoration of the foundation of the Organization of African Unity on 25 May 1963. It is celebrated in various countries on the African continent as well as around the world. The events are hosted in Netherlands, Amsterdam; France, Paris; and the United Kingdom, London.
Be part of an exclusive Africa Day Thought Leadership engagement as we explore how we can lead the continent towards sustainability and growth. Featuring a dynamic panel of expert speakers – Étienne Giros (Executive Chairman: CIAN; Chair: EBCAM), Firas Mhedhebi (Managing Director: Middle East & Africa - PMP Strategy) and Farida Souiah (Assistant Professor: emlyon business school), with Sine Maphumulo (Group Finance: L’Oréal, Paris) as moderator – this session will challenge perceptions, explore emerging opportunities, and provide actionable insights for sustainable growth in Africa.
This includes a reflection on thriving in the chaotic landscapes of modern business environments and the inherent unpredictability of business ecosystems to drive innovation and strategic success. Don’t miss this chance to engage with thought leaders shaping Africa’s economic future.
We look forward to hosting you.
SPEAKER PANEL
Étienne Giros
Executive Chairman: CIAN; Chair: EBCAM
Etienne Giros was appointed Executive Chairman of CIAN (French Council of Investors in Africa) in March 2014. He has also been the Chair of EBCAM (European Business Association for Africa and the Mediterraneans) since June 2018.
A graduate of SciencesPo Paris and economic studies, he began working with Africa at CFAO in 1986 as Executive Vice President of Transcap. In 1991, he joined the Bolloré group as General Manager of Finance for Africa with a scope of 43 countries. In 2000, he became Managing Director of the Africa Development Division, which included all the Bolloré Group's activities on the continent. In 2006, he was appointed Vice President Media and then Head of the polling and research institute CSA. Since 2014, he has been putting his extensive experience of Africa at the service of CIAN member companies, mainly by acting as an advisor and representative.
Firas Mhedhebi
Managing Director: Middle East & Africa - PMP Strategy
Firas is a seasoned strategy and telecom executive with over 20 years of experience across Europe, Africa, and the Middle East. His career spans both top-tier strategy consulting firms - including PMP Strategy, KPMG’s Global Strategy Group, Roland Berger, and BearingPoint - and leadership roles in the telecom industry, notably as Chief Strategy Officer at Ooredoo Tunisia.
Throughout his career, Firas has developed deep expertise advising leading corporates, Sovereign Wealth Funds, and global Private Equity firms. He has been involved in more than 50 strategic transactions across various industries, supporting high-impact investment decisions and transformation programs across EMEA.
Firas brings a unique international perspective and a strong track record in strategic growth, M&A advisory, and operational excellence.
Farida Souiah
Assistant Professor: emlyon business school
Farida Souiah is an assistant professor at emlyon business school whose research explores migration and social mouvements in North Africa. She holds a PhD in political science from Sciences Po Paris and has conducted extensive fieldwork in Algeria (where she is originally from) and Tunisia. Her interdisciplinary approach draws on political science, sociology, and anthropology, strongly emphasising ethnographic methods. Her work critically examines the asymmetries that structure Africa–Europe relations, particularly in the governance of mobility, while also foregrounding the creativity, resilience, and political agency of people navigating these systems.
MODERATOR
Sine Maphumulo
Group Finance: L’Oréal, Paris
Sine Maphumulo is a finance professional, social entrepreneur, and global changemaker committed to advancing financial inclusion, gender equality, and sustainable development. With over a decade of leadership experience in multinational corporations, she achieved a significant milestone by becoming Head of Finance for L’Oréal South Africa’s Professional Products Division by the age of 30, before being promoted to a Group Finance role at L’Oréal’s global headquarters in Paris.
Beyond her corporate success, Sine is the founder of Leave No One Behind (LNOB), an initiative focused on empowering marginalised communities through education, advocacy, and partnerships. Through LNOB, she has spearheaded workshops, led impactful campaigns, and collaborated with organisations such as Global Shapers Paris and the Women’s Forum for the Economy & Society to amplify youth voices and drive systemic change.
Her dedication to social impact and leadership has earned her recognition as one of Africa’s Brightest Young Minds and participation in prestigious programs such as the World Bank Youth Summit, One Young World Academy, and the YALI Programme.
Sine’s work bridges corporate leadership and social impact, leveraging finance and technology to build sustainable, inclusive financial ecosystems. She envisions expanding LNOB’s reach, ensuring that more young people actively contribute to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Through her leadership, she continues to inspire and drive transformative change in communities worldwide.