Back to Home Page 

PRELIMINARY PROGRAM (Moderator : Enoch & Cecilia)

PHASE 1 : Business Forum

• 08.30 - 9.00 :  Registration and Arrival of Guests  / B2B Networking 

Moderator : Enoch Afrani Gyasi 

Opening Ceremony 

• 9.00 - 9.10 : Kora Performance by Yahya Sonko

• 9.10 - 9.20 : Mrs Kati Kivisaari, Honourary Consul , Honoury Consulate of the Republic of Ghana , Helsinki - Finland 

Panel Discussions

•  9.20 - 9.50 : Panel 1 : 30 minutes 

Topic : Immigrant led Nordic Business : Real life success stories of immigrant led companies thriving in Finland and across the Nordics 

Panelists : Helen Chung Setala, Maxwell Aghoveh, Paco A. Ndiaye, Alimou Diallo, Dr Ernest Kena Amoah, Plamena Cherneva

Moderator : Vivian Maar, HookedbyNorth

•  10.05 - 10.25: Panel 2 : 20 minutes 

Topic : Breaking Barriers : Journeys of Success to Influential Roles

Panelists : Tom Coogan ,Reggie Rusan ,Kwame Afreh , Nora Haapala , Ify  Kingsley , Saji Khullar 

Moderator : Takura Matswetu , Business Helsinki

• 10.30 - 11.00 : Panel 3 : 30 minutes 

Spotlighting SME, startup, and foreign direct investment opportunities in Finland and the Nordics with insights from Businesses in Helsinki  and Investment in Finland. Exploring high-potential sectors and building sustainable trade partnerships between Finland and West Africa.

Panelists : Alhagie S Darboe ,Prof. Edet B. Ekpenyong, Dr. Otunba Adejare Rewane Adegbenro, , HRM, Queen Adabota Lydia Jaja of Owu Kingdom , Pastor Israel Olujumoke, Amara Doumbouya

Moderator : Cecilia Naadensua Quarshie 

PHASE 2 : B2B Luncheon / Fashion Show

11.00 - 11.45 : Luncheon

11.45 - 12.00 : Live fashion run way by Heybeauty Collection and Mechanical MonkeyZ (MMZ). 

PHASE 3 :  Grand Award Ceremony 

• 12.00 - 12.10 : Traditional Welcome Performance by the Yoruba Community in Finland  (King's Arrival)

• 12.10 - 12.20 : National Anthems from the key guests and host 

keynote speaker

12.20 - 12.35  H.E, ANM Ousainou Darboe, Former Vice President of the Republic of the Gambia, General Secretary of UDP Gambia 

Topic : Legacy of Change : From Vision to Lasting Impact 

• 12.40 - 12.50 :  Soma - Helsinki  Band 

Grand Award Ceremony

keynote speakers

• 12.55 - 13.10 :  

1. His Royal Majesty, 14th Olowu of Owu Kingdom, Oba (Prof.) Sáká Adélolá Ayokanmi Mátemilola, Oluyalo‑Otileta VII. Nigeria

2. His Excellency, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, GCFR , Former President of the Republic of Nigeria 

Award Issuing : Part 1 : 13.15 - 13.40

Awardees in Europe & in Africa

Part 2 : 13.45 - 14.20

Government Reps & Diplomats Awards: Good will message from each of the High level Officials & Representatives

• 14.20-14.30 : Launching & Closing Remark : Cecilia Naadensua Quarshie 

• 14.35 - 14.55 : B2B Networking / Photography / Exhibitions 

• 15.00 : Event Door closed

EVENT ENTERTAINMENT / HOSTS / PLANNERS 

 Panel 1 : Breaking Barriers : Journeys of Success from Immigrant Roots to Influential Roles in Finland

Topic : How Immigrant Professionals Are Redefining Success, Shaping the Narrative, and Creating a  Future of Belonging

This panel brings together accomplished professionals in Finland who have carved out high-level careers in sectors ranging from technology to public policy. We delve into their journeyrs, the strategies, networks, and resilence that helped them overcome systemic challenges as immigrant professionals. More than personal triumphs, their stories reflect broader shifts in representation and inclusion in the Finnish workforce. 

Moderator :  Takura Matwetu 

Panel 2 : Expert Speakers from Africa and in the Nordics 

Topic :  The focus is on showcasing opportunities for SME's , Startups and foreign direct investment in Finland and the wider Nordic Region, drawing on insights from businesses in Finland , Africa and Investment in Africa and in Finland. It also highlights high potential sectors while fostering sustainable trade partnerships between Finland and West Africa

Moderator : Cecilia N. Quarshie 

Panel 3 : Nordic & Finnish Companies 

Topic : Bridging Economies : How Finnish and Nordic Companies Can Collaborate with Immigrant Businesses in Finland & in Africa 

This panel will explore opportunities for Finnish and Nordic companies to partner with immigrant led businesses, focusing on innovation, trade and investment between Finland and developing countries. Topics include inclusive business models, diaspora entrepreneurship, cross-cultural business strategies and sustainable market entry into economies of developing countries. 

Moderator :  Vivian Maar (HookedbyNorth)

3rd Edition , Event Sponsors

Click to know more , Campaign Partners