Visionaries Shaping the Future
The Edvance Summit keynote stage is more than a podium. It is where the architects of Africa’s digital future converge. We have curated a lineup of global thought leaders, trailblazing innovators, and policy shapers who are actively dissolving the digital divide. These are the voices bridging the gap between research and reality, sharing the evidence-based strategies, bold policies, and on-the-ground insights required to turn connectivity into economic opportunity. Prepare to be challenged, inspired, and equipped with the roadmap for a digitally inclusive Africa.
Edwin Tarno, PhD, HSC
Chief Executive Officer, Kenya School of TVET
Dr. Edwin Tarno is a leading authority in technical and vocational education and training (TVET) and digital learning transformation in Africa. He is as the Chief Principal of the Kenya School of TVET, the national institution mandated to train TVET educators and leaders. He is the Chairperson of Kenya’s Technical Open, Distance and eLearning(ODEL) Committee, where he plays a key role in expanding equitable access toeducation through flexible and technology enabled learning models. Previously, as Chief Principal of Rift Valley Technical Training Institute, he led the institution to international recognition, including membership in the UNESCO UNEVOC Networkfor East and Central Africa. Dr. Tarno is the founder of the Africa Journal of Technical and Vocational Training and the Africa Journal of Business and Economics, and has published research on flexible learning, entrepreneurshipeducation, and SME development. His work bridges education policy, institutional leadership, and workforce development; core to building Africa’s future ready workforce.
Robert Okinda
Adviser: Skills, Commonwealth of Learning
Mr Robert Okinda joined COL as Adviser: Skills on August 2, 2021. He has a wide range of experience in open and distance learning in the TVET sector in Africa. He previously served as the Head of Open Distance & eLearning Department at the Kenya Technical Trainers College and as the secretary to the national Open Distance & eLearning committee in Kenya. He holds a Master of Education and Bachelor of Education from the University of Nairobi, Kenya.
Mercy Kimalat
Mercy Kimalat is an experienced ecosystem development expert with a strong background of 13+ years in innovation hub capacity building, policy advocacy, and stakeholder engagement across Africa. She is currently the CEO of Association of Startup and SME Enablers of Kenya (ASSEK). She has successfully led initiatives to strengthen entrepreneurship networks, enhance the capacity of enterprises support organizations (ESOs hubs), and foster sustainable innovation-driven ecosystems. Her expertise in network mobilization, incubation strategy, and multi-stakeholder coordination makes her a key asset in advancing the innovation ecosystem forward and developing sustainable growth pathways to catalyze job creation and socio-economic development.