GOVERNANCE & DELIVERY
The Project is led and delivered by an experienced, multidisciplinary team with expertise across
publishing, media, finance, policy, and international engagement.
Prince Bimbo Roberts Folayan
- Project Lead / Founder
Founder of the Diaspora Direct Investment Summit (DDIS) and African Diaspora Direct Investment Summit (ADDIS), providing overall strategic direction and leadership for the Project.
Dr Emmanuel Akinwumi, CPA, FCA
- Finance, Project Support & Coordination
A senior finance and development expert with over 35 years of experience across public and private sectors. Former Principal Private Sector Development Expert at the African Development Bank (AfDB), with extensive experience in project evaluation and financial structuring across multiple African countries. Founder of Financing and Partnerships Africa Ltd (FINPAR).
David Smith
- Chairman, Editorial Board
Thierry Bayle, an international fashion strategist and Founder of Global Fashion Management, with over 20 years’ experience advising global luxury brands, governments, and emerging designers.
Professor Gus John
- Adviser and Patron
An internationally respected academic, education campaigner, and social analyst with over five decades of experience in education policy, management, and international development. Former Director of Education and Leisure Services in the UK and senior academic across leading institutions, including the University of Strathclyde and UCL Institute of Education. He provides strategic advisory support, governance insight, and international perspective.
Mrs Oluwatoyin Solaru-Balogun
- Global Head of Events & Strategic Planning
Responsible for planning, coordination, and delivery of all project events, including international launches and stakeholder engagement activities. The leadership team is supported by a broader network of: • International authors and researchers • Media and documentary production professionals • Project management and logistics specialists • Strategic partners across Nigeria, the UK, and global diaspora networks