Ato Abie Sano is a visionary financial leader and the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Commercial Bank of Ethiopia (CBE), the nation's largest financial institution. With over two decades of executive experience, he has been a driving force behind the modernization, digital transformation, and financial inclusion strategies within East Africa's banking ecosystem. His distinguished career includes a highly successful tenure as the President of Oromia Bank, where he pioneered the country's first interest-free banking services, before returning to lead CBE in 2020. Under his strategic guidance, CBE achieved historic institutional milestones, including pushing aggregate deposits past the unprecedented one trillion Birr mark and expanding its digital footprint across millions of users. An alumnus of Addis Ababa University with an MBA from the University of London, Ato Abie combines deep macroeconomic expertise with a forward-thinking approach to institutional governance. At our upcoming event, he will deliver executive insights into the intersection of financial infrastructure security, digital trust, and the future of banking. Drawing from his firsthand experience navigating systemic shifts in financial technology, his address will highlight proactive frameworks for protecting enterprise networks against emerging cyber threats. This session offers attendees a rare opportunity to learn from one of the region's foremost architects of modern financial infrastructure.

Matthew Piddington leads the EMEA Business Development and Sales organisation, where he focuses on accelerating regional growth, strengthening member value, and expanding ISC2’s presence across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. Working across functions and with stakeholders at all levels, he helps drive strategic alignment, refine go-to-market execution based on member and customer insight, and enable teams to deliver meaningful outcomes for cybersecurity professionals worldwide. Before joining ISC2, Matthew built a career spanning sales leadership, services strategy, and business development across the technology and professional learning sectors. He previously served as Vice President of Services at Westcon-Comstor, where he led education and services strategy across multiple regions, and also held senior commercial and sales leadership roles at BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT, Reed Learning, and QA. He is passionate about building high-performing teams, developing future leaders, and fostering collaboration, trust, and innovation to help organisations and professionals succeed in a rapidly evolving cybersecurity landscape.’

Ato Amare Assefa Herpie serves as the Executive Vice President (EVP) – Technology at the Commercial Bank of Ethiopia (CBE), where he steers the digital transformation, enterprise infrastructure, and technical architecture of the nation's largest state-owned financial institution. A highly accomplished technology executive, Amare brings a wealth of cross-industry expertise to the banking sector, having previously served as the Chief Operating Officer (COO) of Ethio Telecom. His strategic transition to CBE was a landmark move enabled by the National Bank of Ethiopia’s progressive policy adjustments, which allowed veteran IT leaders from non-banking backgrounds to inject crucial technical innovation into senior financial leadership. An alumnus of Addis Ababa University with a degree in Electrical, Electronics, and Communication Engineering, he has established himself as a forward-thinking visionary in Africa's enterprise IT landscape. Under his guidance, CBE has achieved critical milestones, including the implementation of a hybrid cloud model using the VMware Cloud Foundation (VCF), expanding the bank's open API economy, and securing the rigorous PCI DSS v4.0.1 global data security certification. Recognized on the global stage, he was honored with the prestigious "CIO of the Year – Innovation and Excellence Award" at the 2026 Connected Banking Summit East Africa. As a leading proponent of a "Zero Trust" architecture, Amare continues to speak out dynamically at cybersecurity and fintech forums, championing resilient, AI-defensive security frameworks to safeguard Ethiopia's digital financial future.

Seyoum Damtew is an experienced professional with a strong background in computer engineering and information security. He holds an MSC in Computer Engineering from Addis Ababa University and a BSC in Electrical Engineering. Seyoum has accumulated 14 years of work experience at Ethiotelecom, one of Ethiopia's leading telecommunications companies. During his tenure at Ethiotelecom, Seyoum held various positions, starting from a junior engineer and progressing to a senior engineer. He played a key role as the lead in the Ethiotelecom Transformation Engineering Program (TEP1 and TEPII) within the IP core engineering wing. Additionally, he served as the Security Operations Center (SOC) Manager, overseeing security operations within the company. Currently, Seyoum is Vice President Information System Security at the Commercial Bank of Ethiopia (CBE). In this role, he is responsible for ensuring the security of the bank's information systems and safeguarding the organization against potential threats. Seyoum's expertise extends beyond his professional roles. He has been involved in practical system integration projects, including Compass area security and network configuration for institutions such as Addis Ababa University (6kilo, 4 kilo, and sefereselam campuses) and the Ethiopia Revenue and Customs Authority (ERCA). Furthermore, Seyoum has a passion for sharing his knowledge and has provided professional training in various domains. He has conducted courses in Information Security Management (ISM) at BITS College and has taught CCNA and CCNP courses at institutions such as Ethiotelecom, Microlink, Neuronet Cisco Academy, and universities like Addis Ababa University, Adama University, and Dilla University. His training expertise covers a wide range of topics, including information security management, networking (CCNA, CCNP, MPLS/IP, MPLS TE), certifications such as CISM and CISSP, crisis management and business continuity (ISO 22301), Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCIDSS), and more. Seyoum has delivered training programs to various sectors, including financial institutions, banks, Ethiotelecom, the National Bank of Ethiopia, and universities. Overall, Seyoum Damtew's extensive experience in information security, system integration, and professional training showcases his expertise and commitment to the field.

Mulugeta Kenea is an experienced cybersecurity professional currently serving as a cybersecurity advisor at the National Bank of Ethiopia (NBE). He has over ten years of experience leading cybersecurity, organized crime risk assessment and mitigation, and risk management initiatives across critical infrastructure sectors, including finance, energy, healthcare, government, and transportation. He holds a Master of Engineering in Cybersecurity, Policy and Compliance from George Washington University, USA, and a Master of Engineering in Infrastructure Protection and International Security from Carleton University, Canada. Throughout his career, he has served as a Senior Cybersecurity Advisor and Project Lead, specializing in cybersecurity audits, threat and risk assessments, governance, regulatory compliance, and critical infrastructure protection. His expertise also extends to organized crime risk assessment and mitigation, particularly money laundering, terrorist financing, cybercrime, and emerging threats to financial systems and national security. He has collaborated with international regulatory and law enforcement agencies on organized crime investigations, cyber attribution, and cybersecurity risk mitigation initiatives.

Esther Lugoe Mengi is a highly distinguished East African techpreneur, cybersecurity expert, and the CEO and Co-Founder of Serensic Africa, a leading information security and digital forensics firm with operations spanning Tanzania and Kenya. With over a decade of corporate information security experience, Esther has established herself as a vital architect of Africa's digital trust landscape, specializing in proactive cyber defense strategies, forensic data analysis, and AI-powered risk management. Her professional journey includes technical roles with prestigious multilateral organizations such as the United Nations Headquarters in Africa (UNON) and UNDP Somalia, prior to building her own enterprise. Academically, she holds a degree in Information Systems and Technology (with a specialization in Cybersecurity and Digital Forensics) from the United States International University-Africa (USIU), supported by rigorous international credentials including CEH Master, CISA, and CCNA. A relentless innovator, Esther spearheaded the development of ASKARI, a breakthrough proprietary cyber artificial intelligence technology engineered to intercept complex infrastructure threats using intelligent algorithms. Her regulatory and governance impact is multi-faceted; she serves as the Vice Chairperson of the Advisory Board for RAFIC (a World Bank-funded infrastructure project) and recently signed a historic memorandum of understanding with the Ministry of Communication, Information Technology and Innovation – Zanzibar to strengthen sovereign digital resilience. Esther is a highly sought-after industry thought leader who regularly speaks at elite regional events—such as the Africa CISO Summit, the Africa Cloud and Security Roadshow, and the U.S. Embassy AI Workshop—where she campaigns on the alignment of IT security with corporate governance, cloud vulnerabilities, data sovereignty, and child online protection. Her trailblazing career has earned global acclaim, including being named to Forbes 30 Under 30, ranked among the Top 50 Women in Cybersecurity in Africa, and honored by the Tanzanian Ministry of ICT with the Women in ICT Female Tech Leader Award and the 2026 Digital Trust & Safety Award.

Magalie Anderson is a passionate advocate for youth empowerment, gender inclusion, and digital innovation, driving technology-enabled development across the African Union (AU). Through her leadership of the AU’s Management Information Systems Directorate, she has championed the strengthening of digital infrastructure, improved data management systems, and accelerated technology adoption to support the Union’s operations and advance the aspirations of Agenda 2063. Magalie has been instrumental in advancing initiatives that empower young Africans to shape the continent’s digital future. These include the AU Go Gal programme, which supports young women innovators in science, technology, and entrepreneurship, and the African Union Digital and Innovation Fellowship, which enables talented young Africans to co-create and implement digital solutions across AU departments and Member States. Her work reflects a commitment to placing youth-led innovation, inclusion, and digital transformation at the heart of Africa’s development agenda.

Eskinder Mesfin Cherinet is a highly accomplished enterprise technology leader and advisor with over two decades of expertise in digital transformation, cybersecurity leadership, and technological risk management. He serves concurrently as the Digital Governance & Transformation Advisor at Cowater International and as a Board Member at Demera Digital, bridging the gap between sophisticated technical frameworks and high-level corporate governance. A pivotal figure in East Africa's information systems ecosystem, Eskinder holds key institutional leadership roles as the Board Chairman of the Ethiopian Information System Audit Association (EISAA) and Board Chairman of the Cloud Security Alliance (CSA) Ethiopia. His extensive cross-border impact is further reflected in his appointment as a founding member of the Africa Advisory & Programme Council for the 13th Digital Risk, Revenue Assurance & Fraud Management Conference (#DRRAFM2027) in Nairobi. Currently a PhD Candidate at Pan African International University (PAIU), his academic pursuit is backed by an elite suite of industry-standard credentials, including CISSP, CISM, PMP, PRINCE2, COBIT, and ITIL-Master. As a prominent author and public strategist on the Digital Ethiopia 2030 (DE2030) national blueprint, Eskinder is a sought-after keynote speaker at high-level regional forums—such as the Africa Fintech Summit Kigali 2026 and the Commercial Bank of Ethiopia's annual cybersecurity conferences—where he regularly advises public and private institutions on data sovereignty, secure Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI), and cloud-driven risk mitigation.

Daniel A. Materu is a highly accomplished technology executive and the Partner – Technology Strategy & Transformation as well as the East Africa Digital Leader at Deloitte Africa. Based in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, Daniel commands over 20 years of experience spearheading complex enterprise architectures, system transformations, and digital economy frameworks across Africa and the Asia-Pacific region. He began his consulting career with Deloitte Australia before returning home to drive the continent's digital frontier. Academically, he holds a Master’s degree in Information Systems Management from Curtin University and a BSc in IT & Business from George Mason University. His technical mastery is validated by an elite suite of global certifications, including TOGAF, PMP, ITIL, Lean Six Sigma, and Human-Centered Design. Daniel is a vital architectural voice in the East African tech ecosystem, serving as a Board Member of the Project Management Institute (PMI) Tanzania Chapter and a member of the Association of Enterprise Architects (AEA). He regularly moderates high-stakes ministerial and institutional panels, recently guiding regional leaders on the adoption of Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) to empower national digital economies. A highly sought-after industry thought leader, Daniel is a featured enterprise technology speaker at elite forums—including the 3rd Cybersecurity Awareness Month Conference 2026 hosted by the Commercial Bank of Ethiopia (CBE)—where he bridges the intersection of business agility and security, advocating for AI-powered defense, Zero Trust mindsets, and unified digital resilience.

Jonathan has 30 years’ experience of living and working in Africa, advising banks and software vendors on strategies to ensure that they successfully meet their customers’ evolving needs. He is the Africa & Middle East Director for Vyntra, an award-winning fintech providing advanced AI solutions that help over 130 banks around the world to manage their transactions and protect against fraudulent activities that target their customers and their accounts. Jonathan is recognized in the banking industry for promoting innovation and helping financial organizations to benefit from new technologies. He now advises banks on how AI and big data solutions can enhance banking intelligence and effectively prevent cybercrime. 

Dr. Abebe Alemu is a researcher, consultant, AI & Digital Transformation Trainer specializing in Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning, Digital Transformation, Digital Channels, Banking Technology, and Information Systems. He holds a PhD in Computer Science and Engineering, specializing in AI and Machine Learning, as well as an MSc in Computational Science, an MSc in Computer Science, and a BSc in Computer Science and Mathematics. He has published research in international peer-reviewed journals and has extensive experience in applied research, technology innovation, enterprise systems, and digital transformation. Dr. Abebe has worked across academia and industry, with experience in AI, digital transformation, banking technology, digital channels, enterprise applications, and technology-enabled business solutions. He is passionate about AI education, innovation, research, and empowering students and young professionals to develop the knowledge, creativity, critical thinking, and responsible technology skills needed for the future.