Dr. Robi Mbugua Njoroge - ED / CEO / (Secretary to the Board) - Anti-Counterfeit Authority, Kenya

Dr. Robi Mbugua Njoroge, an advocate of High Court of Kenya, has been a key player in numerous governmental initiatives. Dr. Njoroge currently serves as the Executive Director/Chief Executive Officer of the Anti-Counterfeit Authority. In this role, he leads efforts to combat the proliferation of counterfeit goods, enforce intellectual property laws, and advocate for legitimate trade practices, all contributing to safeguarding consumer interests and fostering a fair market environment.

Dr. Njoroge's diverse professional background is a testament to his multifaceted expertise. One of his notable roles was as a task force member on Government Communication, where his direct involvement in shaping strategies and promoting transparency within government agencies showcased his expertise and leadership. His transformative tenure as the Vice President of the Public Relations Society of Kenya (PRSK) from 2018 to 2021, where he introduced electronic voting systems and formulated key policies, underscored his ability to drive significant improvements and enhance transparency and efficiency in PRSK's operations.

Dr. Njoroge's commitment to societal issues is evident in his active role in combating corruption. From 2009 to 2011, he was an Alternate Committee member at the National Anti-Corruption Campaign Steering Committee, where he successfully advocated for communication campaigns that raised awareness and mobilised efforts against corrupt practices, making significant contributions to the committee's anti-corruption initiatives.

Dr. Njoroge's governance experience extends to the academic sphere, where he served as a Council member at Tom Mboya University. During his tenure, he oversaw critical transformations, such as the award of a Charter elevating Tom Mboya University College to Tom Mboya University. As Chairman of the Academic Committee, he played a vital role in shaping the institution's strategic direction, enhancing academic standards, and fostering a conducive learning environment.

Dr Njoroge's contributions extend to the media industry, where he served as a Council Member of the Media Council of Kenya for three years. At the Council, Dr. Njoroge served as the Chair of the Finance & Administration Committee. His media regulatory expertise has been crucial in upholding standards and transparency within the media sector in Kenya.

Furthermore, Dr. Njoroge held the Head of Corporate and Public Affairs position at the Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Kenya (ICPAK) where he developed and implemented effective communication strategies, managed media relations, and spearheaded corporate social responsibility initiatives that enhanced the organization's reputation and impact.

Dr. Njoroge's academic qualifications include a PhD in Film Studies from Kenyatta University, a Master's in Intellectual Property (MIP) from Africa University, Zimbabwe, a master’s in communication from the University of Nairobi, a Bachelor of Education (Arts) from Egerton University, a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) from Mount Kenya University, and a Postgraduate Diploma in Law and Mass Communication from Kenya School of Law and University of Nairobi respectively. This robust educational background complements his practical experience, allowing him to apply a well-rounded perspective to his professional endeavours.

Dr. Robi Mbugua Njoroge's extensive experience, strategic leadership, and commitment to promoting effective corporate governance, strategic focus, communication, transparency, and integrity across various sectors make him a valuable asset in driving positive change and fostering public trust.

Dr. John Akoten - Director Research, Awareness, Policy and Quality Assurance, Anti-Counterfeit Authority, Kenya

Dr. John Akoten currently serves as the Director for the Research, Planning, and Public Awareness Directorate, overseeing three departments: Research and Policy, Education and Public Awareness, and Planning and Quality Assurance. Previously, he held the position of Deputy Director for Research, Awareness, and Quality Assurance, and prior to that, he acted as the Executive Director of the Authority for nearly four years.

John has a wealth of experience as a policy and research analyst, with over 25 years of work in industrial matters across both private and public sectors. He has worked at Kenya’s Ministry of Trade and Industry, the Institute of Policy Analysis and Research, and is now at the Anti-Counterfeit Authority. His responsibilities include involvement in intellectual property (IP) enforcement, research, and IP bilateral negotiations between Kenya and countries like the US and India.

One of his notable contributions includes his role in the preparation of the Private Sector Development Strategy (PSDS) and the Investment Climate Action Plan (ICAP). He also played a key part in reviewing the business licensing regime to make it more business-friendly.

Dr. Akoten holds a PhD and MSc in Development Economics from GRIPS, Japan, and a BSc in Horticulture from Jomo Kenyatta University of Science and Technology, Kenya.

Mrs. Agnes Karingu - Deputy Director Education and Public Awareness - Anti-Counterfeit Authority, Kenya

Mrs. Agnes Karingu has a wealth of experience and expertise to her role as the Deputy Director of Education and Public Awareness at the Anti-Counterfeit Authority (ACA). With a career spanning over a decade, Ms. Karingu has held various positions within the ACA, including Manager and Assistant Director in the Education and Public Awareness docket since 2010.

During her tenure, Ms. Karingu undertook a special assignment as the Coordinator for the Multi-Agency Anti-Illicit Trade Outreach Program under the State Department for Trade, showcasing her strategic leadership and coordination skills in addressing complex trade challenges.

Prior to her work at the ACA, Agnes served as a Chief Livestock Officer and Lecturer within the Ministry of Livestock, where she contributed significantly to agricultural development and education. Her experience also extends to the education sector, having worked as a graduate teacher under the Teachers Service Commission. Furthermore, she has held various roles in the private sector, gaining valuable insights into business operations and management.

Education has been a cornerstone of Agnes's professional journey. She holds an Executive Masters in Business Administration, demonstrating her commitment to continuous learning and honing her managerial skills. Additionally, she earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Agriculture from Jomo Kenyatta University and University of Nairobi, showcasing her expertise in agricultural practices and policies.

Beyond her professional achievements, Agnes is also a devoted family woman, married, and a proud mother of three. Her dedication to her career, coupled with her academic qualifications and diverse experience, makes her a valuable asset to the ACA's efforts in promoting education, public awareness, and combating illicit trade.

Prof. Patricia Huddleston Patricia Huddleston, Dept of Advertising + Public Relations and Director of the Information and Media, Michigan State University

She earned her Ph.D. from the University of Tennessee-Knoxville. She is a Research Council Member with the Anticounterfeiting and Product Protection Center (ACAPP). She teaches consumer behavior, retail strategy, and strategic brand communication courses.

Her current research focuses on eye-tracking to evaluate consumer information processing of point-of-purchase retail display elements (e.g., signage, price) and how these elements motivate purchase intention. This research has been funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Federal-State Marketing Improvement Program and Horticulture Research Institute. Her work has been published in publications such as the Journal of Retailing and Consumer Services, PLOS, and the Journal of Product and Brand Management. Recently, she has co-authored a 17-country study to understand global attitudes and behavior toward counterfeit products funded by Underwriters Laboratories

Dr David Shepherd PhD FHEA
Senior Lecturer, School of Criminology and Criminal Justice
University of Portsmouth

Dr David Shepherd teaches and researches economic crime at the University of Portsmouth – fraud, bribery, intellectual property crime, money laundering, industrial espionage, antitrust. His work covers offenders, victims, online behaviour, organisations, prevention and enforcement. David has published widely on these research topics in academic articles, books and technical reports. He has worked on research programmes funded by government agencies, such as the NPSA, EPSRC, FCDO, FSA, Home Office, IPO, Nuffield, WIPO, as well as NGOs and private sector firms. David leads the MSc Economic Crime at Portsmouth. He also leads the Certificate in Intellectual Property Crime and Illicit Trade, which is recognised by INTERPOL and sponsored by Underwriters Laboratories through the IIPCIC partnership.

Mrs. Kris Angela Reaño Solis - Assistant IP Director at JETRO Dubai

With prior experience as an IP Researcher in JETRO and as a Research Analyst in various esteemed companies, her current role involves nurturing strong government relations between Japan and the UAE, collaborating with enforcement authorities, and handling awareness events, trainings, and workshops to combat counterfeiting in Middle East and Africa.

Mr. John Bosco Kalisa, EABC Executive Director/ CEO

Twitter: @jbkalisa

Mr. Kalisa is an economist by profession specialized in Econometrics, Trade policy, Investment Promotion and Private Sector Development and Taxation related issues. He holds a Master’s Degree in Commerce with Economics from the University of Pretoria, South Africa and a Bachelor’s Degree in Economics from the National University of Rwanda.

He has an in-depth understanding of the regional economic communities and has participated fully in negotiations of international, continental, and regional agreements.

Mr. John Bosco Kalisa has experience in private sector development and competitiveness having previously served as the Country Director of South Sudan for TradeMark East Africa (TMEA). He has also worked with the Rwanda Private Sector Federation (PSF-Rwanda) and Rwanda Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning.

He has global connections with leading international development partners such as USAID, Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) African Development Bank and the World Bank.

As the EABC CEO/ Executive Director, Mr. KALISA steers the high-level policy advocacy at the EAC Heads of State and Ministerial level to push forward the EABC’s vision and mission of a borderless East Africa for increased business and investment.

Dr. Maureen Kangu, (PhD)
Assistant Professor of Marketing, Chandaria School of Business
United States International University - Africa

Dr. Maureen Kangu is a dynamic, result oriented individual with strong interpersonal and organizational skills and distinctive experience working with diverse populations. She has 24 years in the education industry. Twelve (12) of these years have been spent in universities in Kenya and Rwanda both as a faculty member and an administrator. She is currently an Assistant Professor of marketing at USIU Africa.

She is a holder of a Doctor of Philosophy, Business Administration from the Jomo Kenyatta University of Science and Technology, a Master of business Administration, Marketing from Egerton University, a Bachelor of Business Administration, Marketing from Open University of Tanzania and a Bachelor of Education Arts from the University of Nairobi.

Dr. Kangu is also a consultant with Smart Synergies. Her main area of focus is customer relationship management. Some of her publications include:

1. Reaching consumers through video marketing in Africa by enhancing industrial growth and the realization of SDGS and African agenda 2063.
2. Factors influencing the decision of the people of Kisii town to consume domestic tourism products.
3. Technology Infrastructure: A Customer Relationship Management Dimension in Maintaining Customer Loyalty.
4. Role of Customer orientation on Customer Loyalty in the Hotel Industry.
5. Product Management and Retailer Expectations on the sale of Consumer Goods in Kenya: Prospective on Emerging Roles of Retailers from Supermarkets in Kisii Town

She has special interest in Research and Consultancy, gender related issues and community service.

Saleem Alhabash: Dr. Alhabash is a Professor of Advertising and Public Relations at Michigan State University and the Associate Director of Research at MSU's Center for Anti-Counterfeiting and Product Protection (A-CAPP).

His research focuses on digital persuasion and advertising. He has led A-CAPP's 2023 Global Anti-Counterfeiting Consumer Survey and is currently leading research on consumer perceptions and behaviors of buying counterfeit medications online and the threats and benefits of AI to intellectual property protection. He received his Ph.D. from the University of Missouri School of Journalism.

Yuki Ushiku - Anti-Counterfeit Dept. Canon Inc. - Specialist for International Anti-Counterfeit Brand Protection

Engaged in work specializing in anti-counterfeiting for 15 years from 2009 at Canon. Many experiences on Customs training and handling raid operations.

From 2021 overseeing Us., Central/South America, from 2014 Europe and Middle east and Africa.

Other Experience (Association)

Japan Business Machine and Information Systems Industries Association (JBMIA) Anti-counterfeiting committee

Chief of the Chinese delegation 2013

Sub-chief of committee 2013-2015

Japan Electronics and information technology Industry association (JEITA) Anti-counterfeiting team

Sub-chief of Platformer Project 2017

International Intellectual Property Protection Forum (IIPPF)

Internet Project 2017-2018

SUB-leader of ISP team 2017-2018

Asia India Project 2016-2020

Board member 2016- 2021

Chief of Project 2020-2021

Japan Intellectual property Association (JIPA)

Chief of South America sub working 2020-2023

Paul Ramara Partner, Trade Marks, South Africa

Paul Ramara is a Trade Mark Practitioner and has a BProc and HDip Cyberlaw, from the University of Pretoria. He is an Attorney of the High Court of South Africa.

Paul has over two decades specialising in trade mark and anti-counterfeiting litigation. He has handled big cases relating to anti-counterfeiting in Southern Africa and East Africa, and successfully represented clients in a number of litigation cases in Kenya and Zambia.

Jaroslaw MROWIEC - Trade Policy Analyst - Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development - OECD

Jaroslaw MROWIEC is a Trade Policy Analyst at the OECD. His focus is on research and policy analysis related to enhancing evidence on illicit trade and developing a whole-of-government approach to counter illicit trade. Before this, Jaroslaw was an Anti-Corruption Analyst in the OECD Anti-Corruption Division and a Legal Analyst in the OECD Middle East and Africa Division, mainly working on projects promoting OECD standards in Africa. He has experience in regulatory reform, economic development issues, and policies. He has authored and coordinated several OECD publications and projects, notably on investment, international trade and integrity. Before joining the OECD, he worked as a lecturer at the Sorbonne Law School. He holds a bachelor's degree in political science, a bachelor's degree in international law and a master's degree in public international law from the Université Panthéon-Sorbonne, as well as a certificate in international legal studies from the Institut des Hautes Études Internationales at the Université Paris-Assas.

Senior Liaison Officer - U.S Food and Drug Adminstration’s Office of Criminal Investigations

Kerry Mannion is the Senior Liaison Officer for the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s Office of Criminal Investigations (OCI) and leads and coordinates OCI’s strategic response to the global distribution of illicit pharmaceuticals and other FDA regulated products by transnational criminal groups, which frequently involves collaboration with representatives from law enforcement, health regulatory, and intellectual property agencies, multinational organizations, and regulated industry.

Kerry previously served as the Special Agent in Charge of OCI Headquarters and the Office of Internal Affairs and is responsible for USFDA's first bilateral initiatives focused on the distribution of illicit USFDA-regulated products. Kerry earned a bachelor's degree in education from The Citadel, The Military College of South Carolina, and a master's degree in organizational leadership from Johns Hopkins University.

Tobias Bednarz - Legal Cousellor, Copyright Law Division, Copyright & Creative Industries Sector, World Intellectual Property Organization WIPO

As a Legal Counsellor in WIPO’s Copyright Law Division, Tobias Bednarz leads the Organization’s efforts to provide its Member States with legislative assistance in the area of copyright and related rights. Between 2018 to 2024, Tobias headed the policy and cooperation activities of the Building Respect for Division, which he had joined in 2014. When he entered WIPO in 2011, he was initially assigned to the Trademark Law Section. Prior to that, Tobias was a Research Associate at the SCRIPT Centre for Studies in Intellectual Property and Technology Law of the University of Edinburgh (UK).

Tobias studied law in Germany, France and the United Kingdom and holds an LL.M. in Innovation, Technology, and the Law as well as a PhD in Copyright Law from the University of Edinburgh (UK).

Dr. James Mokoro Regulatory Affairs Manager, Reckitt, responsible for East Africa Region

Dr. James currently works at Reckitt as a Regulatory Affairs Manager responsible for East Africa Region based in Kenya, responsible for Pharmaceuticals and Hygiene Product Portfolio. He has been an active member of several industry associations including KAPI (Kenya Association of Pharmaceutical Industry) where he has been serving actively in various committees and currently serving as Chairman.

James is currently a member of the Africa Regulatory Network (ARN) within the IFPMA (International Federation of Pharmaceutical Manufacturers and Associations). Additionally, a member of the Africa Strategy for the Global Self Care Federation (GSCF).

Xavier Vermandele - Senior Legal Counsellor, IP Division, Global Challenges and Partnerships Sector, World Intellectual Property Organization WIPO

Xavier Vermandele is Senior Legal Counsellor in the Building Respect for IP Division, Global Challenges and Partnerships Sector, of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), where he is overseeing technical assistance, including legislative assistance, to WIPO member States in relation to the enforcement of intellectual property rights. Prior to joining WIPO in 2009, he was active as attorney-at-Law at the Brussels Bar (Belgium) from 1995 to 2008, working successively for various business law firms where he specialized in intellectual property, trade practices and commercial law (counseling and litigation). He represented clients before judicial and administrative authorities in Belgium and France, as well as at Benelux and European Union level. He also authored various articles in the aforementioned areas. He then worked for over a year in the Financial and Contractual Matters and Legal Affairs Unit of the EuropeAid Co-operation Office (now the Directorate-General for International Partnerships) of the European Commission, before joining WIPO.

Yussuf Osman Ahmed - Director Enforcement - Anti-Counterfeit Authority, Kenya

The Director Enforcement of the Anti-Counterfeit Authority (ACA), the lead Kenya Government Authority mandated to Combat Counterfeiting, trade and other dealings in counterfeit goods. The Authority is under the Ministry of Investment, Trade, and Industry-state Department of industry. I am appointed to the Post on 2nd June, 2022.

I am experienced in enforcement of intellectual Property Rights and gained leadership having worked with the Anti-Counterfeit Authority for more than 12 years. My career is checkered in Consumer protection and intellectual Property Right Enforcement for over twenty-years (20Years). I started as an Investigating Officer and Prosecutor within the Department Weights and Measures under Ministry of Trade and Industry in the year 1995 as an in service trainee as standard officer and later became a weights and Measure officer upon graduation in 1999.

I worked with the Anti-Counterfeit Authority in various ranks. I started at entry level as Anti- Counterfeit Inspector II in 2010 and rose through the ranks to become Regional Manager Eldoret in 2016 and later the Regional Manager, Mombasa in 2018 in charge of the coast region including the Port of Mombasa and the Lunga Lunga Border.

I was responsible for regional supervision of staff and enforcement activities as well as stakeholder relationship working closely with other Law enforcement agencies (LEA) under the multi-agency framework against illicit trade in the region.

Regionally, I closely work with Pharma crime working group (Africa Regions) coordinated by US Embassy Abuja through US DOJ/OPDAT- ICHIP

I made significant contribution toward combating counterfeit as investigating officers by taking to court numerous cases and in one of my successful case is a motorcycle tube where the accused person was jailed for 3years in default fined Kenya Shillings eleven Million. Similarly, as a prosecutor, I prosecuted cases on Counterfeit matters and had successfully convicted four cases in different regions (Magistrate Courts). Among them is, an Egg Incubator Machine case, where the Accused was convicted and jailed for 2 years and in default fined one million Kenya Shillings.

I also investigated a case in which one of the Prominent Manufacturers in Kenya was counterfeiting a famous trademark, PUMA and it was later settled through Alternative dispute resolution with the permission of the Court (KENAFRIC CASE)

I hold a Bachelor of Education Science (Mathematics / Chemistry) from Kenya University and a Master’s degree in Intellectual Property from Ankara University, Turkey. I have a Diploma in Intellectual Property from Mount Kenya University and holds advance certificate on Trademark, Industrial Design and Geographical indication, Copyright and related Rights from the World intellectual property Organization (WIPO). I had undertaken Strategic Leadership Development Program Training from Kenya School of Government, and other professional and management training certificates.

Ms. Amanda Lotheringen, Senior Manager, Copyright and IP Enforcement, CIPC, the dtic

Ms. Amanda Lotheringen joined the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in 1993 and is currently Senior Manager, Copyright and IP Enforcement, at the Companies and Intellectual Property Commission (CIPC). In 1999 she took responsibility for the implementation of the Counterfeit Goods Act, No. 37 of 1997, and oversaw the declaration of the first counterfeit goods depot. She was also involved in the training of law enforcement officials across government departments to implement that Act. Ms. Lotheringen was nominated as Vice-Chair at the first meeting of WIPO’s Advisory Committee on Enforcement (ACE) held in Geneva in 2003 and also chaired the ACE in 2015 and 2016. She holds a degree from the Rand Afrikaans University in Development Economics and an Honors degree in Economics.

Ms Lotheringen are active in three main areas od IPR enforcement and to foster Respect for IP. These include a continued focus on collaboration, capacity building & training, and targeted education and awareness programmes. She has established public private partnerships with high priority industries. These include the Pharmaceutical, Fast Moving Consumer Goods and Creative Industry sectors. She is chairing these Committees. These structures that are functioning as public private partnerships support law enforcement to deliver operational enforcement successes.

The Intergovernmental Enforcement Committee (IGEC) that she conceptualized and established focus on strategic direction and operational support to government departments involved in IPR enforcement.

Through this structure successes are celebrated, bottlenecks cleared and training needs identified. She initiated and supported the drafting of a training manual that is now used as an example for other developing countries. The customization was a first in the world and was celebrated by WIPO.

Ms Lotheringen support law enforcement officials in South Africa by providing technical tools to gather statistical information. Keeping accurate statistics is a global challenge. Through the use of cellphone technology an application was developed called Accurate Justifiable Stats (AJS). This App is used by officers on the front-line. This significant development will contribute greatly to provide accurate stats on seizures and information on trends and suspects.

Her relentless pursuit in protection of the environment led to a new project to upcycle counterfeit goods. This project is focused towards contributing to a greener environment. Given the challenges faced to destroy counterfeit goods in an environmentally friendly way, not only in South Africa but also in the rest of the World, the project led to counterfeit goods being turned into useful items. The project is creating opportunities for social entrepreneurs and is creating new jobs.

Sharing information on IP with SMME's and the youth through innovative ways, is her passion. She has designed awareness projects have been used as examples at many Advisory Committee on Enforcement (ACE) WIPO meetings. See has published articles on many platforms and recently also contributed to a chapter in a book to support a bridging course on IP Law.

Cam T. Le, ICHIP for Internet Fraud and Public Health U.S. Department of Justice

Cam T. Le is the International Computer Hacking and Intellectual Property Attorney Advisor for Internet Fraud and Public Health (ICHIP IFPH) for the U.S. Department of Justice. As the ICHIP IFPH, Cam works to assist law enforcement, prosecutorial, and judicial authorities with training and technical assistance for criminal enforcement of intellectual property rights, with particular focus on countering counterfeit pharmaceuticals and digital piracy.

Cam joined the U.S. Department of Justice in 2010, first in the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Louisiana. She is currently on detail from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Hampshire. Over the course of her federal career, she has prosecuted a wide variety of cases including counterfeit pharmaceuticals, drug trafficking, child sexual exploitation, international money laundering, fraud, cybercrimes, export control, and public corruption.

Prior to joining the U.S. Department of Justice, Cam was an Assistant District Attorney in Norfolk County, Massachusetts, where she served for five years and gained invaluable trial experience.

Cam holds a Bachelor of Arts from Tulane University, and a Juris Doctor from Tulane University Law School, where she served as a managing editor of the Tulane Journal of Technology and Intellectual Property. She is admitted to the Massachusetts bar, and she is also a registered U.S. Patent Attorney.

Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Angela Ndambuki, International Federation of the Phonographic Industry (IFPI) - Regional Director for Sub-Saharan Africa

Angela Ndambuki is the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry (IFPI) Regional Director for Sub-Saharan Africa. She leads the organisation’s engagement with the 46 Sub-Saharan Africa governments and stakeholders in driving the organisation’s priorities in policy work, collective management of copyright and related rights, online content protection and enforcement, data insights and analysis. She currently serves as the Chairperson of the Kenya Association of Music Producers.

Angela holds a Master of Laws Degree in Intellectual Property Law from the University of Edinburgh, United Kingdom and a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree from the University of Nairobi. She has fifteen years experience in the creative industry leadership with a focus on policy making, collective management and intellectual property enforcement. Prior to joining IFPI, she served as the CEO of Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry and previously as founder CEO of the Performers Rights Society of Kenya. She serves as the Chairperson of the Intellectual Property Committee at the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

With several accolades to her name, including Billboard Women in Music Honoree 2024, Pacesetter in Policy Formulation and Government Relations by Jubilant Stewards of Africa, Top 50 Leading African Corporate Women by Leading Ladies Africa, the top 40 under 40 Women by Business Daily, 100 Most Reputable Africans by Reputation Poll among others, Angela also doubles as an accomplished, author, composer, performer and producer of sound recordings.

Karolina Zhytnikova - Legal Manager (Brand Protection & IP) - Countercheck GmbH

Karolina obtained her Master’s degree in IP law at CEIPI (Center for International Intellectual Property Studies) in Strasbourg, France.

Specialized in anti-counterfeiting during the past 8 years, her previous position was Brand Protection Manager in a French luxury multinational company.

Her current role in the logistics software company that provides AI-powered software for sorting efficiency and illicit item removal involves building collaboration with law enforcement authorities, promotion of public-private partnerships, organizing joint workshops for the logistics industry and various actors in the government bodies.

Samer Al-Tarawneh - World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) -Counsellor Regional Bureau for Arab Countries

Education: University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan (LLB, 1991); 

East Anglia University, Norwich, UK (LL.M, 1998).

Experience: In-house lawyer and legal adviser for the Housing Bank in

Amman, Jordan (1991 to 1998); Legal Adviser to the World Trade

Organization (WTO) Unit, Ministry of Industry & Trade, Government of Jordan,

(1998 to 2000); Director of the Industrial Property Directorate, Ministry of

Industry & Trade, Government of Jordan (2000 to 2002). During his career,

Samer was charged with overseeing the intellectual property (IP) file during

Jordan’s accession to the WTO, as well as being in charge of the IP file during

the negotiations for the Jordan-United States Free Trade Agreement.

In 2003, Samer joined the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) as a Counsellor in the Regional Bureau for Arab Countries. From June 2016 to

present, he works as a Legal Counsellor in WIPO’s Building Respect for

Intellectual Property (BRIP) Division, where his work mainly involves providing

Legislative Assistance and Capacity Building for the WIPO Member States.

Cherie Abhiambo Oyier - Programs Officer - Women’s Digital Rights at KICTANet

Cherie Abhiambo Oyier is an advocate of the High Court of Kenya. She holds a law degree from the Catholic University of Eastern Africa and a post graduate diploma from the Kenya School of Law. Cherie is the Programs Officer-Women’s Digital Rights at KICTANet where her work focuses on policy advocacy, stakeholder engagement, research and capacity building to advance women’s inclusion and rights in the digital realm. Cherie is passionate about digital rights issues including data protection and privacy, ethical AI development and governance. among other areas where technology intersects with the law.

Cherie is a former fellow of the Kenya School of Internet Governance and the Center for Artificial Intelligence and Digital Policy.

Ms Lynette K. Ringeera - Deputy Director Capacity Development - ICT Authority, Kenya

Lynette is a strategic thinker and innovative programs leader spearheading value-adding and sustainable programs fueling organizational growth, competitive advantage and digital transformation to projects in the public administration, NGO, education, and ICT sectors. Honed skills in partnership development, conceptualizing and executing technology integration, production of business cases, managing complex milestones while adapting to changes and shifting priorities, and managing communication amongst different partners. Highly organized and great at leading cross-functional teams in delivering strategic initiatives to improve systems, processes and bottom-line results.

Until her appointment as the Deputy Director, Capacity Development at the ICT Authority she was the Global ICT Project Manager at the SOS Children’s Villages International – Digital Learning Hub Spanning in over 135 Countries, Curriculum Innovation Centre Manager, a Microsoft, Intel and Government project to spearhead ICT integration in the Eastern Africa region in teaching and learning among other roles in the area of EdTech.

Lynette holds Masters in Management Information Systems from the University of Nairobi, Bachelor of Education, Technology, International Advanced Diploma in Computer Studies, Microsoft Certified Professional, MCSA, MCSD, Comptia A+ and N+ Certified Professional. A certified NITA Computer technology trainer with certification in Teaching with Technology and an MIE Trainer.