JUNE 9-13, 2025 | TUTWA & PARTNERS CONFERENCE | MAURITIUS

Trade, Technology and Transformation Conference 2025

Empowering Africa's Future: Unveiling Economic Growth and Technological Advancement

Trade, Technology and Transformation 2025

Economic Growth and Technological Advancement

This year under the theme “Empowering Africa's Future: Unveiling Opportunities for Economic Growth and Technological Advancement.”

From 9- to 13 June 2025 in Mauritius - in collaboration with the University of Mauritius, the WTO Research Chairs Programme, as well as the University of KwaZulu Natal - this landmark event will explore the rapidly evolving digital landscape in Africa and the transformative potential of new technologies in driving economic growth, fostering innovation in infrastructure development, and advancing socio-economic development.

Central to our event is the "triple helix", underscoring the importance of the partnership among government, the private sector, and academia in shaping the future of Africa's economic transformation.

Value Proposition

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By aligning with this prestigious event, you will not only gain visibility but also play a pivotal role in advancing Africa's economic transformation and fostering inclusive socio-economic growth.

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As a sponsor, you will help to craft the messaging focused on the modes and models of economic transformation and how technology tools and concepts should be used responsibly to achieve development progress.

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There are abundant opportunities to network with business leaders and experts in the field of trade and economic transformation at networking events and at our business lounge area. The island of Mauritius in one of the most beautiful locations in the world and amongst the best places to do business in Africa.

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Along with the other leading organizations committed to innovation and development in Africa, your support as a sponsor could greatly enhance the success and impact of this conference.

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Trade, Technology and Transformation Conference 2025

Conference registrations are now open!

Make sure to register for this landmark event.

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Download Conference Programme
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Conference Fees

Early Bird
$700.00

Per person

Valid from 15 March 2025 to 30 April 2025
General Admission
$800.00

Per person

Valid till 12 June 2025 Get started
Presenters of Accepted Academic Papers
$300.00

Per person

Valid till 13 June 2025 Get started

In association with

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Conference Themes

2025 themes

Keynote Speakers

We are pleased to announce the keynote speakers for the Trade, Technology and Transformation Conference 2025.


Download Keynote Speakers list
Boopen Seetanah
Boopen Seetanah is a Professor at the University of Mauritius

Boopen Seetanah is a Professor at the University of Mauritius (UoM) with research interest in tourism and transport, international trade and finance, and development economics. He is currently the Co-Chair of the WTO Chair (UoM) and the Director of Research at the International Centre for Sustainable Tourism and Hospitality at the UoM.

He is also the Dean of the Faculty of Law and Management. Boopen is an editorial board member and a reviewer for numerous highly rated journals. He has been consulting with the government and numerous international organizations including the UNEP, UNDP, UNCTAD, World Bank, UNECA, WTO, ADB, ILO, and RMCE among others.

Verena Tandrayen
Verena Tandrayen-Ragoobur, University of Mauritius

Verena Tandrayen-Ragoobur is an Associate Professor in Economics at the University of Mauritius. She is currently the Dean of Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities. She is also an Extraordinary Associate Professor at North-West University. Her research areas focus on international and development economics. She works on international trade, labour market, poverty, social protection, social policies, climate change, and gender.

She has published extensively in high-impact factor journals. She is currently heading the Pole of Applied Socio-Economic Research and Analysis and is also the co-chair of the WTO Chairs Programme at the University of Mauritius. She has been involved in various research and consultancy projects internationally and locally with Ministries, NGOs and private institutions.

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Dr Mzukisi Qobo, South Africa's Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the World Trade Organisation (WTO) in Geneva, Switzerland

Dr Mzukisi Qobo was appointed in November 2023 as South Africa's Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the World Trade Organisation (WTO) in Geneva, Switzerland. Dr Qobo has 25 years of experience in the public service, academia, and policy think tanks, including as the Head of the Wits School of Governance at the University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa. Ambassador Qobo consulted for the World Bank and the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA). Between 2019 and 2024, he was a member of the Presidential Economic Advisory Council which advised President Cyril Ramaphosa on economic policy and the economic recovery plan.

Dr Qobo was a facilitator of the Agriculture and Agroprocessing Masterplan. As chief director for Trade Policy Review at the Department of Trade and Industry, between 2007 and 2010, Dr Qobo oversaw the formulation of South Africa's trade policy. He has also served on several boards in the private and public sectors, including on the Board of Tutwa Consulting Group. Dr Qobo holds a PhD from the University of Warwick, UK, and is a published author, notably of the book The Political Economy of China-US Relations: African Agency and Digital Futures.

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Georgina Ragaven - Director at Tutwa Consulting and Entrepreneurship and Empowerment Advocate

Georgina Ragaven is a prominent Mauritian based entrepreneur with extensive expertise in health, fitness, wellness, and training. For over a decade, she has contributed to various media outlets and worked as a consultant, coach, and mentor for entrepreneurs. Georgina provides professional services in public relations, networking, project management, and corporate social responsibility for both local and international organizations.

She has significant experience in education, having trained teachers and developed programs in leadership and entrepreneurship, and is a registered trainer with the Mauritius Qualifications Authority. As a champion for women's empowerment, Georgina has served as an advisor to multiple government ministries and is actively involved in various committees and organizations, including the National Empowerment Foundation, the National Women Entrepreneur Council, and the Rotary Club of Phoenix.

Georgina founded the NGO WE Empower and was nominated Ambassador for SWANITI, pioneering the Time Banking concept in Mauritius. She has received several awards, including the Points of Light Award from Queen Elizabeth II for her leadership and voluntary efforts. Georgina is frequently invited to speak as a role model for aspiring leaders.

Georgina Ragaven is associated with the following institutions:

  • National Empowerment Foundation (NEF) - Director and Chairperson of the HR Committee, and Finance Committee
  • National Women Entrepreneur Council - Board Member
  • WIN Ltd (Women in Networking) - Board Member
  • WILAT (Women in Logistics and Transport) - Board Member
  • Rotary Club of Phoenix - Past President and Board Member
  • MIOD (Mauritius Institute of Directors) - Member
  • AMFCE (Association of Management, Finance, and Corporate Executives) - Member
  • Soroptimist International - Member
  • Alshaams Women's Association - Board Member
  • Women Directors Forum - Board Member
  • Mauritius Institute of Education (MIE) - Trainer and Lecturer
  • TUTWA Consulting - Director
  • Various NGOs and shelters - Collaborator
  • SWANITI (international NGO) - Ambassador
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Honourable Dhananjay Ramful, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Regional Integration and International Trade (Mauritius)

Honourable Dhananjay Ramful has served as a barrister for more than 23 years at the Bar of Mauritius. During his career, he also served as: Senior Legal Adviser, Independent Commission Against Corruption; Chairperson of the Commission for Conciliation; Deputy Chairperson of the Motor Vehicle Insurance Arbitration Committee; and Chairperson of the Human Resources Development Council. He was appointed Minister of Foreign Affairs, Regional Integration and International Trade on 22 November 2024.

  • A Member of the Mauritian Parliament since 2014, Hon. Ramful was re-elected for a third consecutive mandate in November 2024.
  • The Ministry is the executive arm of the Government for the implementation of the foreign policy of Mauritius.
  • The Ministry is also in charge of International trade and trade-related matters flowing from Membership of International Organisations and Regional, Bilateral, Plurilateral and Multilateral Trade Agreements.
  • The Ministry is also responsible for the portfolios of: Regional Integration, Patents and Trademarks and Industrial Property. Matters concerning Human Rights and Sustainable Development Goals also fall under the purview of the Ministry.

Minister's view on participation in Conference:

"This Conference will no doubt give a boost to the economic diplomacy of Mauritius, particularly on the development and consolidation of our relationships with our partners in Africa and the Indian Ocean region, as well as the operation of the African Continental Free Trade Area."

Call for Papers

The inaugural 2025 conference Digital Africa: Trade, Tech, Transformation, invites submissions for its upcoming gathering. The theme, Empowering Africa' Future: Unlocking Opportunities for Economic Growth and Technological Advancement prompts us to delve into the challenges and opportunities of digital transformation in the trade and investment domain.

We seek engaging and insightful presentations focusing on


  • Fundamental issues of trade, investment and digital transformation
  • ICTs, emerging technologies, and Digital Transformation
  • Issues of Sustainability, capacity building in trade, investment and digital transformation
  • Emerging issues in the trade, investment, and digital trade domain
  • Digital Trade and Economic Integration

As a collaborative platform for Government, Academia, and the Business sector, the conference aims to foster a triple helix of expertise and perspectives. The conference will feature plenary sessions and round table discussions, providing ample opportunities to exchange ideas and collaborate on solutions.

Submission Guidelines

We welcome original, unpublished research papers not under consideration for publication elsewhere. Papers should be written in English and formatted according to the conference guidelines. Position papers and reviews are also welcome and should be clearly identified as such. All submissions will be peer-reviewed and successful submissions will be included in the conference proceedings.

Improtant Dates
  • Abstract (900-word maximum) Submission Deadline: 31st December 2024
  • Notification of Suitability: 30th January 2025
  • Paper Submission Deadline: 28th February 2025
  • Notification of Acceptance: 7th April 2025
  • Final Paper Submission: 20th May 2025
  • Conference Dates: 9 - 13 June 2025
Each plenary session will consist of
  • Keynote government/policy paper: 20 minutes
  • Keynote private-sector presentation: 20 minutes
  • 2 - 3 academic presentations: 20 - 30 minutes
  • Round Table Discussion: 60 minutes

Join us in Mauritius from 9-13 June 2025 for this landmark event that seeks to shape Africa's digital future through collaboration, innovation, and insight.

All accepted papers will be included in the Conference Proceedings:

Title: Digital Africa Conference Proceedings

ISSN: 3023-3992

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PROGRAM 1: Fundamental of trade, investment and digital transformation

Subtotal
R11300