New Jerusalem Worship Centre
Founder Black Heath.Org
Former Dep. President Queens Borough
President, CM Developers
Lord Mayor Kampala
Kingdom Life International
Former Vice President of Zambia
President, HCCI
Former New York Mayor
Founder and CEO - Silicon Harlem
Voices building Black businesses better
The reSURGEnce stage brings together people who have built companies, led cities, created jobs and opened markets. Our speakers come from business, government, finance, technology and civil society, on both sides of the Atlantic. What they share is a commitment to practical economic empowerment and a willingness to share what they have learned, including the mistakes.
At reSURGEnce, speakers don’t disappear after their session. Many join networking lunches, the exhibition, the Mayoral Reception and the investment site visits, so delegates have real opportunities to ask questions, exchange ideas and build relationships. Browse the profiles below to find the people you most want to hear from and meet, then plan your days around their sessions using the agenda.
Featured speakers
Our line-up includes leaders from the United States, South Africa and across the African continent. Select a name to read their full profile and see when they are speaking.
South African and KwaZulu-Natal leaders
reSURGEnce is proudly hosted in Durban, and local leadership is central to the programme. Speakers from government, business and academia in South Africa share first-hand knowledge of the opportunities, policies and partnerships shaping the region’s economy.
- Cllr. Cyril Xaba
- Cllr. Thembo Ntuli
- Dr. Bangani Jeffery Mpangalasane
- Dr. Mzamo Masito
- Dr. Shem Ochuodho
- Quinton Zunga
- Stage Mabanga
- Thebe Okalafeng
These voices connect the global conversation to local action. If you are considering doing business in South Africa, their sessions and the site visits that follow are among the most valuable parts of the conference. Many of them also take part in the Mayoral Reception and the Explore KZN site visits, where delegates can continue the conversation in a less formal setting.
What our speakers will cover
Sessions at reSURGEnce are practical and focused on action. Across keynotes, panels and breakouts, speakers will explore topics including:
- Access to capital — how founders can prepare for investment and where funding is flowing.
- Trade between Africa and the diaspora — opening markets, supply chains and export opportunities.
- Supplier diversity and procurement — how businesses can win contracts with corporates and government.
- Investment in KwaZulu-Natal — sectors, zones and partners ready for investment.
- Technology and innovation — using digital tools to scale and reach new customers.
- Leadership and legacy — building organisations and communities that last.
The Economic Revival & Pan-African Dialogue brings several of these threads together, with speakers from Africa and the diaspora discussing how to grow shared prosperity.
Frequently asked questions
Can I meet the speakers?
Yes. Many speakers take part in networking sessions, the exhibition, receptions and site visits, so there are plenty of chances to connect.
Are more speakers still to be announced?
Yes. We add speakers as they are confirmed, so check this page regularly or register to receive updates by email.
How do I apply to speak?
Send us your bio, proposed session and a short summary using the details in the “Become a reSURGEnce speaker” section above.
Do speakers need to register?
Confirmed speakers receive complimentary access to the conference. Our team will contact you with travel and logistics details.
Where can I watch past talks?
Photos and highlights from previous events are available in our gallery.
