Event contact: Solveig Tangen
Welcome to the Norwegian-African Business Outlook 2026
On the 26th of February 2026, NABA will once again host its annual Norwegian-African Business Outlook in collaboration with House21.
This year’s discussions will focus on the challenges and opportunities facing Norwegian and African businesses amid global unrest and economic fluctuations. We will explore how these dynamics affect innovation, growth, and sustainable development, particularly in the context of Africa's potential as a resilient partner in a shifting global landscape.
The Outlook will examine the implications of an evolving global economy for the Norway-Africa relationship and address the crucial question of how to effectively navigate the landscape of 2026 and beyond.
Following the Outlook, we invite you to join us for a networking reception. This will be an excellent opportunity to continue networking in a relaxed environment and engage with fellow attendees and speakers.
Andreas Motzfeldt Kravik
State Secretary of the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs
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Andreas Motzfeldt Kravik was appointed State Secretary of the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs in 2023. Mr. Kravik joined the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in 2012 and has since been posted to the Permanent Mission of Norway to the UN in New York as a Minister Counsellor and held the position of Director in the Legal Department in Oslo. His experience prior to joining the Ministry of Foreign Affairs includes the Norwegian Ministry of Defence and the UN Assistance to the Khmer Rouge Trials in Cambodia. Mr. Kravik is a cand.jur. from the University of Oslo.
Patricia Rodrigues
Director, Africa, Global Risk Analysis
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Patricia Rodrigues leads the analytical team for Sub-Saharan Africa. Patricia provides political, operational and security risk analysis on the Africa region for all of Control Risks’ clients. She is a regular contributor to and manages Control Risks’ subscription services for Sub-Saharan Africa, and undertakes bespoke consultancy engagements, including travelling for assignments and research, in the region. Patricia has particularly strong expertise in East Africa, having previously led our analysis for the region from our Nairobi office.
Before joining Control Risks, Patricia worked for the Aga Khan Foundation in Nairobi, carrying out policy research, business development and communications support for development projects in agriculture, health, education and governance across East Africa. She previously worked as an income analyst for Citigroup Global Markets in London covering markets across Europe, Middle East and Africa. Patricia holds a Masters of Philosophy in International Relations and Politics from the University of Cambridge where her research focused on the political economy of regional integration in East Africa. She holds a first-class Bachelor of Science degree in Economics from the University of Leeds. She speaks fluent Swahili and basic French.
Johann Olav Koss
Founder of Fire A, Circmar, Right To Play, Sunstone Institute, RadicaLab, Olympic Gold Medalist
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Johann Olav Koss is an Olympic champion, physician, and global humanitarian with more than two decades of experience working across Africa. After a historic sporting career of winning four Olympic gold medals and setting multiple world records, he dedicated his time to international development and social impact. Through Right To Play that he founded in 2000, he has helped build and scale locally led programs across multiple African countries, reaching millions of children through initiatives focused on education, health, gender equality, and youth leadership.
Johann also founded Fire A, a venture capital firm and consultancy focused on ESG and sustainable businesses, and he is the Chairman of the Stær Collective, a global network of individuals and organizations advancing citizen-powered solutions to humanity’s greatest challenges. Johann continues to be deeply engaged in Africa bridging humanitarian impact with business, policy, and investment, championing long term, value driven partnerships.
Sameh Shenouda
Executive Director and Chief Investment Officer of the Africa Finance Corporation
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Sameh Shenouda is the Executive Director and Chief Investment Officer of the Africa Finance Corporation, leading origination, execution and portfolio management. With over 27 years of experience in infrastructure investments, project development and fundraising in international capital markets, Mr. Shenouda has deep knowledge of African markets as well as the power, transport & logistics, and oil & gas sectors.
Prior to joining AFC, Sameh was the Chief Executive Officer of Zarou, a developer, owner, investor and operator of infrastructure projects in Africa, the Middle East and Asia.
British A. Robinson
Chair, Africa, Milken Institute International
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British A. Robinson heads the Milken Institute’s Africa portfolio, engaging with African leaders, investors, and stakeholders, serving as its spokesperson on Africa programs. She also leads the Global Financial Scholars Program, collaborating with governments, the World Bank, IFC, and private sector to train future financial policymakers.
Ms. Robinson holds a master’s degree in government from Johns Hopkins University and a bachelor’s degree in public policy and business administration from George Washington University.