High Patron of FISA
Youssou Ndour
International artist – Musician – Entrepreneur – Former Minister – Ambassador of African culture – Doctor Honoris Causa, Yale University – High Patron of FISA 2026
Why Youssou Ndour as a high-level patron?
Youssou Ndour is an iconic figure in Senegal and across the African continent, recognized worldwide for his exceptional career in music, entrepreneurship, culture, and his commitment to development. Born in Dakar, he has built a remarkable international career, showcasing the richness of African culture throughout the world.
An internationally renowned artist, founder of the group Étoile de Dakar, and a major player on the global music scene, Youssou Ndour has helped make African music a vehicle for dialogue between peoples and cultures. Beyond his artistic career, he is also a committed entrepreneur, particularly in the media and creative industries, with a vision focused on innovation and economic empowerment.
His commitment extends beyond the cultural sphere. Through his social, economic, and civic initiatives, he champions a vision of a dynamic, creative Africa capable of building sustainable solutions. His career illustrates the essential role that African talent can play in the continent's economic and social transformation.
As High Patron of the Swiss-African International Forum Villeneuve 2026 (FISA 2026), Youssou Ndour embodies the Forum's core values: openness, partnership, innovation, and bringing people closer together. His presence symbolizes the link between Switzerland and Africa, highlighting the importance of cultural, economic, and institutional cooperation.
His role as High Patron aims to inspire new generations of African and Swiss entrepreneurs, investors, researchers, and leaders to build sustainable and mutually beneficial partnerships together. Through his international experience and commitment to development, he represents a strong voice for an Africa that is open to the world and looking towards the future.
Prof. Dr. HE Ambassador Muhammadou MO Kah
Ambassador of The Republic of Gambia in Switzerland & United Nations Office in Geneva
Diplomat, Scientist, Professor
Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of The Gambia to the Swiss Confederation, and Permanent Representative to the United Nations Office at Geneva (UNOG), the WTO, WIPO, ITU and other international organizations in Switzerland.
Ambassador Kah is a leading diplomatic voice on issues of digital transformation, technology governance, trade, human rights, and innovation for sustainable development. He currently coordinates the WTO's Least Developed Countries (LDCs) Group, chairs the UN Commission on Science and Technology for Development (CSTD), and serves as Vice-Chair of the CSTD Working Group on Data Governance. He has been appointed by the UN Secretary-General to the Strategic Advisory Committee on Safeguards for Public Digital Infrastructure (DPI), as well as to the Advisory Group of the UN Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF), and sits on the Executive Board of the WTO's Enhanced Integrated Framework.
His career at the United Nations includes two consecutive terms as Vice-President (Africa) of the UN Human Rights Council (2022–2024), Vice-President of the UNCTAD Trade and Development Council, Chair of the WIPO High-Level Conversations on Intellectual Property and Advanced Technologies/AI, Vice-President of the WIPO General Assembly, and Chair of the Group of African Ambassadors in Geneva.
Prior to his diplomatic career, Ambassador Kah served as Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost at the American University of Nigeria, and from 2009 to 2015, as the first Gambian-born Vice-Chancellor at the University of The Gambia. He previously founded the Schools of Information Technology and Engineering at ADA University (Baku) and AUN, and taught at Rutgers, Howard, and George Washington Universities. In the private sector, he chaired Zenith Bank (The Gambia), Gambia International Airlines, and the Gambia Tourism and Hospitality Institute.
He holds a PhD, MSc and BSc in Information and Technology Management from Stevens Institute of Technology, a Master of Science in Finance from George Washington University, and a postgraduate diploma in Strategy and Innovation from the Saïd Business School at the University of Oxford, as well as an honorary Doctor of Science from the University of The Gambia.
Godmother and Moderator
Dr. Leila Schwab
Entrepreneur – PhD in Management – Expert in Innovation and Organizational Transformation – Sponsor of FISA 2026
Leila Schwab is a Swiss entrepreneur with a doctorate in management and an expert in strategy, innovation, and sustainable organizational development. Through her academic and entrepreneurial experience, she supports companies and leaders in creating innovative and responsible business models.
As the sponsor of FISA 2026, she will also contribute as a moderator to the Forum's discussions, facilitating dialogues between experts, entrepreneurs, investors and institutions around the issues of cooperation, innovation and sustainable partnerships between Switzerland and Africa.
Sponsor and Speaker
Patrick Elmer
Impact Finance Expert – Investor – ETH Nadel Graduate – Founder & CEO of iGravity – Sponsor of FISA 2026
Patrick Elmer is a Swiss expert in impact finance and responsible investment, a graduate of the NADEL program at ETH Zurich. After a career in the banking sector, notably with UBS, he developed expertise at the intersection of finance, international development and entrepreneurship.
Founder and CEO of iGravity, he supports the creation of innovative financial solutions aimed at raising capital for high-impact companies in emerging markets. iGravity is notably a co-manager of the SECO Startup Fund with Seedstars, an instrument supporting startups and innovative companies in emerging countries.
Patron of FISA 2026, Patrick Elmer will speak on the theme of "Financial inclusion, SME financing and impact investing", in order to share his experience on the mechanisms to connect investors, entrepreneurs and development actors to promote sustainable growth between Switzerland and Africa.
Sponsor and Speaker
Dr. Jérôme Chenal
Architect – Urban Planner – PhD in Science EPFL – Expert on African cities – Sponsor of FISA 2026
Dr. Jérôme Chenal is a Swiss architect and urban planner specializing in urban development, territorial planning, and the transformation of African cities. Through his research and international projects, he works towards more sustainable, inclusive, and resilient territories.
As sponsor of FISA 2026, he will speak on the theme of "Urban development, energy and sustainable cities", sharing his expertise on African urban challenges and opportunities for cooperation between Switzerland and Africa.
Sponsor and Speaker
Prof. Lambert Sonna Momo
Scientist – Cryptologist – DeepTech Entrepreneur – Founder of Global ID – Cybersecurity and Digital Identity Expert – Sponsor of FISA 2026
Professor Lambert Sonna is an international scientist and entrepreneur specializing in cybersecurity, cryptography, digital identity, and artificial intelligence. Founder of Global ID, he develops innovative solutions to strengthen digital trust, data protection, and technological inclusion.
Speaking at FISA 2026 on the theme of "Digital Innovation, Cybersecurity and Artificial Intelligence" , he will share his expertise on emerging technologies and their role in building tomorrow's digital partnerships between Switzerland and Africa.
Godmother and Speaker
Mrs. Binetou Founé Samaké
Lawyer – Former Minister for the Promotion of Women, Children and Families of Mali – Women's Rights Advocate – Financial Inclusion Expert – Patron of FISA 2026
Bintou Founé Samaké is a Malian lawyer and politician committed to women's empowerment, gender equality, and inclusive development. A former Minister for the Promotion of Women, Children, and Families in Mali, she has worked for many years to strengthen women's participation in economic and social life.
As the patron of FISA 2026, she will speak on the theme of "Financial Inclusion and Access to Credit for Women Entrepreneurs," sharing her expertise on the levers that facilitate women's access to finance, support female entrepreneurship, and promote more inclusive economic growth in Africa. Access to appropriate financial services, credit, and entrepreneurial support constitutes
