Connect with us
Melissa Kariuki to Speak at WTO Public Forum 2025 with Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, UN, Amazon, PayPal & IBM Leaders Melissa Kariuki to Speak at WTO Public Forum 2025 with Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, UN, Amazon, PayPal & IBM Leaders

News

Young African CEO and Google Alumna, Melissa Kariuki, to Shape Creative Export Discourse at WTO Forum

Melissa Kariuki

Published

on

Share for social good

Melissa Kariuki, Founder and CEO of Whip Music and one of the GRAMMYs’ 13 Women Shaping African Music (2025), will speak at the prestigious World Trade Organization (WTO) Public Forum 2025 in Geneva on 18 September 2025.

This invitation follows Kariuki’s recognition as a member of the Recording Academy (GRAMMYs) and her inclusion on Hotlist Africa’s Top 30 Executives in the African Music Industry (2025), further establishing her as one of Africa’s most influential young leaders at the intersection of creativity, technology, and trade.

The World Trade Organization (WTO) is the only global organization that formulates and enforces the rules of trade between nations, with 166-member countries representing over 98 percent of global trade and GDP.

The Public Forum is the largest global trade policy platform, drawing government leaders, corporate executives, academics, and civil society to discuss the future of trade. Being invited to speak is exceptionally prestigious as it marks Kariuki as a recognized emerging global thought leader.

FIRS

Kariuki will speak in a session titled “Bridging Digital Divides Through Local Solutions”, highlighting how enabling digital policies and technology infrastructure can allow African creators to scale globally and strengthen the continent’s role in the world economy.

“I am honoured to be invited by the WTO to share Africa’s perspective on digital trade and creativity as a driver of global growth. For too long, creativity has been seen as culture, but it is also one of Africa’s highest-potential commodities. With the right digital policies and local solutions, African creators can reach global markets, scale new industries, and shape the future of trade. As a young, African woman in technology and the creative economy, it is a privilege to represent our continent at this global forum and to ensure our voices and solutions are part of the world’s trade agenda.” – Melissa Kariuki.

Kariuki will join Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, WTO Director-General, and an influential lineup of speakers, including:

  • Pedro Manuel Moreno, Deputy Secretary-General of UNCTAD
  • Shamika N. Sirimanne, Director of Technology, UNCTAD
  • Aissatou Diallo, Chief, Office for Africa, International Trade Centre
  • Katherine Wang, Amazon Web Services, Manager of Trade and Supply Chain Policy
  • Claire Alexandra, Head of International Government Relations, PayPal
  • Christian Keller, Chair and General Manager, IBM Switzerland
  • Fancy Too, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Kenya to the United Nations Office
  • Dr. Elizabeth Sidiropoulos, Executive Director, South African Institute of International Affairs

Creativity as Africa’s Next Global Commodity

Africa’s creative economy, currently valued at US$58.4 billion, accounts for roughly 4 percent of the continent’s GDP but represents less than 0.3 percent of global creative exports. For example, in one of Africa’s largest economies, South Africa, the creative sector generated roughly the same amount of revenue as agriculture at US$8.7 billion (R161 billion) in 2020. Analysts predict that with the right digital policies and trade frameworks, African creative exports could reach US$200 billion by 2030, potentially accounting for 10 percent of global creative goods trade.

Kariuki’s contribution to the WTO Public Forum underscores the growing recognition of creativity not only as cultural expression but also as a strategic commodity with transformative trade potential.

About Melissa Kariuki

Melissa Kariuki is the Founder and CEO of Whip Music, a music-tech company helping artists unlock their next one billion fans. Whip Music currently supports African artists in promoting their music across the US, the UK, Nigeria, Kenya, Uganda, South Africa, Ghana, and Canada, enabling them to export their music and grow global audiences.

Kariuki is also a Recording Academy (GRAMMYs) member, was recognized on the GRAMMYs’ 13 Women Shaping African Music (2025), and was named on Hotlist Africa’s Top 30 Executives in the African Music Industry (2025).

Her career includes product roles at Google and Meta, as well as experience across Asia, Europe, the United States, and Africa with organizations including Bain & Company, H&M, the Gates Foundation, and INSEAD. She holds a First-Class Honours degree from the African Leadership University in Mauritius and a Master of Management Science in Global Affairs as a Patrice Motsepe Fellow and Schwarzman Scholar at Tsinghua University in Beijing, where she graduated with a 99 percent distinction for her thesis on blockchain, NFTs, and Web3 regulation.

About Whip Music

Whip Music is a music-tech company on a mission to help artists unlock their next one billion fans. The platform leverages technology to provide access to music and video distribution, editorial playlisting, TV placements, radio, press, influencer marketing, and social media advertising. Whether an artist has zero fans or one million, Whip Music empowers them to grow and monetize their fanbase globally.

About the World Trade Organization (WTO)

The WTO is the only global organization dealing with the rules of trade between nations. With 166 member countries, it represents more than 98 per cent of global trade and GDP. Its mission is to ensure that trade flows as smoothly, predictably, and freely as possible while serving as a forum for negotiating trade agreements and settling disputes.

The WTO Public Forum is the organization’s largest annual outreach event, providing a platform for world leaders, business executives, academics, and civil society to debate pressing trade and development issues.

Follow BONA NAIJA for more


Share for social good
CLICK TO GET A WhoGoHost Hosting PLAN

News

Davido Announces 5IVE Alive Tour in Five Cities in Nigeria

Published

on

Share for social good

Nigerian Afrobeats star Davido has revealed the Nigerian dates for his 5IVE Alive Tour, linked to his fifth studio album released in April 2025, following a successful North American run.

The tour kicks off on October 26 in Uyo, Akwa Ibom, and includes stops in Yola, Enugu, Ibadan, culminating on December 25 in Lagos.

Tickets are now available starting at ₦5,000 for most venues, with fans urged to purchase quickly amid high demand.


Share for social good
CLICK TO GET A WhoGoHost Hosting PLAN
Continue Reading

News

Lagos Re-Arraigns Evans For Alleged Murder Of Two Policemen

Published

on

Share for social good

The Lagos State Government has re-arraigned convicted billionaire kidnapper, Chukwudumeme Onwuamadike, popularly known as Evans, on a fresh murder charge involving the deaths of two police officers.

Evans and his co-defendant, Joseph Emeka, were re-arraigned before Justice Oyindamola Ogala on a five-count charge bordering on murder, attempted murder, and conspiracy to commit kidnapping.

The case was transferred from Justice Adenike Coker, and according to the charge, Evans and his co-defendant allegedly killed two policemen, Peter Nweke and Chijioke Ngozi, on August 27, 2013, around 10 p.m. at Festac Town, Lagos.

FIRS

The offences violate Section 221 of the Lagos Criminal Law, 2011.

At the proceedings, State Prosecutor A. O. Azeez confirmed the transfer of the case and requested a fresh arraignment despite Evans’ earlier plea bargain applications before the former judge.

Both defendants pleaded not guilty to the five-count amended charge.

The court adjourned the matter to November 19, 2025, for hearing and issuance of witness summons.

Evans has already been convicted before another court and is currently serving sentences for two of his five criminal cases.

Follow BONA NAIJA for more


Share for social good
CLICK TO GET A WhoGoHost Hosting PLAN
Continue Reading

News

‘Taking Nigeria’s Situation to God’ Peter Obi’s Message After Visit to Rome

Published

on

Share for social good

After his visit to Rome, Peter Obi the former presidential Candidate of the Labour party in 2023 general election write what he did while in Rome.

Read below 👇

My Visit to the USA, Rome: Taking Nigeria’s Situation to God.

FIRS

After my 2-day trip to the United States – where I addressed the Friendship Club on Saturday, 4 October, and spoke at the 1st Ubuntu African Youth Assembly in Washington on Sunday, 5 October – I departed that same night for Rome, arriving on 6th October to join my dearest wife, who was already in Rome waiting for me.

This year marks a Jubilee Year, an event celebrated every twenty-five years, and my dearest wife and I chose to dedicate our prayers to Nigeria. With hearts full of gratitude, we thanked God that, despite our differences and the many challenges faced over sixty-five years of independence, He has kept us together as one nation – a rare and profound blessing for which we remain deeply thankful.

We also sought forgiveness for our national transgressions and implored God to intervene in the suffering of the Nigerian people. We prayed for the injection into our political landscape selfless and compassionate leaders whose hearts He God would touch—leaders who would be truthful in word and deed, altruistic in service, and committed to using public resources for the common good. Leaders whose decisions would reflect competence, capacity, character,  and commitment to the welfare of all. Leaders who understand that they were not created to live in isolation but in community with others, and must ensure that actions are for the benefit of the community.

On Tuesday, the 7th of October, as part of our pilgrimage, we passed through three Holy Doors of the four major Papal Basilicas in Rome, praying at each that God would open the door of His mercy to Nigeria. At St. Mary Major, we prayed, passed through the Holy Door, and reflected at the grave of the late Pope Francis. From there, we journeyed to the Papal Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls, where Cardinal James Harvey warmly received us, led us through the Holy Door, and shared the basilica’s rich history and the deep significance of the Jubilee Year. Our third stop was the Papal Basilica of St. John Lateran, dedicated to Saints John the Baptist and John the Evangelist, where, together with other pilgrims, we passed through the Holy Door and joined in prayer. We then proceeded to the Scala Sancta – the Holy Steps which Jesus ascended before Pontius Pilate – where we prayed with profound reverence, completing a day of deep spiritual reflection at some of Rome’s most sacred sites.

On Wednesday the 8th of October, we rose early for the Papal General Audience at St. Peter’s Basilica, where we were blessed to hear the Catechesis of His Holiness on hope, perseverance, and steadfast faith in times of hardship. Afterwards, we passed through the final Holy Door at St. Peter’s Basilica, praying and reflecting deeply on God’s mercy, thus completing our pilgrimage through the four doors with hearts filled with gratitude and renewed faith.

At St. Peter’s, we were privileged to be received in audience by His Holiness, Pope Leo XIV @Pontifex, to whom we humbly appealed for prayers for our beloved country, Nigeria.

Along the way, we met several Nigerian pilgrims: men and women of faith whose faces shone with quiet hope. Together, we renewed our trust in God’s divine mercy and in the promise of a renewed and better Nigeria.

I believe fervently in the power and providence of God. Yet, as we lift our nation before Him in prayer, we must not surrender to fatalism. Faith does not absolve us of responsibility; rather, it calls us to action. As Nigerians, we must each continue to do our part – with honesty, diligence, and love – for the healing and progress of our country.

A new Nigeria is POssible. -PO

Follow BONA NAIJA for more


Share for social good
CLICK TO GET A WhoGoHost Hosting PLAN
Continue Reading

Lagos State

VIDEO: Lagos Govt demolishes Ola of Lagos showroom

Published

on

Share for social good

The Lagos state government has demolished the car showroom owned by popular auto dealer and influencer, Olaoluwa Osunkoya, widely known as Ola of Lagos.

The demolition took place in Lekki after authorities found that the structure was built directly beneath 33kV high-tension power lines, a violation of safety regulations.


Share for social good
CLICK TO GET A WhoGoHost Hosting PLAN
Continue Reading

News

Maryam Sanda, Convicted Of Killing Husband, Receives Tinubu’s Presidential Pardon

Published

on

Share for social good

President Bola Tinubu has pardoned Maryam Sanda, who was convicted of killing her husband, Bilyaminu Bello, in Abuja.

Bello was the son of former Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) National Chairman, Haliru Bello.

Sanda was sentenced to death by hanging by Justice Yusuf Halilu of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court in January 2020.

FIRS

She would receive the pardon after spending six years and eight months at the Suleja Medium Security Custodial Centre..

This was revealed in a statement released on Saturday by Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the Presidency said, “Her family pleaded for her release, arguing that it was in the best interest of her two children.”

”The plea was also anchored on her good conduct in jail, her remorse, and her embracement of a new lifestyle, demonstrating her commitment to being a model prisoner,” the statement read.

READ ALSO: Details of The Presidential Pardon and Clemency

According to Onanuga, the gesture was made on the recommendation of the Presidential Advisory Committee on the Prerogative of Mercy, chaired by the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Olasunkanmi Fagbemi (SAN).

It also stated that the convicts were considered for clemency based on factors such as remorse, good conduct, old age, and rehabilitation through education or vocational training. Some inmates were recognised for their enrolment in the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), while others had demonstrated notable behavioural reform.

Others who recived presidnetial pardons include, llegal miners, white-collar convicts, remorseful drug offenders, foreigners, Major General Mamman Vatsa, Major Akubo, Professor Magaji Garba, capital offenders such as Ken Saro-Wiwa, and the other Ogoni Eight were among the 175 convicts and former convicts.

Follow BONA NAIJA for more


Share for social good
CLICK TO GET A WhoGoHost Hosting PLAN
Continue Reading
Advertisement

CONNECT ON FACEBOOK

Trending