A wider vision.
A shared perspective.

Joseph Kusaga is a Tanzanian entrepreneur and the founder and CEO of Clouds Media Group. He has over 25 years of experience in entrepreneurship, strategic leadership, media, technology and business development, with experience building businesses, partnerships and brands across East Africa.

His interests and experience also span technology, fintech, agriculture, mining, manufacturing and digital innovation. This range informs his work on emerging markets and business opportunities across the region.

As a strategic advisor to Al Furqan, Joseph contributes to business strategy, market development, partnerships, communications, brand building and entrepreneurial growth. He brings an African market perspective to the group’s long term development and expansion.

Martin Soderberg is the managing partner of SPEAR Capital Partners, a private equity and investment management firm focused on Southern Africa, with offices in Mauritius, Cape Town and Harare. He brings 30 years of investment and business experience across Africa and has worked in more than 30 countries on the continent in private equity, venture capital and investment leadership roles.

SPEAR Capital Partners specializes in growth capital, strategic investments and financial solutions across Southern Africa and the Middle East. Its work includes identifying, structuring and executing investment opportunities across multiple sectors.

The firm has a diversified investment portfolio and institutional relationships that connect international capital with African investment opportunities.

Manish Raniga combines institutional advisory experience with senior operating expertise across investment, transformation and growth. He has worked with PwC and McKinsey & Company and held senior executive roles.

His expertise covers acquisitions, due diligence, underwriting, capital structuring and transaction execution, supported by extensive experience in the GCC.

Vishok Mansingh is an electrical engineer with over 37 years of global aviation experience. His expertise spans aerospace, defence, airlines, helicopters, aviation asset management, mergers and acquisitions, and airline transformation.

He advises aviation start ups and complex transformation projects and is involved in developing India’s hospital emergency medical services ecosystem.

Shailaja Shetty is an EPC specialist and former senior employee of Oil & Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC), a Government of India owned company. Her work combines technical expertise with facilitating project finance on a project by project basis. She is based in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, and is responsible for Al Furqan’s activities in India.

Jiji John is based in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, and has over 25 years of experience in the equipment industry across the GCC. He previously worked with Volvo CE.

Salim Mohammed Al Busaidy is a business financing coordinator and advisor based in Oman, with a presence in Africa. He works to understand the financing needs of businesses and identify suitable options to support their growth and development.

His work includes building relationships with clients and financial partners, coordinating communication and supporting the delivery of financing arrangements.

Solomon Epeme Kwame Potakey is based in Africa and has 19 years of professional experience in banking and consulting, including 12 years in independent private consulting.

He has worked with institutions, banks, insurance and microfinance companies, oil exploration companies, agro processing businesses and farms, real estate firms, and high net worth individuals.

Prashanth Poojari is an investment banking professional with expertise in corporate finance, mergers and acquisitions, capital markets, strategic advisory, debt restructuring and project financing.

He provides transaction support from deal origination through structuring and execution. His work focuses on maintaining client relationships and developing solutions tailored to each client’s requirements.

Agata Smolarek is an international legal professional based in Poland whose work brings together legal counsel, business advisory and international cooperation. She is the founder of Adviseren Business Consulting LLC and has more than two decades of experience in law.

Her practice spans legal consulting, corporate law, labour and employment matters, immigration, copyright, business consulting and environmental advisory. She supports clients and partners in navigating legal and business matters across borders and has been involved in international cooperation linked to Africa, Eurasia and the Gulf, including business engagement connected to Dubai.

Agata is a member of the District Bar of Attorneys at Law in Wrocław. She was educated at the University of Wrocław and the Wrocław Bar Association of Attorneys at Law. Alongside her private practice, she has participated in pro bono and volunteer initiatives connected to human rights and social impact.

Hendrikus Johannes Kraakman, known as Ruud, is a Dutch entrepreneur and energy professional with a technical foundation in electrical engineering and energy technology. He has more than 20 years of international business experience in renewable energy, sustainable technology, product development and power project development.

His career began in technical roles in electrical engineering and machinery before moving into company ownership and leadership. He has built and managed international teams, offices, production activities and project organisations across Europe, Africa, the GCC, India and Latin America.

He now focuses on large scale power plants and integrated hybrid power solutions through ARRAKIS International Power Solutions and ARRAKIS Hybrid Power in the United Arab Emirates.

Lakhan Mazumder is a director and executive investment advisor working in real estate and finance. He is a serial entrepreneur and experienced hotelier with a background in sales, marketing and structured investment advisory.

Born and schooled in India, he is a business management graduate of the Indo American School of Tourism.

Nathan Batchelor is a hedge fund specialist based in the United States. He holds a degree in business and finance and has experience in trading, mergers and acquisitions, market analysis and business management.

His areas of expertise include mining, oil and gas, precious metals, commodity trading and project finance.

Jason Wang is a GCC investment consultant based in Dubai. His experience spans multiple sectors, and he works with a network of business connections across the GCC.

He advises companies exploring expansion and investment opportunities in Asia and the GCC, drawing on his understanding of the challenges and opportunities in these markets.