English Version

Khalid IBEN KHAYAT is a prominent industrial executive with over thirty-four years of experience in the development, execution, and management of major industrial projects across Africa. A chemical engineer who graduated from the Institut Supérieur Industriel du Hainaut (Belgium), he furthered his professional development by completing an Advanced Management Program (AMP) offered by MDE Business School in partnership with IESE Business School (Barcelona), thereby strengthening his expertise in governance, strategy, and leadership. Throughout his career, he has held senior leadership roles at Holcim Group and subsequently at CIMAF, where he successfully spearheaded the establishment, construction, and ramp-up of several cement complexes, concrete plants, and quarry projects in Côte d’Ivoire and Central Africa. His work has significantly contributed to expanding industrial capacity and structuring the construction materials sector in several African countries.

After serving as Managing Director of Côte d’Ivoire Sidérurgie (CIS) and Ciments Écologiques de Côte d’Ivoire (CIMECI), he assumed the role of Managing Director of the Industrial Division at YESHI Group in April 2024. In this capacity, he oversees the Group’s industrial development strategy across several African countries and in Thailand, leading major investment projects in the steel, cement, energy, and construction materials sectors. A recognized expert in industrial strategy, investment project management, business development, corporate governance, and change management, he is also an active figure in the Ivorian private sector. Notably, he has served as President of the Association of Cement Producers of Côte d’Ivoire (APCCI) and as a Board Member of the General Confederation of Enterprises of Côte d’Ivoire (CGECI). In recognition of his overall contribution to the industrial and economic development of Côte d’Ivoire, he was appointed a Knight of the Ivorian Order of Merit in 2022. His career is defined by a strategic vision, a strong ability to lead complex industrial projects, and an unwavering commitment to industrialization, value creation, and sustainable development across the African continent.

French Version

Khalid IBEN KHAYAT est un dirigeant industriel de premier plan, fort de plus de trente-quatre années d’expérience dans le développement, la réalisation et la direction de grands projets industriels en Afrique. Ingénieur chimiste diplômé de l’Institut Supérieur Industriel du Hainaut (Belgique), il a complété son parcours par un Advanced Management Program (AMP) dispensé par MDE Business School en partenariat avec l’IESE Business School de Barcelone, renforçant ainsi son expertise en gouvernance, stratégie et leadership. Au cours de sa carrière, il a exercé de hautes responsabilités au sein du Groupe Holcim, puis de CIMAF, où il a piloté avec succès la création, la construction et la montée en puissance de plusieurs complexes cimentiers, centrales à béton et projets de carrières en Côte d’Ivoire et en Afrique centrale. Son action a largement contribué au développement des capacités industrielles et à la structuration de la filière des matériaux de construction dans plusieurs pays africains.

Après avoir assuré la Direction Générale de Côte d’Ivoire Sidérurgie (CIS) et de Ciments Écologiques de Côte d’Ivoire (CIMECI), il occupe depuis avril 2024 les fonctions de Directeur Général du Pôle Industrie du Groupe YESHI. À ce titre, il supervise la stratégie de développement industriel du Groupe dans plusieurs pays d’Afrique ainsi qu’en Thaïlande, en conduisant des projets d’investissement d’envergure dans les secteurs de la sidérurgie, du ciment, de l’énergie et des matériaux de construction. Expert reconnu en stratégie industrielle, en gestion de projets d’investissement, en développement de nouvelles activités, en gouvernance d’entreprise et en conduite du changement, il est également un acteur engagé du secteur privé ivoirien. Il a notamment présidé l’Association des Producteurs de Ciment de Côte d’Ivoire (APCCI) et a siègé en qualité d’Administrateur de la Confédération Générale des Entreprises de Côte d’Ivoire (CGECI). Pour l’ensemble de sa contribution au développement industriel et économique de la Côte d’Ivoire, il a été élevé, en 2022, au rang de Chevalier de l’Ordre du Mérite ivoirien. Son parcours est marqué par une vision stratégique, une forte capacité à conduire des projets industriels complexes et un engagement constant en faveur de l’industrialisation, de la création de valeur et du développement durable sur le continent africain.

Auto Chartering is a Spanish shipping and logistics company with a Strong specialization in the cement industry supply chain based in Barcelona, Athens, Dubai and Singapore.

With 25+ years experience in shipping, David Canabate joined Auto chartering in the year 2002.David Canabate holds a Phd in Science and Nautical engineering and a Postgraduate Degree in Port Operations Management .

Juan Villarraga is Trading Manager for South Europe and North-West Africa at EP Power Minerals, focusing on SCM and minerals trading. He has over 15 years of international experience in commodity trading, logistics and port infrastructure development across Europe, Africa, the Middle East and the Americas. His career includes senior roles with leading trading houses and port infrastructure companies. Juan holds a degree in Industrial Engineering, an MSc in Oil and Gas Trade Management, and an Executive MBA.

Kiranmai Sanagavarapu (Kiran) works on industrial decarbonisation, with experience spanning process engineering, product leadership, and commercial deployment in the cement and building materials industry. Her work focuses on how existing industrial systems can be adapted to meet climate and sustainability goals without losing sight of operational and economic realities.

She is involved in shaping and scaling decarbonisation pathways across technology development, plant upgrades, and deployment decisions - with a focus on solutions that can move beyond pilots and be implemented across operating assets. Her perspective is grounded in practical exposure to how decarbonisation decisions are made, funded, and executed within industry.

She currently serves as Director of Low Carbon Solutions at Fuller Technologies, leading the company's portfolio of CO2-reduction technologies across materials, fuels, and process optimisation.

Dr. Dmitry Davydov has been with WACKER since 2011 and currently held a position of Technical Manager, supporting Silicone additives for Coating, Cement and concrete.
 
With more than 20 publications and 5 patents related to soil stabilization, mixture design of construction materials and industrial additives to cements, he is supporting customers in Europe, Middle East, Africa and LATAM regions.
 
Dr. Dmitry Davydov holds a PhD in Polymer Chemistry from Moscow State University, brings over 15 years of practical, in-field experience in the construction sector

Ovic M’bi Mabiala is the Country Director of CIMPOR Côte d’Ivoire, where he leads the company’s operations and strategic development in the Ivorian cement market. His involvement with the company dates back to the development of its industrial operations in Côte d’Ivoire, when he served as Site Chief for the construction of the CIMPOR cement grinding plant and calcined clay production line in Abidjan. He subsequently held several commercial and management responsibilities within CIMPOR Côte d’Ivoire before being appointed Country Director in May 2026. He also serves as Vice President of the Association des Producteurs de Ciment de Côte d’Ivoire (APCCI), contributing to the development and representation of the country’s cement industry.

Throughout his career, he has been closely involved in market development, commercial strategy and the development of lower-carbon cement solutions, particularly through the use of locally produced calcined clay. His experience combines industrial project development, commercial leadership and executive management, with a strong focus on sustainable growth and lower-carbon construction materials in West Africa.

Dan Maleski is a Director in EY’s Global Center of Excellence for Tax and Law, specializing in the economic and commercial impact of carbon pricing mechanisms such as ETS, carbon taxes, and CBAM on corporate profitability and competitiveness. Working with commodity traders, industrial companies, and manufacturers, he advises businesses on how carbon costs influence decisions across sourcing, procurement, pricing, investment, and supply chain strategy. He also supports organizations in understanding, implementing, and complying with evolving carbon-related regulatory and reporting requirements. His work focuses on finding practical ways to operate and remain competitive in a world where carbon has become a real business cost.

Clovis AYEMOU is a Senior Investment Officer in the Industry & Services team at the African Development Bank. specializing in structuring financing and investment solutions for large-scale industrial projects in Africa. With over 14 years of transaction experience, Clovis designs pragmatic measures to de-risk investments, including blended finance, sustainability-linked instruments and targeted credit enhancements, and regularly advise sponsors, and commercial partners on financing arrangements that make decarbonization projects investable. Clovis holds an MSc in Financial Engineering from EM Lyon Business School in France.

Victor Gómez is the Business Developer - Cement Segment at Pentol GmbH, specializing in combustion optimization and the treatment of high-sulfur and vanadium-rich fuels. With over 10 years of experience in the field, he focuses on market and product development for the cement segment, helping plants worldwide improve kiln stability, reduce deposits and rings, and unlock the operational potential of alternative and high-sulfur fuels.

Luís Novais holds a degree in Chemical Engineering and an MBA from Católica Lisbon School of Business & Economics. With over 20 years of experience in the cement industry, he has held operational roles across several countries, including Portugal, Tunisia, Lebanon and Brazil, with a strong focus on improving plant performance in clinker and cement production.

As a co-founder and Chief Commercial Officer of UTIS, Luís combines extensive industrial experience with a deep understanding of combustion optimization and decarbonization. He has been closely involved in the international development and implementation of UTIS technologies, supporting industrial companies in improving operational performance, reducing fuel consumption and lowering CO2 emissions.

His experience brings together a practical understanding of cement plant operations with the development and deployment of innovative technologies designed to support a more efficient and sustainable industry.

Abdelilah CHATER is a Civil Engineer and graduate of EHTP, Morocco's leading engineering school, with over 16 years of experience in the cement industry. He currently serves as Technical Director at Novacim and hold a Global Executive MBA (GEMBA) from TBS Education. Over the course of his career, he has worked across the full value chain — industrial operations, plant management, purchasing, and quality — giving him a hands-on, field-tested perspective on alternative fuels, cement performance, and the operational realities of the energy transition.

Oyekemi Oyekemi holds a PhD in Environmental Science from Coventry University UK and she is a certified Practitioner of the Institute of Sustainability and Environmental Professionals. With over 14 years’ experience in sustainable drainage systems, pollutant management, decarbonisation in the manufacturing sector and consulting, Oyekemi currently leads the Sustainability team across subsidiaries of the Dangote Cement Group. She drives the Group’s sustainability strategy, overseeing the integration of Climate, Environmental, Social and Governance considerations into business operations and long-term value creation.

Ismail Acar is the Country Director of CIMPOR Ghana, bringing more than 17 years of international leadership experience in the cement, mining, glass and refractory industries. He is responsible for overall business performance, covering manufacturing, commercial operations, sales & marketing, finance, investments, HSE and operational excellence.
His career includes senior leadership roles in process industries across Türkiye, where he has led large-scale operations such as quarrying, raw material preparation, clinker and cement production, beneficiation & kilning, plant operations, as well as investment and planning in industrial projects.

He holds a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering, a master’s degree in chemical engineering and an MBA in Business Administration and Management and is currently pursuing a PhD in Materials Science and Engineering.
With a strong focus on operational efficiency, cost optimization and sustainable growth, he is passionate about developing high-performing teams and advancing lower-carbon cement solutions through innovation and process excellence.

Jaouad TAKHDATE is a seasoned commercial leader with more than 15 years of experience across the cement, refractory, and coating industries.

As Country Head of Sales, he is responsible for driving overall business performance, with a broad scope covering manufacturing, commercial operations, sales and marketing, and operational excellence.

Throughout his career, Jaouad has developed strong expertise in business development, customer relationship management, sales strategy, and operational performance. His experience across industrial environments enables him to combine a strong commercial focus with a deep understanding of manufacturing and operational challenges.

He is particularly focused on creating sustainable business growth, strengthening customer partnerships, and delivering value through performance, innovation, and operational excellence.

Mr. Abderrahim TAIBI is Chemical engineer; He is now a General Director of The Moroccan Institute for Standardization (IMANOR). Mr. TAIBI has integrated the standardization activities since 1989 as a project manager. He has participated in some international standardization committees as ISO/TC 207 on environmental management and ISO Group which has in charge to develop ISO 26000 on social responsibility. He is also an auditor of management systems, and trainer on environmental management system (ISO 14001) and social responsibility (ISO 26001).

Mr. TAIBI participates in some regional standardization activities as CEN, CENELEC, SMIIC and AIDSMO.  M. TAIBI is Chairman of some Moroccan standardization and certification technical committees including cement, steel, Energy efficiency, climate change and management system. He has also participated in the development of many national technical regulations.

Mohamed Yassine Ghilane is Corporate Digitalization & Performance Lead at CIMAT/CIMAF Technical Services, leading the Group’s industrial digital transformation and performance management initiatives across multiple African operations. He is responsible for defining and deploying digital solutions aligned with the Group’s strategic vision, including industrial data management, business intelligence, LIMS, AI, and other tailored digital projects addressing evolving needs. He also oversees corporate performance management, enabling operational excellence through standardized KPIs, cross-site benchmarking, and coordinating data-driven decision-making.

Imane Hanafi is an E&S Manager with extensive experience in major EPC and infrastructure projects in Morocco. She has worked on large-scale port construction projects for major clients including OCP and TangerMed. Her experience covers ESG management, regulatory compliance, international environmental and social standards, and the integration of sustainability requirements into complex infrastructure projects. Imane brings a practical contractor perspective to sustainable infrastructure delivery, with a particular focus on translating environmental and sustainability requirements into real-world construction decisions and project performance.