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BakerMcKenzie
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Webber Wentzel 2
BakerMcKenzie
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Thursday, 27 August 2026
The Venue | Nine Yards
A morning filled with insightful discussions, meaningful conversations and inspirational stories from our trailblazing panelists.
After the discussion / Q&A session finished, brunch was available and an opportunity to network not only with fellow attendees, but also with the panelists themselves.
2026 Women's Networking Event Panelists:
Marylou Greig – Co-Founder and Editor | DealMakers
Trishanta Dheepnarayan – Director | Metier Private Equity
Wairimu Karungu – Vice President, Corporate Finance East Africa | Stanbic Bank Kenya
Nolu Mkhonza – Co-Creator of Bephor and Co-Founder of Hallyu
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2026 Women's Networking Event Panelists:
Wairimu Karungu | Stanbic Bank Kenya
As Vice President, Advisory, Investment Banking covering East Africa, Wairimu has successfully led the
origination and execution of multiple complex equity capital market transactions and cross-jurisdictional
mergers and acquisitions. She has also played a key advisory role for governments and multiple leading
corporations across Africa. Wairimu has effectively designed and executed strategic corporate finance mandates across East and Central Africa and is credited with having executed landmark transactions across CEEMEA and sub-Saharan Africa, including the sale of the Wananchi’s assets to Axian Telecom. This complex transaction, spanning four East African jurisdictions and involving multiple shareholders, was recognised by EMEA Finance as the Best M&A Deal in telecommunications (2025).
Trishanta Dheepnarayan | Metier
Trishanta is a Principal and shareholder at Metier, an independent pan-African private equity fund manager with over US$400 million in committed capital across two funds. She has 18 years of private equity experience across sub-Saharan Africa, spanning investment origination, execution, portfolio management and exit. Trishanta began her career at Absa Capital Private Equity before joining Metier in 2009. She now sits on Metier’s Investment Committee and Board of Directors, and serves as a director on the boards of portfolio companies. She is a CFA® charterholder and holds a Bachelor of Business Science in Finance from the University of KwaZulu-Natal.
Nolu Mkhonza | Bephor and Hallyu
Nolu is an entrepreneur, business strategist and cross-cultural innovator, redefining the future of African
beauty through global collaboration. As Director of Hallyu Korean Skincare, and South African Brand Partner and Co-Creator of Bephor – the world’s first K-Beauty haircare brand developed specifically for African hair and scalp needs – she is leading a new era of inclusive beauty innovation. After spending five years in South Korea, Nolu gained invaluable insight into the country’s beauty industry and recognised the opportunity to bridge Korean expertise with the unique needs of African consumers. She has been instrumental in developing products that combine cutting-edge science with authentic local relevance. Passionate about representation and entrepreneurship, Nolu is committed to empowering people to embrace their natural beauty with confidence. Through her work, she continues to connect continents, cultures and industries, shaping a more inclusive future for African beauty.
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