Speaker

Roy Bannister

Head of Strategic Partnerships: Africa
the bench

Roy Bannister is a seasoned, multi-disciplinary media professional with a dynamic career spanning over two decades across publishing, business development and media strategy. His expertise encompasses a wide array of sectors including news, politics, hospitality, AI, technology, gaming and corporate communications. He is a former Director of Business Development at one of Africa’s leading boutique PR agencies, where he led award-winning strategies in media exposure and corporate communications for multinational clients. Roy also co-founded Africa’s first business-focused artificial intelligence community, where he launched the continent’s first-ever AI Expo and Conference - and founded Africa’s first dedicated AI business magazine. In addition, Roy played a pioneering role in establishing Africa’s first legal gambling and integrated resorts trade show, successfully uniting government regulators, casino and resort operators, and international suppliers across the continent. Roy’s unique blend of editorial insight, strategic vision, and cross-sector leadership makes him a compelling, future-focused speaker on media, technology, and innovation in Africa.