Lagos & New York – April 10, 2026 – The Economic Club of Africa Network (ECAN) — a non-profit organization dedicated to finance, innovation, and development in Africa — is proud to announce the appointment of Ghanaian entrepreneur and philanthropist Thomas Svanikier and former President of the Republic of Mauritius Her Excellency Ameenah Gurib-Fakim as inaugural Country Patrons for Ghana and Mauritius, respectively.
These two distinguished and highly accomplished global leaders will represent and support the organization’s mission at national and international levels.
Brief profiles of both leaders are provided below:
Thomas Svanikier is the founder of several companies including Svani Group, where he is executive chairman. He acts as a consultant and advocate for international companies who wish to invest and operate in Ghana and elsewhere in Africa. He founded Svani Limited in 1990 as an automobile retailing company based in Accra, Ghana. Since then, it has expanded and diversified into the Svani Group with subsidiaries and capital investments in transportation, energy, finance, and real estate. Mr. Svanikier is also co-founder and chairman of Africa Capital Ltd, the largest shareholder of Fidelity Bank Ghana Ltd and Fidelity Asia Bank, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. He is a founding member and former non-executive director of the American Chamber of Commerce, Ghana. He was honored with the highest award of the land (The Order of the Volta) by the Government of Ghana in 2023, recognizing his role and contribution to society.
Her Excellency Ameenah Gurib-Fakim is a globally recognized biodiversity scientist, academic leader, and former President of the Republic of Mauritius. She served as the 6th and first female President of Mauritius (2015–2018). Prior to the presidency, she was the Managing Director of CIDP Research and Innovation as well as Professor of Organic Chemistry with an endowed chair at the University of Mauritius. Professor Gurib-Fakim’s scientific career spans decades of pioneering research in biodiversity conservation and sustainable development. She has authored and co-edited over 30 books and numerous scientific publications. She was elevated to the Order of the Commander of the Star and Key by the Government of Mauritius in 2008 and admitted to the Order of the Chevalier de L’Ordre des Palmes Académiques by the Government of France in 2010. She holds six honorary doctorates including from the Université Pierre et Marie Curie (Sorbonne Université), Paris, France in 2013.
As long-term thinkers and strategic advisors who value governance and institutional legacy, they will engage in critical dialogue with business leaders, corporate executives, policymakers, and global thinkers. With deep knowledge and expertise in international business and development, they will serve as ambassadors, helping to foster partnerships and support key initiatives across their respective countries and internationally as ECAN deepens its impact.
“The newly appointed Country Patrons are distinguished leaders of exceptional standing. Her Excellency Gurib-Fakim and Mr. Svanikier are two globally respected figures whose reputation and personal authority command the confidence of peers across business, government, academia, culture, and philanthropy. With substantial international experience and a broad understanding of cross-cultural dynamics and global networks of influence, they bring a wealth of experience, influence, and commitment that will advance ECAN’s mission of strengthening commercial ties and deepening innovation exchanges across the continent and internationally,” said Prof. Fred Olayele, Board Chair, ECAN.
“Mauritius remains a vital financial and economic bridge between Africa and global markets. As a trusted jurisdiction with deep connections to key global regions, its pivotal role in advancing cross-border partnerships is undeniable. Mauritius’ strategic positioning as a leading hub for investment is central to advancing ECAN’s mandate of strengthening commercial and innovation exchanges with Africa’s global partners. I am honoured to serve as ECAN’s Country Patron for Mauritius,” said Her Excellency Ameenah Gurib-Fakim.
“Ghana stands as a strategic gateway to West Africa, serving as both a political and economic bridge within the region. Its stable governance, favourable business climate, and central location position it as a natural leader in driving regional integration and economic cooperation. This uniquely places Ghana at the heart of ECAN’s mission to connect international partners with opportunities across the continent. It’s an honour to bring Ghanaian and global perspectives to help advance the mission of ECAN,” said Thomas Svanikier.
The formal investiture ceremony of the newly appointed Country Patrons will take place during the 2026 ECAN Annual Summit in the second half of the year, where they will be formally invested in their roles.
The full bios of both leaders are available here.
ECAN is a non-profit organization dedicated to finance, innovation, and development in Africa. We convene influential leaders and thinkers dedicated to fostering partnerships to advance Africa’s expanding role and strategic influence in a fragmented world. A strategic circle of influence — where ambition and execution meet discretion and efficiency — ECAN’s core mandate is to strengthen commercial ties and deepen innovation exchanges. Membership is by invitation only — and typically reserved for highly accomplished and distinguished leaders and experts.
To learn more, visit www.econclubafrica.org
