TEDxLuanda

Speakers

Speakers may not be confirmed. Check the event website for the latest lineup.

• Alda Maria Rosado Duarte

  Alda Maria Rosado Duarte was born and raised in Lisbon, Portugal, where she dedicated herself to sewing for 35 years, a practice she considers transformative in her life. Trained at MODATEX in tailoring, pattern making, draping, and instructor training, Alda developed skills that led her to create pieces that combine African tradition with a contemporary vision. Creative Director of Alda Fun Fashion, she combines her vast technical experience with entrepreneurship, producing elegant, classic, and uniquely original clothing. Since her youth, she has always created and customized clothes, standing out for her creativity in patchwork, which has become her signature. After emigrating to Angola in 2013, Alda incorporated the rich history of African fabrics into her creations, celebrating cultural diversity. Her goal is to transform Alda Fun Fashion into a global platform for valuing African fashion, promoting sustainability and the reuse of materials.

• Cláudio Marques

  Cláudio Marques is a biologist and specialist in Industrial and Commercial Biotechnology from Newcastle University, United Kingdom. For over ten years, he has dedicated himself to the conservation and enhancement of Angola's plant genetic heritage as curator of the Plant Genetic Resources Center at Agostinho Neto University. He represents the country in SADC forums, contributing to regional strategies for the conservation and sustainable use of plant genetic resources. With extensive experience in higher education, he has trained technicians and researchers in the areas of biotechnology, conservation, and food security. His career combines scientific rigor and institutional commitment, advocating that the preservation of plant biodiversity is essential for sustainability and the future of the next generations.

• Erica Tavares

  Erica Tavares is a stubborn optimist, an Angolan environmental biologist and ecologist, born in Luanda in 1997. Passionate about people, nature, and science, she focuses on creating solutions to real problems by strategically and innovatively uniting science with community and conservation practices. She co-founded EcoAngola – an Angolan NGO that develops initiatives focused on environmental education, biodiversity protection, and youth empowerment. In parallel, she develops projects in ecological restoration and responsible environmental management in Angola through EcoJango, a company she also co-founded.

• Gabriela Braga

  Born in 1984 in Ipatinga (Minas Gerais, Brazil), Gabriela de Paula Braga has always been driven by authenticity and purpose. A law graduate in 2012, she began her entrepreneurial journey the following year, combining curiosity and an innovative spirit. In 2019, she arrived in Africa, where she says she experienced a reconnection with her ancestry — “I didn’t choose Angola, Angola chose me.” Since 2022, she has been the CEO of Kudya Mix, a social impact company that combats hunger and poverty in Angola by transforming agricultural products into dehydrated, nutritious, and accessible foods. Under her leadership, Kudya Mix has become a symbol of innovation, sustainability, and social responsibility, generating employment, income, and hope in local communities.

• Marco Vicente

  Originally from Benguela, Angola, Marco Vicente has been passionate about the sea since childhood. He grew up in direct contact with the ocean and, over the years, transformed this deep connection into a life mission: protecting and preserving marine ecosystems. His fascination with Angolan waters led him to become a professional recreational diving instructor, a profession that combines adventure, environmental awareness, and education. Today, Marco is recognised as an active advocate for the oceans, dedicated to raising awareness about the impacts of pollution, especially plastic, one of the greatest enemies of the marine environment. Through Ombissi Divers Benguela, he leads community and educational initiatives for waste collection, under the motto "Sea without plastics," promoting a dive not only into the waters but also into collective awareness of sustainability and environmental responsibility.

• Mário Fula

  Mário Fula is a young Angolan, born in Luanda – Rangel, a Technician in Industrial Electronics and Automation, and holds a degree in Physics from ESP-KN (Higher Pedagogical School of Kwanza-Norte). He serves as Vice-President of EcoAngola – an NGO dedicated to promoting sustainability, with the objective of preserving the environment and promoting social well-being in Angola. The institution was awarded the Forbes Lusophone Africa Social Responsibility Award 2025. Throughout his career, he has dedicated himself to promoting environmental and social sustainability, actively participating in projects and events on Responsible Investment and publishing articles in national and international newspapers. Mário believes in the power of communication, environmental education, and volunteering as essential tools for social transformation. He argues that small individual actions can generate large collective changes, inspiring communities to build a more sustainable future.

• Nuno Cruz

  Nuno Cruz, also known as “El Catador,” is a young Angolan environmentalist and activist committed to environmental education and the circular economy. Founder and President of the Nação Verde Association, he leads the “Recicla+ – Meu Resíduo, Minha Responsabilidade” project, one of the largest community mobilisation and sustainable waste management initiatives in Luanda. A law student at Agostinho Neto University, Nuno combines legal knowledge with practical action, promoting innovative solutions for recycling, the inclusion of waste pickers, and the strengthening of ecological citizenship. Recognised both within and outside Angola, he acts as a Focal Point for the GEF (Global Environment Facility) NGO Network, representing civil society in debates on climate diplomacy and sustainability. With the motto “Act locally, think globally,” Nuno Cruz inspires a generation of young people to transform awareness into action and build a greener and fairer future for Angola and the planet.

• Verónica Choconesa

  Verónica Choconesa is a petroleum and gas drilling engineer and founder of Nzolani – Indústria Renováveis, a 100% Angolan startup dedicated to the production of green hydrogen for electric mobility and fertilisers. With a degree in Engineering from the Russian State University of Geological Exploration (Moscow) and a Master's degree in Human Resources Management from the Lusíada University of Angola, Choconesa is a pioneer in renewable energy in Angola. She has led the 1st Green Hydrogen Forum in Angola, the Energy Expo, and environmental campaigns in Luanda, in addition to representing the country at international sustainability conferences. Currently, she participates in the Global Green project, which aims to build an industrial complex for the production of hydrogen, ammonia, and green gasoline—bringing clean energy and real solutions to communities most affected by climate change.