Semir is ST Engineering iDirect's Head of Cellular Backhaul and Trunking. A seasoned telecommunications executive, Semir is an expert at bridging technology and business specifically in the Mobile and Internet spaces. Previously with Memotec Semir was vice-president of Marketing & Strategy, and Product Marketing director at Comtech. Prior to this tenure, Semir has launched startups and held several international assignments with Oz Communications (acquired by Nokia), Airwide solutions/Schlumberger & Sema Group in the areas of product management, solutions architecture and product development.

Paula Gilbert has been the Editor of Connecting Africa since June 2019. The South Africa-based journalist previously worked as a TV producer and reporter for business television channels Bloomberg TV Africa and CNBC Africa, and started her career in radio news.