As global commerce and investment are reshaped by evolving geopolitical dynamics, Counder, the global leadership network, has announced its flagship event, the Counder Conference 2026, will emphasize the Middle East’s rising influence on the world stage. This exclusive, invitation-only event will be held in Cape Town from January 27–29, 2026, and will host 500 global leaders.
Under the theme “Trusted Connections in Cape Town,” the conference will unite family office principals, institutional investors, venture capitalists, and industry innovators from the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, Asia-Pacific, and Africa. The focus will be on fostering reliable partnerships, co-investment opportunities, and cross-border collaboration beyond traditional limits.
Middle East in Focus
The Counder Conference 2026 will delve into the region’s evolution through curated roundtables, strategic breakouts, and expert-led discussions. Key topics include:
• The Middle East: Reimagined – Transitioning from an energy powerhouse to a diversified global leader in technology, finance, and sustainable development.
• Egypt: Past Meets Future – Exploring opportunities at the convergence of heritage and modern ambition in technology, renewable energy, and logistics.
• Regional Integration & Global Reach – The influence of sovereign wealth, cross-border partnerships, and demographic trends on the region’s future.
Participants from the region include Sudeep Ramnani (885 Capital, UAE), Mato Perić (entrepreneur and investor), Sherine Kabesh (payments entrepreneur, Egypt), and Omar Khashaba (Algebra Ventures, Egypt). They will join key figures from fintech, renewable energy, media, and logistics sectors.
A Gathering of Global Leaders
Confirmed international participants include Anuradha Das Mathur (economist, India), Dr. Oliver Merkel (tech entrepreneur, Germany), Andrew Stewart (venture capitalist, USA), and Michael Jordaan (technology pioneer, South Africa). Events will be held at iconic Cape Town venues, such as the Norval Foundation and The German Residence.
“The Middle East’s sovereign wealth and entrepreneurial spirit are reshaping global investment trends,” stated Michel Weiss, CEO of Counder. “Counder offers an ideal platform for building trusted partnerships between regional and global leaders.”
Chairman Leonard Stiegeler noted, “International business leaders are eager to engage more deeply with rapidly growing regions like the Middle East. Counder facilitates impactful engagements that will shape the next decade of global commerce.”
The summit aims to demonstrate how a shared vision and trusted connections can unlock new opportunities, setting the stage for the next era of global business, uniting leaders from over 30 countries.
