Margherita Trestini is an entrepreneur with 30 years of experience, including a decade dedicated to Research and Innovation projects funded by the European Commission. As the Co-Founder and General Manager of Apodissi, operating in Lagos, Nigeria, Windhoek, Namibia, and Dubai, UAE, Margherita excels in business development, start-ups, innovation, and go-to-market strategies across various industries, including FMCG, telecommunications, engineering, international sports events, and luxury brands. With a passion for EU-Africa collaboration, Margherita has significantly contributed to various high-impact projects. She has been instrumental in initiatives like the Policy and Regulation Initiative for Digital Africa (PRIDA) and Horizon 2020, Horizon Europe, and ERASMUS+ projects, including DIGILOGIC, PRAECTICE, SMART STEP, and GreenVETAfrica. Her roles have encompassed project management, scientific dissemination, community engagement, and capacity building, ensuring successful outcomes and fostering innovation ecosystems. She has successfully led initiatives to foster EU-Africa Research and Innovation collaboration, supporting the European Union Delegation in the organisation of the first EU-Nigeria Research and Innovation Days, and presenting at several international conferences. Margherita's work has been instrumental in shaping SME and startup growth strategies in emerging markets, particularly in Sub-Sahara Africa and the Gulf, delivering scalable program toolkits, market data, and customer insights. In her role as a national expert and principal Investigator for GIZ programmes, National Contact Point for the European Institute of Innovation & Technology and the European Innovation Council programmes in Nigeria, Margherita has focused on supporting the establishment of digital innovation hubs and healthcare innovation assessments, contributing to the empowerment of innovators. Her global career has equipped her with the ability to navigate in diverse cultural environments. Margherita holds a Bachelor's degree in Philosophy from Turin University and is fluent in English and Italian. Her journey reflects a blend of strategic vision and hands-on expertise, fuelled by her passion for innovation in emerging markets.