About – IAF Business Forum

Our Mission

Connecting Two Dynamic Worlds

The Israel–Francophone Africa Business Forum (IAF Business Forum) was founded to create structured, sustainable business relationships between Israel and the French-speaking countries of Africa.

Francophone Africa — home to 21 countries stretching from West Africa to Central Africa and the Indian Ocean — represents one of the world's fastest-growing economic regions. Israel, the "Start-Up Nation," brings world-class innovation in agriculture, water technology, cybersecurity, medical devices, and more.

Together, there is immense potential. The Forum is the bridge.

"Building bridges between Israel and Francophone Africa — one handshake at a time."

Our Values

What We Stand For

The principles that guide everything we do.

🤝

Partnership First

We believe in long-term, mutual benefit. Every connection we facilitate is built on trust, transparency, and shared goals.

🌍

Inclusive Growth

We champion opportunities for businesses of all sizes — from startups to established enterprises — on both sides of the relationship.

💡

Innovation & Impact

We focus on sectors where Israeli innovation can create tangible impact: agriculture, health, water, clean energy, and digital technology.

What We Do

Our Activities

🎤

Conferences & Forums

High-level events bringing together business leaders, government officials, and investors from Israel and Francophone Africa.

✈️

Trade Delegations

Organized missions to key Francophone African markets and visits by African delegations to Israel's innovation hubs.

🔗

Business Matchmaking

Curated one-on-one meetings and introductions between Israeli and African companies seeking partners, clients, or investors.

📊

Research & Reports

Market intelligence, country profiles, and sector analyses to help businesses make informed decisions.

🌍

21 Countries,
One Forum

From Senegal to Madagascar, from Côte d'Ivoire to the Democratic Republic of Congo — the forum covers the full breadth of Francophone Africa.

The Team

Meet the Co-Founders

Six professionals united by a shared vision — building sustainable business bridges between Israel and Francophone Africa.

Liora Dahan

Co-Founder

Economist and international business development executive with 25+ years of global experience and 20+ years across Africa. Specializes in strategic partnerships, investment mobilization, and large-scale projects in healthcare, agriculture, infrastructure, and tech across Francophone West Africa.

liora@iaf-businessforum.org +972 543 055 585

Judith Hajdenberg

Co-Founder

Israeli lawyer fluent in French, English, and Hebrew, with extensive experience bridging Israeli and Francophone African businesses. Shaped by over a decade living in Japan, she brings a multicultural perspective to international law and business partnerships.

judith@iaf-businessforum.org +972 545 974 997

Corinne Ganor

Co-Founder

Head of Global Trade Solutions at Israel Discount Bank and former Head of Export Finance at BNP Paribas. Bridges business, financial, and diplomatic stakeholders across infrastructure, renewable energy, food tech, and water solutions.

corinne@iaf-businessforum.org +972 546 532 795

Dan Catarivas

Co-Founder

President of the Israeli Federation of Bi-National Chambers of Commerce (IFBC) and senior advisor at the Manufacturers' Association of Israel. Former Director General for Foreign Trade with 25 years of government service, including as Israel's Economic Counselor in Beijing.

dan@iaf-businessforum.org +972 509 478 813

Yoram Fedida

Co-Founder

Founder & CEO of the International Intelligence Academy (IIA) and co-founder of ConnectIL. Expert in intelligence advisory, AI, fintech, and international business development, with hands-on experience supporting African governments and private organizations.

yoram@iaf-businessforum.org +972 587 707 700

Jonathan Baravir

Co-Founder

Financial Director for Middle East, Eastern Europe & Africa at Rivulis. Holds an MSc from HEC Paris and an MBA from MIT Sloan, with a career spanning McKinsey consulting and serving as Secretary General of Azalai Hotel Group across West Africa.

jon@iaf-businessforum.org +972 524 396 309

About the Forum

Connecting Two Dynamic Worlds