Managing Partner, Middle East and Africa | Akon Lighting Incorporated
Farouk Khailann, an African entrepreneur deeply committed to fostering economic growth across the continent, is the founder of Premium Africa Holdings.
Premium Africa Holdings operates as an investment holding company centered on Africa, with assets and ventures spanning Ghana, Liberia, Uganda, Kenya, Gambia, and Sierra Leone. The company’s operations encompass construction, ICT, mining, agribusiness, fintech, real estate, energy, and investment consultancy.
In March 2018, he solidified his presence in Dubai, emerging as one of the most sought-after consultants by various individuals and organizations in the Middle East. He actively facilitates trade and investment between the Middle East and Africa.
In 2019, Farouk Khailann assumed the role of Managing Partner to American music superstar Akon for his Akon Lighting Africa project, leading the organization’s renewable energy endeavors in the Middle East and Africa.
Furthermore, Farouk Khailann serves as a Venture Partner at Erez Capital, a venture capital firm pioneering the AI and machine learning revolution. Erez Capital, with a remarkable combined fund size experience of venture partners (Assets Under Management +$80 Billion, Mergers & Acquisitions +$50 Billion, and Current Assets Under Management +$20 Billion), is dedicated to driving innovation and advancing breakthrough technologies.
In addition to his roles, Farouk Khailann holds numerous international appointments. He serves as the Executive Vice Chairman of the Turkey Africa Trade and Investment Council, Senior Advisor to the UAE Royal Family at the Private Office of H.H Sheikh Ahmed Bin Faisal Al-Qassimi, Jury Member for Bill Clinton and Hult Prize Foundation’s $1M Students Startup Challenge (Hulr Prize), International Partner of the World Angel Business Investment Forum, Executive Committee Member of the Global Wealth Forum, Africa President of the Asia CEO Community, Deputy Board Chairman of the Advisory Board at the University of Embu’s Centre of Excellence in Kenya, and Vice Chairman of the Africa Institute of Small Scale Mining.
