Bett UK 2025
22-24 January 2025
DBT Commercial Officers
Please use the following links to view the DBT Commercial Officer profiles available for in-person meetings as part of BETT UK 2025.
Attending In-Person:
Amine Souami
Trade Advisor
Amine Souami Trade Adviser, British Embassy Algiers is a Trade Adviser specializing in education at the British Embassy in Algiers, I support UK businesses in entering and thriving in the Algerian market. With a strong understanding of market dynamics, I help identify opportunities, connect companies with local partners, and provide tailored advice to ensure successful ventures in Algeria. I have facilitated numerous delegations, including educational institutions and businesses, fostering partnerships that promote innovation and excellence. My expertise spans market entry strategies, policy insights, and showcasing the value of British education and edtech solutions to a growing and receptive audience in Algeria. Passionate about bridging markets, I am committed to enabling impactful collaborations that drive mutual growth and success.
Tamir Campbell Ismail
Education Director Africa
Tamir leads the UK Department for Business & Trade's Africa education portfolio, overseeing key projects and partnerships in the K-12, tertiary, vocational education and skills sub-sectors across the continent. With over 14 years’ experience in the education field, Tamir has a track-record of driving initiatives that deliver education impact across public and private education systems. Tamir leads a team of DBT Africa trade advisors focused on education in priority markets including Egypt, Morocco, Nigeria, Ghana, Senegal, Mauritius and South Africa. Particular areas of focus include trans-national education partnerships, digital transformation projects for ministries of education, and supporting market access in emerging markets.
Maria Sales
Education Business Development Manager
Kelly Tavares
Head of Education LATAC
Maria Sales
Maria Sales is an International Relations professional dedicated to helping UK organisations with opportunities in the Brazilian Education sector, with a particular focus in EdTech, English Language Training and digital transformation in education.
With a solid background in commercial and policy fronts in a variety of industries, Maria is passionate about Government Affairs and improving global education standards, having partnered with senior Government representatives around the world towards that same goal.
In her current role, Maria is responsible for developing, maintaining, and growing strategic partnerships with key players inside the broader education space, as well as Ministries of Education and other government agencies in Federal and State levels.
Kelly Tavares
Kelly is an education professional with over 20 years’ experience in Higher Education, English Language Teaching, and Education Technologies in the United States, Brazil and Latin America. She has worked with British education companies for most of her career, where she managed a diverse portfolio of products, as well as customers.
She has been responsible for crafting, maintaining, and growing strategic partnerships with key players inside the broader education space, as well as Ministries of Education and other government agencies.
As Head of Education for the UK government in Latin America and the Caribbean (LATAC), Kelly is responsible for strengthening ties between the United Kingdom and LATAC, promoting partnerships, events, and exchanges of experiences in education.
Paola Vargas
Trade and Invest Officer - Education Lead
Paola Vargas is an accomplished professional with extensive experience in the education sector and international trade. She currently serves as the Education Lead for the Department for Business and Trade in the Dominican Republic, where she has been instrumental in driving impactful initiatives in EdTech, English Language Training (ELT), and higher education. With over three years at the organisation, Paola also holds the role of Trade and Investment Officer, which highlights her expertise in trade policy, international agreements, and logistics management.
A graduate with a Bachelor’s degree in International Business, Paola is passionate about enhancing educational opportunities, fostering international collaboration, and promoting innovation in the Dominican Republic’s education landscape.
Mona Badawy
Senior Trade Adviser- Healthcare & Education
I'm Mona, and I'm the Healthcare and Education Lead at DBT Egypt. My background is primarily in healthcare, spanning both Egypt and the UK, where I delved into the intricate realms of healthcare across borders, having worked in both the public and private sectors. My current role has equipped me with great in-depth understanding of the education sector, understanding more about the UK offering and the demands and dynamics of the Egyptian market. I am well-versed in the higher education sector, with notable universities in the UK and Egypt, supporting TNE partnerships. In addition, I have experience working in the K-12 sector and the edtech sector, with different schools in the UK and Egypt and key buyers and suppliers in the edtech sector.
Sophia Ip
Associate Director, Education and Healthcare
Sophia has worked in the UK trade and investment team at the British Consulate General in Hong Kong, for over six years leading on the education, healthcare & life sciences sectors. She plays a key role in supporting UK businesses looking to expand to Hong Kong, Macao and the Greater Bay Area. She helps develop strategies to manage relationships with clients and other stakeholders, being responsible for overseeing and co-ordinating implementation, which can include the delivery of trade missions, events and programmes.
Prior to this Sophia has a wealth of experience working in different education organisations including the British Council, the International Affairs Office of the Hong Kong Polytechnic University and education consultant, with the majority of time focused on education marketing and student recruitment.
Habib Raihan
Senior trade Advisor
Habib serves as a Senior Trade Advisor for Education Services, Skills and Technology at the Department for Business and Trade in India. Currently stationed at the British Deputy High Commission Kolkata, he is responsible for identifying opportunities for UK companies in India, with a keen focus on Higher Education, TVET, and EdTech and facilitate strategic partnerships with the relevant Indian organisations.
With extensive experience collaborating with Indian government departments, UN agencies, universities, and the private sector, Habib is committed to fostering quality education through impactful UK-India partnerships. His attendance at BETT last year has further refined his expertise in guiding UK organizations in entering and being successful in the Indian market.
Driven by a passion for strengthening international collaborations, Habib plays a pivotal role in enabling successful engagements that advance educational excellence and innovation between the UK and India.
Shahira Kader
Assistant Trade Manager
I am a dedicated and skilled Assistant Trade Manager for Education with a deep understanding of international trade and its impact on educational sectors. I play a pivotal part in managing and promoting educational initiatives, fostering global partnerships, and ensuring the seamless exchange of resources and knowledge across borders.
With a background in both trade and education, I adept at navigating the complexities of educational policy, international regulations, and trade agreements. I work closely with key stakeholders -including government agencies, educational instituitions, and industry leaders - to drive initiatives that support the growth and development of education on a global scale.
My knowledge in market analysis and trade strategy enables me to identify opportunities that enhance education access, innovation, and cross-cultural collaboration. I am committed to promoting sustainable education practises, increasing access to quality learning experiences, and contributing to the growth of the educational sector in the local market.
Deeptee K Bungaree-Gooheeram
County director
Deeptee Korlapu Bungaree Gooheeram is an accomplished senior leader with a proven track record in policy development, strategic direction, and effective team management. As the current Country Director for the Department for Business and Trade at the British High Commission in Mauritius, she leads the UK-Mauritius trade and investment initiatives, driving the UK-Mauritius Strategic Trade Partnership and enhancing bilateral relations.
Deeptee’s diverse career includes her pivotal role as Advisor on Communication and Information Matters to the Minister of Information and Communication Technology in Mauritius, where she managed the ministry’s public image and strategic communications. She has also held key positions such as Head of Trade & Investment and Trade & Investment Officer at the British High Commission, securing critical multilateral agreements and managing significant trade projects.
Her expertise extends to PR and marketing, gained during her tenure at Data Communications Ltd, and strategic advocacy work at SAFIRE, an NGO supporting children in street situations. She has a strong academic foundation with a Master’s degree in Diplomacy and Trade from Monash University, a Postgraduate Diploma in International Relations from the University of Nottingham, and a Bachelor’s degree in English from the University of Mauritius.
Fluent in English, French, and Creole, Deeptee is committed to continuous professional development, having completed several courses in contemporary African politics, global issues, and modern diplomacy. Her resilience, strategic vision, and ability to deliver results in diverse environments make her a highly respected figure in international trade and policy.
Fatima Zahra Lakhbabi
Senior Trade Advisor
Fatima Zahra is a Senior Trade Advisor leading the education sector in Morocco for the Department for Business and Trade. With a proven track record in strategic partnerships, she has successfully facilitated high-level collaborations between British institutions and Morocco’s academic landscape, driving growth and innovation. Her expertise covers education policy, market development, and international engagement, with a focus on promoting best practices and enhancing the quality of education in Morocco.
She has already organized a successful EdTech trade mission to Morocco, showcasing the growing interest and significant opportunities for EdTech companies in the country. Fatima-Zahra looks forward to developing strategic partnerships with UK companies that will further enhance the Moroccan education market.
Cassandra Vargas
Head of Education - Trade
Fernanda Rubio
Education Trade Officer
Cassandra Vargas
Cassandra is Head of Education for the trade section at the British Embassy in Mexico. Her role is to help UK companies and educational institutions establish themselves in Mexico, strengthen existing bilateral relations and raise awareness of potential opportunities in Mexico.
She is responsible for developing and delivering programmes of activities to share UK educational experience and best practice in Mexico, with the aim of increasing knowledge of innovative British solutions in the Mexican market.
She holds a degree in International Relations from the Tecnológico de Monterrey. She has several certificates in leadership, international studies and international cooperation from foreign universities, such as Harvard University in the United States, Kansai Gaidai University in Japan and Ghent University in Belgium.
Fernanda Rubio
Education Trade Officer, Mexico
Fernanda holds a Bachelor’s degree in Government and Public Policy, with a double major in Economics from Universidad Panamericana. In addition, she has completed two international specialisations. One of these was obtained at the London School of Economics and Political Science, where she focused on the study of global power structures in the 21st century. The second specialisation was completed at Universidad de Villanueva in Madrid, with a focus on the governance of international institutions and organisations in response to global crises.
Currently, Fernanda serves as the Education Trade Officer at the British Embassy in Mexico, where she supports British companies in the education sector in Mexico. Her previous roles at the British Embassy include positions within the Chevening, Economics, and Trade Policy teams. Fernanda has also had the opportunity to work at the French Embassy in Mexico, primarily focusing on visa services. Prior to this, she worked as a political communication analyst and campaign strategy consultant.
Rebecca Topping
Deputy Director - Trade
Over my 25-year career, I have supported UK companies and organisations with international opportunities, either in the form of commercial contracts or publicly-funded programmes. I have lived and worked outside of the UK since 2003, initially in Brussels, then Bahrain and joined the DBT team in Muscat, Oman, in 2017. I have covered a number of sectors for the DBT Muscat team, including energy, infrastructure and education, acquired a good understanding of the Oman economy and the opportunities and challenges for UK companies in-market; and a wide network of contacts in Oman's education sector, in particular its private-sector schools, colleges and universities. I am accompanying the Omani Ministry of Education, which has a pavilion to showcase its emerging strengths in digital education at BETT 2025.
Claudia Luis
Senior Trade Advisor
Claudia is a Senior Trade Advisor based at the Department for Business and Trade office in Lisbon - Portugal. She has been working for DBT for almost 20 years providing UK companies with support in identifying commercial opportunities in the Portuguese market. For the last couple of years, she has been covering the Education, Retail and Food & Drink sector, previous dealing with Financial Services, Healthcare, Transport, Security and Energy sectors. Claudia holds a post-graduation in Marketing Management and a degree in Modern Literatures.
The Education sector has been growing substantially last couple of years in Portugal. We have seen a huge increase in the number of private and international schools, mainly due to the high number of foreigners that have established in the country, increasing the potential for UK educational offering. The British education is well renowned in the market and consequently this creates appetite for UK products, namely EdTech companies.
Nankling Danfulani
Trade Adviser Education, Technology and Creatives
Nankling is an International Trade Adviser with an Education and Technology background. She has experience working in the private and public sectors building relationships and helping companies and individuals trade and invest internationally.
She is an expert in doing business in Nigeria and The UK especially in Technology, Education, and the Creatives sector. She supports international companies looking to export into, invest in or enter the Nigerian market through advisory, trade missions and partnerships. She has a record of ensuring high commercial returns for the companies she supports. In the last 4 years, her focus has been supporting UK investors and institutions into the Nigerian market especially in the Technology and Education sectors. Some of Nankling’s most recent win has led:
• Charterhouse Lagos to become the first British Independent school in West Africa
• The Nigerian government to create and sign their Transnational Education Guidelines
In the past, she has led teams as a Project/Product Manager building software products in Education Technology, Artificial Intelligence, Financial Technology, and Enterprise Resource Planning Systems.
Razan Osman
Senior Commercial Attaché
Razan is a Higher Executive Officer at the British Embassy in Qatar, where she leads on education and healthcare initiatives. Her role involves supporting UK companies in building partnerships and delivering innovative solutions that align with Qatar’s national strategies in these sectors.
In the education space, Razan focuses on areas such as digital learning, teacher training, and inclusive education. By fostering collaborations between UK experts and Qatari stakeholders, she aims to contribute to the development of a modern and impactful education system in Qatar.
Attending BETT for the second time, Razan is excited to connect with global education leaders and innovators, gaining insights into the latest trends and technologies. She looks forward to exploring ideas and partnerships that can support Qatar’s education strategy and drive long-term growth in the sector.
Salymata Sarr
Trade and Investment Advisor
Salymata Sarr is a seasoned professional at DBT Senegal, with over 6 years of experience in marketing and sales. Her primary focus lies in fostering strategic partnerships between the UK and Senegal, particularly in the realm of education. By leveraging international collaboration and investment, Salymata aims to drive innovation and improve educational outcomes in Senegal. Her work involves identifying opportunities for collaboration, facilitating knowledge exchange, and supporting the implementation of transformative education initiatives.
She pursued a Master in International Business at Nottingham Trend University trough the UK prestigious scholarship Chevening and also hold a master in Global Supply from Bordeaux School of Management.
Belinda Coombes
Director DBT Madrid
Carmen De la Fuente
Trade & Investment Adviser
Belinda Coombes
Belinda has been director of the Department for Business and Trade team at the British Embassy in Madrid, and Spain lead for the education sector, since 2009. Before that, Belinda worked in corporate banking in London and Madrid, managing relationships with large multinationals in a number of sectors.
The opportunities for UK edtech companies in the Spanish market are significant. Spain has over 130 British schools teaching the national curriculum, more than in the rest of Europe combined. International private schools are also a good source of opportunity; and many private universities and leading business schools offer courses in English.
Carmen De la Fuente
Carmen de la Fuente is a Trade and Investment Adviser at the British Embassy in Madrid, where she focuses on supporting UK companies in the education, retail, and food and drink sectors to expand and success in the Spanish market, equipping them with tools and insights to succeed abroad. She joined the embassy following an earlier internship in the same department. She has additional experience in strategic planning and business development at Ladorian. She holds an MBA in International Management and a dual degree in Economics and International Relations. She is fluent in Spanish, English and French, with additional skills in Mandarin Chinese.
Aida Ben Ghorbal
Country Director - Tunisia
Aida Ben Ghorbal joined DBT in 2019, leading the trade section for the Department of Business and Trade, based in the British embassy in Tunis. DBT Tunis team focuses on key sectors such as Education, Renewable Energy and Tech.
Prior to that, she has been working as a consultant for a private consultancy company in Paris, accompanying senior managers of multinationals on strategic decisions. She has led multiple change management and reorganisation programs. She has developed a strong expertise working in various sectors such as banking, agro industry or insurance.
Aida graduated from Paris Dauphine in Economics, Toulouse School of Economics and ESCP Paris.
Giang Doan
Education Trade Manager, British Embassy Hanoi
Phuong Ho
Trade Manager
Giang Doan
Currently serving as the Trade Manager for Education at the British Embassy Hanoi, Giang Doan has 3.5 years of experience driving the growth of Kinder, K-12, and English Language Training (ELT) program in Vietnam. With a strong background in operational excellence and delivering transformative educational partnerships and solutions, Giang now also focuses on expanding higher education and transnational education opportunities, bridging institutions and fostering cross-border collaborations. With 7 years of expertise in partnership development across hospitality, sports, events management, Giang is skilled in fostering collaborations that drive innovation and sustainable growth. Giang's combined experience in education and cross-sector partnership management reflects a passion for advancing impactful initiatives and connecting communities for meaningful outcomes.
Phuong Ho
Phuong looks after the Education and Training Sector in Viet Nam since 2006 at the British Consulate-General Ho Chi Minh City. She is travelling to the UK for Bett Global and potential regional visit. On this occasion, she would be delighted to have meetings with UK companies, who are interested in exploring the opportunities or information for their expansion plan into Viet Nam.
Phuong would be delighted to meet and share about the Vietnam education and training sector market overview including the -potential business opportunities.
Phuong is keen to learn the UK companies' ambitions and how she or DBT Education Vietnam team can offer its support to meet their goals, if possible.