Jump to a Fellow:
Aime Matamba
Aime is a professional engineer passionate about project and business management with 13 years of experience. He formerly served as the managing director of Kasai-Oriental's local government tax collection authority. Aime was a key figure in the financial decentralization process in Kasai-Oriental, a World Bank-funded initiative administered by the Congolese National Ministry of Finance. As the youngest managing director of the Kasai Oriental province's tax collection authority, he effectively managed a company of up to 380 people with a monthly revenue target of $1.6 million for the Kasai Oriental government. He is currently a consultant for numerous organizations, including his own, which he intends to expand after he completes his training in the United States. Aime has a Bachelor of Technology in civil engineering and a Master's of Business Administration in business management. After completing the Mandela Washington Fellowship, Aime intends to expand his business and continue his community engagement, with a focus on training youth in rural communities about entrepreneurship and self-sufficiency.
Alina Alma Shiimi
Alina Alma Shiimi brings over nine years of experience in leadership, marketing, project management, and operations management. Alina currently serves as the head program coordinator at Future Media, Namibia's largest media company, where she oversees strategic programming and marketing initiatives aimed at advancing brand development. Aside from her professional pursuits, she received the UN Annual Volunteer Award and worked as a media and information literacy youth facilitator, leading influential youth workshops on media and information literacy throughout Namibia. Alina founded Voice Up Namibia (NGO) in 2019, motivated by a strong belief in community-driven transformation with a focus on empowering survivors and fostering economic self-sufficiency. She has an honors degree in international relations, a diploma in political science, and is currently pursuing studies in digital marketing at the University of Cape Town. After completing the Mandela Washington Fellowship, Alina is determined to use her expertise and experience to benefit the Namibian community and beyond.
Aline Joyce Berabose
Berabose Aline Joyce has over 10 years of experience in women's health advocacy and femtech entrepreneurship. Currently, Berabose is a co-founder and chief executive officer at LUNA, ensuring personalized, inclusive approaches to women's health from period to menopause. With a bachelor's degree in international relations and a major in gender studies, Berabose is committed to empowering women and breaking down stigmas surrounding menstrual health. Throughout her career, she has actively advocated for gender equality and worked tirelessly to bridge gaps in healthcare access for women. Upon completion of the Mandela Washington Fellowship, Berabose plans to further expand LUNA's impact, reaching even more women across the African continent and beyond.
Amara M. Kamara
Amara Kamara has over five years of experience helping to develop underserved communities in Liberia. He is particularly interested in helping rural, off-grid communities meet their energy demands through clean and sustainable energy solutions. Amara is currently the CEO of Go-Solar Fresh, an emerging social organization that distributes solar panels and lamps to increase energy access and affordability throughout Liberia. He holds a bachelor's degree in social sciences and is particularly interested in political and quantitative economics, as well as social research. Amara is currently developing cold storage technology using solar panels and a humidity sensor that can extend the shelf life of perishable goods in Liberia's agriculture industry by up to 25 days or more. His team is building a web app to help farmers connect with customers, thereby accelerating market access and reducing post-harvest losses. Upon completion of the Mandela Washington Fellowship, Amara's hope is to establish a center for innovation that supports climate change education. The center will serve as a hub for Liberian youth to collaborate on developing mitigation measures that reduce climate risk and increase environmental sustainability.
Amoin Naomi Pauline Konan
Amoin Naomi Pauline Konan is the founder and chief executive officer of Yalla'n Sarl. Since 2020, she has been running this business in laser engraving through her brand Yalla'n that provides customers a series of unique accessories. Thus, enhancing African innovations and originality while fighting against the pollution of the environment. Amoin was also a Women commissioner of ISTAG (Ivorian Students and trainees Association in Ghana). Her role was to create opportunities and protect the interests of female students, trainees and staff. Naomi is going to participate in the Leadership in Business at the University of Nevada-Reno. Upon completion of the MWF/YALI, Amoin intends to fill the gap of lack of women in her field through practical training. Also, with Yalla’n Care, her non-profit association, she plans to work with companies in order to integrate hard of hearing and deaf women into working life.
Aude Kesia N’Negue Obiang
Aude Obiang has over seven years of experience in the development of sales for organizations. Currently, Aude is the co-founder and chief of sales and marketing at Cabalou, a travel platform for professionals in Africa. Her work focuses on growing the number of users, delivering value to clients and establishing the company’s presence in different cities in Africa. She is also an advocate of a borderless Africa, championing the idea that Africa is one powerful force at the YouthConnekt Africa Summit 2023 of the United Nations Development Program. Aude holds a master's degree in Supply Chain Management. Aude is committed to strengthening African economies and to change the face of Africa through entrepreneurship. Upon completion of the Mandela Washington Fellowship, Aude plans to continue working to build the most loved, most used and most profitable travel platform for professionals in Africa.
Banasco Nubu Seidu
Banasco Seidu Nuhu has over 13 years of experience with digital literacy, community building, and youth development. Banasco is Nasco Feeding Minds' co-founder and executive director, as well as NascoTech's chief executive officer. Banasco focuses on providing young people, particularly those from underserved areas, with full-stack development skills and job placement to help reduce youth unemployment and irregular migration. He earned a BA in political science from the University of Ghana and an MA in conflict, peace, and security from the Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping and Training Center (KAIPTC). Banasco also finished the Advanced Management Program (AMP) at China Europe International Business School (CEIBS) in 2022. He is determined to provide ample opportunities for people to thrive and succeed in their own country. After completing the Mandela Washington Fellowship, Banasco plans to broaden his impact to benefit more regions and countries, catalyzing positive change and empowerment on a larger scale. He has received numerous accolades and awards, including the 2017 ICT Champion Award from the International Telecommunications Union in Geneva, Switzerland, and the Queen Elizabeth Diamond Jubilee Trust's Queen's Young Leaders Award. He is also an Associate Fellow of the Royal Commonwealth Society.
Boureima Ouedraogo
Boureima Ouedraogo has over 12 years of experience in the agricultural and gold industries. Boureima currently works as a sales manager at Ets Ouedraogo R Salif et Frères, where he buys and sells agricultural products such as sesame seeds, soybeans, cashew nuts, peanuts, and shea nuts. He also works as a gold broker, assisting international buyers and investors in establishing companies and purchasing raw gold in Burkina Faso. Boureima earned a bachelor's degree in banking. He is dedicated to fostering commercial relationships between Burkinabe and foreigners in order to facilitate business and create an environment conducive to the most profitable projects. After completing the Mandela Washington Fellowship, Boureima intends to establish a borderless network between Americans and local business owners, which will create opportunities, reduce cultural divergences, and promote long-term development for both countries.
Fasika Teferra
Fasika Teferra has over two years of experience in business. Fasika is the co-founder and CEO of the Beteseb Group, which produces Ethiopian Injera bread. The company also serves her local community in the digital health sector, promoting patients as chronic illness experts and providing a platform for patients and caregivers to share knowledge and tips. Under her leadership, the company has grown to four locations and sold over 40,000 Injeras in the first six months. After being diagnosed with Crohn's disease, she founded and led Crohn's & Colitis Ethiopia, a local non-profit dedicated to improving the lives of patients with inflammatory bowel disease. Fasika received a doctorate in medicine from Myungsung Medical College. She is committed to improving the health of the Ethiopian community through a variety of services and collaborations with local and international organizations. After completing the Mandela Washington Fellowship, Fasika plans to apply what she learned to her work as the company expands to reach more people.
Fortunate Nosisa Zaca
Nosisa Zaca has over four years of experience in research and agri-business. Currently, Nosisa is a PhD Research Trainee at the Human Sciences Research Council, focusing on conducting research and writing manuscripts for publication. Nosisa is also enrolled for a PhD in Food Security at the University of KwaZulu Natal (UKZN), South Africa. She holds Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Agricultural Economics from the UKZN. Nosisa is a Golden Key International Honour Society member and an alumna of the Young African Leaders Initiative Regional Leadership Center-Southern Africa. Nosisa voluntarily served as the Fundraising Director of the University of KwaZulu-Natal Golden Key Executive Committee in 2022. Nosisa is also the founder of La Sisa Farm, which is based in the KwaZulu-Natal province, South Africa. As a result, Nosisa is interested in business leadership. Upon completing the Mandela Washington Fellowship, Nosisa plans to become a commercial hydroponics and pecan nuts farmer to create job opportunities for youth in rural areas and reduce food insecurity.
Gibson Dominicus Kawago
Gibson Kawago brings over five years of experience in the clean energy sector. Currently, he serves as the founder and chief executive officer of WAGA, a pioneering company specializing in providing solar-powered battery packs made from repurposed laptop batteries to rural communities in Tanzania, and a Global Young Leader for the United Nations sustainable development goals. His dedication to sustainable development extends beyond his professional endeavors, as he actively volunteers in initiatives promoting clean energy access and environmental conservation. Driven by his passion for democratizing access to clean energy, Gibson aims to leverage the Mandela Washington Fellowship to forge strategic partnerships and scale his impact across Africa's energy landscape, focusing on electric vehicle charging infrastructure and battery technology. His work has been recognized by prestigious organizations including the United Nations, the Royal Academy of Engineering, and the Africa Prize for Engineering Innovation. Following the completion of the Mandela Washington Fellowship, Gibson envisions expanding WAGA's reach and spearheading innovative projects to accelerate the transition toward a greener future in battery technology and electric vehicle charging infrastructure. He is committed to making a difference by advancing sustainable development and addressing climate change challenges.
Mahamadou Salissou Amadou Abdou
Mahamadou Salissou Amadou Abdou has over four years of experience in the renewable energy sector. Currently, he works as a technical project engineer for solar home systems at Rural Spark, designing and implementing solar power systems for both residential and commercial properties. He is also the founder and CEO of Ouba Energy, as well as the non-governmental organization Action Energy for Development (ACED), whose mission is to promote sustainable development through the use of renewable energy. Ouba Energy played a crucial role in providing solar equipment during the political crisis in Niger in 2023, contributing to job creation for young people. Mahamadou Salissou has a master's degree in electrical and energy engineering with a renewable energy specialization. He is committed to improving the lives of Niger's people, particularly through programs that promote sustainable development and provide access to clean and renewable energy sources. After finishing the Mandela Washington Fellowship, Mahmadou Salissou plans to dedicate his efforts to the growth of Ouba Energy and ACED, with the goal of expanding their reach and impact in Niger's renewable energy sector.
Mariem Cheyakh
Mariem Cheyakh has over five years of experience in the healthcare field and eight years of experience in community service. Currently, Mariem is the head of the scientific research and archives team in the pediatric oncology unit at the National Center of Oncology in Nouakchott, Mauritania. She is also an assistant professor at the University of Nouakchott, works with the Franco-Africain group for pediatric oncology (GFAOP) as a clinical research associate, and is a member of the International Society of Pediatric Oncology (SIOP). Mariem is devoted to community service activities, and since a young age, has volunteered with multiple associations in different fields. Currently, Mariem is a PhD candidate in onco-genetics. Upon completion of the Mandela Washington Fellowship, Mariem plans to start her own business and provide multiple financial opportunities for the families of children with cancer. She also plans to use the connections she has made to bring home new methods to improve the caring of cancer patients and encourage institutions to invest more in the scientific research field.
Mervis Mwai Maigwa
Mervis Mwai Maigwa has more than five years of experience in travel and tourism. Mervis is currently a public relations officer for Malawi's Minister of Tourism and a tour coordinator at Travel with Mervis, a tour operations company that specializes in planning, organizing, and executing trips in Malawi. She has worked for the Malawi Ministry of Foreign Affairs as a teacher, project supervisor, and foreign service officer, and has volunteered as a community reading facilitator. Mervis has a bachelor's degree in diplomacy and international relations and a certificate in education. After completing the Mandela Washington Fellowship, she intends to advance her tourism career by expanding her business and sharing her knowledge and skills with peers and aspiring industry professionals. Her goal is to make a significant contribution to Malawi's economic development, particularly through tourism, which has enormous global potential.
Mosa Bernadett Matasane
Mosa Matasane has more than eight years of experience in project and program management. Mosa is currently working as a scrum master and commercial program manager at Vodacom Lesotho, where she focuses on transformational program management to implement organizational strategic priorities, facilitate demand management, govern project delivery processes, and continuously improve cross-functional organizational value chains through the use of agile practices. She co-founded DigiDoc, a tech start-up that offers digital health care technologies and medical administration services. Mosa is currently pursuing a postgraduate diploma in program management. She has a Project Management Institute (Technology and Enterprise Management Program) certification. Mosa is a certified agile coach in DevOps and cloud security essentials, with a bachelor's degree in business education. After completing the Mandela Washington Fellowship, she intends to work on the development and implementation of sustainable digital business value chain models that can scale up and continuously adapt, as well as co-create and lead high-performing cross-functional teams in her current professional area of practice. She plans to encourage digital strategy enablement and promote a culture of technology entrepreneurship and innovation in Lesotho.
Muller Nandou Tenekeu
Muller Nandou Tenkeu has over ten years of renewable energy experience, primarily in the biomass field. Muller is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in renewable energy at the Doctorate School of Applied Science in Douala, Cameroon. He is the CEO and founder of Kemit Ecology, a global producer and supplier of eco-friendly charcoal made from organic and biodegradable waste. He serves as a consultant for the country's Ministry of Scientific Research and Innovation as well as several international organizations. Muller also founded the Green Initiative, a non-profit organization dedicated to assisting indigenous people suffering in the evergreen forest. He is passionate about environmental protection and forest conservation. He took part in the Climate Change Framework in 2015, 2016, and 2017 and received the award for Best Young and Green Renewable Project. Muller and his company were awarded the best renewable project at the Africa Investment Forum and Award in Paris last year (2023).
Odellia Mangwengwende
Odellia Mangwengwende is currently the head of project development for a private development firm in the energy sector. She oversees the structuring, funding, and implementation of renewable energy projects, from conception to completion of construction. Over the last three years, she has successfully grown her company's pipeline and currently manages 600MW in new development projects and 70MW in construction projects. Odellia is passionate about advancing Zimbabwe's energy sector and prides herself on being an agent of progress by doing her part to increase private participation in Zimbabwe's energy sector and improve the overall energy mix of the country. She is confident that with the new knowledge, skills and connections gained through the Mandela Washington Fellowship that she will be more than equipped to achieve her goal and directly contribute to the successful development of 2000MW of new generation from clean energy sources by 2030.
Petronella Phiri
Petronella Phiri has over 10 years of experience in artisanal mining. Currently, Petronella is a project manager and co-owner at Mega Mining and Milling, focusing on gold extraction and processing. She established a community garden called Shaina, as well as a fish running project operated by women from 10 different households in her local community. She has recently acquired a quarry mine in efforts to diversify into base minerals and create employment in the Vugwe district. Petronella holds an honors degree in Development Studies. Petronella is driven by the need to elevate the role of women in mining which is a male dominated industry and for people not to view mining as a poverty driven initiative but an avenue which can ensure development at all levels. Upon completion of the Mandela Washington Fellowship, Petronella is planning to grow her businesses from small to medium scale and support woman-based mining operations in her community since most are backyard miners and do not have the knowledge or means to legalize their operations.
Reagan Masud
Reagan Masud has over seven years' experience in ecotourism and biodiversity conservation. Reagan is currently the founder and CEO of Watergate Safari Lodge, which leads eco-tourism and wildlife conservation efforts in Ghana's Savannah Region. In addition to his current position, he volunteers with the Aqualife Conservancy, Acres of Food NGO, and the Green Aid Foundation, where he passionately advocates for biodiversity conservation, sustainable development, and community empowerment in Mole National Park's surrounding communities. Recently, he founded a locally owned eco-lodge to promote sustainable tourism within Mole National Park. He earned a master's degree in geo-information science and is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in wildlife and range management at Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology. Reagan's goal after completing the Mandela Washington Fellowship is to create and expand novel conservation and business models that promote sustainable ecotourism enterprises and circular economies in rural fringe communities in rich natural resource areas, reducing their reliance on these resources.
Sankara Byaruhanga
Sankara Byaruhanga has over five years of experience in the field of tech innovations, digital media, BDS and startup creation. He plays a pivotal role in fostering innovation and entrepreneurship at The Innovation Village as a community manager in western Uganda and volunteers as a facilitator for the Academy for Women Entrepreneurs. Sankara co-founded Kreative Campus to help champion the commercialization of creatives and startups by leveraging technology and innovation for economic growth and creative youths' empowerment. As the winner of the 2021 UNDP Ideathon, 2022 SEED Starter, and NSSF Hi-Innovator of 2023, he is committed to nurturing talent and fostering sustainable solutions in East Africa. He holds a bachelor’s degree in information technology from Mbarara University of Science & Technology. Upon completion of the Mandela Washington Fellowship, Sankara aims to implement commercialization lessons benchmarked from the United States.
Sitembile Ncube
Sitembile Ncube is a mine planning and design lecturer and researcher at the Copperbelt University with over nine years of experience. She is a certified trainer in Start and Improve Your Business-ILO based business development training having trained over 180 clients totaling in more than five years of experience as an independent small to medium business development consultant. Sitembile is a co-founder of a volunteer nongovernment organization called LauncHER Engineers Hub, a hub with a database of over 300 female students with a mandate to mentor potential engineers, nurture, and catapult female engineers into industry in order to improve diversity in engineering. Sitembile holds a master’s degree in mining engineering with project management focus and is driven to motivate the younger generations and small businesses through her consultancy, lecturing career at the university and volunteer work at LauncHER Engineers Hub. Upon Completion of the Mandela Washington Fellowship, Sitembile plans to continue with her work with the young and small businesses in her communities using the knowledge gained with a target of reaching 1,000 female engineers and 500 businesses by December 2025.
Wale Monsuru Bakare
Wale Bakare boasts over 12 years of experience in information and communication technology and education technology. He is a serial technopreneur and a non-profit professional. As the CEO of Webfala Digital Limited, a tech company focused on delivering enterprise ICT solutions and services to businesses and organizations of all sizes across Nigeria and Africa, Wale has cultivated an environment where clients can swiftly respond to market demands and technological advancements at an accessible cost. Beyond his role in the tech industry, his passion for digital rights and inclusion led him to co-found Webfala Digital Skills for All Initiative. Serving as the Director of Partnership and Sustainability, he spearheads efforts in partnership cultivation, policy advocacy, research, and capacity building. His endeavors have notably advanced the cause of digital rights and inclusion, with a strong emphasis on empowering women and girls, championing internet freedom, and safeguarding privacy and data protection. Through his tireless work, Wale aims to foster a digital landscape that is inclusive and respects the rights of all individuals. Wale holds a B.Sc in Zoology from the University of Ilorin and a Certificate in Non-Profit Management from Lagos Business School. Wale is committed to reducing skills gaps by empowering the next generation with digital skills. Upon completion of the Mandela Washington Fellowship for Young African Leaders, Wale plans to continue his role of inspiring, empowering, and supporting young technopreneurs to incubate and build sustainable businesses leveraging technology to deliver essential services through Webfala Digital Limited and create more sustainable ways to bridge the digital skills gap in Africa, particularly, for women and girls.
Wilberforce Wanjau Chege
Wilberforce is C40's senior program manager. He is an accomplished civil and transportation engineering practitioner with several years of international experience. He has delivered projects across Africa, Europe, Asia, and the Americas. His previous career roles have included technical director, senior analyst and sector lead, project manager, and civil and transportation engineer. He is also the author of several publications on e-mobility and sustainable transportation. Wilberforce holds a Master of Engineering in transport, a Master of Business Administration, and a Bachelor of Science in civil engineering. He is a net zero accredited professional by the Green Building Council, a climate change specialist, and he is a licensed Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) practitioner. In 2020, Wilberforce was shortlisted as the Graduate Engineer of the Year by the Institution of Civil Engineering. Having always been enthusiastic and eager to tackle challenging objectives, Wilberforce has quickly built a reputation as the go-to person to solve complex technical problems. Wilberforce's characteristic fact-based, bottom-up approach to problem-solving is well complemented by his undying rigor and natural aptitude for rapidly grasping new ideas and concepts.
Zilongezyo Muzamba
Zilongezyo Muzamba has over eight years of experience in tourism and conservation. Currently, he is the managing director for BaTonga Villa & Adventures and Sebungwe Narrows Conservancy, focusing on hospitality and wildlife, nature preservation. He volunteers researching how to improve the livelihoods of children and assists children in rural areas with school stationery, food, Christmas hampers and toys. Zilongezyo holds a bachelors in economics and international trade and is currently earning his master’s in business leadership. Zilongezyo is motivated to provide world class tourism while conserving the environment. Upon completion of the Mandela Washington Fellowship, he intends to grow the tourism industry in Zimbabwe by creating more sustainable recreational activities and setting up a natural resources center containing adequate accommodations, conference space, and a training facility. By focusing on the more rural areas of Zimbabwe and working with nongovernmental organizations he can improve rural livelihoods, conservation of wildlife and anti-poaching, and farming.
Zina Harentsoa Raminosona Andriantomanga
Zina Raminosona has more than four years of experience in sustainable development and entrepreneurship in Madagascar. Zina is currently the CEO of two companies in Madagascar: Kaki Agency, a communication agency dedicated to businesses operating in the field of sustainable development, and Andao Company, a waste collection and recycling firm known for its eco-friendly furniture. Zina grew up in Madagascar before continuing his education in France, where he received a master's degree in strategic business management. He has demonstrated a strong commitment to innovation and environmental impact by establishing Madagascar's first 360-degree communication agency with a real focus on sustainable development, as well as one of the island's first plastic recycling companies. He currently leads a team of 25 employees and is eager to continue learning in order to grow his businesses and make a greater impact on communities. Motivated by a desire to make a significant contribution to Madagascar's development, Zina plans to participate in the Mandela Washington Fellowship to learn new skills and innovations to use in his endeavors.