Executive Leadership Of The Pan African Chamber Of Commerce
Who we are
The leadership team of the Pan African Chamber of Commerce is a partnership to develop and expand a network of leaders in the business, government and community sectors who are prepared to address the unique challenges of economic development in Africa.
The leadership team also acts as corporate think tank to help the chamber to strategically impact our communities by creating jobs via supporting small to medium enterprises Africa.
The mission of the leadership team is to develop and provide leadership to work jointly with the business, community, and government interests to ensure balanced decision-making in maintaining Africa’s vitality and liveability.
They facilitate among others:
Executive relationships with local and international stakeholders.
Strategic leadership and implementation.
Mentorship to the members of the Pan African Chamber of Commerce and other small business owners to become active in civic activities that will meet the changing demands on our local communities.
Johnny Muteba
(South Africa): Chairman and Founder
Johnny Muteba founded the Pan African Chamber of Commerce in 2015 in Johannesburg/South Africa. He has over 15 years of work experience in media, entertainment, entrepreneurship, trade, social impact, and human rights.
He is a global thought leader with a proven track record of leading multicultural teams and delivering outstanding results and as an in-depth understanding of business networking, negotiations, relationships, and project management. Johnny’s work is inspired by his responsibility to Africa. He has a very special ability to connect entrepreneurial vision, creative passion, and innovative problem-solving.
His enthusiasm and experience provide compelling insights, interesting ideas, and refreshing approaches which are so desperately needed today. Johnny offers a broad range of professional services for artists, corporations, universities, and Governments. Across all that he does, he taps into the power of creativity to innovate lives, bottom lines, organizations, and the communities that sustain us.
The Pan African Chamber of Commerce is currently active in more than 45 countries in Africa and is also in the United States and Europe. He is a member of the World Trade Organization/International Chamber of Commerce committee on medium and small enterprises advisory committee He is also the founder of the Women Entrepreneurship Centre, and the American Arts Academy.
Uyanda Manana
(South Africa): Chief Executive Officer
Born in Soweto, South Africa, Uyanda Manana is a trailblazing leader in the creative, advertising and digital marketing industry. With over two decades of experience, spanning three continents, Uyanda brings a unique perspective to business leadership and strategy. As the founder of Broken Mosaic, an innovative consulting agency, she leverages her global expertise to empower businesses, particularly Small, Medium, and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs), in the digital age. Uyanda’s career is marked by her ability to drive growth and success in diverse and challenging environments.
Uyanda’s illustrious career began at L’Oréal Paris in Johannesburg, RSA as a product manager on L’Oréal skincare. She played a pivotal role in developing and launching the first-ever African Face of L’Oréal Paris skincare, a groundbreaking campaign for a developing market like South Africa within the L’Oréal Group. This achievement challenged the traditional, centralised marketing model, setting a new precedent for localised campaigns and product development across developing markets.
Her journey then took her to Publicis London, where she worked for eight years running the L’Oreal Paris, Garnier and United Biscuits accounts. Uyanda also managed the Prostate Cancer account spearheading the “Real Men Know All About It” strategy and advertising campaign, that significantly raised awareness across the United Kingdom about the importance of early detection in prostate cancer prevention. The campaign’s success culminated in Ricky Gervais developing a radio script that won Best Radio Ad of the Year, Best Charity Ad, and Best Public Service Ad at the Aerial Awards in 2006, as well as a Wood Pencil for Radio at the prestigious D&AD awards the same year.
Upon returning to South Africa in 2009, Uyanda joined The Jupiter Drawing Room as Group Business Unit Director, heading up the MTN portfolio. She played a crucial role in launching MTN’s groundbreaking Ayoba campaign for South Africa’s 2010 FIFA World Cup. This campaign was a game-changer, breaking the commoditised and uniform mold of telecom advertising and marketing. It successfully galvanised and connected South Africans, and the world, through the passion of soccer and the power of connectedness. The innovative Ayoba campaign’s success was recognised with the coveted LOERIES Grand Prix award for Best Integrated Campaign, marking a significant milestone in Uyanda’s career and in South African advertising history.
In Dubai, Uyanda further expanded her international portfolio, heading up the ADMM account, which included the F1 Grand Prix brand and Motorsports events at Abu Dhabi’s Yas Marina Circuit. This role showcased Uyanda’s ability to integrate digital strategies with large-scale, global sporting events.
In 2020, Uyanda took over as Managing Director at Conversation LAB (SA), a full-service digital advertising agency. Her leadership notably steered the team and operations to revenue growth and profitability through the challenging COVID-19 pandemic. It was during this time that Uyanda took on the role of SA Chapter head for the Black and Brilliant Advocacy Network, launching the AI Accelerator programme together with the Code Academy. The programme’s aim was to on-ramp young African tech professionals in data science and machine learning.
Today, Uyanda is the founder of Broken Mosaic, a cutting-edge consulting agency that offers holistic digital strategies and solutions to transform underperforming areas of business within Small, Medium, and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs). Broken Mosaic Consultancy is built on the ethos that we can always find beauty in brokenness. Much like the art of creating a mosaic, Uyanda uses those broken pieces in a business to find and create opportunity and growth. Through Broken Mosaic, Uyanda offers a comprehensive suite of services designed to elevate SMMEs in the digital age, including Digital Marketing, Brand Design, Business Leadership, Social Media Management, Web Development, UX, and SEO.
Uyanda also serves as the CEO at Pan African Chamber, focusing on closing the economic divide for women, youth, and marginalised communities through leveraging digital literacy and technological empowerment. This role aligns seamlessly with her career-long commitment to driving change and fostering inclusivity in the business world.
Uyanda Manana’s unique blend of international experience, digital acumen, and commitment to empowerment positions her as an influential leader in the ever-evolving landscape of business and technology. From her roots in Soweto to her current role as a global business leader, Uyanda continues to champion innovation, diversity, and economic empowerment, shaping a more inclusive future for businesses across Africa and beyond.
Neo Nolwazi Bijou Nomvete
(South Africa): Chief Operations Officer
I’m Ms. Neo Nolwazi Bijou Nomvete, a project manager and creative leader with over 16 years of experience across the public, retail, and aviation sectors. As Former Deputy Director of the Creative Economy Unit at EDTEA (KZN), I spearheaded impactful projects like KWANDE Fest and the KZN Marketplace, fostering innovative partnerships and championing the Orange Economy to drive growth in the creative and cultural industries. My background includes leading international fashion showcases at the KZN Fashion Council and strategic sourcing at Mr. Price Apparel, highlighting my global perspective and strategic acumen. Known for my strengths in stakeholder engagement,
strategic planning, and vibrant leadership, I thrive on creating solutions, tackling challenges, and delivering results with energy and empathy. Passionate about enriching communities and inspiring
innovation, I’m also dedicated to community service, writing, and exploring cultural experiences that fuel my creative approach to life and work.
Deidre Watson-Meijers
(South Africa): Chief Innovations Officer
Mrs Deirdre Watson Meijers is known as a venture builder, integrated strategist, creative director, projects and innovation consultant, partnership creator, entrepreneur, artist and designer (conceptual, spatial, systems). She obtained her honours-degree Cum Laude from Stellenbosch University with her main subjects being psychology, research and arts, focusing on conceptualisation and considering various social inequalities and societal norms/beliefs
through the design of functional and shelter clothing. Deirdre also holds a Master’s degree (Higher Second) from Wits University in conceptual arts where she investigated creative thinking in business for innovative transformation, (dis)placement and disruption.
Her focus has always been on/in business and how to strategically and creatively solve challenges through innovative ideas and implementing such through various means – i.e., technology solutions and development, spatial solutions (architecture), product design and more. She is known as an executioner and has received various accolades. One was a stint in the UK, spending time at the University of Oxford (UK), and being introduced to the concept of open strategies and design thinking. Accomplished in strategic brand leadership, creative
communication (with various diplomas from Vega School), disruptive strategies and design thinking, she has impacted businesses with her innovative strategic approach.
She has furthermore completed higher learning certificate courses through the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (Innovation of product and services: MIT’s approach to design thinking), and Harvard Business School Online (Disruptive Strategy, Global Business and Business Strategy). Advancing people in their purpose is at the core of all she does.
Ayesha Bayat
(South Africa): Chief Entrepreneurship Officer
Disrupting the status quo, one innovation at a time.
Ayesha Bayat is a chartered accountant who defies convention. A disruptive thinker and techpreneur, she thrives at the intersection of business and social impact. Through co-founding DigiYouth Africa, a non-profit (NPO), Ayesha tackles youth unemployment with innovative tech and soft skills training programs. Her focus on empowerment extends beyond the NPO. Vérité, her luxury haircare line, champions sustainable practices and fosters female-owned businesses. Furthering her disruptive spirit, she co-founded mesh Ed, a training and development company that prioritizes a human-centric approach to technology education. Ayesha is a powerful advocate for using technology and innovative thinking to drive positive social change.
Simone Scott-Sawyer
(United Kingdom): Chief Advocacy Officer
A British born Sierra Leonean published book author, editor and ghost writer, Simone Smart is also a voiceover artist who produces and presents content on her YouTube channel on a range of topics, from health to current affairs. She is considered a bit of a grammar geek and is passionate about telling your story in the most polished way possible. Her services also include coaching budding authors and taking a book idea from inception to production, converting it into an audiobook and hosting the book launch virtually or in person.Background
Before embarking on a creative career, Simone worked as a legal professional in the public and private sectors in the United Kingdom. Previous roles included working for the Serious Fraud Office in an investigatory capacity, the British Transport Police Authority in Governance and Compliance and the Commonwealth Secretariat researching International Administrative Law where she was of service to over 2 billion citizens worldwide. She made the decision to transition into the media industry shortly before the pandemic and in September 2021 founded and launched her company Scotty’s Studio.
Dr. Zina
Arinze
(United Kingdom): Chief Wellness Officer
Dr. Zina Arinze (DD) fondly known as “The Reinvention Queen” is an accredited Ministry Leader with CiC Intl. (Churches in the Community International), a multi-award winner, International Transformational Speaker, Lawyer, Best- Selling Author, An International Gender Empowerment Strategist, Radio Broadcaster and PodCast Host, as well as a Reinvention, Leadership and Personal Effectiveness Coach. She is the Founder of Believe and Live Again Divorce Recovery Coaching and Mentoring, a service dedicated to helping women of faith and female professionals swiftly move from “we to me” and heal from the pain of divorce, so that they regain their positive sense of self to reinvent themselves, uncover their God given talents, and rebuild in order to create sustainable income growth for themselves and their families.
Dr. Zina is also the CEO of The Reinvent YOU Experience for Personal Effectiveness and Transformation focused on helping women who are disillusioned and unfulfilled get unstuck to create profitable legacies after a traumatic life transition.
As the CEO and Lead Consultant in CrystalJade Project Management Consultancy, Coaching and Training delivery of powerful Technology bespoke solutions to project teams, small businesses, communities, groups and Individuals.
A fellow and active member of the Institute of Enterprise and Entrepreneurs, Dr. Zina sits on several boards and panels providing astute leadership, expert comment, strategic direction, career guidance and entrepreneurial mentorship to Business schools, SMEs, Not for Profits and Individuals.
In 2018, Dr. Zina, launched The Reinvent YOU! After Abuse Foundation (TRYAF), a charity and women in ministry led organisation of financial professionals and experts passionate about ending the stigma and trauma of domestic violence through financial education and empowerment, thereby providing survivors and their families with the education, resources and signposting needed to get back on their feet financially after abuse.
Dr. Zina sits as the Chair of PAW Africa UK an international NGO focused on empowering African women and young girls in the diaspora impacted by trauma including GBV, Domestic Abuse, Mental Health Conditions, Racism, Modern Slavery and the Socio, Political and Emotional Effects of Covid-19.
As a member of the Black Churches Domestic Abuse Forum (BCDAF) Dr Zina, serves on the planning board and as one of the three trainers responsible for delivering capacity building and domestic abuse awareness training to pastors and leaders in black majority churches across the UK.
Nycholas Partee
(United States): Chief Technical Officer
I have always had an inherent fascination with two things: breaking stuff and technology. As a kid I would often find myself in trouble, because I liked to take things apart to see the technology inside, but I could never put anything back together… Happy Meal toys, my toys, my game system, the TV… my mom’s alarm clock… you see why I got into trouble! Well my mom got tired of it and put into a NSBE Jr. program in 2009 in Columbus, OH, and ever since then I have been focused in tech. I received my first job in IT in 2013, at 17, with DeVry University, then with the Department of IT for Ohio University, and then continued with a few other companies, such as: Eli Lilly and Company, Johnson and
Johnson, Cardinal Health, Janssen Pharmaceuticals, etc. I am currently a Cloud Automation Engineer in the Cloud Engineering Services organization for Eli Lilly and Company. I am honored to be able to help bring the BDPA Cloud Academy to life, and am excited to see the impact we will make.
Dr Kennedy Ramojela
(Botswana): Chief Learning and Development Officer
Dr Kennedy Ramojela is a media practitioner and a researcher. Dr Ramojela obtained his PhD from RMIT University, Melbourne- Australia. He has over 20 years experience in the media space and academia. His research interest is within arts and business development. Dr. Ramojela conducts children’s media workshops in Botswana and runs an annual cultural event called Taste of Africa. He has worked on national, regional and international television productions.
Kevin Williams
(United States/United Arab):Chief Business Intelligence Officer
Kevin Williams is a co-founder and the Chief Executive Officer at kmwa. Kevin is responsible for making all major corporate decisions, managing overall operations, communicating with c-suite leadership, and setting the company’s strategic direction. As the “Face” of the organization, Kevin is responsible for setting the tone, vision, and culture at kmwa.
Kevin has over 20 years of Aerospace, Defense, Government, and commercial consulting experience working in both the continental USA and abroad. Kevin is a Veteran of the USA Army (Retired), with over 20 years of active military service. Kevin holds a BA in Organizational Leadership and Development from Wheeling University (Wheeling, West Virginia – USA) and an MBA from Frostburg University (Frostburg, Maryland – USA), as well as several professional certifications.
Efe Atiyio
(Nigeria/USA): Chief Diaspora Officer
Efe Atiyio is a seasoned media executive and strategic media consultant with a proven track record in the global broadcasting and media industry. With over two decades of experience, Efe has consistently delivered transformational growth for major media companies across Africa and beyond. He is the founder of Pozytv Innovations, a media solutions & consulting company known for its innovative distribution strategies and broad market reach, spanning over 100 million homes in Southern Africa.
Efe is widely recognized for his role in driving the success of Azam TV, one of East Africa’s fastest-growing Pay TV platforms. Under his leadership as Director of Programming, Azam TV grew from its inception to over 500,000 active subscribers within just three years. His contributions in operational management, strategy, and content acquisition were critical to Azam TV’s expansion and dominance in the region.
After Azam TV, Efe transitioned to Kwese TV, where he spearheaded the network’s 3rd party channels strategy, acquisition and management. He was later seconded to Kwese Free TV to lead the evolution from a sports-focused broadcaster into a multi-country sportainment platform. His vision enabled Kwese to tap into new markets and create a robust brand that resonated across Africa. His deep understanding of market dynamics, coupled with his ability to navigate complex regulatory environments, has positioned him as a key figure in the African media landscape.
In addition to his leadership roles, Efe has been a trusted consultant for major global media companies. He has worked closely with The Africa Channel, Rotana Media Group, DW (Deutsche Welle), and Trebel Music, providing strategic insights on content distribution, market entry, and operational efficiency. His strategic direction has helped these organizations extend their reach into new territories while increasing their audience engagement.
Efe’s expertise also extends to global content distribution models, which have allowed him to successfully broker deals that led to the distribution of over 1,600 hours of content across multiple countries. His innovative distribution methods ensure that media content can transcend geographical boundaries while meeting the unique demands of local markets.
Currently, Efe is focused on expanding his influence in the international media sector, particularly within the United States, where he is positioning himself as a thought leader in the evolving landscape of broadcasting and media consultancy. Through Pozytv Innovations, he is driving initiatives that leverage cross-continental partnerships, with a particular emphasis on African and diaspora audiences. His work continues to bridge the gap between Africa and the global media market, with a vision of making African stories, talents, and markets more accessible to the world.
Efe’s extensive network and industry knowledge, combined with his passion for media innovation, have made him a sought-after consultant and collaborator in the global media ecosystem. He remains dedicated to fostering collaborations that enhance the presence of African media on the world stage, while ensuring sustainable growth for the platforms and companies he advises.
Rebecca Elliot
(South Africa/UAE): Chief Impact Officer
Serial entrepreneur Rebecca Eliot has enjoyed a 30-year career in unlocking value and developing of disruptive impact investment solutions for the sport, entertainment and tourism sectors.
Rebecca is passionate about enabling the next generation of athletes from Africa and she co-founded PROTOUCH AFRICA – a purpose-led sports consultancy focused on fan engagement, new technologies and alternative revenue streams for sports clubs, teams and federations, using digital solutions that are enabled by Blockchain technology.
Her own proprietary project, The Podium Pursuit Collective has a vision to unlock the potential of African athletes and build a transparent and sustainable Impact Fund, that activates a global fan base, unlocking new revenues and creating a sustainable funding model to support and enable the next generation of athletes from Africa.
Dr Niousha Roshani
(United States/Brazil): Chief Diplomacy Officer
Niousha Roshani is a multi-sectoral expert practitioner in technology, business, and human rights addressing the inequality gap between companies globally and civil society, and connecting ecosystems of underrepresented founders around the world. She completed a PostDoc at Harvard University, a Ph.D. in Education at the University College London (UCL), a Master’s degree in International Development from Cornell University, and a BS in Civil Engineering. With fluency in five languages, an Irano-Ivorian background, and 15+ years of experience in research, policy, and practice working in 25+ countries in directing organizations and programs, establishing strategic partnerships, and supporting innovators and entrepreneurs, CSOs, philanthropy, the private, public, and third sector, her passion lies in disrupting the ‘business as usual’ framework by infusing investment of capital, resources, knowledge and opportunities into unnurtured, under-utilized and under-invested young talents on a global scale. In her current and past roles, she has advised governments, NPOs, universities, and the private sector on DEI, entrepreneurship, digital inclusion and conflict resolution, gender and SMEs (LAC and Africa), childhood and media (LAC), the intersection of race, disability and digital rights (USA, SSA, LAC and ME); on tech + policy (LAC); on best practices for the new economy (Europe, Africa and LAC).
Engy Abdel Wahab
(North Africa:Egypt): Chief Regional Officer
Engy Abdelwahab, Founder and CEO of Unica Research agency. The passion that urged her to start this, along with her team, is the existing gap facing startups, either due to their lack of affordability or due to their very special needs. All of this urged them to partner with management consultancies, marketing agencies, field agencies, and supporting organizations to fill this enlighten startups’ and SMEs’ path, providing the best research, training, and consulting practices, locally, regionally, and globally. Regarding her experience, she has 6 years of experience in market research and consulting in MENA region markets, such as Egypt, Jordan & GCC, & in African markets such as Tanzania, as well as American and Western European markets. She conducted consulting & market research for startups, governments, the private sector, and international organizations as GIZ, UNICEF & UNIDO. Regarding macroeconomic strategies, she had the honor of coworking on updating Egypt’s 2030 Sustainable Development Strategy.
She also had the honor of developing an Export Strategy Roadmap for Egypt in the Tomato Concentrate industry. For her education, she has an MA in Economics from Hamburg University and BS in Economics and Statistics from Cairo University – English Section.
Kimani WA Munene
(East Africa:Kenya): Chief Regional Officer
Founder. East Africa TV & Radio Broadcast Executive. Film
Marketing and Distribution. Creative Digital Marketer. Film
Investment for East Africa. Innovator in the Media Ecosystem and
Respected Speaker for Creative Sector
Founder
. Film Marketing and Distribution
Broadcast Management
COMPETENCY
• Digital management ,Creative and Marketing lead for Investment,
Real Estate, Technology and Media sector 2018 – 2022
• Broadcast content distributor from 2003
• Government Policy formulation engagements for Film and
Broadcast Industry from 2006
• Rebranded TVT into TBC in Tanzania, KBC strategy in Kenya 2006
– 2008
• Consulted for the Digital Migration initiative in East Africa.
• Station Manager – Jambo FM Tanzania, KISS TV , CLASSIC TV
Kenya
• Trained the advertising teams of TBC, WBS, Classic TV and KISS
TV
• Content Distribution for Nollywood, and International catalogues
FOX, MBC, Telemundo, ABCN, Bollywood for FTA in East Africa
. Co Founder of a VOD platform 2009
Seydou Dembele
(United States): Chief Growth Officer
Seydou Dembele is a visionary leader, technologist, and advocate for cybersecurity empowerment. With a distinguished 22-year career in the United States Army as a Chief Warrant Officer Four (CW4), Seydou brings a wealth of experience and expertise to his current roles as the Executive Officer of KARMAI Consulting LLC and Vice President of Strategic Partnerships at Rwazi, Inc.
At KARMAI Consulting LLC, Seydou leads a team dedicated to providing top-tier IT cybersecurity consulting services. Through Rwazi, Inc., he leverages his strategic acumen to drive market intelligence solutions for businesses. Seydou’s passion lies in demystifying the complexities of cybersecurity and market intelligence, helping companies unlock their full potential in these critical areas.
Beyond his professional endeavors, Seydou is committed to giving back to the community. He actively supports young adults from disadvantaged backgrounds in gaining access to cybersecurity apprenticeship programs, empowering them with valuable skills for the future. His vision is to foster environments where creativity, innovation, and individual aspirations thrive.
During his military service, Seydou played pivotal roles in Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom in Southwest Asia. His exemplary service earned him numerous accolades, including the Joint Meritorious Unit Award, Joint Service Commendation Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, Global War on Terror Expeditionary Medal, and Global War on Terror Service Medal.
When Seydou is not advising companies or championing cybersecurity initiatives, he can be found traversing Africa, expanding his network, immersing himself in diverse cultures, and spearheading initiatives to establish STEM Centers in underserved communities. Fluent in English, French, and various African dialects, Seydou embodies a global perspective and a commitment to making a difference wherever he goes.
Seydou Dembele is not just a retired CW4; he is a beacon of leadership, innovation, and service, dedicated to shaping a brighter future for individuals and communities alike.
Rutendo Denise Mutsamwira
(Zimbabwe): Chief Creative Officer
Rutendo Denise Mutsamwira is an accomplished Creative and Cultural Consultant from Harare, Zimbabwe, whose dynamic career spans over a decade across the Fashion, Tech, Media, Broadcasting, Public Relations, and
Cultural Industries. With an extensive portfolio of achievements, she is a leader in fostering cultural dialogue, innovation, and creative excellence.
Rutendo’s career trajectory is marked by transformative contributions in both the private and public sectors: – Technology Leadership: As a selected participant in the prestigious Microsoft 4 Afrika Initiative, she advanced to become Partner Channel Marketing Manager for Microsoft WECA, representing Zimbabwe in corporate affairs. Her efforts earned her the coveted Microsoft Spark Award for Personal Excellence. Later, as a Transformation Evangelist for Microsoft Services (EMEA), she played a pivotal role in guiding businesses through digital transformation.
Jean Hamilton
(South Africa): Chief Trade and Investment Officer
I was born in Santiago, Chile, and my journey around the world began at the age of 21 when I moved to Peru with my husband. This marked the beginning of an incredible international adventure that later took me to the Dominican Republic, Panama, Japan, and eventually, South Africa, where I have lived since 1986.
In South Africa, I found my professional calling with the South African Foreign Trade Organization (SAFTO), where I spent over eight years supporting South African exporters. My work focused on market research and organizing trade missions, first with Hong Kong and Taiwan, and later, as a Spanish speaker, with Latin America. This role took me on frequent trips to Argentina, Chile, Brazil, Colombia, Bolivia, Uruguay, and Paraguay, fostering stronger business ties between South Africa and these dynamic markets.
After my time at SAFTO, I transitioned to Odebrecht, a major Brazilian construction company operating in Mozambique, Angola, and South Africa. I was tasked with generating new business opportunities, but despite my efforts, the company faced challenges that led to the closure of its South African and Mozambique offices. While the company’s reputation was later marred by corruption scandals, my time there broadened my expertise in international business.
At nearly 40, when many in the industry see age as a barrier, I joined my husband at Forwarding Network, a logistics company specializing in international forwarding, customs clearing, and over-the-border transport. This was a turning point in my career, and for the past 31 years, I’ve been passionate about the logistics and freight forwarding industry—particularly cross-trade, where we facilitate shipments between countries like Germany and Chile, or China and Argentina. In an industry predominantly run by men, I’m proud of the successes I’ve achieved and the growth I’ve experienced in South Africa.
Beyond my professional life, I have a deep passion for travel. I’ve been fortunate to explore many countries, and I firmly believe that travel is one of the best ways to truly understand the world and oneself. It’s an experience that goes far beyond what can be learned in books. I encourage everyone to step out of their comfort zone, save for that adventure, and experience life on a global scale.
Dr. Ava Eagle Brown
(Jamaica/UK): Chief Regional Officer Caribbean And Latin America
Dr. Ava Eagle Brown -Multi-award-winning International Speaker, Author, and Transformation mindset business coach.
Dr. Ava Eagle Brown Coaches, Trains, And Speaks Globally To Help Others Shift Their Mindsets To Change Their Lives And Businesses- Ultimately Affecting Their Bottom-Line. She Proves That Your Past Doesn’t Have To Determine Your Future. She Has Mastered Her Mindset And Loves To Help Others Do The Same.
Dr. Ava Eagle Brown Grew Up In Jamaica, Selling Mangoes On Trains As A Child. Today, She Is A World-Renowned Master Coach, A Multi-Award-Winning International Keynote Speaker, CEO, And Household Name. Ava Has Helped Thousands Worldwide, Teaching Them How To Master Their Mindset And Live Their Best Lives.
KEYNOTES
Keynote speaker Ava Eagle Brown is an international coach who works to help others reach new heights and discover their talents, passions and true purpose in order to achieve success
Tebogo Modisagape
(Botswana): Chief Regional Officer Southern Africa
Tebby is an active member of the Technical Working Group for the Monitoring, Verification & Enforcement (MV&E) Structure and Action Plan for Cooling Appliances MEPS in Botswana, collaborating closely with the Department of Energy (DoE). She also contributes to the development of energy efficiency codes for the National Building Standards as a member of the Technical Committee with the Botswana Bureau of Standards (BOBS). Tebby also serves as a member of the Global Policy Task Force Work Group, led by the World Green Building Council. She has also mentored participants in the Open Innovation Program, an initiative designed to accelerate GreenTech and Smart Community solutions developed by startups, with a vision for scalable impact. Since 2018, Tebby has been involved in the Southern Africa Innovation Support Programme (SAIS 2), a regional initiative aimed at fostering the growth of new businesses by strengthening innovation ecosystems and promoting cross-border collaboration among innovation stakeholders in Southern Africa. The program has since evolved into the Southern Africa Innovation Collective (SAIC) through BOOST UP, a startup support program that empowers tech-driven startups addressing societal challenges in Botswana, Namibia, South Africa, Tanzania, and Zambia. BOOST UP equips startups with skills to refine their pitches and become investment-ready.
Rebotile Malakalaka
(South Africa): Chief Partnerships Officer
With 19 years of extensive experience across local government and city development, Rebotile brings a wealth of expertise in developing and managing strategic partnerships. Over the course of her career, Rebotile has specialized in the housing, community development, marketing communication, relationship management, events, consulting and transportation and logistics industries, demonstrating a unique ability to drive collaboration across sectors to create sustainable solutions.
Holding a BA in Communication Science, a Postgraduate Diploma in Business Management, and an MPhil in Corporate Strategy, Rebotile combines strong academic credentials with practical expertise. Over the last nine years, she has led high-level strategic partnerships, forging relationships with key stakeholders, public sector agencies, and private sector organizations to advance complex projects and policy initiatives.
Rebotile is recognized for her ability to align diverse organizational goals, navigate the complexities of sustainable development, and deliver measurable outcomes. Her leadership in fostering cross-functional collaboration, coupled with a deep understanding of strategy, local government dynamics and strategic communications, makes her a trusted advisor to senior executives, business leaders and government officials alike.
In her role as Chief Strategic Partnership Officer, Rebotile is committed to delivering innovative solutions that address Pan African challenges and create value for all stakeholders, from ordinary residents to business leaders and policymakers.
Wakanyi Hoffman
(Kenya/Netherlands): Chief Regional Officer Europe
Wakanyi Hoffman is an artist of life who paints the shades of each day as a storyteller, author, keynote speaker specialized in ubuntu philosophy, a scholar of indigenous knowledge, and narrative weaver of Ubuntu wisdom in AI. She was born and raised in Kenya before embarking on an adventure around the world and has so far lived in 8 countries on 4 continents.
In response to the limited presence of African stories by African storytellers in children’s literature, Wakanyi founded the African Folktales Project, an ongoing open-sourced resource of indigenous wisdom and knowledge for school children. She is a global nomad, currently based in the Netherlands. Her diverse intercultural experiences have enriched her perspective on the human condition, while her commitment to cross-cultural knowledge sharing brings added value to her current academic research position as the Lead of African Sustainable AI Systems at the Inclusive AI Lab, Utrecht University.
Wakanyi sits on many boards, such as the Kenya Education Fund, an organization dedicated to offering high school education to marginalized, gifted children. Additionally, her advisory role at The Contentment Foundation underscores her dedication to global well-being. She is also a valued board member at Seeds of Wisdom, championing indigenous elders’ wisdom and knowledge exchange and is also an impact advisor of Humanity Link, a global digital communication solutions system for marginalized populations. Wakanyi is a curation partner on the Compassion Bot, a new AI revolution in conversations with compassion where she brings the African wisdom of Ubuntu into AI datasets.
Wakanyi is a graduate of University College London (UCL), where her thesis proposed integrating indigenous knowledge into global education systems. She also teaches a summer course at Brooklyn College, and her storytelling Curriculum is used at Presidio Graduate School for teachers training as climate advocates.
Wakanyi is also a mother to four global nomad kids and together with her husband, they currently reside in The Netherlands.
Rebotile Malakalaka
(South Africa): Chief Partnerships Officer
With 19 years of extensive experience across local government and city development, Rebotile brings a wealth of expertise in developing and managing strategic partnerships. Over the course of her career, Rebotile has specialized in the housing, community development, marketing communication, relationship management, events, consulting and transportation and logistics industries, demonstrating a unique ability to drive collaboration across sectors to create sustainable solutions.
Holding a BA in Communication Science, a Postgraduate Diploma in Business Management, and an MPhil in Corporate Strategy, Rebotile combines strong academic credentials with practical expertise. Over the last nine years, she has led high-level strategic partnerships, forging relationships with key stakeholders, public sector agencies, and private sector organizations to advance complex projects and policy initiatives.
Rebotile is recognized for her ability to align diverse organizational goals, navigate the complexities of sustainable development, and deliver measurable outcomes. Her leadership in fostering cross-functional collaboration, coupled with a deep understanding of strategy, local government dynamics and strategic communications, makes her a trusted advisor to senior executives, business leaders and government officials alike.
In her role as Chief Strategic Partnership Officer, Rebotile is committed to delivering innovative solutions that address Pan African challenges and create value for all stakeholders, from ordinary residents to business leaders and policymakers.
Advisory Committee
Camila Andrade (PhD)
(Brazil): Advisory Board
Research Fellow to the Institute for Pan African Thought and Conversation (IPATC), University of Johannesburg. Post-Doctorate in Political Science and International Relations at UFPB. PhD in Political Science; Master’s Degree and Bachelor in International Relations.
Currently, I am studying Rwanda, African International Politics, Black Feminisms and Global South.
Dr Khosi Radebe
(South African): Advisory Board
Dr Nomkhosi Radebe is a seasoned Business Strategist and Researcher, seamlessly blending academic rigor with practical business insights. As a dedicated lecturer at Witwatersrand University, she imparts knowledge in Human Resources, Business Strategy, Entrepreneurship, and various Management modules. Her expertise extends beyond the classroom, where she engages in both academic and business research, contributing to the advancement of knowledge and real-world application.
Dr Cyndi Ashley
(United States): Advisory Board
Rev. Dr. Cynthia Oriyômi Ashley aka Dr. Cyndi, an effective publicist, emerging filmmaker, certified in-studio/field producer, director, promoter, author, speaker, mentor, scholar, advocate, media literacy educator, empowerment, and recovery specialist. Also, she’s the Chair of Restoring Our Community Media & Arts Network Foundation and the CEO/President of Total Faith Network Television (TFNTV) & Media Ent., Inc. a Minority-owned and operated independent cable, web & broadcast television network and digital media marketing company with Spiritual-Cultural (TV-Rated G). Urban Media (TV-Rated R) & Mainstream (TV-Rated PG). Dr. Cyndi produces content on varied topics, which impact Arts & Entertainment, Religion, Family, Health, Education, Law, Media, and Business. She’s in pre-production for a docudrama movie of the late Tuskegee Airman Lt. Col. Floyd J. Carter, Sr. She is an award-winning talk show host for TFNTV, which has access to multiple media formats including off/online print, video email, radio, Internet radio, interactive & Internet television, and more. TFNTV live streams, webcasts, and does virtual presentations. TFNTV owns digital channels on all ROKU devices, FireTV and AppleTV; TFNTV is Over-The-Air with commercial & commercial-free content throughout the USA & abroad. All content inspires, educates, challenges, and empower audiences of all ages & cultures – If you have interests to expand your sphere of influence through media, video marketing, cable/webcast to millions of cable network subscriber reaching over 100 million households that includes various online media platforms – Contact the TFNTV office to learn more. TFNTV is an innovative media consortium that thrives on creating, building, strengthening relationships.
Dr. Cyndi is also known for her humility compassion, and transparent demeanor while engaging her audiences to interact with her for their own transformation breakthrough and healing. She uses media pedagogy to build self-esteem, self-identity & to empower personal storytelling. Dr. Cyndi is the founder of four successful annual events and is in good standing as an associate partner with Bishop Tudor Bismark founder of Jabula International Network.
Maria Nakalanda
(Uganda/USA): Advisory Board
After obtaining my MSc. in Engineering, Science, Technology, and Entrepreneurship Innovation Excellence from the University of Notre Dame, I embarked on a career focused on socio-economic transformation and poverty eradication. I have collaborated with social impact NGOs, development partners and major corporations to drive sustainable change, working closely with industry leaders, including Marmon, a Berkshire Hathaway entity, to lay the groundwork for sustainability strategies across North America, EMEA, and India.
Currently, I serve as a Strategic Partnership Coordinator, where I identify, develop, and manage alliances with projects that share our mission for community transformation in any of the 55 countries where our lights bring hope. What drives me is the vision of equal access to opportunities and resources for all, regardless of location. My ongoing work in poverty alleviation extends to Africa: Malawi, Kenya, DRC, North and South Africa, as well as Haiti and the Philippines.
My ultimate goal is to empower individuals with the tools to lift themselves out of poverty, enhancing health, financial stability, and educational outcomes for their children. In the words of Nelson Mandela, “Poverty, like apartheid, is man-made and can be overcome by the actions of human beings.”