PROGRAM OF AFRICAN STUDIES

Meet the 2022 Fellows

Nadia Ahanchede

Benin

Jennifer Ahanchede has been working for the past five years as a financial analyst at Sud Capital, a consulting firm in Benin that specializes in finance, strategy, and organization. Through this avenue, she closely works with start-ups and small and mid-sized businesses and industries to improve their access to finance and help them establish a more structured organization. She holds a bachelor's degree in Business Administration from the University of Ghana, Legon, and a master's degree in Public Finance. After completing the Mandela Washington Fellowship for Young African Leaders, she aims to empower more young women entrepreneurs through mentorship and will continue to assist start-ups and small and medium enterprises in their quest for seed financing, growth financing, and strategy formulation and execution.

Paa Kofi Ankomah

Ghana

Paa Kofi Ankomah has more than 12 years of experience in pension administration and investment management. Paa Kofi is general manager at Axis Pension Trust, where he focuses on managing Axis's operations in Ghana. Previously, he served as chief executive of Axis Pension Malawi, a subsidiary of Axis Pensions Group in Malawi. Paa Kofi holds a Master of Science in Finance from the University of Leicester, United Kingdom, and a Bachelor of Science in Actuarial Science from Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology. Paa Kofi is motivated to change the narrative of African retirees and empower them to retire with dignity. After completing the Mandela Washington Fellowship for Young African Leaders, Paa Kofi plans to use the experience he gained to advance his drive to lift Africans from poverty to dignity with his work in the pension space.

Alfred Boucah Orumbongany

Gabon

Alfred Désiré Boucah Orumbongany has more than five years of experience in payroll and the administrative management of personnel. Currently, Alfred is the sole proprietor of Auxillianz, a firm that provides administrative and bookkeeping assistance to companies that need it. Previously, Alfred worked as an independent contractor in the customer service department of a German company selling international SIM (subscriber identity module) cards. Every weekend he volunteers with a non-profit association doing beach clean-up operations. Alfred holds a bachelor's degree in Management Science. He looks forward to acquiring technical, commercial, business management, and especially leadership skills through the Mandela Washington Fellowship for Young African Leaders. After completing the Fellowship, Alfred plans to start a service business in the field of outsourced customer service.

Evans Duah

Ghana

Evans Duah is a French- and English-trained business expert with more than 10 years of experience in banking, finance, and business consultancy. Evans, a former professional banker, is currently a lecturer at Akenten Appiah-Menka University of Skills Training and Entrepreneurial Development, focusing on strategic management, finance, and entrepreneurship. He is also chief executive officer and chief consultant for Xtart Biz Consult. He consults for both private and public institutions. He is the author of the book Intentional Wealth 2.0: Building with the Pentagon Wealth Model and is the convenor of the Intentional Wealth Concourse. He is a Chartered Global Management Accountant, a Chartered Global Investment Analyst, and a Chartered Financial Economist. Evans holds a doctorate in Business Administration in Strategic Management and Entrepreneurship, a Master of Philosophy in Entrepreneurship and Innovation, a Master of Business Administration in International Business, and an Entrepreneurship Acceleration Program certificate in Entrepreneurship and Financing. Evans believes that the experience, exposure, network, and mentorship opportunities with the Mandela Washington Fellowship for Young African Leaders will position him as a strategist in the entrepreneurial space in Ghana, Africa, and the world at large to guide, mentor, and groom the next generation of entrepreneurs and businesses.

Jean-Noel Essan

Cote d'Ivoire

Jean-Noel Essan is an information technology professional with more than 10 years of experience in project management and innovation. Currently, he is an information and communication technology project manager with Orange Côte d'Ivoire, where he focuses on the delivery of information technology projects for Orange's business-to-business clients. Passionate about innovation and technology, Jean-Noel was selected for Orange's intrapreneurial program, where he is leading cutting-edge innovation on ecommerce and mobile payment solutions. He also is co-founder of Ivoire Talents, which is an education technology platform that provides diverse resources such as podcasts, courses, academic programs, and mentorship. Jean-Noel holds a master's degree in Telecommunications Engineering from the National Polytechnic Institute of Côte d'Ivoire and he is a certified project management professional by the Project Management Institute. Jean-Noel is driven by the use of digital technology to make positive changes in his community. After completing the Mandela Washington Fellowship for Young African Leaders, Jean-Noel plans to scale up Ivoire Talents, launch his intrapreneurial solution, and create an incubator to support the development of small and medium enterprises.

Oumar Hamid

Chad

Oumar Hamid Oumar has more than six years of experience working in the fields of internet service provider (ISP) and information technology solutions. Currently, he is general manager at Focon-net Télécoms, focusing on solving internet and information and communications technology access issues in Chad. He is also the communication officer and spokesperson for the Association of ISPs in Chad. He is a visionary and has skills in management and leadership. He was the editor-in-chief of his high school newspaper. He is also co-founder of the Association of Young Workers for Peaceful Cohabitation, Education, and Environmental Protection. Oumar holds a position as a mentor and judge for the Tony Elumelu Foundation's Entrepreneurship Program. He teaches computer science at the National School of Information and Communication Technology in Chad. Oumar has a master's degree in Networks and Multimedia Applications. He is passionate about solving problems linked to the development of information and communications technology and does so in a strategic and innovative way. After completing the Mandela Washington Fellowship for Young African Leaders, Oumar plans to use his expanded knowledge, training, and network to further help all human communities worldwide.

Mussa Kalokola

Tanzania

Mussa Kalokola has more than seven years of experience in digital product design. Currently, he is design lead and co-founder of Hype Interactive, where he focuses on helping organizations in Africa build meaningful digital products. Mussa also is co-founder of award-winning and grant-winning start-ups that led him to excellent incubators globally. He holds a bachelor's degree in Information Communications and Technology with Business from Mzumbe University. Mussa is passionate about addressing challenges through design and technology to innovate solutions that are affordable, profitable, and sustainable. After completing the Mandela Washington Fellowship for Young African Leaders, he plans to implement the lessons and networks gained to scale up his projects across Africa.

Zamantungwa Khumalo

South Africa

Award-winning media maven turned real estate entrepreneur and podcaster Zamantungwa Khumalo is a pioneer in all things property in South Africa. Using her nearly decade of experience in media, she hosts the Private Property Podcast with Zamantungwa Khumalo, a groundbreaking daily podcast that engages, informs, and empowers South Africans to navigate their homeownership journey with ease and confidence. She also writes a column on property for a leading South African women's magazine. By the age of 12, she had already founded her first non-profit, TRIBE (Teenagers Responsible in Building Ekasi). Previously a Global Shaper with the World Economic Forum and a member of the Tshwane Hub, Zamantungwa has represented South Africa in several youth conferences, including the Model United Nations Debates in New York; the Y20/G20 Delegates' Summit in Puebla, Mexico; the G8/G20 Youth Summits in Washington, DC; and the BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa) Heads of State Summit in Ufa. Zamantungwa is currently writing an accessible property book for South African first-time homeowners, buyers, renters, and investors. The expected publication date is mid-2022. After completing the Mandela Washington Fellowship for Young African Leaders, she will continue her pursuits in real estate and the media.

Robin Kimambo

Tanzania

Robin Ernest Kimambo has more than nine years' experience in the telecommunications, financial services, and logistics industries, with in-depth experience in accounting, financial management, business partnering, and strategic execution. Currently, Robin is head of finance at Vodacom Tanzania, focusing on providing financial direction to a multimillion-dollar publicly listed company, which is also the leading telecom and mobile financial service operator in Tanzania. Robin holds a bachelor's degree in Accounting and is a certified public accountant. He is committed to changing lives through technology and digital connectivity and achieving financial inclusion for all while working for a purpose-led company. Some of Robin's achievements include the successful separation of M-Pesa from the global system for mobile communications, ensuring compliance with the central bank's laws and regulations; successful negotiation of commercial multimillion-dollar contracts; delivery on cost-saving commitments; assurance of a sound and effective control environment; implementation of several digital finance solutions; and improvement of team morale and staff retention. After completing the Mandela Washington Fellowship for Young African Leaders, Robin plans to use the attained network and skills to drive innovation and change in Tanzania through effective strategic execution, mentorship, and entrepreneurship ventures.

Abdrrehim Lekh'Deyem

Mauritania

Abdrrehim Lekh'Deyem has professional experience in journalism, teaching, and civic engagement. Currently, Abdrrehim is editor-in-chief at Mauritania's only English-language newspaper, where he focuses on bridging the gap between Mauritania and the world. He also teaches English as a second language, instructing his students not only on how to speak English but also on how to be influential local leaders. In addition, he is founder of Success Organization, a non-profit that aims to provide the three basic human needs: healthcare, education, and employment. Abdrrehim holds a bachelor's degree in English Studies. He is committed to creating projects in Mauritania that will reduce unemployment and to fighting racism, tribalism, and nepotism in his country. After completing the Mandela Washington Fellowship for Young African Leaders, Abdrrehim plans to run for public office in Mauritania so that he can ensure that all people have access to equity, equality, and justice.

Sinenhlanhla Mbanjwa

Eswatini

Sinenhlanhla Mbanjwa has more than eight years of experience in financial services regulation. Currently, Sinenhlanhla is managing director at Gravity Quest Consultancy, focusing on regulatory compliance services for nonbank financial institutions. Through her company, she supports non-governmental organizations that feed, clothe, and provide shelter to the elderly and that provide green sustainable development to communities. She is the chair of Empowered Ladies Savings Club, which mobilizes savings funds to provide affordable loans to its members. Sinenhlanhla holds a Bachelor of Commerce in Accounting. She is committed to promoting responsible use of financial products and services by creating a safe and inclusive market that empowers consumers with financial education and sufficient information for financial decision making. After completing the Mandela Washington Fellowship for Young African Leaders, Sinenhlanhla plans to use the skills gained and relationships forged to create a price comparison fintech product that gives access to integrated financial services and tools to marginalized people.

Kai Mollel

Tanzania

Kai Mollel is an entrepreneur, writer, and consultant with eight years of experience in strategic communication and micro, small, and medium enterprise development with a key focus on agribusiness and digital technology. With a software engineering background, she founded KEM Solutions Limited, a company that provides strategic public relations and communication solutions to organizations, institutions, and companies, to drive engagement and impact while leveraging technology and digital tools. She is also co-founder of a virtual hub and learning platform focusing on the digital economy that empowers small and medium enterprises and first-time founders to access basic business skills and practical knowledge to help revolutionize how they deliver services and products. She has an immense understanding of the creative process, strategy, and skills needed to lead small and medium enterprises and entrepreneurship programs, community building, digital campaigns, content creation, and stakeholder relationships with different decision makers. After completing the Mandela Washington Fellowship for Young African Leaders, Kai plans to use her new knowledge, skills, and network to reach her goal of reaching 100,000 youth in Tanzania by 2025 so she can share skills in digital opportunities, entrepreneurship, and social innovation.

Grace Nakibaala

Uganda

Grace Nakibaala has more than nine years of experience in innovation, with a focus on infection prevention and control for public health and occupational health. Grace founded PedalTap, a retrofittable, affordable hands-free foot-operated water dispensing system. She is also product developer for EpiTent, an innovation that was part of the U.S. Agency for International Development's Ebola Grand Challenge. In addition, Grace is global innovations manager for LivingGoods, a non-governmental organization that digitalizes, equips, supervises, and compensates community health workers to help them care for children under five and pregnant women. Grace is an Innovation Fellow at Makerere University. She was vice president of the ResilientAfrica Network Innovation Garage and ambassador for the Big Ideas Innovation Contest. Grace is currently a mentor for the Technovation Challenge. Grace holds a bachelor's degree in Architecture. She is committed to developing a profitable business in infection prevention and control for public and occupational health settings. After completing the Mandela Washington Fellowship for Young African Leaders, Grace will expand her work, develop more products, and revolutionize infection prevention and control in Uganda and Africa. She also plans to teach other young innovators to look at the problems in their communities as an opportunity for innovation.

Lesly Ndam Njei

Cameroon

Lesly Ndam Njei is a software engineer and entrepreneur with more than six years of experience in the field of technology and innovation. Currently, Lesly is co-founder and chief technology officer of Innovative Clan, a fintech start-up that focuses on enabling digital payment of tuition and examination fees in schools in Cameroon and is currently being used by more than 2,775 secondary schools. Innovative Clan also provides parents and students with access to microcredit loans for paying tuition. Lesly holds a Bachelor of Technology degree in Computer Engineering from the University of Buea, Cameroon. He is passionate about digital inclusion and volunteers across several foundations to help bridge Cameroon's technology gap. He is a Youth Connekt Cameroon member and a member of Jededca, where he promotes youth engagement for the sustainable development of Cameroon. After completing the Mandela Washington Fellowship for Young African Leaders, Lesly plans to use the knowledge he has gained to improve the way his company delivers its services. He also plans to create a platform to engage more teenagers in technology and entrepreneurship.

Mariama Ndiaye

Senegal

Mariama Ndiaye has more than seven years of experience helping youth, especially young women, get out of poverty and reach financial independence through financial education. Currently, Mariama is chief executive director at UpTribe, a financial literacy company. She also is president of Fin'Education, which is an organization that provides financial literacy curriculums to Senegalese schools. Mariama holds a master's degree in Finance and she is certified as a financial literacy instructor. After completing the Mandela Washington Fellowship of Young African Leaders, Mariama plans to open her own financial education training center to provide courses and tools to Senegalese to build their financial knowledge and capacity. In doing so, she hopes to contribute to the financial empowerment of Senegalese youth.

Mamadou Ndoye

Senegal

Mamadou Ndoye is a digital marketing strategist with more than seven years of experience. Mamadou is currently chief executive officer of a digital company that connects buyers and sellers online. He helps sellers increase their revenue by reaching more than 25,000 internet users every day. With a friend, Mamadou organized a 2015 youth summit on entrepreneurship based on sharing experiences and testimonials. He also participated in 2015 in the Youth Forum on Employment, Training, and Inclusion, which was organized by the World Bank office in Senegal. Through the Mandela Washington Fellowship for Young African Leaders, Mamadou hopes to increase his leadership skills in business and learn from the experiences of other Fellows. He believes that the digital economy is the solution to unemployment in Africa, and particularly in Senegal, because a small investment and some digital skills can help to onboard hundreds of thousands of Africans.

Ebere Okonkwo

Nigeria

Ebere Okonkwo has more than two years of experience as a social entrepreneur. Currently, Ebere is the chief executive officer of Mycarebuddy, a platform for mental healthcare and consultation to individuals in their preferred languages. Mycarebuddy connects users with psychological experts via its web application and other digital platforms. To accelerate reaching the relevant Sustainable Development Goals, especially in the mental health sector as an entrepreneur, Ebere has acquired business skills in different accelerator programs, including those from Africahacks, Bizskills Academy, Dunin-Deshpande Queens Innovation Center, and the Standard Chartered Bank Women in Tech Incubator Program. She also volunteers as a teen coach, mentoring young adults, especially females, in their careers and in early entrepreneurship. Ebere holds a bachelor's degree in Political Science from the University of Nigeria. She is dedicated to bringing accessible and affordable mental healthcare to people who need it the most and removing the stigma previously associated with mental health. After completing the Mandela Washington Fellowship for Young African Leaders, Ebere intends to promote the mental health solutions offered through her organization, first to the hard-to-reach people in her home country and then to the larger global space.

Joel Olang

Kenya

Joel Alex Olang has more than seven years' experience as a tech expert in the healthcare, legal, and education sectors. Currently, he is founder of Urban Tech for Hope, an innovation hub and start-up that is using a mobile health app integrated with an artificially intelligent chatbot to provide access to legal assistance and to urgent and primary health care. In addition, Joel is chief of staff and executive committee member at the Youth Alliance for Leadership and Development in Africa. Previously, he served as project officer at NYARWEK, an LGBTI national network in Kenya, and as youth service provider at Kisumu Medical and Education Training Center. Joel has a bachelor's degree in International Relations and Diplomacy with Information Technology from Maseno University. After completing the Mandela Washington Fellowship for Young African Leaders, Joel plans to design, participate in, and advocate for programs and policies that empower people to make informed and responsible decisions about their health and socioeconomic needs.

Liketso Ramafikeng

Lesotho

Liketso Ramafikeng has over five years of experience in marketing and public relations. Currently, Liketso is a managing director at Ink Curate PR Agency, focusing on brand development and management. She is also a member and incoming president (2022-2023) of the Rotary Club of Maloti. Liketso holds a bachelor's degree in Economics with a minor in Statistics. She is committed to building a sustainable and profitable business that will support and help improve Lesotho's economy. Upon completion of the Mandela Washington Fellowship, Liketso plans to use the acquired skills, knowledge, and connections to grow her business and expand her brand across Africa.

Jean Paul Rwigema

Rwanda

Jean-Paul Rwigema has more than four years of experience in entrepreneurship training and education. Currently, Jean-Paul is co-founder of Innovation for Development of Africa (IDA), a social technology company that provides affordable and informal ICT (information and communication technology) education to vulnerable high school and university dropouts, especially girls. Jean-Paul also works on the financial aid team of African Leadership University (ALU), helping to select and manage ALU scholarship students. He serves on the Mastercard Foundation Alumni Committee, Rwanda chapter. Jean-Paul holds a master's degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Business in Sub-Saharan Africa. He is committed to helping his peers and young people better themselves by providing an informal and affordable tech education to vulnerable people. After completing the Mandela Washington Fellowship for Young African Leaders, he plans to use his new skills and knowledge to expand IDA's reach to other rural places in Rwanda and increase the number of trainees from 80 to 300 a year.

Amanda Sibiya

South Africa

Amanda Sibiya has more than eight years of experience in business and brand strategy. Currently, Amanda is lead strategist at Branding Africa in Johannesburg, where she strategically analyzes and builds African brands. She is also a business developer at Hadithi Africa, where she builds processes to develop and implement growth opportunities within the organization. Amanda holds a degree in Multimedia, and is committed to helping African entrepreneurs build brands that will grow in the digital age. After completing the Mandela Washington Fellowship for Young African Leaders, Amanda plans to continue to grow her business, while helping other young African entrepreneurs build theirs. She envisions a prosperous Africa driven by industry-leading African brands that succeed in the digital age and represent innovation in the global landscape.

Sidi Teguedi

Mauritania

Sidi Teguedi has more than four years of experience in supply chain management and continuous improvement. Currently, Sidi is sustainable business development specialist at Tasiast Mauritanie Ltd., which is part of the metal ore mining industry. Sidi uses critical thinking and problem-solving approaches to ensure high-quality performance, efficiency, and customer satisfaction while setting strategy and action plans to develop a sustainable and competitive nationwide supply base. He has three years of volunteering experience as a student social entrepreneur in Morocco, and holds a bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering. Sidi is committed to growing his business acumen and aspires to help small businesses in vulnerable areas of Mauritania. After completing the Mandela Washington Fellowship for Young African Leaders, he plans to use his new knowledge to help small businesses improve their technology, efficiency, and effectiveness.

Lesedi Thamaga

South Africa

Lesedi Dawn Thamaga has more than eight years of professional experience, including corporate and private events, brand experiences, digital marketing, and communications. Currently, Lesedi is chief executive officer of Leora Media, a black-owned and -managed leading digital marketing agency in South Africa. She sits on the board of the Temba Bavuma Foundation, where she serves as trustee and head of marketing and digital communications. Lesedi has a national diploma in Marketing Management from Damelin College and a bachelor's degree in Marketing Management from IMM Graduate School of Marketing. She is committed to youth empowerment and philanthropy and aims to change the African narrative by building strong African brands. After completing the Mandela Washington Fellowship for Young African Leaders, Lesedi plans to use the power of technology to create opportunities in rural communities in South Africa to eradicate the high unemployment rate.

Aïchatoun Amadou Touré

Mali

Aïchatoun (Chetou) Toure has more than five years of experience in the IT (information technology) solutions development field. Currently, Chetou is founder and chief executive officer of Codesign, a company that develops IT solutions for businesses in Mali and West Africa. She is also general secretary of Musodev, a Malian organization for the promotion of women through technology, and author of three books (Au-delà des tabous, Mali MussoW, and Journal d'une vie brisée) and a series of stories called Chroniques Chetopia. Chetou holds a bachelor's degree in IT Engineering and two certifications from Cisco Academy. She is committed to being a reference in the field of IT solutions in Mali and West Africa by creating successful IT and business solutions adapted to the context of Africa. After completing the Mandela Washington Fellowship for Young African Leaders, Chetou plans to raise funds to accelerate the development of Codesign and to work on creating student jobs to allow students to earn money to finance their studies.

Brice Yamedzeu

Cameroon

Brice Albin Yamedzeu has more than 13 years of experience in audiovisual media, first as a radio host and later as a producer and television host. Currently, Brice is the founder and chief executive officer of Y Productions, where he focuses on content production and the development of Cameroon's cultural and creative industries. Since 2013, Brice has also been a Cameroon correspondent for Radio France International's Couleurs Tropicales. In addition, he is a brand ambassador for Hennessy Cognac. Brice is committed to boosting his business leadership capacities in order to bring out the best in his team and his collaborators, and he is dedicated to developing Cameroon's creative and cultural industries. After completing the Mandela Washington Fellowship for Young African Leaders, Brice plans to create one of the most efficient audiovisual production studios in Africa, including an academy to support and train creative talent.