Speakers

Ahmed Zoghlami is the CEO of Idaraty.tn, a civic tech platform that simplifies interactions between citizens and public institutions in Tunisia. Launched in 2020, Idaraty.tn quickly became an essential solution for modernizing public services and improving government transparency in Tunisia.
Before co-founding Idaraty, Zoghlami was the Chief Technology Officer at Jamaity.org, a key platform for NGOs in Tunisia, where he oversaw the design and management of technological infrastructure. With a career spanning over a decade in the civic tech sector, Ahmed is recognized for his ability to create innovative digital solutions that address the needs of local communities.

He has also led several projects in the fields of digital communication and business development, notably as the Marketing and Communication Manager at ExpoLugha. This diverse experience enables him to combine a technical and strategic approach with a vision centered on the social impact of technology.
Originally from Tunisia, Ahmed Zoghlami graduated from the University of Tunis Carthage. His background in civic tech makes him a central figure in innovation in North Africa.

Andrew is a native to Jozi, South Africa. He has worked in youth development for the past 15 years. He graduated from the University of Cape Town with a Bachelors degree in commerce majoring in Economics, Politics, and Philosophy, following that on with a post grad in Leadership and Entrepreneurship. He has also done some shorter programs through the Harvard Kennedy School. Andrew started his career in Private Banking at Investec and worked on weekends presenting sports for 702. His passion for entrepreneurship led him to working with Fred Swaniker to help create the African Leadership Network, a network of 500 people under the age of 40 doing impactful work across the continent. His corporate background saw him help create the SLOW lounges, business lounges for the modern day entrepreneur and anchor the breakfast show on etv sunrise, one of South Africa’s national broadcasters.

His major passion has always been how to change the needle on youth inequality through the use of education as well as using creativity to challenge the narratives in SA.

He founded Umuzi, a social enterprise, which seeks to decreas inequality globally. In 2023 Umuzi supported over 7000 young people to access high value digital skills and careers, www.umuzi.org for more.

Andrew has spoken and written about the potential of the youth unemployment problem in SA on various platforms including, TEDx, Duke ED, ALI, 702 and ETV to name a few. For his commitment to youth employment he has been awarded the Top200 South Africans by the Mail&Guardian,YALI fellowship and RMB Solutionist Thinker.

Angela Minayo, is an Advocate of the High Court of Kenya and Digital Rights and Policy Programs Officer at Article19 Eastern Africa. Her priorities in the region include freedom of expression online, accessibility of the internet and data protection. She is a prominent figure in the intersection of law, technology, and human rights. With an extensive professional profile Angela's expertise extends to project management, research, and policy analysis. She is dedicated to advancing digital rights, gender equality, and the inclusion of minorities in internet governance processes. Her dynamic presence is felt across various platforms and academic publications, solidifying her role as a trailblazer in the evolving landscape of technology and human rights.

Anneke Botes is a part-time lecturer at the University of Johannesburg whose fields of interest are Speculative Design, Visual Storytelling and Narrative Design as well as the use of media as a tool to facilitate discussions surrounding social commentary.

Asmeret Mikael is currently working as a Digital and Governance Junior Advisor at the German development cooperation (GIZ) office based in Addis Ababa, for a project with the African Union. The DataCipation Programme is aiming to achieve harmonized and inclusive digital and data policies in Africa, while also supporting several digital-led citizen engagement initiatives that align with the Agenda 2063. Before that she also worked in the GIZ Comeptencecenter for the Division: Governance & Conflict. There she took part in the further development of the PartiCipate website, a digital one-stop-shop that enables inclusive citizen participation processes for more meaningful decision-making. She holds a master’s degree in European studies, an interdisciplinary course that focuses on European politics, law and economy.

Bea Swanepoel is the interim CEO of Jozi my Jozi, a movement to inspire the people of Jozi, Mzansi and around the world to help bring hope and instil pride back into Johannesburg.
The purpose of the movement is to connect every person who wants to make a difference, from private to public sector and the everyday people of Jozi, to inspire sustainable solutions for the inner city and create a snowball of positive change that spreads across South Africa.

Brian is a highly skilled digital rights advocate with over a decade of experience dedicated to bolstering the digital resilience of civil society organisations (CSOs), human rights defenders (HRDs), and activists, particularly those in at-risk and underrepresented communities across Sub-Saharan Africa. His work spans across digital security support, advocacy, and capacity building.

As the Technology Officer at CIPESA, Brian leads efforts to strengthen digital security and resilience, ensuring that CSOs have the tools and knowledge to operate safely in an increasingly hostile online environment. He is passionate about making technology inclusive and accessible, especially to marginalised groups, and is a strong proponent of the use of open-source technologies. His expertise extends to offering direct technical support, training, and mentorship to activists, independent journalists, and civil society organisations.

Brian is a proud associate member of both civiCERT and the Association for Progressive Communications (APC), two networks focused on securing digital rights globally. He is committed to empowering more African users through the adoption of accessible, secure digital tools, enhancing their participation in civic engagement and advocacy.

With his extensive experience and a community-focused approach, Brian continues to contribute meaningfully to the promotion of internet freedom and the creation of safer, more inclusive digital spaces for all.

Bulelwa Ndaba, a graduate of Wits University with majors in Applied Drama and Theatre, as well as Drama Therapy, is the founder of Yaap, a performance and communication consultancy. Through Yaap, Bulelwa empowers entrepreneurs and professionals to discover and amplify their God-given voices through public speaking coaching. Her mission is to inspire meaningful change and positive impact through powerful communication. Drawing on her background in performance, Bulelwa provides clients with practical tools to master effective communication, conquer negative self-talk, overcome imposter syndrome and nerves, and craft authentic stories.

I joined Entelect in 2015, where I began my journey as a software engineer. While implementing technical solutions alongside my teams and our customers, I built a track record of driving innovative initiatives to establish a culture. My tenured journey as a software engineer has given me a deep understanding of the company's culture and values. And a unique perspective in my role. Today, I partner with leads to empower Entelectuals and strengthen our culture through initiatives. On the weekend, you'll catch me getting my hands dirty in the garden and spending time with my fur kids!

Careen Joel Mwakitalu is a Tanzanian Climate Innovator and advocate. Careen runs a mobile eco hub named No Taka Tanzania that works to spearhead sustainable data through geospatial technology for migrant and refugee communities in Tanzania. The hub strategies shaping policy reforms and help build resilience and adaptive capacity for mobile communities affected by climate change through unpacking intersectional socio-economic issues weaved in this complex challenge

Nwabueze Chibuzor is an experienced specialist with a demonstrated history of working in the non-profit organization management sector. Chibuzor specialises in program/project development, grant management, program/project planning and implementation in democratic governance, local governance, state institution strengthening, civil society strethening, peace building and conflict resolution programmes & projects as well as public policy engagement and communication with stakeholders.

Chibuzor has experience implementing several initiatives globally especially in the global south. He has worked in the following regions: Sub-saharan Africa , Middle East & North Africa, Latin America and the Carribean, South Asia region, East Asia, Central Asia & Eastern Europe and the Pacific region.

Chibuzor is an excellent leader and team manager. He has managed small, medium and large teams including global teams spread across several countries.

He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Political Science from the University of Nigeria Nsukka and has an M.Sc. in Peace, Conflict and Strategic Studies from the Nile University of Nigeria, Abuja (Honoris United Universities). He has also undertaken several industry related trainings & certifications.

Deac produces virtual characters and environments, specializing in virtual and augmented reality experiences using the Unity & Unreal engines.

Danga's portfolio at the South African Cities Network focuses on the management of municipal finances, developing human capacity in the public sector and the participation of vulnerable communities in municipal governance.

Danga has over twenty years of work experience in three countries and on two continents in both the private and the public sector, including as an independent consultant in democratic governance. He has conducted research for a range of clients including the City of Johannesburg, the Department of Public Service and Administration, the Mpumalanga Provincial Legislature, and the South African Local Government Association (SALGA).

National School of Administration (Ecole nationale d’administration), 1996-1998
- Project officer to the director: Press, information and communication, then Communication
and information Directorate, French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs, 1998-2001
- European cooperation Directorate, French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs, 2001-2002
- Dispatched to the cabinet of the Minister of the Interior as a diplomatic adviser, 2002-2004
- Dispatched to the cabinet of the Minister of Economy, Finance and Industry, as a diplomatic
adviser, February-November 2004
- Diplomatic Counsellor to the Minister of State, Minister of the Interior, 2005-2006
- Spokesperson, French Presidency, 2007-2008
- Consul General in Los Angeles, 2008-2012
- At the Permanent Representation of France to the United Nations in New York, 2012-2013
- Special Representative for international negotiations on the information society and digital
development, French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs, 2013-2015
- Ambassador for Cyber Diplomacy and Digital Economy, French Ministry for Europe and
Foreign Affairs, 2015-2017
- Ambassador for Digital Affairs, French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs, 2017-2018
- Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Afghanistan, 2018-2021
- Chargé de mission, Asia and Oceania Directorate, French Ministry for Europe and Foreign
Affairs, 2021-2023
- Ambassador Extraordinay and Plenipotentiary to South Africa, since May 2023

Dimpho Mashile is a solutions architect and technology consultant at a leading assurance firm, with expertise in business and data analysis, robotics process automation, and AI engineering.

As co-founder of KGOPELO, she merges African botanical knowledge with cutting-edge technology to address the skincare needs of melanated skin.

Passionate about digital inclusion, Dimpho advocates for women’s involvement in creating and regulating digital innovations. As part of Dream Girls Academy’s leadership, she works to empower women through technology, believing that equitable digital participation is key to a more inclusive society. Dimpho bridges the physical and digital worlds, simplifying complex narratives with clarity.

Paul Plantinga is a Senior Research Manager at the Human Sciences Research Council in South Africa. He is currently leading projects that use digital technologies to support participatory and evidence-informed policymaking. Between 2012 and 2016 he managed open innovation and open data work at The Innovation Hub, an agency of the Gauteng Provincial Government. Prior to this he completed a PhD in ICT governance with the Centre for Organisational and Social Informatics at Monash University and worked as a solution architect and engineer in mobile telecoms and VoIP

Edith is an educator and community development expert. She is invested in topics centered around menstrual health rights & hygiene, rape/ sexual molestation and advocates for quality education for young girls and women empowerment for increased economic participation.
She works as a Programs Manager, at the Restored Heart Foundation– an NGO whose major activities are geared towards addressing the issues around SDGs 3,4 &5. Through its initiatives the Teacher Bank project, Young Historian Competition and the Medical Outreach Project, amongst others, Restored Heart Foundation has continued to positively impact the lives of young people in Nigerian communities and has recorded an immense impact rate in communities of project implementation since its inception, especially amongst girls and women.

For close to 10 years, Edith has also worked with marginalized and vulnerable communities at the grassroot level. She has acquired a great deal of experience working as an advocate with stakeholders to formulate, review and create evidence-based strategies and policies that increase access to education, health and empowerment services for adolescent girls and women in rural communities.

Eduardo Cachucho is the Creative Director for the Fak'ugesi African Digital Innovation Festival. He is a programme consultant, artist and ex-architect. He has worked in digital innovation in the creative sector for over a decade both in South Africa and internationally, believing that digital creative practices are the key to sustainable empowerment in South Africa and across the countries of Africa.

Esther Mwema is an award-winning artist and digital inequalities practitioner with expertise in Internet governance, tech-innovation and digital rights. Her practice intersects art and technology, interrogating hidden systems of power in technology such as fiber optic cables, AI and digital colonialism. She has over ten years commitment to social impact at the grassroots via her non-profits Digital Grassroots and SAFIGI Outreach Foundation; and has done extensive work within the UN system. Esther is an Open Internet for Democracy Leader who centers African feminist and decolonial methodologies in practice.

I am the current National Director of an organization that is committed to equip and empower young Mozambicans to transform their country through various initiatives. I have worked in various positions in different secular and religious based organizations, with the common goal of bringing positive and tangible transformation to the general populace without discrimination.
I hold a Bachelor’s Degree of Applied Social Science in Development Studies from Zimbabwe Open University and am currently doing Master’s in MBA from a university in The United States of America.
My desire is to interact with all kinds of people to better understand their needs and together innovate ways in which their needs can be addressed fully. I work towards achieving goals and make sure that I am more useful, not only in my society, but in communities even beyond borders.

Eva Gondor leads the ICSCentre’s civic space work, mainly the Solidarity Action Network (SANE) aimed at strengthening resilience of and solidarity among civil society actors when faced with civic space restrictions. Prior to joining the ICSCentre she worked at the Robert Bosch Stiftung (Foundation) managing its projects on civil society and governance in Turkey and North Africa.

Yvonne is a social development professional and visionary leader who has led several successful projects and programs working with highly technical and specialized teams. across issues of governance & elections, security & justice systems, gender & inclusivity, education & sustainable communities.

She currently works as the Project Manager for the Governance and Elections unit leads in the Technology and Society Practice at Co-creation HUB (CcHUB), and also serve as the Regional Ambassador of the Civic Tech Innovation Network (CTIN) for West Africa.

Yvonne comes with over 12 years of experience.

Odeh Friday is a human rights activist and good governance advocate. He has over 12 years of experience in development and humanitarian work, including work at Save the Children International.

Odeh's accomplishments include participation in programmes such as the Transparency International School of Integrity, the Dutch Visitors Programme on Democracy and the Rule of Law, and the 2022 Aspen Ideas Fellowship. Under his direction, the team was awarded the 2018 International Anti-Corruption Excellence (ACE) Award as well as the MKO Abiola Community Engagement Award at the CAHR Awards Africa 2023.

Gabriella Razzano is the co-founder and Executive Director of OpenUp, a social impact technology organisation based in Cape Town. She is a Doctoral Fellow in the Trust Programme at WISER, the University of Witwatersrand. She is also a Senior Atlantic Fellow on Social and Income Inequality, and an Advisor to the African AI Observatory. She has contributed to the drafting of several regional instruments. She was an Internet Governance Fellow, an alumni of the IVLP (Global Digital Leader), and one of the M&G’s Young South Africans, 2013.

Habib Sheidu is a passionate advocate for good governance and accountability in Nigeria. With experience in NGOs like the Global Society for Anti-Corruption (GSAC), he has designed programs to enhance transparency. He co-founded AdvoKC Foundation, which strengthens democracy through civic-tech initiatives like Promise Tracker, monitoring campaign commitments.

Habib has successfully led projects like the Buharimeter and #WhyVote campaign, engaging over 20,000 people ahead of the 2023 elections. A two-time Nigeria Youth Futures Fund grantee, he has also organised TED events addressing local issues. As a former ONE Youth Champion, Habib remains dedicated to driving positive change.

Hadassah Myers is a senior lecturer in Digital Media Design at the University of Johannesburg. Her fields of interest include Design Thinking, Systemic Design, Speculative Design, Digital Health, 4IR, Gamification and Storytelling. She is a PhD candidate at the Wits School of Governance. Her research explores methodological approaches to the design of diabetes technology in the South African Public Health Sector.

Khayar is a Mandela Washington Fellow 2016, Chadian entrepreneur, founder &CEO of Chad Innovation, a Tech Hub based in N'Djamena, allowing people to incubate their ideas and turn them into startups. A center for workshops, conferences, case studies, and Peer-to-Peer sessions related to smart technologies, business, society, and infrastructure. since 2020, Khayar has been appointed by the President of the Republic to lead Chad's digital transition.

Ivan Louis Pinno: Founder - Digital Woman Uganda; tech leader driving innovative solutions to empower women, farmers, and communities

Kavisha Pillay is a social justice activist and the founding director of the Campaign On Digital Ethics (CODE). With a strong background in transparency, good governance, and accountability, Kavisha has built mass mobilisation campaigns, published various research reports, and developed innovative civic tech platforms aimed at improving public engagement in the fight against corruption.

Koketso Moeti has a long background in civic activism and has worked at the intersection of governance, communication, and citizen action. In 2023 she was announced as an inaugural Keseb Democracy fellow. She is also a Mulago Foundation Rainer Arnhold fellow; an inaugural Collective Action in Tech fellow; an inaugural Obama fellow; an Atlantic fellow for racial equity and an Aspen Institute New Voices senior fellow. Moeti is an expert advisor to the World Economic Forum’s ‘Partnering with Civil Society in the Fourth Industrial Revolution‘ initiative. She is an alumnus of the Inclusive Global Leadership Initiative (IGLI) summer institute. When not working, Moeti can be found writing.

I like to think of myself as an articulate communicator, and results-driven thought leader, with a great portfolio of transforming organisations, improving service delivery through developing people-centred solutions and growing leaders. Over the last 20 years, I have supported organisations across the East Africa Region, in the Not-For-Profit, Private and Public sectors.
I currently serve as the Deputy Executive Director at the Open Institute where I enjoy partnering with subnational governments, CSOs and CBOs to support policy development, build capacity and provide tools for effective and impactful data-driven decision-making.
I am also an African who seeks to empower fellow African women and youth to find their voices and use them with confidence, boldness and wisdom to transform lives and communities.

Malcolm Mooi is a board member of NECDA, a passionate advocate for Early Childhood Development, and the driving force behind Zibuza.net, a learning engagement platform. His work focuses on improving access to quality education and fostering collaboration among stakeholders to bridge the digital divide in South Africa. Through Zibuza.net, Malcolm supports teachers, principals, learners and parents in under-resourced communities, ensuring strong foundations for lifelong success.

Mark Harris has led and transformed organizations of varying sizes through his leadership and strategic thinking. The strategic competencies Mark offers are invaluable to any organization aiming to achieve objectives of growth and innovation in an increasingly competitive environment. Mark brings an
appreciation and understanding of business strategies, mergers and acquisitions, innovation, technology and digitization which is crucial in the modern digital revolution.

His experience spans over 35 years and across a large number of industries and geographies including Africa, North America, Europe and the Middle East. Mark’s drive for sustainable growth and turnaround strategies has seen him as a participant of many game-changing delegations in South Africa and
internationally.

Mr. Mark Harris has been involved in the Tshimologong Digital Innovation Precinct ecosystem since its inception as a board member, playing a pivotal role alongside our founder, the late Prof. Barry Dwolatzky. Following the resignation of Ms. Lesley Donna Williams, his predecessor, Mark assumes
leadership of the digital innovation cluster by contributing his knowledge. Mark is currently the Director of Wits JCSE (Johannesburg Centre for Software Engineering) and Acting CEO of Wits Tshimologong Digital Innovation Incubation Centre.

Monitor major governance and socio-economic issues, and public policies
linked, in South Africa, Lesotho and Malawi;
- Ensure the development and monitoring of governance and development cooperation projects (environmental justice, open government, conflict resolution, sexual health);
- Monitor the food aid programmed for Malawi (€1.5 million);
- Promote collaborations between South African, French and European institutions within the framework
the EU-SA Dialogue Facility financed by the Delegation of the European Union in Pretoria;
- Ensure monitoring and support of existing cooperation between local authorities and
local areas in the three countries of competence of the post (South Africa, Lesotho and Malawi) and provide food for thought on the areas in which decentralized cooperation could be encouraged in the future, including in terms of triangular cooperation.

Mbali Zulu is a versatile business and community leader with over 15 years of experience across corporate, start-up, and nonprofit sectors. He specializes in strategic business growth, integrated marketing, and sustainable community development. Mbali leads The Box Shop Lifestyle, a township-based entrepreneur support program in Soweto, offering skills training to youth and business support to local entrepreneurs. As the Immediate Past President of the Rotary Club of Johannesburg New Dawn, he is currently the Advisor of the Soweto Rotary Community Corps (SRCC), guiding sustainable, community-driven projects. Mbali is also the founder of a non-profit #WeUprising Movement, where he spearheads initiatives that uplift township youth and communities through social innovation and enterprise development.

International Development Professional with a decade and a half of experience in human-centered digital transformation and innovation. Having worked in Uganda, Kenya and Ethiopia, Mohamed has a comprehensive grasp of the continent's digital transformation landscape, especially at its nexus with human rights, gender, youth, disability as well as citizen engagement and participation.

A seasoned "Leave No One Behind - LNOB" practitioner, Mohamed pursues people ahead of technology. He believes that digital transformation must work for all without causing harm, and without widening disparities. He has contributed to the development of various tools, including those for ensuring inclusive and safe digital transformation, digital accessibility, and ethical AI practices. He has both the expertise and passion for leveraging strong ecosystems as a sustainable mechanims for inclusive and safe digital transformation and innovation.

Mohamed holds a Master of Arts in Development Studies and Diplomacy from the UN mandated University for Peace and the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR).

Wiseman Mqondisi Mavundla is a passionate community developer dedicated to driving positive change in Africa and on a global scale. He is a firm believer in the power of continuous learning to navigate the complexities of development, democracy, and globalization. His ongoing Master’s degree in Population Studies is deepening his understanding of population dynamics and intricate development challenges.

Throughout his career, Wiseman has consistently sought opportunities to create a positive impact and empower local communities. In his previous roles as a program manager, he successfully led cross-functional teams. He fostered a culture of creativity and collaboration to develop and implement innovative solutions for complex development issues.

Mutsa is the Founder of UbuntuLab, Africa’s first and only Personal Growth Hub that deals with the holistic development of emerging market entrepreneurs, creative influencers and bold institutions. He is also the co-founder of IbuHub, a pan-African Entrepreneurial Support Organisation (ESO), that holds interactive spaces for all stakeholders in the pan-African ecosystem. Mutsa is also the National Co-ordinator for the Presencing Institute and has partnered with them to create and facilitate social innovation labs, deliver capacity building programs and conduct action research projects in Africa. He has trained young teachers in Kenya’s national Youth Empowerment Initiative, is a founding member of the TedX Harare organising committee and a Seedstars Africa mentor.

Most recently, Mutsa published his first book: 30 Days of Transformation- A Guide to Your Authentic Self, which encourages the upcoming generation of African’s to use authenticity as the new currency for lasting change. The book is now available on Amazon. He has has had book tours in Nigeria, Rwanda, Tanzania and South Africa. Mutsa is currently working on his second book: KUSHAVA; which explores the intersections of ancient African wisdom, divine purpose and infinite imagination for an emerging trauma-varient generation.

Nishendra is the CEO of the EDP, having commenced his role in March 2023. An urban governance specialist and transformational leader, Nishendra has 27 years of experience in the development sector in South Africa. He has held a range of roles across the private, non-profit and public sectors at national, provincial and local levels variously aimed at strengthening governance, policy development, transformation and accountability. Nishendra holds an MPA in Governance from the University of Western Cape and is co-author of ‘Building a Capable State – Service Delivery in Post-Apartheid South Africa’. He continues to play an active voluntary leadership role in civil society, with an emphasis on initiatives that seek to bring state and citizens together.