Leadership at NGN

Guiding tomorrow’s change

Network leads

Natasha Kimani

Natasha oversees the strategic implementation of the initiatives under NGN Insights and Advisory.

Background

Natasha is a governance and public policy expert with extensive experience in gender-responsive legislation and policies and has worked both in government and the private sector. She is the current Regional Director for Futurelect. She serves on the boards of Afrobarometer, Akili Dada and Mzalendo Trust.

Richard Kweitsu

Richard oversees the strategic implementation of initiatives under the Debates and In conversation with... initiatives.

Background

Richard is a Ph.D. candidate at the University of Florida, specialising in post-election legal challenges and democratisation in Africa. He has extensive experience in governance and youth development across the continent. Richard has co-founded and led local initiatives to promote education in rural communities in Ghana, demonstrating his commitment to empowering young people and improving access to quality education.

Nasi Rwigema

Nasi oversees the strategic implementation of initiatives under the Future of Africa and Mentoring initiatives.

Background

Nasi is an experienced leader and entrepreneur with a background in aeronautical engineering, renewable energy, private equity, and tech entrepreneurship. As co-founder of Solafrica Energy and former Associate Principal at Metier Sustainable Capital, Nasi has driven large-scale solar and hydropower projects. He currently leads product development at The Alliance, focusing on innovative, community-driven solutions.

Initiative leads

The NGN engages and empowers Africa’s leaders through six core initiatives. These are all organised and coordinated by the network leads and executive committee, and are structured to promote leadership, innovation and collaboration within the network.

Advisory team

Emilia Siwingwa (SVP)

Emilia leads the Advisory team, providing strategic insights and expert recommendations to shape policies and practices within NGN. She has extensive experience in policy development and governance, with a strong focus on legal frameworks that empower youth and marginalised communities.

Mandipa Ndlovu

Mandipa supports the advisory initiatives, particularly in governance and gender issues. She is a lawyer and human rights advocate with a passion for gender equality and social justice. She has worked on various projects that aim to empower women and promote gender-inclusive governance.

Hanan Taifour

Hanan brings her expertise in economic policy and private sector development to the advisory team. With a background in international development and economics, she has played key roles in designing and implementing economic policies that foster sustainable development in African economies.

Manji Wilson

Manji focusses on leadership and governance, particularly in shaping strategic partnerships. He has a wealth of experience in public administration and has been involved in several high-impact projects that aim to improve governance and leadership across African institutions.

Dolapo Adeyemi

Dolapo leads the Debates team, ensuring that NGN fosters critical discussions that challenge and inspire our members. She is a public policy expert with a strong background in international relations.

Lolan Sagoe-Moses

Lolan specialises in facilitating debates that explore democracy, governance, and public policy. He is a researcher and commentator on African political systems. His work focusses on the intersections of governance, policy, and social justice.

Sharon Boadu

Sharon focusses on engaging youth in discussions on social and economic issues affecting Africa. She is a social entrepreneur and advocate for youth empowerment.

Hafou Toure

Hafou is a seasoned media professional and communications expert with a deep understanding of Africa's socio-political landscape. She has facilitated numerous high-profile discussions that bring together thought leaders from across the continent.

Rama Salla Dieng

Rama brings academic and multicultural perspectives to the conversations, focussing on governance and social justice. She is an academic and author specialising in African studies, with a particular focus on gender, migration, and development.

Fabrice Chubaka Muchiga

Fabrice integrates grassroots movements and community insights into the discussions. He is dedicated to amplifying the voices of under-represented communities in national and international dialogues.

Mike Mpanya

Mike engages in projects related to technology and sustainability. He is a tech entrepreneur with a focus on sustainable development. He has been involved in several startups that leverage technology to solve environmental and social challenges.

Frederick Oduor

Frederick focusses on governance and leadership in the African context. He is a governance expert with experience in public policy and administration.

John Youhanes Magok Nhial

John brings expertise in youth development and entrepreneurship. He has spearheaded initiatives that provide training and support to young entrepreneurs across Africa.

Valerie Jeche

Valerie specialises in policy development and strategic planning. She has been instrumental in designing policies that promote economic growth and social inclusion in African countries.

Aida Ndiaye

Aida is an educational consultant and mentor with extensive experience in leadership development. She has worked with various international organisations to develop programs that empower young people through education and mentorship.

MaryAnne Iwara

MaryAnne is a gender equality advocate and leadership coach, focussing on leadership and career development, particularly for women.

Alpha Habib Bangura

Alpha specialises in youth empowerment and entrepreneurship. His work focusses on providing the tools and resources necessary for young people to succeed in business.

Manal Benani

Manal is an international relations expert with a background in education. She has worked with various NGOs to create educational programs that connect young Africans with global opportunities.

Julius Karl Fieve

Julius works on enhancing public policy and governance skills. He has worked with African governments to develop and implement policies that promote good governance and public accountability.

Abiy Goshu

Abiy is a tech innovator and educator with a passion for using technology to drive social change. He has been involved in various tech initiatives that aim to bridge the digital divide in Africa.

Aleida Borges

Aleida is an academic with extensive research that offers critical perspectives on grassroots organising and politics, women’s rights, representation and participation, diaspora political participation and youth politics.

Sheila Mburu

Sheila is an international development expert with a focus on public health. She is passionate about locally led global development and has published research and insights on strengthening health system policies.

Gugu Nonjinge

Gugu is a writer and policy analyst focussed on advancing the fight against impunity for serious crimes and human rights violations in Africa. She has extensive expertise on transitional justice, human rights and intersectional environmentalism.

Stephanie Adinde

Stephannie is a senior economist passionate about informing and influencing data-driven policymaking. She has authored on key development topics including climate change, fiscal management, inclusive growth, infrastructure development, and public health.

Leadership at NGN

Network leads

Natasha Kimani

Background

Richard Kweitsu

Background

Nasi Rwigema

Background

Initiative leads

Advisory team

Debates team

In conversation with… team

Future of Africa team

Mentoring team

NGN Insights team

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