Ambassadors 2024 – Africa Climate Ambassadors

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Dr. Yvonne Maingey

Kenya

Founder, CaelKlima

Dr. Yvonne Maingey

Dr. Yvonne Maingey

Kenya

Dr. Maingey-Muriuki is a highly respected and gifted African leader in the areas of Climate Change and Sustainability. Through CaelKlima, a start-up that she founded and currently runs, she has built a strong reputation for excellence in developing measurable sustainability strategies that lead to impactful change. Her primary focus is on driving stakeholder alignment across different sectors and supporting diverse businesses in translating their strategies into action. She is an expert in driving inclusive climate action, building gender focused frameworks and policies for various organisations. She has published several articles on the nexus of gender justice and climate justice, including work on the potential to empower young women through climate smart agriculture. She was instrumental in provision of technical advice, driving stakeholder engagements and developing and launching EABL’s (Diageo) inaugural sustainability report. Dr. Maingey is a strategic technical advisor to multiple organisations including NCBA bank, World Bank, MasterCard Foundation, Diageo, Oxfam International, DFID, United Nations, among others on pertinent sustainability and climate change matters. Dr. Maingey-Muriuki is a gifted communicator and connector, which has led to her assignment to drive and moderate global strategic discussions on political, environmental and humanitarian issues with world leaders including Nelson Mandela, Wangari Maathai, Koffi Annan, Daniel Arap Moi, Achim Steiner, Klaus Topefer and Manu Chandaria among others. At the young age of 15, her innate leadership capabilities led to her appointment as a Youth Advisor on the African continent for the United Nations Environment Programme, where she served on the board for 3 years. Dr. Maingey-Muriuki has been invited to moderate panels and participate as a panelist for several international conferences across the world discussing environmental, climate change and sustainability matters. She is fluent in English, French and Kiswahili. Dr. Maingey-Muriuki holds a PhD in Climate Change and Adaptation from the University of Nairobi and a Doctoral Fellowship in Climate Change History and the Future of Global Governance from Columbia University. She holds a Master of Arts (Environmental Education) from New York University and graduated with a first-class honor in Bachelor of Laws (LLB) from the London School of Economics and Political Science. Dr. Maingey’s consistent display of excellence and high-quality leadership has led to her receiving multiple awards from various international and local bodies including United Nations Environmental Programme, London School of Economics and Political Science, United Nations Office of Nairobi, among many others.

Joy Wachira

Kenya

Founder, Etude Africa Ltd and Managing Director, Madfun

Joy Wachira

Joy Wachira

Kenya

As the leader behind the Groove Awards, Praise Fest, Lift Every Voice, Soar Africa Summit and most recently Shin City, Joy Wachira’s brand transformation and creative platforms keep her audience captivated and wanting more. Joy has inspired corporate leaders, university professors and cultural critics in ways that have established her as one of Africa’s emerging culture shaping icon. Known for her “behind the scenes” persona as much as for her firm management skills in the industry, Ms. Wachira has stirred controversy through her ability to challenge global African Narratives. Known in the industry for her creative design and management of the performing arts across the Continent, Joy has over 12 years of experience in the events, entertainment and creative industry. She resides in Nairobi, Kenya and her work has seen her redefine the urban creative art scene of Dar es Salaam, Kigali, Lagos and South Africa. Her production management skills have positioned her as one of Africa’s youngest and most influential women of our time. Joy is also a thought leader of creative content and has been the driver and collaborator of significant talent brands and recording labels including Geta International Ltd, WCB Wasafi, VP Records and many more. As an experienced entrepreneur with countless accomplishments throughout the entertainment industry, Joy serves as a conduit between entertainers, performing artists, and Brands. She possesses a deep knowledge of the entertainment industry and has cultivated relationships within the continent across brands and governments. She serves as the cultural and creative intersection between Africa and the rest of the world, providing strategy coupled with experience and relationships.

Olumide Ajayi

Nigeria

Director of Operations, CarePay Nigeria

Olumide Ajayi

Olumide Ajayi

Nigeria

Olumide is the Director of Operations at CarePay Nigeria, a health tech company that focuses on creating efficiency in healthcare organisations resulting in improving access to quality and affordable healthcare for everyone. He began his career in the banking industry where he functioned in various capacities from operations to corporate banking before moving into the Tech startup world, with over 10 years in leadership positions Olumide has development competencies in building effective teams, product development, operational efficiency, Customer success initiatives and go-to-market strategies. A graduate of Economics from Olabisi Onabanjo University in Nigeria, Olumide is a Certified Product Owner who also mentors young adults and children to become impactful members of society. In his spare time, he loves to watch football, play guitar and spend time with family.

Georgie Ndirangu

Kenya

Global Moderator

Georgie Ndirangu

Georgie Ndirangu

Kenya

Georgie Ndirangu is an award-winning journalist, trained broadcaster and global moderator, having previously worked with the BBC, CNBC and Forbes Africa, and interviewed tens of Heads of State and figures around the world. He has a background in Actuarial Science, and expertise in the development world, which he executed at Portland Communications for the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Evercare, and other organizations across Africa, Asia, Middle East, and the UK. His latest assignment included setting up the Pan-African Program communications department as consulting head at the Mastercard Foundation. He currently serves on the board of the Doris Mollel Foundation, focused on neonatal care in East Africa, and as a Now Generation Member at the Mo Ibrahim Foundation.

Candice Knipe

South Africa

Corporate Affairs Specialist, Garden for Growth

Candice Knipe

Candice Knipe

South Africa

Candice Knipe-Tlhotlhalemajoe is an accomplished Corporate Affairs specialist with a passion for using stakeholder value creation as a strategic tool for impacting social change and driving the sustainability agenda. She has more than 15 years’ experience spanning across construction, FMCG, oil and gas and the NPO/NGO industry. This diverse professional background gives her a deeper understand of both the corporate sectors as well as change needed at grassroot level. In 2019 she pioneered Garden for Growth, an initiative that took a commercial garden brand and shifted it to a brand with a social cause, which today has had a positive impact on the environment, people, and the surrounding communities. Candice holds a BCOM in Marketing and Business Science degree (Cum Laude) and PGD in Sustainability from Cambridge Institute for Sustainable Leadership. She uses her influence at senior level to advocate for sustainable change, transformation and to promote diversity and inclusion in the workplace. She also volunteers at various NPO/NGO’s and uses her profession experience to help advance their strategic agenda’s. Outside of work, she loves spending quality time with her family, early morning hikes with her dog, cooking, and travel. She is a Cape Townian by heart and loves wine, the beach, and mountains views.

Doreen Rwigamba

Rwanda

Strategy and Investment Manager, Koko Networks

Doreen Rwigamba

Doreen Rwigamba

Rwanda

Doreen Rwigamba is a passionate climate enthusiast who is currently a Strategy and Investment Manager at KOKO Networks Group, a leading climate technology company. KOKO uses carbon credit proceeds to provide safe and low-cost bio-ethanol cooking fuel for over 1 million households in Kenya and Rwanda. As part of her team, she plays a critical role within New Markets, venture development and deal execution team within KOKO that is focused on concurrently developing an early-stage portfolio of prospective Country Network Operators across ~20 countries in Africa, Asia and Latin America. Beyond her work at KOKO, she also serves as a venture partner at Africa Climate Ventures (ACV), a climate venture studio. She was previously a strategy consultant with Dalberg Advisors and was also a member of the founding advisory board of the Rwanda Institute of Conservation Agriculture (RICA). Doreen holds an MSc in Global Logistics from the W.P. Carey School of Business at Arizona State University and a BA in International Relations with an emphasis in International Economics from Webster University.

Jennifer Uchendu

Nigeria

Founder & Director, SustyVibes

Jennifer Uchendu

Jennifer Uchendu

Nigeria

Jennifer Uchendu is the founder of SustyVibes, a youth-led and youth focused organisation driving sustainability advocacy and implementation in Africa. Recently, her work has focused on climate change and mental health where she is exploring safeguarding and support systems for Africans through research, advocacy and community action. Jennifer has a masters degree in Development Studies from the Institute of Development Studies, UK under the prestigious Chevening Scholarship. She is also an alumnus of the Cambridge Institute For Sustainability Leadership and the Lagos Business School. In 2017, Jennifer co-authored the e-book: “A Guide to Business Sustainability in Nigeria.

Nthanda Manduwi

Malawi

Social entrepreneur and an international development professional, Ntha Foundation and Bien Corporation Africa

Nthanda Manduwi

Nthanda Manduwi

Malawi

Currently a resident in Manhattan, New York, Nthanda is a social entrepreneur and an international development professional: the founder of the Ntha Foundation and Bien Corporation Africa - companies which specialise in digital and media innovation in Africa and beyond. She has 8+ years of experience in resource mobilisation and public relations, and 11+ years entrepreneurial (business development and managerial) experience in digital media and communications. She has research experience in modelling information management systems for development, as well as socio-economic impacts of women’s empowerment. She recently completed a Master of Science degree in Entrepreneurship and a graduate programme in NYC. Her technical expertise lies in programme & project planning, implementation, coordination, monitoring & evaluation; and is skilled in knowledge management. She also has experience in tax (revenue) collection, filling, & enforcement.

Jackline Okeyo

South Africa

Founder & Director, Mzansi Clean Energy Capital

Jabesh Amissah

Ghana

Engineer, Arthur Energy Advisors

Jabesh Amissah Arthur

Jabesh Amissah

Ghana

Jabesh Amissah-Arthur is a professional engineer with over 15 years of experience working in energy sectors and executing projects across several continents. His expertise covers many complex power, energy, construction, and technology projects worldwide. This includes technical, financial, commercial, and supervision roles on several power infrastructure projects covering generation, transmission, distribution, and fuel supply verticals of the electricity sector. Jabesh Amissah-Arthur is a Partner at Arthur Energy Advisors (AEA) – a multi-award-winning energy consulting & advisory company based in Ghana and serving clients across the West African Sub-region. At AEA, Jabesh has been responsible for engineering and technical development, project finance, operational, process & financial modelling; resource analysis; power simulations, and design inputs as well as various advisory for major consulting projects across both the supply and demand sides of West Africa’s energy sector. Mr. Amissah-Arthur holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from the Jack Welch Management Institute (JWMI), Washington, DC, a Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Mechanical Engineering from Union College, Schenectady, New York, USA, and is a Certified Business Operations Professional (CBOP) with the Project Management Institute (PMI).

Sangu Delle

Ghana

Chairman & CEO, CarePoint

Sangu Delle

Sangu Delle

Ghana

Sangu is Chairman and CEO of CarePoint, a tech forward healthcare group focused on "building Africa's healthcare future." He is also Founder & Executive Chairman of Golden Palm Investments Corporation, one of Africa’s leading venture capital firms. Delle has been named a World Economic Forum Young Global Leader, a 2022 Eisenhower Fellow, Africa’s “Young Person of the Year”, a 2014 TEDGlobal Fellow, a 2013 Soros Fellow, one of Forbes’ top 30 most promising entrepreneurs in Africa, and one of Euromoney’s “Africa’s Rising Stars”. Sangu is a member of Harvard University's governing Board of Overseers Center and a board member of Ashesi University and Ghana International School. Sangu graduated with a BA, a JD, and an MBA from Harvard University, a Masters from Oxford University and a PhD from the University of Birmingham (UK). Sangu is the author of "Making Futures: Young Entrepreneurs in a Dynamic Africa" which was published in September 2019. He is a mental health activist with a TED Talk on the stigma of mental health which has garnered over 2 million views.

Joseph Waziri

Tanzania

Tax Consultant, Breakthrough Advisory Services Limited

Joseph Waziri

Joseph Waziri

Tanzania

I am a tax consultant (with working experience both in Tanzania and South Africa), an entrepreneur and young African leader who is an Alumni of Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI), an initiative for Africa transformation that was found by Barrack Obama (former president of USA). Before joining Breakthrough Advisory Services Limited as a tax partner, I was leading the Tax Department at Vodacom Tanzania. I have also co-found and manage Thrifty Innovations Limited which mainly focus on supply of good quality trampolines and children playing equipment. As an Alumni of Tony Elumelu Foundation Entrepreneurship Programme, I am actively involved in activities and projects that enhances entrepreneurship and business (including taxation) environment in Tanzania and Africa. I have previously been involved in various projects under Business Environment Vision 2025 that was initiated by the Fourth President of Tanzania. I have also been working with Parliamentary Committee for Budget and Task force on Tax reform (under the Ministry of Finance) for several years by representing the matters affecting the private sector and encourage the government to build the good business environment in Tanzania.

Chebet Lesan

Kenya

Founder & Director, Bright-Green Renewable Energy

Chebet Lesan

Chebet Lesan

Kenya

Chebet Lesan is a visionary Kenyan entrepreneur dedicated to sustainable business practices and environmental conversation. Chebet’ journey as a changemaker began when she founded Bright-Green Renewable Energy, an energy innovation company known for sustainable biomass briquettes that replace charcoal and firewood. Her impact extends beyond entrepreneurship; Chebet actively advocates for sustainable development and women’s empowerment and is globally recognized as an industry leader, having received several awards from the Queen of England,the Grand Prize winner of Africa Business Heroes, and the Cartier Women’s Initiative Award. Chebet’s leadership extends to various platforms where she shares her expertise on sustainable business practices, climate action, and the crucial role of women in driving positive change. With a dynamic and engaging presence, she has graced stages of UNGA, WTO Forum, One Young World, SE4All, with one main message; as the world develops, we must build for all, leaving no one behind. Chebet’s educational background is in Leadership from the University of Cambridge, User Design Development from MIT, Sustainability from Rutgers University, Business Management from INSEAD, and Industrial and Product Design from the University of Nairobi. Chebet serves on the board of the Clean Cooking Alliance (CCA) of the United Nations Foundation, founded in 2010 under the leadership of Secretary Hillary Clinton.

Serah Makka

Nigeria

Africa Executive Director, ONE Campaign

Serah Makka Ugbabe

Serah Makka

Nigeria

Serah Makka is ONE Campaign - Africa’s Executive Director. Her rich and varied career includes strategy and evaluation consultant, teaching in Kabul and financial inclusion and government relations in Nigeria. She has over fourteen years’ experience as a global development professional and has worked in the United States, Afghanistan, and Nigeria. She managed a US$10 million grant Fund to develop low-income products and services to deepen financial inclusion in Nigeria while working as Policy and Innovation Fund Manager at EFInA (Enhancing Financial Innovation & Access). She also worked as Policy and Partnerships Manager at indigenous African philanthropy in Nigeria, where she reformed several Federal Government policies including the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC). She created a delivery unit in the office of the President and worked on the Presidential Committee on Healthcare. Serah is a Nigerian national. Recently, she was recognised as an Archbishop Tutu Fellow. She holds a bachelor’s degree in economics from the University of North Florida and a master’s degree in public policy from the Harvard Kennedy School.

Ndidi Nwuneli

Nigeria

Founder, Leap Africa

Ndidi Nwuneli

Ndidi Nwuneli

Nigeria

Ndidi Okonkwo Nwuneli is an expert on food ecosystems, entrepreneurship, social innovation, and philanthropy. She has over 25 years of international development experience and is the founder of LEAP Africa and African Food Changemakers. She is also the co-founder of Sahel Consulting Agriculture & Nutrition Ltd. and AACE Foods Processing & Distribution Ltd. Ndidi serves on the boards of the Rockefeller Foundation, AGRA, Godrej Consumer Products Ltd. India, Stanbic IBTC Group, the Young Global Leaders of the World Economic Forum, and the Bridgespan Group. Ndidi holds an M.B.A. from the Harvard Business School and an undergraduate degree with honors from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. She was a Senior Fellow at the Mossavar-Rahmani Center for Business & Government at the Harvard Kennedy School, a visiting Scholar at Max Bell School of Public Policy at McGill University, an Aspen Institute New Voices Fellow, and an Eisenhower Fellow. Ndidi is a TED speaker, was recognized as a Schwab Fellow and a Young Global Leader by the World Economic Forum and has received numerous awards and recognitions including a National Honor by the Nigerian Government and the Harvard Business School Distinguished Alumni Award. She is the author of "Social Innovation in Africa: A Practical Guide for Scaling Impact," and "Food Entrepreneurs in Africa: Scaling Resilient Agriculture Businesses," both published by Routledge, and “Walking for God in the Marketplace.”

Ally Angula

Namibia

Founder, Leap Group

Ally Ngula

Ally Angula

Namibia

Ally founded the Leap Group after retiring in 2013 from KPMG Namibia as an Assurance Partner heading Energy and Natural Resources as well as the Financial Services Segments. Ally spent a good 12 years at KPMG of which 5 years were at Partner level. Ally qualified as a Chartered Accountant in 2006, qualifying for both South African and Namibian CA designation. Ally serves on Corporate Boards including the Board of Pupkewitz Holdings (Pty) Ltd. as well as on the Board of Namibia’s only listed Property Unit Linked Company - Oryx Properties Limited. Ally served as a Council Member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in Namibia (ICAN) and as a Board member of Rio Tinto's Rossing Uranium Limited Mine in Namibia, Old Mutual Life Assurance Company of Namibia, as Vice Chairperson for Namibia's National Petroleum Company - Namcor, as Chairman of Namcor Trading and Chairperson of Namibia Postal and Telecommunication Limited (NPTH). Ally also served her full term as a Bank of Namibia (The Reserve Bank of Namibia) Director and Chair of the Audit and Risk Committee. During her tenure as Chair for NPTH, Ally successfully led the 100% share purchase transaction on behalf of NPTH in respect of MTC, Namibia’s biggest mobile operator, which is planned for a 2019 listing on the Namibian Stock Exchange. This will be the first State Owned Asset to be listed on the Namibia Stock Exchange. On the 17th March 2015, Ally was announced as Young Global Leader (YGL) by the World Economic Forum (WEF). Ally is the Founding Curator for the World Economic Forum (WEF) Global Shapers Windhoek Hub as well as an Archbishop Desmond Tutu Fellow and a Dangote Fellow. During May 2013, Ally was appointed as an Accounting Expert by the Minister of Finance to reform the financial reporting and accounting function at the State Treasury. Ally was appointed as the Deputy Executive Director: State Accounts at the Ministry of Finance starting on the 3rd December 2018. This position saw Ally leading the Treasury role within the Ministry of Finance. Due to personal reasons Ally resigned from the Ministry of Finance on the 23rd August 2019 with great parting words from the Minister of Finance. Ally is now focussed once again on her entrepreneurial activities of the Leap Group. The Leap Group is invested in garment manufacturing of protective wear for Industry as well as invested in Financial Services. On 1 May 2023, Ally announced her intention to run for Office of the President in Namibia during the upcoming elections in late 2024.

Dr. Vicky Ghafi

Togo

Resident Researcher in Climate Change Science, AIMS Research and Innovation Centre (AIMS RIC) and Gender and Inclusion Lead Officer at AIMS (in Rwanda)

Dr. Vicky Ghafi Kondi

Dr. Vicky Ghafi

Togo

Dr. Vicky (Victoire) Ghafi KONDI AKARA, a Resident Researcher in Climate Change Science at AIMS Research and Innovation Centre (AIMS RIC), conducts research and supports project implementation as well as other climate-related projects, co-supervising master’s, and PhD students. She serves as the Gender and Inclusion Officer, leading initiatives for Gender Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion at AIMS in Rwanda. Specializing in Weather-Climate Services, Energy Demand Modeling, and Efficiency Management, her 11-year expertise spans climate change and health, environmental management, renewable energy, energy efficiency, water and sanitation, mathematical and climate modeling, and data analysis. She has consulted various international organisations such as GIZ, EU, African Union. With numerous publications and reports, she contributes significantly to global challenges. Beyond her professional roles, Dr. Vicky Kondi is dedicated to volunteerism. She is an Africa Climate Ambassador 2024, the International Network of Women Engineers, and Scientists (INWES) Board Member for two terms, 2021-2023 and 2024-2026, promoting STEM fields and youth leadership, particularly among young women and Africa Union volunteer 2021.

Simbarashe Mhuriro

Zimbabwe

Founder & Managing Director, Oxygen Africa

Simbarashe Mhuriro

Simbarashe Mhuriro

Zimbabwe

Simbarashe Mhuriro is a distinguished African leader recognized globally for his exceptional contributions to entrepreneurship and renewable energy. As the Founder and Managing Director of Oxygen Africa, a Zimbabwean renewable energy development company, he has pioneered advancements in commercial and industrial rooftop solar photovoltaic projects. His innovative work and commitment to sustainable energy solutions have set a benchmark in the industry. Demonstrating his influence and thought leadership, Simbarashe is a member of the World Economic Forum’s Global Future Council on Entrepreneurship for the 2018-2019 term. This position underscores his role in shaping the future of entrepreneurship on a global scale. Simbarashe's entrepreneurial excellence has garnered him numerous accolades on the global stage. He was named one of Africa’s 30 most promising young entrepreneurs by Forbes Magazine, highlighting his impactful work and potential for future growth. Being a visionary leader whose contributions to renewable energy and entrepreneurship are paving the way for a sustainable future, he continues to inspire and lead by example, demonstrating the powerful role of innovation and sustainability in shaping, Africa’s future.

Africa Climate Action Advocacy Initiative (ACAAI) is a Consortium of:

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