Albert Shiebila Mali is an agribusiness and enterprise development leader, entrepreneur, and social impact strategist with more than a decade of experience advancing inclusive economic growth in Ghana. As Executive Director of GrowAfrica For Me, he leads initiatives that empower youth, women, startups, and underserved communities through entrepreneurship development, agribusiness incubation, digital skills training, livelihood support, and investment readiness.

His expertise spans agribusiness consultancy, business development services, enterprise acceleration, and community-centered economic empowerment. Albert has designed and implemented programs that strengthen agribusiness value chains, support MSMEs, promote women and youth entrepreneurship, and improve access to finance, markets, and strategic partnerships.

Albert has collaborated with leading international development organizations, including the International Trade Centre (ITC), World Food Programme (WFP), Mennonite Economic Development Associates (MEDA), Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), Kosmos Innovation Center, Ghana Enterprise Agency, and Ghana’s Ministry of Food and Agriculture. His work has focused on enterprise transformation, investment readiness, coaching, mentoring, agribusiness diagnostics, financial literacy, cooperative development, and market systems strengthening.

Under his leadership at GrowAfrica For Me, the organization has launched impactful initiatives such as GrowAfrica Skills4Her (GAS4HER) and the GrowAfrica Green Start-up Incubation Programme (GGSIP), promoting green entrepreneurship, agribusiness innovation, and economic inclusion for women, youth, and persons with disabilities, particularly in Northern Ghana.

Albert is also recognized for his leadership and operational excellence. While serving with Dansyn Innovation and Social Organization, he helped the hub earn national recognition, including Overall Best Hub of the Year, Best Skill Training Hub of the Year, and Best Gender Inclusive Hub of the Year at the Ghana Start-up Summit. In 2024, GrowAfrica For Me was recognized as the Best Business Development Service (BDS) Provider under the USAID Ghana Market Systems and Resilience (MSR) Activity Business Growth Clinic Program.

He holds an MPhil in Marketing and Strategy from the University of Business and Integrated Development Studies, an MBA and BSc in Marketing from the University of Cape Coast, and is a Chartered Accountant certified by the Institute of Chartered Accountants Ghana. He is currently pursuing a PhD in Marketing and Strategy, further strengthening his expertise in enterprise development, strategic leadership, and sustainable business growth.

Passionate about developing Africa’s next generation of entrepreneurs and changemakers, Albert continues to champion innovative, inclusive initiatives that drive sustainable enterprise development and economic transformation across the continent.

Charles Nweke is the Co-founder and CEO of AlumUnite, a data intelligence and community funding platform transforming how schools and young people across Africa access opportunities, resources, and long-term support. Through AlumUnite, he is building technology that mobilizes alumni networks, institutional partnerships, and data systems to create sustainable pathways for education funding and youth development.

His work spans education, technology, innovation, and ecosystem development. Under his leadership, AlumUnite has evolved into a platform that helps schools, alumni communities, governments, development partners, and private sector organizations better connect funding, mentorship, and measurable impact. Through solutions such as the CodED intelligence platform, the organization is improving visibility into education challenges while enabling more coordinated and effective responses.

Charles brings more than 15 years of international experience in strategy consulting, venture building, engineering, and ecosystem development across Africa, Australia, and Europe. Before leading AlumUnite full time, he was a Senior Associate at McKinsey & Company, advising organizations in the energy, finance, and public sectors. Earlier in his career, he held engineering, project planning, and business development roles with organizations including Santos and Infosys in Australia.

He also serves as Venture Building Engagement Lead at BFA Global’s Catalyst Fund, where he supports high-potential ventures in clean energy, agriculture, waste management, agroforestry, and climate resilience across Nigeria, Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda. His work includes mentoring founders and helping mission-driven organizations scale their impact.

In addition to venture support, Charles has contributed to climate and innovation ecosystems through research initiatives, including leading the development of the Africa Carbon Buyers Dashboard and contributing to collaborative carbon market research. He has also spoken at industry events such as the Carbon Markets Africa Summit in Johannesburg.

Charles holds an MBA from IESE Business School in Spain, an MSc in Energy & Resources from University College London, and a First Class degree in Power Systems Engineering from the Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO). He is also a Chartered Professional Engineer through Engineers Australia. Driven by a commitment to stewardship and long-term systems change, he continues to leverage global experience to build innovative solutions that advance education and sustainable development across Africa.

Born on May 20, 1990, Chidi Nwaogu is a Nigerian tech entrepreneur and software developer. He is the co-founder of Efiwe, a mobile-first, offline-ready, AI-powered coding education platform designed to expand access to technology education.

Chidi’s contributions to Africa’s technology ecosystem have earned him significant recognition. In 2021, the Jack Ma Foundation named him one of the Top 10 Africa’s Business Heroes, and YNaija included him in its 100 Most Powerful Young Nigerians list. In 2026, YNaija again recognized his impact by naming him one of the 100 Most Impactful People in Tech. That same year, he was also one of only two Nigerians selected by the Royal Academy of Engineering for the Africa Prize for Engineering Innovation shortlist.

David Monday is a Ugandan business coach, environmentalist, and social entrepreneur committed to advancing community development through innovation and environmental conservation. As a certified Employment-Intensive Infrastructure Contractor by the International Labour Organization (ILO) and a facilitator trained in the learner-centered approach by SINA Global, he has supported social enterprises in developing innovative, scalable solutions with global potential.

David is the Founder and CEO of Pendeza Shelters, a social enterprise that transforms plastic waste into affordable, eco-friendly housing with a focus on resilient infrastructure for flood-prone communities. He is also the co-founder of Upcycle Africa Limited and previously led the Applied Social Innovation Program at Jangu International, where he mentored entrepreneurs and strengthened community-driven innovation.

Passionate about youth and women’s empowerment, David has dedicated his career to helping aspiring entrepreneurs develop practical skills in business development, leadership, creativity, innovation, and teamwork. Through business coaching and mentorship, he has supported individuals and communities in transforming ideas into sustainable enterprises that create lasting social and environmental impact.

David’s work reflects a strong commitment to inclusive development, circular economy solutions, and community-led change. By combining entrepreneurship with environmental stewardship, he continues to champion innovative approaches that improve livelihoods, reduce waste, and build more resilient communities across Uganda and beyond.

Esther Chinenye Eruchie is a globally recognized digital health innovator, policy strategist, and AI leader advancing equitable access to healthcare for underserved communities. She is the Founder and CEO of FriendnPal, a predictive, AI-powered mental health platform that is transforming access to mental healthcare through early detection, continuous support, and community-centered care. Inspired by personal experiences of mental health loss within her family, Esther founded FriendnPal to help shift healthcare systems from reactive treatment to proactive, preventive care.

Her work has earned numerous international accolades, including recognition as a Moonshot Health Finalist (2025), Global Entrepreneurship Nigeria Winner (2024), and Best AI Product/Service of the Year (2024). She has also received honors from the World Summit Awards and the World Bank, represented Nigeria at international innovation forums in Denmark, and was named a Top 25 African Female Founder by the African Innovation Fellowship (WomHub). She is also a recipient of the Tech for Good Entrepreneur Award and serves as a One Young World Ambassador.

Esther works across innovation ecosystems in Africa, Europe, and Asia, collaborating with governments, policymakers, researchers, and development partners to advance responsible AI and digital health solutions. In 2025, she served as a Healthcare Mentor for the AfriLabs–Afreximbank program in Algeria, supporting emerging health innovators across the continent.

She also contributes to global health policy and research as a member of HealthAI, the Healthcare Federation of Nigeria, and the Coalition for Scaling Mental Health, where she champions ethical AI adoption and system-level healthcare transformation. Through her work, Esther continues to drive innovative solutions that expand access to quality mental healthcare while shaping the future of AI-powered health systems.

Gladys Amuge is a Ugandan entrepreneur and co-founder of Absolute Clean, a cleaning and laundry enterprise dedicated to providing reliable, affordable, and sustainable services that promote healthier living environments. Through the business, she combines entrepreneurship, innovation, and technology to improve hygiene, convenience, and access to professional cleaning solutions for individuals and communities.

Through building Absolute Clean, Gladys has developed expertise in leadership, marketing, customer engagement, proposal writing, teamwork, and problem-solving. Passionate about environmental sustainability, she is committed to developing eco-friendly cleaning solutions while creating opportunities for young people, particularly women and aspiring entrepreneurs.

With a long-term vision of building Absolute Clean into a trusted, technology-driven brand, Gladys aims to deliver innovative cleaning services, empower the next generation of entrepreneurs, and contribute to healthier, more sustainable communities across Uganda and beyond.

Mackline Kobusinye is a Ugandan social entrepreneur, maternal health advocate, life coach, and community leader with more than a decade of experience in leadership development and social impact. She is the founder of Vital Care Connect, a women-led social enterprise dedicated to improving maternal and newborn health in underserved communities across Uganda.

Inspired by her own near-fatal childbirth experience, Mackline established Vital Care Connect to help prevent avoidable maternal and newborn deaths. Under her leadership, the organization has reached more than 40,000 people through the distribution of safe birth kits, fortified nutrition porridge, and maternal health education. Her long-term vision is to build a scalable, community-driven maternal healthcare system across Africa where no woman dies while giving birth.

Her work has earned national and international recognition, including the Acumen Fellowship (2023), Savvy Fellowship Prize (2023), the Youth Challenge International HerStart Grant, and selection as a Mandela Washington Fellow (2024). She was chosen as one of just 24 fellows from Uganda, selected from more than 2,300 applicants, to join the prestigious leadership program for emerging African leaders.

Beyond her work in maternal health, Mackline is a certified life coach and trainer who has coached more than 194 youth coaches across Africa, contributing to the development of over 14,000 early-career youth entrepreneurs. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Arts and Social Sciences from Kyambogo University and is the proud mother of two sons.

Martin Masiya is a Malawian entrepreneur and renewable energy leader committed to expanding access to affordable, high-quality solar energy for last-mile communities. Over the past four years, he has built a profitable solar distribution business while leading a growing team of dedicated staff and sales agents focused on increasing energy access across Malawi.

Martin is widely recognized as an emerging leader in Africa’s renewable energy sector. He is the recipient of the 2020 Distribution Prize and was named one of the 2026 Queen Elizabeth Commonwealth Trust 100 Young Leaders for his contributions to sustainable energy and social impact.

Beyond entrepreneurship, Martin is an active advocate for youth leadership and global climate action. His work has been featured by the United Nations, UNICEF Africa, the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), and the UN Major Group for Children and Youth (MGCY).

He has participated in numerous regional and international youth advisory initiatives focused on meaningful youth engagement, youth-led climate action, sustainable energy transitions, and expanding energy access. In 2022, he joined the RES4Africa Foundation Youth Task Force, a youth-led advisory board advancing the role of young people in accelerating renewable energy adoption across Africa. In 2025, he was selected as part of the inaugural cohort of Commonwealth Startup Fellows, joining 20 high-growth entrepreneurs from across the Commonwealth developing innovative solutions in climate, education, and agriculture. Through his leadership and advocacy, Martin continues to champion clean energy as a catalyst for sustainable development and economic opportunity across Africa.

Nantongo Barbra Jane is a Ugandan social entrepreneur, environmental advocate, and Founder of Smart Kitchen Solutions, a social enterprise providing clean, affordable, and eco-friendly cooking solutions to low- and middle-income households and small businesses. She is passionate about developing sustainable energy solutions that improve livelihoods, protect the environment, and empower women and youth.

Inspired by personal experiences, including the loss of her aunt to carbon monoxide poisoning and the economic challenges her family faced during the COVID-19 pandemic, Barbra founded Smart Kitchen Solutions in 2021 to promote safer, more affordable cooking alternatives. The enterprise produces eco-friendly briquettes from recycled organic waste, agricultural residues, and invasive water hyacinth, while promoting improved cookstoves that reduce indoor air pollution, deforestation, and household fuel costs.

Under her leadership, Smart Kitchen Solutions has trained more than 840 women in sustainable cooking practices and environmental conservation, while creating income-generating opportunities for women and youth through waste recycling and clean energy production. She believes that climate action and economic empowerment can work together to create lasting community transformation.

Barbra holds a Bachelor’s degree in Procurement and Logistics Management, along with certifications in Social Entrepreneurship and Life Coaching. Her professional experience spans procurement, sustainability, social innovation, circular economy, and operations, having worked with organizations including Social Innovation Academy (SINA), MultiChoice Uganda, the National Renewable Energy Platform, and The AIDS Support Organization (TASO).

Her leadership has been further strengthened through participation in programs such as the International Visitor Program under the U.S. Department of State, Women Entrepreneurship for Development (WE4D), NSSF Hi-Innovator, and the Social & Inclusive Business Camp (SIBC). She has also spoken at climate and social entrepreneurship forums, advocating for clean cooking solutions and sustainable development.

Barbra’s vision is to ensure every community has access to affordable clean cooking solutions while creating opportunities for women and youth to thrive through green innovation. Through Smart Kitchen Solutions, she continues to build healthier homes, stronger communities, and a more sustainable future.

Albert Rwakimari Ayiga is a Ugandan social entrepreneur and the Founder and CEO of NUNU Fund, a rural enterprise that integrates agriculture, retail, savings, and education to improve economic opportunities for low-income communities. Raised in a subsistence farming household in southwestern Uganda, Albert experienced firsthand the challenges of unstable incomes, limited financial access, and interrupted education, inspiring his commitment to creating practical, scalable solutions for rural communities.

Through NUNU Fund, he has developed a tech-enabled, closed-loop economic model that helps farmers earn fair value for their produce, enables households to save through community retail systems, and supports children’s education through structured digital savings tailored to local financial realities and community practices. Under his leadership, the organization has served more than 2,500 households, generated sustainable revenue, and helped reduce school dropout rates in rural areas.

Albert is committed to building commercially viable businesses that deliver long-term social impact rather than fostering dependency. His work combines community-centered implementation with scalable business models, particularly in underserved rural markets that are often overlooked by traditional financial and development systems.

Beyond leading NUNU Fund, Albert is passionate about rural innovation, financial inclusion, youth empowerment, and strengthening local leadership. He continues to work with investors, ecosystem builders, and development partners to scale NUNU Fund as a model for sustainable rural transformation and inclusive economic growth across Africa.

Dr. Akpem Terese Shadrach is a veterinarian, social entrepreneur, thought leader, and change agent with more than nine years of experience in animal health, agriculture, digital innovation, youth empowerment, and sustainable development.

As the founder of Vet Konect, he combines veterinary expertise with technology to improve access to animal healthcare for livestock farmers and pet owners across Nigeria and other African countries. Through the platform, he aims to provide quality animal health coverage to 5 million Africans by 2030.

Passionate about youth development, Dr. Shadrach has trained and mentored more than 30,000 young people as Lead Community Manager at Mind the Gap, equipping job seekers, entrepreneurs, and professionals with digital and career development skills. As a leader within the Nigeria Youth SDGs Network, he spearheaded major initiatives, including the nationwide Youth Dialogue 2019, which contributed to advancing the Decade of Action on the Sustainable Development Goals. He also led the development of the SDGs Playbook, the first homegrown resource outlining more than 200 practical actions individuals, communities, and governments can take to advance the SDGs. In addition, he helped implement the International Labour Organization’s Skills for Employment Program, which trained 90 young people in digital marketing, web development, and graphic design across three Nigerian states.

In 2022, Dr. Shadrach served as Project Officer for the Benue Agribusiness Innovation Hub, a UNDP-funded initiative that established Benue State’s first agribusiness innovation hub. The project directly supported more than 600 rural farmers and provided funding and business development support to 25 innovators developing solutions to agricultural challenges.

His work has earned both national and international recognition. Dr. Shadrach is a 2023 Mandela Washington Fellow, 2024 Pamoja Founders Fellow, 2024 World Food Prize Foundation Top Agri-food Pioneer, 2024 Mastercard FAST Fellow, 2025 Generation Africa Fellow, and 2025 African Union Youth Startup Fellow. He also became the first African finalist in the World Food Prize Foundation’s Innovate for Impact Challenge, where he placed second overall.

Beyond his entrepreneurial work, Dr. Shadrach mentors entrepreneurs and startups across Africa, facilitating business development and entrepreneurship programs for organizations including LEAP Africa, the Tony Elumelu Foundation, Jobberman, and Mind the Gap.

His expertise spans social entrepreneurship, agribusiness, digital innovation, human-centered design, strategic development, policy, project management, and capacity building. Through his work, Dr. Shadrach continues to drive innovative, scalable solutions that advance sustainable development and economic opportunity across Africa.

Tunde Adeyemi is a Nigerian clean energy entrepreneur, researcher, and founder of D-Olivette Labs, a climate technology company transforming organic waste into clean biomethane energy, organic fertilizer, and decentralized energy solutions for underserved communities across Africa. His work focuses on clean energy access, the circular economy, climate resilience, and reducing energy poverty.

A graduate of Lagos State University, Tunde has dedicated his career to addressing Africa’s reliance on firewood and other polluting cooking fuels. His research, including work on energy poverty mitigation in Africa, explores decentralized energy systems, clean cooking solutions, and sustainable development models for emerging economies.

His mission is deeply personal. After losing his mother to respiratory complications caused by prolonged exposure to toxic cooking smoke, Tunde committed himself to developing cleaner, more accessible energy alternatives. This experience inspired the creation of D-Olivette Labs.

Under his leadership, the company is developing scalable technologies that convert agricultural and food waste into biomethane, providing a sustainable replacement for traditional cooking fuels. Its integrated model also produces organic fertilizer, generates carbon value opportunities, and supports local economic development in rural and low-income communities. The company’s long-term vision is to build one of Africa’s largest decentralized biomethane networks while transforming waste into a valuable economic resource.

Tunde’s work has received international recognition for combining climate innovation with measurable social impact. He is the recipient of the IEEE Entrepreneurship Impact Award 2025, the Nigerian Sovereign Investment Authority Innovation Prize 2025, and more than ten global innovation awards. He advocates for Africa to lead the development of sustainable energy solutions designed for its unique challenges rather than relying solely on imported technologies.

In addition to his entrepreneurial work, Tunde is a published author and researcher whose work focuses on ending energy poverty across Africa. He regularly speaks on innovation driven by lived experience, emphasizing that the most impactful solutions emerge from communities closest to the problems they seek to solve.

Through D-Olivette Labs, Tunde continues to advance a future where clean energy access, climate action, and economic opportunity work together to create lasting, inclusive development across Africa and the Global South.

Winstone is an Agricultural Economist and social entrepreneur with more than 18 years of experience developing sustainable food systems across Africa. His work focuses on advancing cost-effective macro- and micronutrient solutions for both human nutrition and livestock feed, while engaging local communities as key partners in driving lasting impact.

As the leader of the Healthy Food Systems team, Winstone is committed to developing climate-resilient, affordable solutions and innovative business models that strengthen food security, improve nutrition, and deliver meaningful socioeconomic and environmental benefits. His work combines agricultural innovation with community-centered approaches to build more resilient and sustainable food systems across the continent.