Tourism stakeholders, innovators, and policymakers gathered for the official launch
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The Africa Youth in Tourism Innovation Challenge is an exclusive platform designed to empower innovative African youth in the travel and tourism sector. It provides opportunities for funding, mentorship, partnerships, and global exposure, enabling participants to present their groundbreaking projects to an international audience and secure the necessary support to bring their ideas to life.
Professor, Biomedical Scientist And Director: Technology Transfer & Innovation At The Durban University Of Technology, South Africa
Director of Audit: Wealth, Investment Management and Insurance, Absa Group, South Africa & Project Lead, Africa Tourism Innovation Hub
Chief Executive Officer, Hospitality EQ, Kenya
Founder & Chief Executive Officer of Fortunatus Advisory LLC
IT Strategist & Business Consultant, CEO, Liranz Limited
Senior Specialist Department Of Innovation, Education And Investments World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), Spain
Senior Manager, Intrapreneurship, United Kingdom
Deputy CEO – General Services, Ghana Tourism Authority, Ghana
Lecturer, Coordinator & Learning Development Facilitator, University of Johannesburg
Department Head, Senior lecturer, Department of Tourism and Hospitality at the Namibia University of Science and Technology, Namibia
Doctor of Education – Sport Tourism, Illinois State University, USA
I.T Specialist - Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), Deutsche.
Gcina Nomsa Dlamini
Owner And Founder Merchantry Worldwide (Pty) Ltd South Africa
Tourism stakeholders, innovators, and policymakers gathered for the official launch
Johannesburg, Wednesday, December 04, 2024: Africa Tourism Partners (ATP), incollaboration
Johannesburg, Wednesday, November 21, 2024: Africa Tourism Partners (ATP), incollaboration
Nairobi,
Kenya
Name: TBD
Phone: 009-215-5595
Email: info@youthtourismsummit.com
tbd
Director Of Audit: Wealth, Investment Management And Insurance, Absa. South Africa
He is the Director of Group Internal Audit: Investment Management and Insurance at Absa Bank South Africa and an academic with a vested interest in the Futures as a discipline. He has presented on this subject matter at several conferences and organisations and has received numerous accolades. He is a PhD Candidate (Wits) and holds an MBA (Stellenbosch), MCOM (Wits), BSc Hons Management (UJ), BSc IT & Mathematics qualifications.
Chairperson, Innovation Challenge and Africa Tourism Innovation Hub, Kenya
With over 25 years of experience in the international Hospitality & Tourism industry, he has been a prominent presence in the field. He is currently leading the commercial activities for Portier Technologies, a company that provides the industry with technology which enhances the guest experience and enhances engagement with the hotel.
Barry was chosen as one of the Global 100 most influential leaders in the industry during the Global Mice Congress in Mumbai this year and has been a regular invited speaker at several international Hospitality & Tourism conferences around the world.
With proven commercial understanding, product, and business development skills, he has also been appointed to the adjudication panel for the Africa Youth in Tourism Innovation competition. And will act as a mentor to one of the winners.
Founder & Chief Executive Officer of Fortunatus Advisory LLC, Safiyya Akoojee is an astute legal & private advisor based in Dubai. She is a qualified South African Attorney maintaining her status on the High Court Bar in South Africa. She has
worked as an advisory professional, completing transactions on Foreign Direct Investments into Africa, offshore corporate strategy, legal counsel, UAE company establishment and a complete suite of advisory services.
Safiyya serves as the International Director for Thomson Wilks Inc., where she has practiced for 14 years, focusing on Middle East strategy & legal consulting. She advises a multitude of international clients both in the Middle East and the African continent. She has also served as President of the South African Business Council,
Dubai U.A.E and represented South Africa in procuring foreign direct investment.
Having held leadership posts in multiple businesses and providing global expertise with legal insights to advise corporations, companies, and executives alike. Safiyya has an acute business acumen and foresight allowing her to advise her clients on the intricacies of cross border transactions whilst providing access to laws and regulations. Safiyya has mandates representing clients across various businesses &
industry sectors, including oil, gas & energy; travel, tourism & hospitality; food manufacturing; real estate & construction, automotive and technology sectors.
She speaks regularly at conferences on international investments and the international legal environment providing insights to regulations and supporting business opportunities, whilst overcoming cross border and governmental challenges.
Safiyya holds degrees in Bachelor of Arts (Law, International Relations, English), University of Witwatersrand; Bachelor of Laws (LLB), University of South Africa; Post Graduate Certificate, Commercial & Corporate Law, University of London (awarded merit*); Post Graduate Diploma, Banking & Finance Law, University of London (awarded merit*); Masters of Law (LLM), Banking, Finance & Corporate Law,
University of London.
IT Strategist & Business Consultant, CEO, Liranz Limited, Ghana
Mr. Nicholas Bortey, CEO and founder of Liranz Consulting, A leading IT Consultancy and Management Firm in Ghana, is as an accomplished authority in the realms of Business and Technology, showcasing his exceptional leadership within Ghana’s IT sector. His remarkable contributions have earned him accolades both locally and internationally, affirming his prowess. With a focus on IT Strategy and Business Consultancy, his reputation shines brightly, underscored by a history of successfully guiding enterprises in areas of Business Transformation, Digital Innovation, and Technology Consulting.
Mr. Bortey’s distinctive talent lies in aligning business objectives with the most fitting technological solutions, resulting in the prosperity of numerous ventures. Drawing from 20+ years of extensive
experience, his expertise spans Governance of Enterprise Information & Technology, Strategic IT Planning, Organisational Change Management, IT Services Management, IT Project Management, IT Consultancy, as well as Training & Capacity building.
His profound impact on the technology sector gained recognition from the West Africa Nobles Forum, which inducted him as a Noble in 2018. Has also received an “Africa International Award of Merit” by the West Africa International Press Ltd for his exceptional leadership within Ghana’s IT sector. Some of his honors include the following:
Mr. Nicholas Bortey has consulted for top industry players across various sectors including Oil and Gas, Education, Legal Practice and Non-Governmental Institutions on various assignments in Ghana and beyond the sub-region.
Mr. Bortey’s drive lies in empowering enterprises to optimize their operations and yield through a comprehensive Information Technology strategy. He advocates for businesses to perceive IT as a valuable investment rather than a mere burden, fuelling his unwavering commitment to elevating organizations
through the strategic implementation of technology.
Lecturer, Coordinator & Learning Development Facilitator, University of Johannesburg, South Africa
Maipato Caroline Mmako is a lecturer, Coordinator and Learning Development Facilitator at the University of Johannesburg. Passionate about student success and student development, she has worked on an initiative called Africa by bus where she planned, organized, and facilitated 3 trips across 3 African countries with more than 250 students by bus. She presented at the South African National Resource Center (SANRC) on how the Africa by bus initiative encourages experiential learning and affords young people the opportunity to experience the different cultures in Africa while exploring the beautiful continent.
She forms part of the first cohort of fellows who were part of the Tennessee State University Research programme with a focus on student learning and adaptation; looking at the Nashville Next Plan. She loves working with young people and that saw her working in collaboration with a youth organization in Soweto where she led, collected, and donated over 250 books for the Nelson Mandela Day book drive.
She is also an avid reader and loves traveling.
Department Head, Senior lecturer, Department of Tourism and Hospitality at the Namibia University of Science and Technology, Namibia
Dr Isobel Manuel holds a PhD in Tourism and Hospitality, a Postgraduate Diploma in Heritage Conservation and Management, a Postgraduate Certificate in Higher Education (Cum Laude) and a Master in Leisure Project Management. She is at present employed as a senior lecturer in the Department of Tourism and Hospitality at the Namibia University of Science and Technology, Windhoek. She is also the Head of Department which oversees both the academic department and commercial NUST Hotel School.
She is currently the Deputy Chair of the Board of Directors at the Windhoek Country Club and Deputy Chair of the Council on the National Arts Council of Namibia. Her involvement in local community projects and activities speaks to her portfolios on the various government boards and of which she takes great pride to be able to share skills and knowledge for the upliftment of the respective entities which in turn benefits the community at large.
As a seasoned academic her research interests are of cultural, creative, heritage, and sustainable tourism management which seeks to empower local communities more specifically women, and which she has published in various journals and book chapters.
In her spare time, she is an avid reader of novels and biographies and enjoys spending time with her husband and four kids.
Associate Professor, College of Science and Engineering, Qatar
Prof. Kamilla Swart is Associate Professor and Director of the Masters in Sport and Entertainment Management (MSEM) program at Hamad Bin Khalifa University, Qatar. She also serves as Senior Research Associate, School of Tourism and Hospitality, University of Johannesburg. Previous positions include Director of the Centre for Tourism Research in Africa, Cape Peninsula University of Technology, Cape Town. Her research interests include sport, tourism, and events, focusing on mega-events, policies, strategies, monitoring and evaluation, legacy, sustainability and inclusion; in the developing context, and in the global South in particular.
Kamilla has nearly 30 years’ experience in sport, tourism and events that spans academia and the private sector and has consulted broadly in both the public and private sectors. She served as Sport and Facilities Manager at the Cape Town 2004 Olympic bid and a sponsorship consultant for Octagon SA. She headed up the Durban Events Corporation, a public-private partnership with the City of Durban to use events to attract tourism. She also led the 2010 South Africa FIFA World Cup research agenda.
Kamilla has an established track record of research excellence, having published over 50 peer-reviewed articles, 25 book chapters, and numerous conference presentations and technical reports. Kamilla co-authored the first U.S. text on sport tourism (2002) and recently co-edited the Research Handbook on Major Sporting Events (Edward Elgar, 2024). She is an Associate Editor for the Journal of Destination Marketing and Management and Frontiers in Sports and Active Living. Kamilla served as Co-Chair of the World Association of Sport Management 2023 Qatar Conference. She serves on the Advisory Board of the Qatar Olympic Academy and the Advisory Committee (research pillar) of the UNESCO Chair on Governance & Social Responsibility in Sport. Kamilla is committed to building local capacity and empowering the next generation.
I.T Specialist - Gesellschaft Für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), Deutsche.
I am an experienced and results-driven IT specialist with extensive experience designing, implementing, and maintaining complex IT systems. Capable of analysing business requirements and delivering innovative technology solutions to improve efficiency, security, and growth. Capable of working with cross functional teams. Proficient in a variety of IT domains such as network administration, system integration, cybersecurity, and digitalization.
Currently, I work for Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) as an I.T Specialist. GIZ is committed to assisting the Malawian Government in areas such as improving systems for essential public services that will be required for a young and growing population: health and social protection, assisting children by improving teacher training and nutrition, stimulating entrepreneurship and livelihood development through private sector development in rural areas, and assisting with public financial management
improvements. I act as GIZ Malawi’s technology vision. I have consistently demonstrated a strategic mindset and a results-driven approach in previous roles. I have worked in various clinical research institutions (Johns Hopkins project, Malawi Liverpool welcome Trust and Malaria Alert Centre, demonstrating my ability to navigate complex environments and deliver impactful results.
Key Accomplishments:
Jean Byamugisha is the CEO of the Uganda Hotel Owners Association, the only trade association for the Hotel Sector in Uganda. With over 600 member hotels, UHOA is the biggest as well as one of the oldest private sector Associations in Uganda’s tourism sector.
Ms. Byamugisha is the first female CEO of the Association as well as the youngest CEO in the history of UHOA. When Jean took over as CEO, the Association had 202 Members and she has steadily grown the association to 625 members in 6years, making her one of the best performing CEO’s in the history of UHOA. She has also been recognized as one of the 20 Best performing CEOs in Uganda in a national survey carried out in December 2018 and 2019. She was voted among the top 100 women in Tourism in Africa in 2017 as well as one of Uganda’s Top 40 CEO’s under 40 in 2018. She was also voted as one of Uganda’s 50 most admirable women in 2020.
Ms. Byamugisha has a Bachelor’s Degree in Tourism Management from Makerere University, one of Africa’s oldest and best universities as well as a host of post graduate certifications from different international training institutions. Jean is very passionate about the tourism industry and has acted as Mentor to many hospitality students in different universities in Uganda. In her spare time, Jean is an avid reader and traveller.
Chief Executive Officer, Fihankra ComTech Ltd, Ghana
Joseph is an analytical thinker with a deep passion for innovation, human behavior and safety. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree, having pursued a combined major in Economics and Marketing.
His entrepreneurial journey commenced at the University of Ghana Business School Innovation and Incubation Hub, where he played a pivotal role in supporting and nurturing student entrepreneurs towards sustainable business ventures. During his student years, he founded Effusion Network Ltd, an influencer and student marketing agency with social media influencers and student activation teams across four universities in Ghana, alongside working as a freelance product developer, building products for a wide range of clients in different industries.
He is currently serving as the CEO of Fihankra ComTech LLC, a travel security and safety technology start-up, where he leads a ten member team towards the charge of creating cutting-edge technologies aimed at ensuring people’s safety wherever they go. He, together with his team, have pitched and won various awards and recognition for their work towards pushing for safety innovation within Ghana.
He has had extensive experience within the space of innovation as a technology startup founder, community moderator, product manager and researcher. He is currently pursuing his graduate studies at the University of Ghana Business School, specializing in MPhil Marketing with a focus on Innovation and Product Development.
I’m Rosalia Haufiku, an electronics engineering student at the Namibia University of Science
and Technology with a strong interest in applying technology to environmental solutions. This passion led me to develop a system for streamlining Environmental Management Plan (EMP)
audits. My background in electronics engineering proved valuable in creating a user-friendly platform that simplifies data collection and reporting for environmental compliance.
Ajena Jafar is a disruptor in the best sense. He is an experienced marketer, a tech advocate, and a champion for a sustainable and inclusive future of African tourism. His dedication to harnessing technology’s power positons him as a key figure in shaping the industry’s positive
transformaton.
Ajena’s career path is a testament to his diverse skillset. He has thrived in government agencies, private multinationals, and tech startups, gaining a holistc understanding of the challenges and opportunites facing African tourism. His core strength lies in crafing impactul marketing and communication strategies that build brands, attract customers, and promote responsible travel practices.
A strong advocate for empowering local businesses, Ajena played a key role in developing a digital marketing curriculum for Ugandan tour operators with the Netherlands’ Centre for the Promotion of Imports from Developing Countries (CBI). This initiative equips them with the tools to compete in the digital age.
He demonstrated his visionary leadership when he founded and led the Tourism Promoters Club – a platorm that champions inclusive and sustainable tourism development among the youth in Uganda. The organizaton has grown beyond 200 members over the past 12 months with aspiratons expanding into a contnental network.
As an employee of the Uganda Tourism Board (UTB), Ajena’s leadership shone during the pandemic. He spearheaded the development of UTB’s digital marketing strategy, encompassing both pre-pandemic and post-pandemic recovery plans. His focus on responsible tourism practices was woven into all aspects of UTB’s online presence.
Ajena spearheaded East Africa’s frst virtual tourism expo during the pandemic, enabling over 1,000 B2B interactons. This groundbreaking event showcased the industry’s resilience and adaptability. He also managed from start to end, a Euro 500,000 Smart Tourism Development Project funded by the Hungarian Foreign Ministry.
Sarah Anghuwo, a visionary advocate for creatourism and cultural preservation, stands at the forefront of Africa’s artistic renaissance. Born on March 22, 2004, in Windhoek, Namibia, Sarah proudly embraces her Oshivambo roots intertwined with Ugandan heritage, embodying the rich tapestry of African diversity.
Currently a second-year student pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Public Management at the University of Namibia (UNAM), Sarah’s educational journey is marked by a relentless pursuit of knowledge and a commitment to excellence. She obtained her National Senior Secondary Certificates at both the Ordinary and Advanced Subsidiary Levels, laying a strong foundation for her future endeavors.
Sarah’s multifaceted skill set encompasses teamwork, problem-solving, adaptability, and effective communication, underpinned by her digital literacy. These qualities serve as pillars for her leadership role as the Founder of AFRIC IKŌ ATIZAY, a platform dedicated to showcasing Africa’s diverse artistic expressions and promoting sustainable tourism.
Her contributions to the discourse on creatourism and cultural identity are evident through her publications in esteemed newspapers and media outlets. From advocating for the integration of art into national progress to addressing gaps in regional artistic landscapes, Sarah’s insights resonate deeply with readers across various platforms.
Noteworthy achievements punctuate Sarah’s journey, including securing a coveted spot for AFRIC IKŌ ATIZAY in the University of Namibia’s mentorship program. Furthermore, her launch of AFRIC IKŌ ARTIZAY e-magazine volumes underscores her commitment to amplifying African voices and narratives on a global scale.
Sarah Anghuwo’s dedication to advancing Africa’s artistic heritage and fostering cultural exchange exemplifies her role as a trailblazer in the realm of creatourism. With a steadfast resolve and unwavering passion, she continues to inspire change and uplift communities, leaving an indelible mark on Africa’s cultural landscape.
I am an electronic engineering student at the Namibia University of Science and Technology in my final year of studies, and I am passionate about technology and how it has the power to completely transform human existence. I have explored the complex worlds of electronic systems, circuits, and communication technologies over my academic career, developing my abilities and broadening my knowledge base to harness the potential of innovation for societal improvement. My intense interest in electronic engineering is a result of my enthusiasm with the countless opportunities it offers to improve human lives. I am fascinated by the number of ways that technology can be used to address urgent global issues and raise people’s quality of life everywhere, from improving healthcare solutions to optimizing energy efficiency.
I actively participate in extracurricular activities and initiatives that enable me to use my knowledge in practical settings in addition to my academic endeavours. I work best in settings that encourage creativity, teamwork, and practical learning, whether I’m working with peers on research projects or taking part in hackathons to solve challenging issues. Through these experiences, I have gained a deeper understanding of the fundamentals of electronic engineering as well as priceless problem-solving and teamwork skills that are necessary for success in the profession. I’m dedicated to using my experience in electronic engineering to further good deeds and build significant solutions that influence the course of technology, in both R&D and product innovation.
I believe I have the potential to make a positive impact in the field of electronic engineering and beyond, I am eager to play a part in technological advancement and benefit others with my fundamental technical abilities, curiosity, resilience, and willingness to learn. Even though I have a vision for the future I recognize that I still have a lot to learn. As I strive towards my objectives, I am prepared to take on opportunities and overcome obstacles.
Cornelius is a driven and innovative individual with a passion for using technology and its ability to transform the world. With 5 years of experience working with top-tier travel companies, I have honed my leadership and strategic management skills and have a proven track record of success in developing strategies for consistent business growth.
As a tech entrepreneur, I have cultivated key skills that I consider to be instrumental to my success. These include leadership, strategic planning, business and product development/management; I also strongly value inquisitiveness and a culture of reading.
My vision is to see a world where African countries can compete and achieve dominance globally, and believe that this can only occur when they have the right tools to do business from around the world. This is why we are building Kardinal: because we believe travel remains the key instrument for business growth. We are building a travel solution that caters specifically for African businesses, bringing ease, transparency and easy access to financial support.
Ms. Ntshabo Lehong is the managing director of Makeeda Hospitality Tourism and Wellness with an International Hotel School – Hospitality Management Diploma. She has a strong hospitality and training sector background, however in the last 3 years has found her desire and passion to work within the technology sector. In her previous role she worked as an assistant training manager for a hospitality temporary employment services company wherein she saw an opportunity to improve the way skilled and unskilled workers access opportunities.
Identifying this challenge is how the idea for m-Temp came about. m-Temp is an on-demand, managed Hospitality Staffing WhatsApp Chatbot and Web platform used by two types of users: the temporary or short-term work seeker, and the hospitality enterprise client. The job seeker applies for jobs throughthe web platform, and the recruiter utilises only the web platform to post an available job vacancy.
My name is Raina Kalinasho Augustus I’m a female of 35 years old and lam the found of Kalinasho Trading Enterprises cc/ Olupale Namibian Traditional restaurant.
Olupale has started its operational from 2018 and now we are based in Ongwediva district town in the Northern Part of Namibia. The company is operating with 10 employees, and we cater our services and products to tourism and general public at larger.
Olupale is one of the best places that has heart of attracting tourism to our town and we indulge in making all Namibian tradition food and serve the tourist in order the to experience our cultural Namibian food and cultural value.
Being as one of the women of color to recognise the important of local food products it’s an amazing
feeling and this empower our youths as an advocate entrepreneur woman to show the local people the important of tourism in terms of income and job opportunity in our country.
My name is Josef Kasheeta Hangula with a Bachelor’s Degree in Tourism Management from the Namibian University of Science and Technology (NUST). I am very passionate about the service/tourism industry and enjoy being a custodian for the Namibian tourism industry. I love creating memorable experiences for guests upon their visit to my beautiful.
Having majored in Tourism Management I was disadvantaged to pursue a job in guiding. Employers are more interested in employing people with guiding qualifications or experience. Then I observed the gap in the tourism services provided to the guests especially in town when I saw a lot of tourist walking in the Windhoek lost. Sometimes I would witness guest being harassed by the street kids and it also make them targets for criminals. That is where the idea to do free city walking tours started from.
We know the area very well therefore, we will be able to do the tours and ensure that the guest reach their places of interest safe. Furthermore, it will allow us to gain guiding working experience that can be added on the resume when applying for a guiding job. With the high unemployment rate in Namibia a lot of my ex classmates are also interested in doing the tours as stepping stone in their career and to gain experience.
This project is going to benefit the tourists, tourism graduates and hopefully allow the guest to have a full Windhoek tour. The graduates will be trained on how to guide and they will be working on a tip based so they will also be earning some money for themselves and once they gain experience they can
start applying for guiding jobs so that we can bring in more student to learn and gain experience.
We are a Safari Tours company which sells tour packages and recreational activities to international and inbound tourists as well offering shuttle/transport services, vehicle hire, accommodation and flight booking services. This services are as stipulated on our business registration documents.
Takeuto Africa Safaris cc is a new locally owned business that aims at providing services to local and international tourists. Take-U-To Africa Safaris will provide a variety of tour packages in and around Namibia and other city and township activities. Please take time to browse our packages
on offer on our following website link: www.takeu2africa.com
Our signature tour, Redefined Travel focuses on travel that brings about community aid. This is designed for Travelers who seek for purpose on their travel journey, and this is one package close to our hearts because we wish to develop our Namibian communities countrywide and thereafter
broaden to the rest of Africa. We firstly aim to target the international tourists because they are commonly known for travel vacations to Africa.
Namibia, being in the top 10 of Africa’s tourist attractions, and with its popularity increasing due to the hydrogen gas project, we expect large numbers of tourists flying into Namibia. Hence, this becomes our market as we get to propose attractive tour packages which provide entertainment and the preferable Safari vacations.
Take-U2-Africa Safaris is owned by Tinashe Ncube and Emilia Ambondo, a couple who are also qualified professionals in the field of travel, tourism and hospitality. Tinashe is our Chief Guide with the highest tour guide certificate level 4 that can only be attained in Namibia and has extensive tour guide experience in field guiding, toured the 14 regions of Namibia and cross-bordered South Africa, Zambia and Zimbabwe. Emilia with an Honors degree in Travel, Tourism and Hospitality from the International University of Management, has experience in guest relations and reservations. Together, this couple structured their tour packages to meet the diverse travelers they come across. Being a very young company registered only recently in the year 2020, we strongly believe in the potential it has to become one of the most recognized and preferred tour companies amongst other best.
Scott Blount is the founder of TripClip, a world-first travel tech platform that was launched in South Africa in 2021. TripClip has quickly become one of Africa’s quickest growing travel tech companies, spanning across 14 African countries with clients throughout the world.
Within just 12 months the platform has generated in excess of 80 000 itineraries that have amassed more than 1.4 million views/shares across the globe, generating immensely valuable exposure for the African travel industry.
TripClip was named the World’s Best Travel Itinerary Builder in 2021 and have again been shortlisted for this award in 2022. Scott is also a finalist in the ATP Youth In Innovation Challenge 2022.
Scott previously worked for an industry-leading Destination Management Company, managing Sales for the North American, South American, Asian & Australasian markets.
Prior to his involvement in the inbound travel & tourism industry Scott specialized in investment banking for one of Africa’s most prestigious investment banks – an opportunity awarded to him as a result of being the Top Graduate of his degree in South Africa.
His passion for innovation extends beyond the travel industry and he’s proud to have previously founded/co-founded two additional start-up ventures.
Nkululeko Ndumiso Nkosi is a 28 year old entrepreneur, writer, strategist and technology innovator who hails from Lekwa (formerly known as Standerton) in the Mpumalanga province. Nkululeko Nkosi fulfills his professional and leadership duties from South Africa’s city of gold — Johannesburg, South Africa.
He started out as a digital marketing professional with skills in digital data analysis, digital strategy, social media and community management. He later grew to be one of the most edgy, most insightful and forward thinking creative strategists with a finger on the pulse of South African popular culture.
His passion for research and his understanding of African culture both urban and rural makes his strategic work not only relevant but also come with a very high degree of authenticity. Nkululeko Nkosi was employed at an award-winning agency, MetropolitanRepublic, he has played a key role in unpacking creative strategies for world-class brands such Danone, Sony Mobile ZA, LEGiT Fashion, Leroy Merlin, Aquafresh, Med-Lemon, Ithuba National Lottery, KOO Brands and Discovery. When you ask him what keeps him going, Nkululeko Nkosi would tell you it is the diversity in our cultures that makes our country the coolest place to be right now. He is now focused on building the future of Africa in the entrepreneurial space where his focus is merging technology, creativity and strategy to develop solutions.
He has represented South Africa through his marketing, media and entertainment consultancy work at the ONGEA Summit in Kenya, 4th Africa Youth In Tourism Summit Innovation & Challenge in Namibia and the Financial Security Olympiad in Russia competing against youth in BRICS nations. Nkululeko is currently the co-founder of Saturated, a digital agency startup which has developed an innovative tourism digital product titled Etela Africa for the African continent. Etela Africa translates to ‘Visit Africa’ in the Sotho languages of Southern Africa.
Jeffrey-Takunda Murungweni is a 20-year-old Zimbabwean who is passionate about tourism and the inclusion of technology to help make the tourist experience a much better one. He is currently a first-year student at Africa University, pursuing an honours degree in Computer Science.
Jeffrey is the founder of a travel tech company called Trafiki Africa. Through this company, he has developed a WhatsApp chatbot that acts as a centralized platform for tourism services in Zimbabwe.
He launched the chatbot in August 2022 and has designed it so far to promote tourist destinations within Zimbabwe. With time, he aims at including booking services onto the chatbot.
Prior to scooping the 2nd runner-up position at the Africa Youth In Tourism Innovation challenge 2022, Jeffrey was the inaugural winner of the Zimbabwe Youth in Tourism Innovation challenge of 2021 with the same idea, Trafiki Africa.
Co- Founder and COO, Creative Bibini Ltd I Development Partner at FOCAS | Award Winner Africa Youth in Tourism innovation- ATLF- UNWTO 2021, Ghana
Eugene Allotey has over 7 years of experience in the IT field. He has spent most of his career working at Creative Bibini managing IT-related project portfolios as well as managing large, complex multi-use development projects. He began his career as a Project Manager and is now the Chief Operations Officer for the company.
As Creative Bibini’s Co-Founder, COO and Senior Project Manager, Eugene is responsible for defining and implementing a state-of-the-art information technology architecture, developing and implementing governance, project management processes while ensuring the successful deployment of services that meet Creative Bibini’s mission and client requirements. As a Senior Project Manager at Creative Bibini, Eugene approaches all projects with a strong strategic focus and an emphasis on team building while always maintaining a clear path towards achieving project goals. He is a true believer in building solutions that follow values and agile practices, mentoring and motivating teams to improve processes, eliminating team impediments, and facilitating meetings and decision-making processes.
Eugene is a Co-Founder and Development partner at FOCAS, a real-time customer service feedback software that won the Africa Youth in Innovation Challenge Award in 2021.
Eugene holds a Master’s Degree in Marketing Strategy from the University of Ghana Business School. He is also a Member of the Project Management Institute (Global and Ghana Chapter) as well as a certified Digital Marketer from Google.
Owner & Founder, Merchantry Worldwide, South Africa
Inspired by Madam CJ Walker, and a strong advocate for Schumpeter’s school of thought. Gcina Nomsa Dlamini was named one of the Mail& Guardian Top 200 Young South Africans 2021, a winner in the category of Tourism & Hospitality. She is no stranger to the International community. While working in Washington DC, she received a scholarship from Howard University, Advance IT Women In STEM to further her studies in Econometrics & International Business. Her passion for travel started at the tender age of 14, on a visit to Dakar, Senegal. She has hosted multiple delegations and international celebrities both in South Africa and the abroad, who have a direct interest in investing in South Africa.
Her company Merchantry Worldwide, which means trade was founded on the basis of using travel as a catalyst for business and investment. She has contributed to the South African tourism industry, by exposing international visitors to the rich culture, history and diversity in the rural parts of the Country also known as ‘hidden gems. She is the Senior International Manager for Europe & the UK at Wesgro, and was the runner up for the Africa Youth innovation challenge for 2021 in Kigali Rwanda.
Gcina Nomsa Dlamini is also a recipient of the grassroots technology innovation agency award, an initiative together with the Department of tourism for digitalization of the tourism industry.
Aline Murekatete is Destination management specialist and certified Project manager. With 3+ years of experience in destination (Rwanda) marketing and destination consultancy, she takes pride in bringing the destination management services to the destination management services next level.
She has been selected as one of Rwanda’s top 12 Tourism Incubation women-only cohorts and was the winner of the Africa Youth in Tourism Innovation Competition 2020.
She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Travel and Tourism Management from Kenya Utalli College, in collaboration with the University of Nairobi.one of the world’s most prestigious hospitality schools.
Serial entrepreneur, innovator, and tech enthusiast, Jean is the powerhouse behind Jems Marketing & Events and Eccentric Service. A passionate brand elevator, she leverages strategic marketing and cutting-edge digital solutions to propel businesses to new heights. Her mobile app for hospitality establishments, born from her 1st runner-up finish at the Africa Youth in Tourism Innovation Challenge 2020, is a testament to her talent for disrupting and optimizing industries. With a Bachelors in Business Administration fuelling her fire, Jean is a force to be reckoned with in the world of marketing and hospitality tech. 🚀
PayChap is a smart, innovative and cashless payment platform in Tanzania. It is built around the need of Tanzanian consumer that incorporates peer to peer transactions, merchant payment services, bill payments, recharge feature and a range of other social and lifestyle feature favouring a growing network of users and retail partners in Tanzania.
