Team
Leading Africa’s Inclusive AI Transformation.
Meet Our Team
Meet the visionary leaders driving the Mandela AI Hub’s mission to democratize artificial intelligence across Africa. Our leadership team brings together decades of expertise in technology, governance, education, and sustainable development to shape an inclusive and ethical AI future for the continent.
Prof. Ndileka Mandela
Founder & Chairperson
Ndileka Mandela is a detail-driven former nurse with 15+ years across renal ICU, pharmaceuticals, pathology, primary care, health marketing, and medical-aid business development. As Nelson Mandela’s first
grandchild, she leverages extensive networks, champions cooperative governance, and serves on the Nelson Mandela Children’s Hospital fundraising committee. She founded the Thembekile Mandela Foundation—focused on Health and Education—after adopting Clarkebury High School in 2012. A committed philanthropist with strong organizational skills, she is a Council Member of the Nelson
Mandela Museum, a Global Fund Champion for HIV, TB and Malaria (since June 2019), and author of the biography I Am Ndileka
Oscar Mwai
Founder & Executive Director
Oscar Mwai is a retired military officer with extensive experience in administration, tactical planning, and leadership across various units. He has developed a strong foundation in Information Technology (IT), with core competencies in computer network operations, system security, and IT infrastructure administration. His career has been marked by successful management of both people and resources within organizations and in collaboration with external vendors. He has led and delivered complex IT projects that significantly improved operational efficiency,
system security, and business continuity. His strengths lie in aligning technology solutions with organizational goals, driving strategic IT planning, and executing technical, operational, and commercial initiatives.
Ismael Khalifa
Founder & Chief Operation Officer
Ismael Khalifa is the Chief Executive Officer of Infranet Technologies P1LC (Ethiopia) and a seasoned leader in IT and cybersecurity with 25+ years of experience driving digital transformation across enterprise and public-sector environments. Recognized for building high-performing teams and resilient infrastructure, he has led end-to-end initiatives spanning network modernization, cloud adoption, security architecture, risk management, and compliance. At Infranet Technologies PLC, Ismael champions customer-centric innovation, robust governance, and strategic partnerships that strengthen Ethiopia’s digital ecosystem—delivering secure,
scalable solutions that improve uptime, reduce total cost of ownership, and elevate cyber readiness. He is passionate about talent development and mentoring the next generation of African technology leaders.
Susan Novela
Communication Specialist
Susan Novela is a distinguished Global Diplomatic Public Relations Strategist with nearly two decades of experience in shaping international diplomacy and strategic
communications. As the Founder and CEO of The Diplomatic Informer PTY LTD, she has created a premier platform for the diplomatic community, while her entrepreneurial venture, Coffee Ala Mandela, embeds African heritage into global luxury markets. Based in Pretoria,
South Africa, she is a pivotal connector for foreign missions and a trusted advisor in diplomatic protocol and media strategy, leveraging her extensive experience with organizations like the Royal Thai Embassy and the United Nations. Through her numerous leadership and humanitarian roles, Susan champions African excellence.
Prof Paul Kioni
Academic Trustee
Prof. P. Ndirangu Kioni is an engineer, scholar, and transformational university leader. Founding Principal and Vice-chancellor of Dedan Kimathi University of Technology where he served for 14 years; delivered major
infrastructure development projects; oversaw the conceptualization, planning and initial development of Kenya’s first national Science & Technology Park. He is the focal Point for UNECA’s Origin Research & Innovation Labs- East Africa). He is a Professional Mechanical Engineer and IEK Fellow, holds a PhD, (Cambridge University) and a First-Class BSc (UoN). He has forged extensive industry and international partnerships. Honors include Chevalier de l’Ordre National du Mérite (France, 2024)
Anthony Wagacha
Technology Advisor
Anthony Wagacha is a seasoned technology leader and entrepreneur with a distinguished track record in building foundational digital
infrastructure for the African continent. A Stanford MBA and trained Quantitative Actuary, Anthony combines deep technical expertise in
platform engineering with strategic institutional governance, leveraging his background to design scalable, secure, and globally competitive AI initiatives. His experience includes founding Nash (YC W22), an all-in- one finance platform for borderless businesses in Africa, and holding roles as an Investment Banker at Bank of America Merrill Lynch and a Financial Services Consultant at KPMG East Africa. As a Board Advisor to the Mandela AI Hub, he provides high-level technical stewardship
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