The People

The Africa-Gives project is managed by a body of abled and devoted young professional Africans who contribute their expertise for the development, co-ordination and delivery of the projects aims and visions and in support of other young Africans intending on investing in Africa.

Stella Opoku-Owusu - Project Co-ordinator

Africa-Gives Steering Committee

Ama Afrifa-Kyei. I am an Advisor in employee engagement and diversity at Deloitte LLP, providing expertise regarding the firm’s UK diversity agenda. I am also the network lead for the firm’s multicultural diversity network and have been awarded the Deloitte leaders in society award. Prior to working at Deloitte, I worked for DLA Piper UK LLP co-ordinating their London CSR volunteering and education programmes, and their charity relationship. I hold an LLB in law and a Masters in public relations and public communications. My past volunteering experience with the African diaspora has been with CAPPS and Colour of Life.

Amifa Tholley. I grew up in East London, but developed an attitude of “global citizenship,” because of my West African origins and my travels to countries ranging from Portugal to Thailand. I graduated from Cambridge University in 2009. I am the Founder and Creative Director of Kamuna Ltd, a cultural events company. I have over six years’ experience of organising, facilitating and presenting at events, from helping to arrange “An Interview with Wale Tinubu” to facilitating workshops in schools. Through Kamuna I have worked with groups such as the London-based Professionals for Africa network, wedding couples, and the Sierra Leone High Commission. Prior to focusing on events full time, I worked within the Legal and Investment Banking sectors. I am passionate about events, writing, and making a difference.

Chinelo Agom-Eze. I graduated from University of Kent with a Law degree in 2011 and I am currently a masters student at SOAS studying International Studies and Diplomacy; I have recently completed an internship at AFFORD on the Africa-Gives programme. While doing my undergraduate degree, I volunteered as a student caseworker at the Kent Law Clinic and worked on the Immigration and Asylum Team. Through this organisation I was selected to speak at the “New Project Ideas” workshop at the LawWorks Student Pro-Bono Conference in 2010. I am passionate about volunteering my time and skills and giving back to the community.

Christine Kaleeba. I am a Communications and Programmes Executive for the African Medical and Research Foundation in the UK, working to raise the organisation’s profile through social media, press relations and African Diaspora engagement. Prior to moving to London I worked with Chanel in Paris as a Press Relations Assistant implementing the company’s transition from traditional PR tools to digital tools. I was born and raised in Uganda until the age of 12 and grew up in Switzerland, Kenya, France and England. I hold a BA in International Relations.

Eleanor Mulindi-King. I was born in Nairobi and spent my childhood years in both Kenya and the UK. I am a recent graduate of the School of Oriental and African Studies with a degree in Economics and Politics, and hold a particular interest in economic development through the empowerment of women and girls. I have gained fundraising experience in the areas of corporate partnerships, trusts and foundations, and event planning and execution whilst interning at the African Medical and Research Foundation, and I am soon to start a business development internship at Water Aid. I am also in the early stages of setting up a new business enterprise, which entails the designing and selling of contemporary East African inspired interiors and fashion accessories for the Kenyan and UK markets.

Emma Orefuwa.  I have worked in a variety of public health roles for the last eight years.  I have a degree in Biochemical Sciences from the University of Salford,  an MSc in Medical Entomology at the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, and more recently a Masters in Public Health from Kings College in 2009.  I have held a variety of project management roles within the NHS, initially in Clinical Governance and Service Improvement within South London and Maudsley NHS Trust, then as a Project Manager for the Stroke Modernisation Initiative at Guys and St Thomas’ Charity and then the London Specialised Commissioning Group.  I have conducted scientific research in Nigeria, Italy and The Seychelles Islands in collaboration with the respective Ministries of Health. As the chair of the first young researchers in progress working group at the European Mosquito Control Association workshop in 2009, I worked with other entomologists to establish the Pan African Mosquito Control Association (PAMCA).  My current role is Programme Officer for the African Medical and Research Foundation (AMREF), where I manage several European Commission and DFID funded projects, mostly with a focus on Maternal, Newborn and Child Health.

Gloria Alori. I hold a bachelors degree in Mechanical Engineering from King’s College London and I have recently completed an internship at AFFORD on the Africa-Gives programme. While at university I was an active member of a number of societies including ACS and Critique Society, which I set up. I have been involved in various fundraising events including organising dinners and making burlesque outfits which were worn by my team for a charity run. I enjoy merging my passions with fundraising and finding new engaging ways to raise money.

Heaven Teshome. I hold a BA Honours in Politics and International Relations, and have worked in development and fundraising for over two years. In the past, I have worked with different organisations such as UNHCR and BRASS advocating asylum seekers and refugees’ rights in the UK. I am currently working in management in the area of Human Resources. My aim is to be able to contribute to improvement of social conditions in Eritrea and Ethiopia.

Jacqueline Shaw. I would describe myself as an 'Eco-entrepreneur'. I hold a Masters Degree in Ethical Fashion and I am a professional Fashion Designer with 12 years experience working internationally for global fashion companies. I am the author of coffee table book Fashion Africa and the Founding Director of social enterprise Africa Fashion Guide. With a large interest in Africa's fashion and textile industry, ethical fashion and sustainability, I am on a journey to create opportunities within international development through the textile trade.

Kassiani Lythrangomitis. Prior to arriving in London, where I now work as a digital media consultant, I was the manager of the digital team at the Presidency of the Republic of South Africa for over 5 years, where I developed platforms to digitalise communications functions and extend the reach of the Presidency’s messages using digital mediums. Over and above my contribution to the digital space in government, I worked with South African internet guru Arthur Goldstuck for two years (2004 – 2006), as the editor of his Gadget website. Overall my career in the field of digital media spans over 10 years.

Kurt Frederick Arendse. I grew up in Kraaifontein, Cape Town, South Africa, the youngest of four children. I was educated at the University of the Western Cape and hold a Bachelor of Commerce degree. Whilst still residing in South Africa I helped many entrepreneurs compile business and marketing plans alongside working at Coca Cola as a Supply Chain Planner. I have worked in both the public and private sector and have a variety of skills such as accounting, project management, information systems, and supply chain. I am currently residing in London working for Unilever as the European Category Planner. Outside work, I am very passionate about spending as much time outdoors as possible.

Moses Okech. I have just completed my Masters in International Development Management at the University of Bradford where I have been researching on Philanthropy and Poverty Reduction in Sub-Saharan Africa. I have a Postgraduate Diploma in Project Planning and Management from Uganda Management Institute, a B.A (Social Sciences) from Makerere University and a professional Certificate in Community-Based Microfinance from the Coady International Institute in Canada. Prior to arriving in the UK, I had an illustrious 8 year professional career in Microfinance, Banking and International Development. I have held managerial roles in Equity Bank – one of East Africa’s most innovative financial institutions with a unique community connection - and have recently been working with CARE International in Uganda. I am passionate about Enterprise development, Action Research, Capacity Building and Partnership for Development. I am a member of the Association for Project Management – UK.

Nailah Eddoo. I was born in Mauritius, a small island in the Indian Ocean. I pursued my undergraduate degree in France before moving to London for further studies. With a growing interest in the emerging markets in Africa, I joined the Africa-Gives Steering Committee to gain a better understanding of the African business culture and how my skills could help. Africa is on the rise and I believe that the diaspora have a big role to play. With a legal background, I wish to look into opportunities which exist in the legal industry in Africa.

Nicholas Ibekwe. I am an award-winning investigative reporter and a Chevening scholar at City University, London where I have just completed my Masters in International Journalism. My experience is mainly in journalism and media in general. I am passionate about social justice and the economic emancipation of the common man.

Nuraini Olufemi Olufowobi. I am a medical doctor and hold a masters degree in health management, planning and policy. Aside from my clinical work, I also have experience in consultancy in the areas of health systems strengthening, policy analysis, monitoring and evaluation of health programs. I am the Deputy Director of Better Health Tobacco Control (BHTC) foundation, a nongovernmental organisation that has contributed significantly to the reduction in the prevalence of tobacco consumption and tobacco-related diseases in Nigeria.

Richard Matey Leigh. Currently a graduate student in social entrepreneurship with skills in business development, strategic planning, human resource and stakeholder management. I have experience in project management and consultancy in areas of transport, institutional capacity building and infrastructural development. I aim to work in a diverse and flexible environment of sustainable development and social impact.

Solomon Enilolobo. I am a change agent and an emerging leader who recently graduated with a Masters in Public Health and Health Promotion from London following a BSc Microbiology from Nigeria. I have worked with international organizations including UNESCO, Commonwealth Foundation, British Council, Adams&Moore, 100 Black Men of London, NAPAC and have participated and facilitated conferences across Africa and Europe. I have spoken at different schools and colleges across England including City of London Academy, Harris Academy Bermondsey and West Thames College, among others. In addition I mentor numerous college students and disadvantaged young black people across London. I have a vision for a healthy Africa where both communicable and non communicable diseases are eradicated or controlled.

Tokunbo Koiki. I have a first degree in Psychology and a Masters in Social Work and I am driven by a passion to empower others to fulfil their potentials. For over 12 years this passion has translated into engagement and participation in a variety of projects and initiatives working with Non-Profit and charitable organisations as well as Local Government authorities. My strong desire to use my skills and knowledge to effect change in Africa’s development fuelled my decision to relocate to Nigeria in September 2010. I view myself as a ‘Social Entrepreneur’ with the objective of creating job opportunities for African women through a series of lifestyle business ventures.