AfriLabs

AfriLabs Board Election

Southern Africa Candidates

Edwell Gumbo

Director of the Wits University Entrepreneurship Clinic

Johannesburg, South Africa

Rene Parker

CEO, RLabs

Cape Town, South Africa

Wangiwe Joanna Kambuzi

Managing Director of Mzuzu E-Hub

Mzuzu, Malawi

Edwell Gumbo

Name: Edwell Gumbo

Name of Hub: Tshimologong Digital Innovation Precinct

Hub Location: Johannesburg, South Africa

Email Address: edwell@tshimologong.joburg

Phone Number: +27817006761

Why are you interested in being on the Board: 

I want to use my skills, experience, and network to contribute towards the growth of the AfriLabs community with a special focus on the Southern Africa region. Further to that, I will use my experience and network to support the growth and sustainability of AfriLabs hubs and by extension startups within the African continent.

 

Current Organizational Affiliations: 

  1. Member of the AfriLabs community
  2. Member of ANDE network
  3. Owned by the University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
  4. Part of the AEDIBNet DIHs

 

Prior/Current Leadership Experiences:

  1. Director of the Wits University Entrepreneurship Clinic
  2. Advisory Board member for the Tshwane University of Technology Tech Station in Electronics
  3. Managing Director of Optimi Learning Group
  4. Executive Director of Vana Enque
  5. Member of the Civic Tech Network

 

What to Offer:

  1. My PhD research focus was on African DIH, defining what it means to be a DIH within the African context and how it will impact the growth of start-ups on the continent. I gained valuable insights that will contribute to the sustainability of the hubs in the region
  2. I have a strong and am able to build a network of development partners that have a pan-African developmental agenda
  3. I have led SME development for the City of Johannesburg, playing a coordinating role between the public and private sectors as well as academic institutions in the development of entrepreneurs
  4. I am Zimbabwean-born and have called South Africa home for the last 21 years. I have a fair understanding of regional dynamics within the Southern Africa region
  5. I come from a Wits University (a 101 years old university) owned hub and with the university having a strong network and partnerships within the region, I will be able to tap into that to develop the hubs in the region

 

Motivation: 

I am pan-African at heart and am motivated by growth, both personally and by the growth of others

 

Fundraising Experience:

In my current and previous roles, I am responsible for business development which includes looking for funding partners for our programmes. I have a good track record for securing funding for our hub and in my previous role. I have access to local and international developmental agencies, foundations, and corporates that fund developmental work. This also includes having access to investors who invest in startups that we work with.

 

Takeaways during/from the Role:

  1. Stronger relationships with sister hubs across the region and the continent (and even beyond)
  2. An understanding of developmental work and strategy in the different geographies within the region.

 

Fun Fact:

I recently started road cycling at age 43, and wish to complete the 109km Cape Town Cycle Tour

Social Media: 

  1. https://www.linkedin.com/in/edwellgumbo/

 

Rene Parker

Name: Rene Parker

Name of Hub: RLabs

Hub Location: Cape Town, South Africa

Email Address: rene@rlabs.org

Phone Number: +27798118536

Board Role: Southern Africa Board Member

Why are you interested in being on the Board: As a passionate advocate for technology and innovation in Africa, I firmly believe in the mission and vision of AfriLabs to drive the growth of the African tech ecosystem. Having closely followed AfriLabs’ work and impact over the years, I am inspired by the organization’s commitment to fostering collaboration, knowledge sharing, and innovation across the continent. I strongly admire how AfriLabs has created a vibrant community of tech hubs and entrepreneurs, providing them with critical support, resources, and mentorship to help them thrive in a rapidly evolving digital landscape

Current Organizational Affiliations: Technology Innovation Agency (TIA) Project Steering Committee member, Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA) Project Steering Committee member, Living Labs in Southern Africa (LLiSA) Board member, RLabs Tanzania Board member, RLabs UK Board member, RLabs Namibia Board member, Schwab Foundation member, African Business Heroes – Semi-Finalist Judge, Tech Build Africa – Advisory Board member, and RLabs Nigeria – Advisory Board member.

Prior/Current Leadership Experiences: I’m currently the CEO of RLabs, with my main focus being growth and sustainability. My key responsibilities include Overall strategy development and implementation, Sustainability including fundraising, Strategic partnerships, and Team well-being. My experience and background make me well-suited to contribute to the strategic vision and decision-making processes of AfriLabs. With extensive experience in the technology sector, including leadership roles in both local and international organizations, I possess a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities that tech startups and hubs face in Africa.

What to Offer: I can bring valuable insights and expertise in areas such as innovation management, ecosystem building, and stakeholder engagement. I have a track record of successful collaboration with diverse stakeholders, including government agencies, private sector partners, and international organizations. This experience has honed my ability to navigate complex landscapes, build strong relationships, and drive impactful initiatives. I’ve also worked extensively with international partners through my experience overseeing the expansion of RLabs and its operations into 23 countries.

Motivation: I am passionate about empowering African entrepreneurs, particularly those from underserved communities, to realize their full potential. This has led me to have a deep sense of purpose and a genuine desire to make a positive impact on society. I find fulfillment and joy in witnessing the transformation of people’s lives and take satisfaction in knowing my work contributes to someone’s success and self-empowerment. I am continuously motivated by a genuine desire to create a more equitable and inclusive society, driven by compassion, empathy, and a deep understanding of the challenges faced by marginalized communities.

I believe that technology and innovation have the power to transform lives, create sustainable jobs, and drive economic growth across the continent.

Fundraising Experience: I’ve been working with our fundraising team since our formation overseeing the raising of funds of more than $50 million. My experience includes identifying the opportunities to pursue, breaking them down into bankable projects, and building the business cases and funding proposals.

Takeaways during/from the Role: I would like to develop technical skills to advance the African tech ecosystem and my interests are in catalyzing innovation and entrepreneurship. I also believe due to my existing experience of work on the continent that I would like to enhance.

Fun Fact: I have an alter ego called Ray Ray where I live my adventurous self.

Social Media: Twitter: @reneparker / @rlabs

Instagram: @reneparker / @rlabsza

Facebook: Rene Petersen Parker / RLabs

LinkedIn: Rene Parker RLabs / RLabs *Reconstructed Living Lab

Any other information: By serving on the AfriLabs board, I aim to contribute to the organization’s efforts to address the unique challenges faced by African startups and hubs and shape policies that foster an enabling environment for their success. I humbly request your consideration for a position on the AfriLabs board. I am fully committed to dedicating my time, skills, and energy to support AfriLabs’ ongoing efforts to empower tech startups and hubs across the continent. It would be an honor to work alongside the esteemed members of the board and contribute to the realization of AfriLabs’ goals and aspirations.

Wangiwe Joanna Kambuzi

Name: Wangiwe Joanna Kambuzi

Name of Hub: Mzuzu E-Hub

Hub Location: Mzuzu, Malawi

Email Address: wangiwe.kambuzi@mzuzuehub.org

Phone Number: +265888209263

Why are you interested in being on the Board: 

Being on the Board of Afrilabs will allow me to contribute to the continental innovation ecosystem by providing support towards strategic planning, resource mobilization and partnership development, communication, and storytelling which are key contributors to the success of the network. Through my expertise and networks, I will be a key resource and team player fostering a progressive and sustainable ecosystem in Africa supporting thriving emerging enterprises and startups as well as enterprise support organizations.

 

Current Organizational Affiliations: 

I am currently the Managing Director at Mzuzu E-Hub and we are affiliated with AfriLabs as a member hub.

 

Prior/Current Leadership Experiences:

  1. I am a Board Director for Baseflow, a Malawian social enterprise improving water access for rural communities across Malawi
  2. Board Advisor for Flame Tree Initiative, a non-profit organization supporting energy access in Malawi.
  3. As a founding leader for the Mzuzu E-Hub, I manage the support towards leadership and governance by working hand in hand with the board of directors to ensure strategic direction and sustainability of the organization.

 

What to Offer:

  1. Communication
  2. Community engagement
  3. Resource mobilization including fundraising and partner relations
  4. Business development support

 

Motivation: 

To unleash the potential and talent that each individual has. To thrive within our communities, I believe we need enhanced leadership development among people. We need communities that can embrace creativity and innovation. To advance our development agenda, we need to approach the way we do things from a different point of view. Different makes a difference.

Fundraising Experience:

I have contributed to raising USD1,3MIllion in funding supporting Mzuzu E-Hubs programs and projects

Takeaways during/from the Role:

  1. Leadership and Governance
  2. Accountability
  3. Fundraising
  4. Community Engagement

Fun Fact:

I love travel and exploring diverse cultures

Social Media: 

  1. https://www.facebook.com/wangiejoanna.kambuzi?mibextid=kFxxJD
  2. https://www.linkedin.com/in/wangiwe-joanna-kambuzi-51078847