Mpho Chataika

Mpho Chataika, BCom (CS & IS) ’07 is the Founder of VGB Cyber Security in Botswana. VGB Cyber Security is a Cyber Security consultancy, advisory and training company that works with organizations to help them assess their cyber security maturity posture and recommend world class cyber security recommendations and solutions.  Mpho is the First Certified Data Privacy Solution Engineer (CDPSE), Certified Information Security Manager (CISM), Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) Holder in Botswana. Her expertise in the cyber security field has seen her do work for Blue Chip companies such as Debswana, Barclays Bank of Botswana now ABSA, Mascom Wireless, among others, and this afforded her the opportunity to be one of the participants who were responsible for structuring and finalizing the National Cyber Security Strategy. Prior to this, she headed the Information/Cyber Security Division at Debswana Diamond Company.


Lukonga Lindunda

Lukonga Lindunda, BSC (IT) ’06, is a start-up ecosystem builder, executive director and co-founder of BongoHive, an award-winning innovation and technology hub based in Lusaka, Zambia, that is changing the landscape of innovation and entrepreneurship in the region. Lukonga is a Mandela Washington Fellow and has over 11 years of experience working with entrepreneurs and development partners. He began his career providing technical assistance in the education sector by building sustainable and affordable ICT infrastructure and support systems with Education Development Center Inc. and VVOB vzw. Lukonga has steered BongoHive to nearly 1500 start-ups and MSMEs, harnessing over $2 million in resources. Lukonga’s vision goes beyond the private sector and Zambia, having realized the interconnected path of the regions development and the complexity of creating a viable support network for entrepreneurial development.


Maria Shipapo

Maria Shipapo, BSc Chemistry & Geology ‘14 & BSc Hons Geology ’15, is the CEO and co-founder of MIST Agricultural Laboratory (MISTAL), an agricultural lab based in Rundu, Namibia. She is the chairperson of the Data and Research for Sustainability (DARE SUSTAINABILITY) Association of Young Female Researchers, a non-profit multi-disciplinary research association (2020-2022). Additionally, she is a board member for the Rundu Rural Constituency Development Committee (2021-2024) and a Partnership and Networking Executive Council member for the Comprehensive African Agricultural Development Program (CAADP) Youth Network, Namibian Chapter (2020-2022). Maria is a Global Ambassador for the WomenTech Network (since 2020). She is passionate about the science of the Kavango tradition and aspires to promote a sustainable future for Namibia.


Vusa Chimanikire

Vusa Chimanikire, LLB ’15, is the founding director of Burbill Refurbishers & Contractors and co-founder of WasteMate Zimbabwe Private Ltd. He is a driven serial entrepreneur with a firm legal background qualifying in law and environmentally sustainable supply chain management. Since the inception of Burbill Refurbishers & Contractors, the firm has broken barriers in the affordable housing industry via new technologies, smarter building design and low-income financial products. Chimankire is also the co-founder of a waste management firm that specializes in commercial consultancy and solid waste collection. Prior to this, he was a freelance project consultant for Clean City Africa where he consulted on solid waste management collection project for the city of Harare.