½ûÂþÌìÌÃ

PfAL 14

Presenting the 14th Programme for African Leadership Cohort 

This alphabetical list showcases the 14th Programme for African Leadership (PfAL) cohort of the Firoz Lalji Institute for Africa. 

A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M | N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | Y | Z

A

Adam R

 Adam Randera

MSc Philosophy and Public Policy

Adam is a peacebuilder and conflict resolution practitioner who is currently studying an MSc in Philosophy and Public Policy at ½ûÂþÌìÌÃ.

He previously obtained an MPhil in International Peace Studies from Trinity College Dublin, with a focus on African approaches to transitional justice. He also obtained a BA in Philosophy, Classical Studies, and Linguistics with a joint Honours degree in Philosophy and Linguistics and Applied Language Studies, both from Rhodes University.

Prior to joining ½ûÂþÌìÌÃ, Adam worked as a Programme Officer for the African Centre for the Constructive Resolution of Disputes. Adam has a keen interest in transformative justice, gender and identity, and the building of grassroots capacities for peace.

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Adesuwa

Adesuwa Salami

MSc Environmental Economics and Climate Change

Adesuwa embodies Nigeria’s rich diversity, with roots in Kogi, Edo, and Osun states. Through volunteering alongside her family in her hometown, Okene, her passion for enabling social impact was nurtured during childhood. Since then, she has led multiple sustainability-focused outreach programs in local schools, raising awareness on climate change.

Her deep commitment to sustainability stems from being a native of Kogi state, which is considered as Nigeria’s ‘Confluence State’, being a part of the Niger Basin—one of Africa’s most vulnerable regions to climate change. With a professional background in financial audit, she aspires to become a sustainability consultant, advising organisations, and governments on enhancing the UN SDGs, improving environmental performance, and implementing climate action plans.

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Aida

Aïda Savadogo Cañigueral

MSc International Development and Humanitarian Emergencies

Aïda is from Burkina Faso and Spain. Prior to pursuing an MSc at ½ûÂþÌìÌÃ, she worked as a Senior Consultant at a boutique consultancy firm, specialising in intelligent process automation. 

Having always been passionate about development, she chose to pursue her master’s to transition into the sector. In high school (Burkina Faso), she worked with a non-profit organisation supporting orphans, reinforcing her commitment to humanitarian work. 

Fluent in five languages and currently learning a sixth, she is dedicated to advancing policies that bridge humanitarian and development efforts.

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Amna Haroon

MSc in Social Innovation and Entrepreneurship 

Amna Haroon is a Sudanese MSc student on the Social Innovation and Entrepreneurship track at ½ûÂþÌìÌÃ. With a background in Electrical and Electronics Engineering from the University of Southampton, her advocacy for energy democracy began with a deep interest in harnessing solar energy. Amna has worked across multiple countries, leading initiatives at the intersection of energy, agriculture, and social impact.

She focuses on leveraging solar energy to drive economic recovery and sustainable development, particularly in Sudan’s agricultural sector. Through her research and entrepreneurial ventures, she explores innovative financing and business models to integrate solar energy into agricultural value chains, fostering resilience and long-term growth. Outside of academics, Amna enjoys horse riding, reading, and exploring new cultures and cuisines.

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Asiya Bashir Bugaje

MSc Health Policy Planning and Financing

Asiya is an MSc student at ½ûÂþÌìÌà and LSHTM, committed to driving impactful change within Africa’s healthcare landscape. She has a background in Clinical Pharmacy and Healthcare Management, with experience in improving access to essential medicines and strengthening health systems.

Her research interests span ethical healthcare financing and community-based solutions for achieving Universal Health Coverage in Low- and Middle-Income Countries. Passionate about innovative policy solutions, she aims to bridge gaps in healthcare access through sustainable financing mechanisms and strategic partnerships.

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Aula Ali

MSc Development Management (Applied Development Economics)

Aula Ali is a Sudanese national with a dual BA in Economics and Public Health and four years of experience in management consulting.

She has worked on a range of private-sector projects, including commercial due diligence, go-to-market strategies, and merger integrations, as well as public-sector initiatives focused on national transformation and government operations optimisation to drive strategic development.

Through her graduate studies, she aims to integrate her professional experience with her passion for social innovation and data-driven policy solutions, addressing key development challenges in Africa and the Middle East.

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Banke Awosope

MSc Development Studies

Banke Awosope holds an LLB Law (Hons) from the University of Nottingham and is currently pursuing an MSc in Development Studies. Passionate about issues at the intersection of law, development, and economic policy, she is dedicated to shaping solutions that drive social equity and economic resilience across the developing world.

With a background in legal research, policy analysis, and project management, she has worked on initiatives that explore financial governance, social policy, and international human rights. Her academic research delves into the complexities of public finance and its impact on development outcomes, particularly in areas of education and poverty alleviation.

Committed to bridging the gap between policy and practice, she seeks to contribute to innovative, research-driven strategies that empower communities and create sustainable change. 

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Catherine Khanoba

MSc Health Policy, Planning and Financing

Catherine Khanoba is a medical doctor and health systems expert pursuing an MSc in Health Policy, Planning, and Financing at LSHTM and ½ûÂþÌìÌÃ.

Passionate about strengthening healthcare systems in low- and middle-income countries, her research focuses on health financing, economic evaluations, and domestic resource mobilisation for sustainable care. She is particularly dedicated to reforming Nigeria’s healthcare through policy innovation, including exploring predictive digital twin technology for neurological disease detection.

Catherine also leverages skills in data visualisation and podcasting to communicate complex health issues accessibly. Committed to equity, she aims to advance efficient, technology-driven healthcare solutions globally.

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Cheukai Makari

MSc Local Economic Development

Cheukai Makari is currently pursuing an MSc in Local Economic Development at ½ûÂþÌìÌÃ. She is a Sierra Leonean-Zimbabwean graduate of the University of California, Berkeley, where she earned a B.S. in Business Administration from the Haas School of Business and a B.A. in Global Economic Development with a focus on Africa.

Passionate about improving the standard of living for Sierra Leoneans and Africans, Cheukai gained experience as a Big Ideas Innovation Ambassador at the Blum Center, a Global Networks intern at the Center for Effective Global Action, and through research on land grabs and waste management in West Africa. She served as the youngest president of the Haas Undergraduate Black Business Association, creating and teaching the course, African Women Towards Economic Development.

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Chidera Moghalu

MSc Environment and Development 

Chidera Moghalu is a passionate advocate for sustainability, women’s health, and economic development in Africa. She is currently pursuing an MSc in Environment and Development at the London School of Economics, focusing on sustainability, policy, and economic growth.

Chidera founded Oma Wellness, a nonprofit empowering Black women to prioritise their health through lifestyle changes, preventive healthcare, and community support.

Connect with Chidera on LinkedIn.

 

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Chimdi Oscar Ekwueme

MSc Health Policy, Planning and Financing 

Chimdi Oscar Ekwueme hails from Oko in Anambra State, Nigeria, and is currently pursuing a master's degree in Health Policy, Planning, and Financing.

Before his studies, he undertook a medical specialty training programme in public health and community medicine in Abuja, while overseeing public health initiatives, including the National Tuberculosis and Leprosy Control Programme at the Gwagwalada Area Council.

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Chisom Ugwu

LLM Financial Law and Regulation

Chisom Ugwu is an enthusiastic and driven LLM student specialising in Financial Law and Regulation at the London School of Economics. With a passion for practicing law internationally, she is dedicated to qualifying for the bar in both the United Kingdom and Nigeria.

Beyond her academic pursuits, Chisom actively engages in advocacy initiatives, demonstrated through her impactful work as a Race Equality Advocate and Student Sexual Violence Consultant during her undergraduate studies. Her commitment to social justice and inclusion, coupled with her strong legal acumen, fuels her ambition to drive meaningful change in the legal profession and help make a positive impact globally.

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Dan Brotman

MSc International Migration and Public Policy

Originally from the US, Dan is an African by choice, having immigrated to South Africa in his early 20s, living between Cape Town and Johannesburg. There, he worked in advocacy organisations and co-founded a successful corporate travel education company. Most recently, he spent three and a half years in Windsor, Canada, where he launched a regional immigration programme to attract skilled immigrants and support the growth of the local Jewish community.

Now back at university for the first time in 14 years, his master’s dissertation will explore the intersection of the United Arab Emirates' increasingly liberal immigration policies for high-skilled migrants and its push for Emiratisation in the private sector. With a particular passion for exploring the African continent, Dan would have visited 100 countries by the end of 2025.

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Emma Kimani

Master of Public Policy

Emma Kimani is an ½ûÂþÌìÌà Hosh Ibrahim Scholar and an international development professional from Kenya, passionate about tackling global challenges through an evidence-driven approach. With over seven years of experience, she has worked alongside public sector decision-makers across East and Southern Africa, and South Asia, driving data-informed strategies to maximize social impact.

Her expertise spans multiple sectors, including Public Finance Management, Health, Education, Youth Workforce Development, Social Protection, Gender, Technology and Artificial Intelligence. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Actuarial Science and is an alumna of the Young African Leadership Initiative (YALI).

At ½ûÂþÌìÌÃ, Emma was also an impact investing associate and finalist in the Global Turner MBA Investment Impact Network and Training competition, supported by ½ûÂþÌìÌÃ's Marshall Institute. Her team led ½ûÂþÌìÌà to victory, winning the inaugral Impact Prize, with their early-stage company, Zzapp Malaria. 

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Fatima Kane

MSc International Development and Humanitarian Emergencies

Fatima E. Kane is an aspiring development consultant from Senegal. She holds a bachelor's in Economics from The George Washington University and is currently pursuing a master’s in International Development and Humanitarian Emergencies at ½ûÂþÌìÌÃ.

Her professional experience includes internships at PwC, where she worked with a nonprofit, conducting research and impact analysis for Impaxis Securities in Senegal, where she worked on client portfolio management and financial risk assessments.

With deep interests in governance, economic development, and child protection, Fatima aims to leverage her expertise to drive impactful policy changes. Her long-term goal is to return to Senegal to contribute to sustainable development. Fluent in English, French, Wolof, and Pulaar, she hopes to bring a global perspective to any scope of work she engages with.

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Fauziyya Tukur

MSc Media, Communication and Development

Fauziyya is an award-winning journalist, media trainer and communication expert with over ten years experience in the media industry. She has worked for the BBC as an investigative and multimedia journalist for seven years covering elections, politics, health, misinformation and disinformation.

She co-founded the Pink Arena Foundation, a non-profit for and run by women to elevate and transform northern Nigerian women through mentoring and coaching.

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Felix Moukoko

MSc Financial History

Felix is currently pursuing a master’s degree in Financial History at ½ûÂþÌìÌÃ, where his academic focus spans financial systems, global financial history, and economic development, with a particular interest in African development.

With professional experience in investment promotion, development finance, communication, protocol, and financial advisory, Felix is deeply passionate about driving economic transformation and enhancing financial inclusion throughout the African continent. His expertise includes sustainable growth strategies, policy analyses, and fostering international partnerships.

Felix has also contributed to public health initiatives and understands the link between financial systems and development outcomes. He aims to leverage his diverse skills and knowledge to contribute to long-term economic growth, resilience, and inclusive development across Africa, focusing on strengthening financial systems and promoting innovation.

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Heaven Abraha

MSc Development Studies

Heaven is currently pursuing an MSc in Development Studies at ½ûÂþÌìÌÃ, building on her knowledge in International Relations and International Development obtained from the University of Maryland.

Most recently, Heaven was a Project Manager at a social impact consulting firm, where her assignments focused on education, local government, strategic planning and facilitation. In 2022, she spent a year in Seoul, South Korea, teaching English at a public elementary school. Prior to that, Heaven worked for nearly three years in federal consulting, where she engaged with clients on strategy, communications, and technology projects. 

In her spare time, Heaven enjoys reading as many books as possible, sharpening her geography and history trivia, and traveling as much as she can.

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Hintsa Gebreagziabhear Gebremariam

MSc Global Health Policy

Hintsa is a medical doctor with extensive experience in emergency response and humanitarian medicine. He has worked with Médecins Sans Frontières in Africa, overseeing medical activities and leading emergency response efforts. Currently, he is pursuing an MSc in Global Health Policy at ½ûÂþÌìÌÃ.

Passionate about improving healthcare access and quality, he advocates for universal health coverage and evidence-based policy. His interests include global health and digital health. Hintsa has held leadership roles in medical associations and has experience in clinical practice and advisory work. He aspires to contribute to international organizations to drive impactful health policy reforms worldwide.

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Imane Sekkat

MSc Development Studies (Applied Economics)

Imane is a professional with a background in renewable energy financing, currently pursuing a master's in Development Studies at ½ûÂþÌìÌÃ. Passionate about economic development and climate resilience, her research dissertation focuses on the gendered impact of economic crises, climate change, and food insecurity. Born and raised in Morocco, she has a deep interest in the continent’s development challenges and opportunities.

Imane previously spent six years in renewable energy investment, specializing in project financing for solar, wind, and hydro power plants across the African continent. Her work involved structuring deals, assessing financial viability, and supporting sustainable infrastructure development. Now, she hopes to integrate developmental impact into her career, leveraging her expertise in finance and sustainability to address pressing development challenges.

Connect with Imane on LinkedIn.

 

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Inas El Aidi

MSc in Development Management (½ûÂþÌìÌà & Sciences Po)

With a bachelor’s degree in Economics and Sociology from Sciences Po (Paris), specialising in the African continent, Inas is currently pursuing a dual master’s degree in the Political Economy of Development between Sciences Po Paris and ½ûÂþÌìÌÃ.

She is a passionate advocate for development, dedicated to combating extreme poverty and preventable diseases, as demonstrated by her commitment as a youth ambassador for the ONE Campaign and the Global Partnership for Education. Inas is an ever-curious individual who thrives on exposure to diversity. Her key interests include urban development, the management of public goods, and public health systems as crucial entry points for development.

She is the co-author on a new ODI research report with Prof. David Luke. Read the report .

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Kayode Banji Adeniyi

MSc Management of Information Systems and Digital Innovation

Kayode Adeniyi thinks in systems, with a focus on how small changes in technology ripple through industries, shaping the way people work, live, and adapt. His background spans software engineering, AI, and digital transformation, with experience in fintech, disaster resilience, and geospatial technology. He has spent years building tools that improve decision-making, whether in payments, climate tech or governance.

At ½ûÂþÌìÌÃ, he is pursuing an MSc in Management of Information Systems and Digital Innovation, exploring how emerging technologies solve complex problems in ways that shift behaviours and structures. As Co-President of the Programme for African Leadership (PfAL14), he is leading a network of thinkers and doers ready to shape Africa’s future. He looks forward to contributing to development in Nigeria within the political space.

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Ketsia-Patience Kassongo

MSc Development Studies

Ketsia’s decision to study MSc Development Studies was informed by her interests in migration, conflict, and development in the Great Lakes region of Africa, particularly the DRC. Ketsia currently works with Friends of the Congo and The Congo Tree to raise awareness about current affairs in Congo and to contribute to improving livelihoods of young people in the DRC.

Ketsia enjoys voluntary work and volunteered with the Cameroon Association of Active Youths and the British Red Cross to support and give back to different communities. She is poised to pursue further research on migration in the DRC and will soon take up a PhD offer in Development Studies. Ketsia mostly enjoys travelling, with South Africa being her favourite destination to date.

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Khadijah Khogeer

MSc Media, Communication and Development

Khadijah is a journalist born and raised in Cairo, Egypt. She studied at Boston University and New York University and holds degrees in Journalism and Communication. She has experience in student-led and professional media as a reporter, photographer, and copy editor.

Her main academic interests are examining digital media trends and social development in the Middle East and North Africa, and its diaspora. After ½ûÂþÌìÌÃ, she hopes to work on research projects in Africa and the Arab World, and pursue a PhD in the media and communication field.

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Kimberley Ogembo

MSc Health Policy, Planning and Financing

Kimberley is an experienced healthcare professional with a decade in the industry, now specialising in health policy, planning, and financing. She is passionate about improving efficiency and cost allocation through evidence-based approaches.

Her research focus includes power dynamics during the early AIDS pandemic, economic evaluation, and quantitative analysis to justify healthcare expenditures, informing policy decisions. She is dedicated to advancing healthcare development through strategic financing and data-driven policymaking.

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Lisa Maema

MSc Marketing

Lisa Maema is a marketing strategist passionate about reshaping Africa’s narratives through media and brand strategy. She is pursuing a master’s in Marketing at ½ûÂþÌìÌà and has experience in advertising, event marketing, and digital strategy.

She has worked with global firms such as DLA Piper and WPP Scangroup, leading impactful campaigns and brand activations. As Co-Director of Media and Communications for the ½ûÂþÌìÌà Africa Summit 2025, she drives engagement across digital platforms.

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Love Mbakadi

MSc Local Economic Development 

Love Mbakadi has an undergraduate degree in International Relations and a master’s degree in Management from the University of British Columbia (Canada). She speaks four languages: French, English, Lingala and Spanish, and is an adamant believer in Ubuntu (“humanity to others” or “togetherness”), which fuels her desire to strengthen community bonds.

She is passionate about effecting positive societal change, providing youth and women with opportunities and the tools required to develop their skills, talents and potential. As a Congolese professional, Love’s objective is returning home to contribute to the economic development work in the area of enhancing local (regional) capacities.

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Mabel Ama Eson Botwe

MPA/MGA Public Administration and Global Affairs

Mabel Ama Eson Botwe is an international affairs professional with expertise in diplomacy, trade, migration, and cross-cultural communication. She began her career at Ghana’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and has since served in diplomatic missions, including the High Commission of Canada and the Embassy of the Netherlands in Ghana.

She holds an MA in International Affairs and is pursuing a dual master’s in Public Administration and Global Affairs at ½ûÂþÌìÌà and the University of Toronto. Mabel is the founder of The Eson Foundation, which advocates for vulnerable children. Fluent in French and English, she is passionate about child education, global development, policy, and leadership.

Connect with Mabel on LinkedIn.

 

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Malak Bensalah

MSc International Relations

Malak Bensalah is a Moroccan master's student on the International Relations track at ½ûÂþÌìÌÃ. She speaks Arabic, French, English, and Spanish. Her dissertation explores the lasting effects of French colonisation on Moroccan identity. She focuses particularly on Africa, examining post-colonial identity, cultural resilience, and historical legacies in international relations.

Passionate about global affairs, she analyses how colonial histories continue to shape contemporary political and social dynamics. Outside of academics, she plays basketball for the ½ûÂþÌìÌà 1st team. With a strong multilingual background and a deep interest in African studies, she aims to contribute to discussions on colonial legacies and identity formation.

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Maureen Manyama

MSc Development Management (Applied Development Economics)

Maureen Manyama is a Chevening Scholar from Tanzania. She is currently pursuing an MSc in Development Management (Applied Development Economics) at ½ûÂþÌìÌÃ. She is passionate about building a more inclusive and sustainable world through economic empowerment and innovative financial solutions for development.

Prior to ½ûÂþÌìÌÃ, Maureen worked for a management consulting firm where she engaged with government agencies, the private sector, donors, and multilateral organizations on projects related to inclusive growth, impact investing, climate action and digital transformation. Maureen is also the founder of Lupus Warriors Tanzania, an initiative that advocates for and supports people living with Lupus in Tanzania.

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Maryam Tanimu

MSc Health Policy Planning and Financing

Maryam is a public health professional with a background in pharmacy. She has a keen interest in applying health economics to improve access to essential medicines, emphasizing patient-centred care. Her focus spans developing locally-driven solutions for vulnerable populations, particularly women and children in northern Nigeria.

Her research scope includes adolescent mental health, vaccination practices among healthcare workers, and community health worker networks in sub-Saharan Africa. She is a Chevening Scholar and the co-founder of the Luminary Mentors Initiative, which empowers young women in northern Nigerian to be informed, confident and competent. An avid reader, blogger, and volunteer, she is committed to advancing equitable healthcare solutions globally.

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Mekdim Hailu Legesse

MSc Media, Communication & Development

Mekdim, also known as Pomy, is a communications expert passionate about media-driven social change. With experience in advocacy, storytelling, and content creation, she has led campaigns for international organisations, including WaterAid, Girl Effect and Population Services International.

A Chevening Scholar, she is currently pursuing a master’s in Media and Communications at ½ûÂþÌìÌÃ, building on her degree in Psychology and a master’s in Global Studies. She combines research and creativity to develop content that drives engagement, particularly in the areas of women’s rights, development, and international relations.

Beyond academia, Mekdim is the co-founder of Ubah Media Labs, and a creative writer at Avessa Magazine, exploring identity, society, and culture. She envisions media as a force for enabling equity, promoting women’s rights, and building better societies.

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Meshack Kwaka

LLM Technology Law

Meshack is an accomplished advocate of the High Court of Kenya. He specialises in commercial litigation, arbitration, AI regulation, data protection, cloud computing advisory, fintech and technology-related disputes, and advisory. He has played a pivotal role in managing high-stakes arbitration and litigation cases locally, regionally, and internationally.

He has represented clients in complex technology disputes and advised on data protection and privacy matters across various sectors. Meshack holds a bachelor of laws degree and a bachelor of arts degree in Political Science and Sociology respectively - both from the Catholic University of Eastern Africa. He is currently pursuing his LLM in Technology Law at ½ûÂþÌìÌÃ.

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Millicent Makina

Masters in Public Policy

Millicent Makina is an experienced public policy analyst and economic advisor with a flair for storytelling. She has more than ten years of experience working in the Macroeconomic Analysis and Statistics department of the Parliamentary Budget Office (PBO) under the Parliament of the Republic of Kenya. Here, she was primarily in charge of developing macroeconomic projections, appraising government policy proposals and spearheading PBO annual publications.

With a masters in Public Policy, she hopes to contribute more effectively to public financial management and effective governance in Kenya. Millicent is also an African literature enthusiast who believes in the importance of preserving our cultural heritage and identity through African storytelling. She is a published author of a novella, ‘One More Chance’.

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Mohammed El Maziani Haddouchi

MSc Development Studies

Mohammed’s heritage is connected to the Moroccan Riff. Inspired by Frankl’s notion of tragic optimism, he believes that we are not fully determined by the conditions life places on us, but rather, we can choose whether to give in or stand up to challenges. To this end, Mohammed has tailored his academic trajectory to overcoming colonial legacies, fragile institutions, corruption, poverty, and war on the African continent. He believes this feat demands courage and creativity, attributes that Africa's youth possess in abundance.

After studying International Relations and Conflict Studies at KU Leuven, he came to ½ûÂþÌìÌà to deepen his knowledge of development strategies and the world’s political economy. Having researched efforts made by regional economic communities, and identifing regional integration as an instrument for fostering development and unity, Mohammed seeks to contribute in this direction, aligned with the AU’s 2063 Agenda. Mohammed serves as Co-President for the PfAL14 cohort.

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Mohammed Malin

MSc Political Economy of Late Development

Mohamed is currently pursuing his master's degree in the Political Economy of Late Development. Prior to his master's studies, he worked as an independent researcher, focusing on state-building and peacebuilding in East Africa, and has presented his research at various conferences.

The research papers Mohamed has authored include "Extractive Institutions: The Cause of Conflict and State Failure in Somalia", presented at the East African Association for Research and Development, "Fostering a Culture of Tolerance in Somali Society", presented at the Heritage Institute for Policy Studies, and "Instability and Violence: Barriers to Achieving Mutual Understanding in East Africa."

Currently, his research at ½ûÂþÌìÌà focuses on structural transformation in Africa, and he aspires to continue exploring this subject in future studies.

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Mumbi Kiragu

LLM Technology and Data Law

Mumbi is an Advocate of the High Court of Kenya and a dynamic legal practitioner with over four years of experience in Commercial, Employment, Intellectual Property and Technology Law. She is currently pursuing a LLM in Technology and Data Law, while simultaneously serving as a legal consultant at an Agri-Tech company in Kenya. She is also a Chevening Scholar and serves as Co-Vice President for the PfAL14 cohort.

Mumbi is passionate about the ethical and responsible use of data and is committed to ensuring that digital solutions align with principles of fairness, transparency, and accountability. She provides strategic guidance to entities, helping them achieve their goals while ensuring compliance with legal requirements and best practices.

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Nancy Oundo

LLM Tax and Technology Law

Nancy Oundo is an LLM at ½ûÂþÌìÌà and a recipient of the Firoz and Najma Lalji Foundation Scholarship. Prior to ½ûÂþÌìÌÃ, she was awarded the Beacon Scholarship in 2021, enabling her to pursue her undergraduate degree at Cardiff University. Throughout her study, Nancy deepened her legal knowledge through attending workshops with global law firms, pursuing internships, writing for The Student Lawyer blog, and volunteering with organisations like Support Through Court. 

Nancy is passionate about using education to transform lives and she organises an annual summer tennis camp for underprivileged children in Kampala. This experience has enlightened her on the need to restructure legal systems in our modern world to reduce injustices and  improve access to basic fundamental rights.

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Ndidi Anekwe

MSc Development Studies

Didi graduated from Princeton University with an AB in the School of Public and International Affairs with certificates in African American Studies and Global Health and Health Policy. Before starting the MSc in Development Studies at ½ûÂþÌìÌÃ,  she worked for a leading health policy journal based in Washington, DC. In addition, she previously interned with organisations working in the reproductive health, public policy and poverty spaces. 

Her interests lie at the intersection of health and women’s economic empowerment and she is passionate about exploring the ways that policy can support African women in precarious work.

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Nouha Karouia

MSc Development Management

Nouha Karouia is a dedicated professional with experience in economic governance, venture capital, and financial consulting. She is pursuing an MSc in Development Management at ½ûÂþÌìÌÃ. Prior to this, she obtained a BA in Philosophy, Politics, and Economics from King’s College London. She has worked at the African Development Bank, AfricInvest, and the Central Bank of Tunisia, gaining expertise in policy research, market analysis, and investment strategy.

Nouha has also consulted for The Coffee Gardens, focusing on financial inclusion for smallholder coffee farmers in Uganda. Fluent in French, Arabic, and English, she is passionate about economic development, financial sustainability, and social impact. Her diverse background equips her to contribute meaningful change to African development and development finance.

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Oluwademilade Dilys Fapohunda

MSc Development Management

Oluwademilade is from South Western Nigeria and is currently on the MSc Development Management track. She has a background in finance and consulting.

However, she is making a career pivot towards development with the motivation of making an impact in Nigeria through policy analysis and public service evaluation. Her goal is to leverage her knowledge and expertise to influence evidence-based policies that can foster sustainable development and governance reform in Nigeria.

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Onehizena Oviojie

MSc International Development and Humanitarian Emergencies

Onehizena is passionate about international development, migration, and expanding opportunities for marginalised communities. Currently pursuing an MSc International Development and Humanitarian Emergencies, she has long been involved in refugee rights advocacy, volunteering for several years with Sanctuary Summer Camp to support the resettlement of refugee children and participating in the Erasmus+ CURVE training on migration issues.

She has also explored impact-driven sectors, gaining experience through an internship in development finance and a graduate consultancy project focused on climate resilience. Committed to fostering inclusive growth and economic empowerment, she continues to seek innovative solutions that promote sustainable change. Beyond her professional interests, Onehizena enjoys traveling, learning new languages, and engaging in cultural exchange to deepen her understanding of global communities.

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Patrick McVeigh

MSc Development Studies

Patrick McVeigh is passionate about development and sustainability in Africa, particularly how innovative solutions can influence long-term economic and social change. Growing up in South Africa sparked his interest in these issues, leading him to study History and Politics at the University of Edinburgh.

After graduating, he worked on agricultural investment projects in Northern Uganda before moving to Nairobi, where he explored microfinance and saw firsthand how businesses and communities adapt to economic challenges. Now at ½ûÂþÌìÌÃ, he is building on these experiences to deepen his understanding of development strategies. Having loved his time in East Africa, he hopes to return after ½ûÂþÌìÌà to continue working on projects that create meaningful impact.

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Perazim Singo

MSc Development Studies

Perazim champions collaborative Afro-optimism as a TEDx speaker (2024) and creator of the 'A F RI C A N I D E N TI T Y' podcast blog (since 2020). Her experience spans agricultural development and the environment. She is an Equality Policy Researcher, a Research Assistant for Resilient Ecosystems and Flourishing Communities (2024), a Future Africa Advisee with a Capstone Initiative (2023), a Project Assistant at the Netherlands-African Business Council (2022-23), and a Public Relations Intern at Mavuno Technologies (2022).

Moreover, Perazim actively participated in the Overlapping Crisis Campaign: Food and Energy Crisis initiative by the World Bank (2022). She was awarded the ½ûÂþÌìÌÃ's Academic Director’s Scholarship: Sustainability and Development (2023) and the NL Scholarship (2021). 

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Phinehas Obeng Arhin

MSc Global Health Policy

Phinehas Obeng Arhin is a dedicated medical doctor committed to integrating clinical excellence with academic rigor. With a deep passion for surgery, he remains at the forefront of evidence-based science and objective truth. Recognised as Best Student of the Year at TNMU, his clinical expertise was enriched by international exposure in Poland.

Notably, with the NUGS Health Directorate, he led a successful breast cancer campaign, underscoring his leadership and commitment to public health. Currently pursuing an MSc in Global Health Policy, Phinehas aims to bridge clinical research, medical technology, and business to drive innovation and transform healthcare landscapes for a more integrated and impactful future.

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Priscilla Wright 

LLM Competition and Innovation Law

Priscilla Wright is a Master of Laws (LLM) candidate working towards a specialisation in Competition and Innovation Law. Prior to coming to ½ûÂþÌìÌÃ, she worked as a full-time commercial litigation lawyer.

She aims to make meaningful contributions in examining legal frameworks in both competition and e-commerce landscapes in our increasingly digital economy, whilst regulating technological progress.

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Rachel Ntow

MSc Development Management

Rachel Ntow is enrolled on the MSc in Development Management Programme at the Department of International Development. With a background in project management, her professional experience spans the fields of education and development.

Throughout her career, Rachel has collaborated with development partners and policymakers to implement initiatives aimed at enhancing digital literacy, promoting inclusive education, and supporting professional development and capacity-building efforts among diverse stakeholders in Ghana’s education sector. Currently, Rachel is focused on exploring the potential of digital technology, particularly artificial intelligence, as a catalyst for sustainable development.

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Rayan Oswald

MSc International Relations

Rayan is half Swiss, half Moroccan but grew up in Morocco until graduating from high school. He obtained his bachelors at University College London, pursuing International, Social, and Political Studies alongside French and German literature.

Currently at ½ûÂþÌìÌÃ, he is studying International Relations, with a focus on the Middle East and North Africa. Rayan’s primary academic and professional interests span foreign policy analysis and diplomacy.

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Razan Elshazali

MSc International Development and Humanitarian Emergencies

Razan Elshazali is a British Sudanese on the MSc International Development and Humanitarian Emergencies track. She graduated with a First Class degree from the University of Cambridge, producing her thesis themed Counter-Revolution in Sudan from 2019.

Razan is the founder of Women of Sudan, an online platform and community building initiative with a following of 60,000 supporters. Serving as a visual and historical archive, Razan’s work focuses on celebrating the historical achievements of women and grassroots organising during the current war. Through her work, she has served as a keynote speaker at various conferences, including Education Above All (Qatar), the UN Youth Assembly (New York), and the ½ûÂþÌìÌà Africa Summit 2022 (London). 

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Riagbonse Aihie

MSc Health and International Development

Ria is an intercalating medical student pursuing a master's in Health and International Development, having completed three years at the University of Southampton Medical School. Her professional focus centres on health equity, particularly strengthening health systems in Nigeria and Sub-Saharan Africa.

As a committed member of the PFAL14 cohort, she actively engages with peers and mentors while at ½ûÂþÌìÌÃ. Ria aims to leverage her clinical training and academic expertise to implement meaningful health reforms in Nigeria, combining her medical background with international development principles to address systemic healthcare challenges.

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Said Mohamud Isse

MSc Media, Communications and Development

Said Mohamud Isse is a media and communication strategist, with over a decade of experience in policy advocacy, strategic communication, and media development. He leads Ubah Media Lab, a social enterprise leveraging media and ICT for socio-economic development in the Horn of Africa.

Although Said is pursuing an MSc in Media, Communications, and Development at the ½ûÂþÌìÌÃ, he holds an MA in Global Diplomacy from SOAS, University of London. His career includes key roles at Save the Children International and UNDP, where he developed communication strategies, facilitated youth empowerment initiatives, and led media programs in fragile and conflict-affected contexts. His expertise bridges media, policy, and development for lasting impact.

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Samir Janmohamed

Double Degree Master in Public Administration (½ûÂþÌìÌÃ) and Master in Global Affairs (UofT)

Samir is a dedicated policy professional with several years of experience in politics, government relations, and public affairs. He joined ½ûÂþÌìÌà in pursuit of a Double Master’s in Public Administration and Global Affairs with the University of Toronto, further developing his expertise in policy analysis and implementation to drive meaningful change post-graduation.

A natural leader, Samir has successfully guided cross-functional teams both professionally and in his volunteer engagements, with a focus on always striving for excellence. With a commitment to global development and innovation, Samir seeks opportunities that allow him to shape impactful policies in both local and global contexts. Samir holds a B.A. Hons. in Economic and International Development Studies. 

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Somtochukwu Azubuike-Elumelu

MSc Development Management (Applied Development Economics)

Somtochukwu Azubuike-Elumelu is a vibrant individual who is passionate about using artificial intelligence to advance Africa's development, notably in agriculture, microfinance and public service delivery. With experience spanning research, market analysis, and portfolio management, she has collaborated with tech startups, conducted geopolitical research, and optimised financial processes within multinational organisations. Passionate about data-driven policy solutions, she has explored themes of poverty, inequality, and agricultural transformation in her academic work.

Beyond her professional pursuits, she has demonstrated leadership in digital media initiatives, fostering student engagement and content creation. A creative at heart, she is also passionate about photography, capturing stories through her lens. With a blend of analytical expertise and an innovative mindset, she is committed to driving impactful change across Africa’s development landscape.

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Teshola Gold

MSc International and Social Public Policy 

Teshola Gold holds a BA in International Development and Political Science from McGill University. She has worked with humanitarian organizations, including the IFRC, focusing on health policy, and is passionate about social policy and development on the African continent.

She aspires to shape development policies that promote sustainable growth and enable social equity across the continent. 

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Thato Kutu

MSc Behavioural Science

Thato is a behavioural science student passionate about rebuilding resilient communities in her home country, South Africa. During her time as a mental health guidance counsellor, she had the opportunity to connect with vulnerable individuals in the country, with restricted access to resources fostering wellbeing. 

The lack of adequate support in infrastructure, health and education revealed a desire to find alternative ways to strengthen community resilience, specifically for vulnerable youth. She hopes that her studies in the behavioural sciences will help carve out a path that would make that possible for her to achieve. 

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Ugbad Hashi

MSc Gender, Development and Globalization

Ugbad Ahmed Hashi is a senior lecturer at the University of Hargeisa and the founder of the Somaliland Women Empowerment Platform. She has been a human rights and women’s rights activist for a decade, advocating for the representation of girls and women in higher positions while empowering them educationally, socially, economically, and politically.

Ugbad also advocates for the endorsement of laws and policies that protect Somaliland women from violence, abuse, and harm. Currently, Ugbad is pursuing an MSc in Gender, Development, and Globalisation at ½ûÂþÌìÌÃ. She holds a master's degree in Development Studies and a bachelor’s degree in Economics.

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Wairimu Muriithi

MSc Social innovation and Entrepreneurship

Wairimu has built a career at the intersection of finance, venture capital and social impact. She started her career in financial services strategy at Africa’s top economics consulting firm, contributing to projects across 10+ markets with organisations including the IMF, World Bank, and Mastercard. Motivated by a desire to drive economic empowerment, she transitioned into venture capital while founding a non-profit supporting young mothers through small business funding and vocational training.

During her time as a VC, she worked at two African VC funds, investing in startups and emerging fund managers. Currently, she is pursuing a master's in Social Innovation and Entrepreneurship at ½ûÂþÌìÌÃ. Her interests lie in founding a social enterprise and consulting for government to influence public policy and advance economic empowerment and social mobility.

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Yesmine Abdelkefi

MSc International and Public Social Policy (Education)

Yesmine Abdelkefi is an aspiring researcher with a deep interest in social policy, particularly education policies in North Africa. Born and raised in Tunis, Tunisia, she holds an undergraduate degree in Political Science and Economics from McGill University. She is currently pursuing an MSc in International and Public Social Policy at ½ûÂþÌìÌÃ, focusing on education policies.

She has worked with civil society organizations in Tunisia to promote children's rights, collaborating with public education actors on reform initiatives. Passionate about research-driven policy change, she aims to contribute to discussions on equitable and effective education systems in North Africa. Her research explores institutional dynamics and stakeholder influences shaping education policies, focusing on language and accessibility.

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Zainab Sanni

MSc Media, Communication and Development

Zainab Oyiza Sanni is a gender equality and social inclusion expert as well as a multimedia journalist with almost a decade experience in development, communications advocacy and fact-checking. She is currently building Media Inno Tech, a social enterprise that utilises AI and other emerging technologies to develop tools and resources to bridge the access to information gap iin Africa.

She previously worked as the Assistant Producer of the Weekend Show on Africa Independent Television, where she also hosted "The Climate Chat.” Zainab's commitment to excellence is underscored by recognition  from notable organisations including World Merit, the International Centre for Journalists and the Wole Soyinka Centre for Investigative Journalism. The awards she has won include the International Organisation of Migration Reporting Competition, Nigeria (2022) and the 2024 Climate Media Spotlight Award. 

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