Global Ambassadors

Elevating Africa on the world stage

This initiative shines a spotlight on distinguished individuals who champion the diverse and vibrant continent of Africa. Serving as Elevate Africa Ambassadors, they advance the movement’s objectives through advocacy, strategic alliances, and influence.

Advocacy & influence Strategic partnerships Authentic storytelling Investment mobilization

Meet the ambassadors

What our ambassadors champion

Elevating Africa’s image and influence globally.
Building alliances that unlock trade, investment, and innovation.
Sharing authentic African stories that inspire confidence.
Mobilizing resources that fuel transformative projects.

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Global Ambassadors

Ambassadors with a Pan-African mandate

This programme celebrates and collaborates with leaders dedicated to advocating for Africa. Through their platforms and networks, our ambassadors amplify pivotal initiatives, cultivate meaningful collaborations, and champion transformative change.

Their collective voice inspires progress across the continent, bridging Africa’s past, present, and future with solutions rooted in African ingenuity.

Focus Advocacy, partnerships, and storytelling that spotlight African excellence.

Impact Unlocking collaboration, investment, and empowerment across borders.

Pillars of the programme

The Global Ambassadors Programme aims to:

Elevate Africa’s image globally

Leverage the influence and networks of distinguished ambassadors to reshape how Africa is perceived and received internationally.

Champion leadership, trade, and stories

Promote African leadership excellence, unlock intra-Africa and international trade, and share stories of ingenuity, resilience, and growth.

Promote collaboration

Foster cross-sectoral and cross-cultural partnerships between African countries and the global community.

Inspire action & investment

Mobilize resources, investment, and global support for African initiatives through strategic advocacy and partnerships.

Global Ambassador Role & Responsibilities

High-profile leaders work alongside Elevate Africa to advance the movement’s goals through advocacy, partnership, and strategic influence.

Advocacy & representation

Act as the voice and face of Elevate Africa at international forums, conferences, and media engagements.
Raise awareness of Africa’s leadership, trade, and stories.

Networking & partnerships

Leverage personal networks to build alliances with governments, NGOs, and corporations.
Facilitate collaborations that align with Elevate Africa’s mission.

Resource mobilization

Lead fundraising campaigns and secure sponsorships, donations, and investments.
Engage donors and partners to mobilize financial and in-kind resources.

Public voice & content

Deliver impactful speeches and presentations that highlight Elevate Africa’s work.
Create and share content that narrates Africa’s inspiring stories.

Strategic advisory

Provide strategic insights to guide Elevate Africa’s programmes and initiatives.
Support high-level decisions to keep strategies aligned with global trends and opportunities.

Criteria for selection

Leadership & influence

Recognised track record of leadership within Africa and internationally.

Global reach

Ability to influence key stakeholders and inspire action across borders.

Commitment to Africa

Demonstrated dedication to uplifting Africa through personal, professional, or philanthropic work.

Values alignment

Integrity, community focus, and excellence aligned with Elevate Africa’s mission.

Proven achievements

Meaningful impact in governance, business, education, social innovation, or related fields.

Meet Our Global Ambassadors

Global Ambassador

Vusi Thembekwayo

With over 22 years of international public speaking experience, Vusi has delivered 180+ keynotes across six continents, captivating audiences from C-suite leaders and policymakers to entrepreneurs and industry professionals. His talks blend deep insight with humour, bold storytelling, and actionable strategy; always customized for context and audience relevance.

Global Ambassador

Hakeem Kae-Kazim

Hakeem Kae-Kazim is an internationally recognized, award-winning actor, producer, and director who has left an indelible mark on global entertainment. He first captivated audiences with his powerful performance in Hotel Rwanda, a role that set the stage for a prolific career. Celebrated for his commanding presence, Hakeem has delivered standout performances in major films and series, including Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End, Black Sails, 24, and the 2016 remake of Roots. His recent acclaimed work includes the SAFTA award-winning role in Riding with Sugar and starring in Amazon’s Anansi Boys. Beyond acting, Hakeem is a dynamic force behind the camera. He has produced impactful films like Man on Ground and is set to release his directorial debut, It’s the Blackness, in 2025. He is currently developing several new projects and can next be seen in BET/Netflix's Average Jo, continuing to shape powerful stories for a worldwide audience.

Global Ambassador

Sophia Wanyonyi

Sophia Wanyonyi is the CEO and co-founder of the Rainbow Room Foundation (RRF), a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to social change in Bungoma County, Kenya. With her twin sister, Sophia established the NGO in 2013 while still in high school, motivated by their shared vision of lasting impact. Under her leadership, the foundation delivers impactful programs that support children (ages 10-13), teenage girls, and seniors (aged 60 and above). The Foundation has mentored over 300 girls through its flagship Teen Peer Mentorship Programme and currently has 249 children in its Tweens Programme and 470 members in its Elderly Programme. Sophia has guided RRF in building partnerships with like-minded individuals and organisations to enhance the NGO’s reach. Rainbow Room Foundation also operates a community library to promote literacy and accessible learning. This year, Rainbow Room Foundation was awarded the prize for Philanthropy and Social Impact at the 15th African Achievers Awards. Sophia’s commitment to collaboration and social progress continues to shape RRF’s innovative work in the local community and beyond.

Global Ambassador

Jason Coke

Jason Coke is an entrepreneur, investor, and media executive shaping innovation across Africa and the Middle East. He is the Managing Partner and Co-Founder of Global Venture Partners (GVP), a Dubai-based venture holding firm operating across media, financial services, infrastructure, energy, and education. Jason leads a pan-African ecosystem that includes Rolling Stone MENA, TIME Africa, Billboard Africa, and Robb Report Africa, platforms amplifying culture, creativity, and industry leadership globally. Through UBX Digital Bank, he is building cross-border financial infrastructure for remittances, digital payments, and creative-economy banking. His work spans major public and private sector partnerships, large-scale tourism and infrastructure projects, and initiatives that drive sustainable economic growth. Trained in multinational financial institutions, he also advises on capital formation and strategic planning. Jason serves on boards focused on gender equity and economic inclusion, with a vision to build Africa’s leading media and investment ecosystem for lasting impact.

Global Ambassador

Hon. Kadiva Diana Hamutumwa

Hon. Kadiva Diana Hamutumwa is the Governor of the Ohangwena Region, Namibia, providing strategic leadership for regional development and public service delivery. She works with traditional authorities, local councils, and national ministries to advance community priorities in health, education, infrastructure, and economic growth. A strong advocate for inclusive development, she champions youth and women-led enterprise, cross-border trade, and climate-resilient agriculture, emphasizing collaboration, accountability, and partnerships that improve livelihoods.

Global Ambassador

Lesley Osei

Lesley Osei is Co-Pastor of Kingdom Full Tabernacle International Ministries and a faith-driven leader committed to mentorship, leadership development, and community transformation. She serves as President of the Ark of Women Leadership Academy, equipping women with practical tools for purpose, confidence, and impact, and co-founded Global Youth Mechanics to advance youth leadership, skills development, and civic engagement. She is also the Founder of the Think Pink Women’s Conference, a platform that gathers women across generations to cultivate spiritual growth, wellness, and entrepreneurship. Based in the United States, Lesley’s work centers on empowering families and communities through service, education, and collaborative partnerships.

Global Ambassador

Zurina Saban

Zurina Saban is the General Counsel at Africa50, providing legal and strategic guidance across the organization’s investment activities, governance, and partnerships. She advises on complex cross-border transactions, project development, and risk management, with a focus on infrastructure and sustainable finance that unlocks long-term economic growth. Zurina brings deep experience in corporate law, compliance, and stakeholder engagement, supporting high-impact projects and public-private collaborations. Her leadership emphasizes integrity, accountable governance, and inclusive development that delivers shared value across African markets.

Global Ambassador

Apphia Nyasha

Apphia Nyasha is a purpose-driven leader and community advocate dedicated to empowering young people and strengthening local ecosystems. Her work centers on leadership development, mentorship, and creating access to opportunity through partnerships, training, and grassroots initiatives. Apphia is known for bringing people together across sectors to deliver practical solutions, with a focus on inclusion, resilience, and sustainable impact.

Global Ambassador

Hon. Taa Wongbe

Hon. Taa Wongbe is a public-sector leader and policy advocate committed to inclusive growth and community-centered development. She works across government and stakeholder networks to advance initiatives that expand access to education, health services, and economic opportunity. Known for collaborative leadership, Hon. Wongbe champions youth and women’s empowerment, civic engagement, and sustainable development, building partnerships that translate policy into measurable impact for local communities.

Global Ambassador

Dr. Walton Ekundayo Gilpin

Walton Ekundayo Gilpin is a visionary leader and CEO of Rokel Commercial Bank in Sierra Leone, renowned for driving financial inclusion and banking innovation. He has been instrumental in transforming Rokel into a model of excellence and digital advancement.

Global Ambassador

Elsie Appau ESQ

Elsie Appau, Esq., is an accomplished legal professional known for expertise in corporate law and governance. She advises on compliance and regulatory matters, delivering strategic legal insights that help businesses navigate complex landscapes.

Global Ambassador

Dr. Selorm Kofi Dake

Selorm is an international business strategist and trade expert with deep experience in infrastructure, construction, and investment facilitation across Africa. He previously served as a Trade Adviser at the British High Commission in Ghana, securing over $600M in UK-funded contracts through UK Export Finance.

Global Ambassador

Dr. Juanita Sheppard

Juanita Sheppard is Vice President of Foundation and Government Partnerships at United Way of Greater Atlanta. Guided by the philosophy of Ubuntu, she forges strategic relationships to drive community impact and serves across civic and philanthropic boards.

Global Ambassador

Dr. Jane Muchiku Kimemia

Dr. Jane Muchiku Kimemia is a transformational leader with 27+ years in financial services. As CEO of Optiva Capital Partners and former wealth leader at Standard Chartered, she champions global citizenship, wealth retention, and maternal healthcare philanthropy.

Global Ambassador

Professor Paul Morrison

Professor Paul Morrison is UK&I Education Lead for Zoom and a globally recognised champion for equity, diversity, and inclusion. He founded Idare2inspire to elevate young people, serves as a university ambassador, and mentors leaders worldwide.

Global Ambassador

Rep. Kim Schofield

Kim Schofield serves District 63 in the Georgia House of Representatives, advocating for healthcare equity, education, affordable housing, environmental justice, and small business development. She is also a long-time champion for those living with chronic illness.

Global Ambassador

Cordelia Osewa-Ediae FRSA

Cordelia Osewa-Ediae is a Strategic Adviser, Leadership Development Consultant, Executive Coach, and Keynote Speaker. She has led culture change and leadership programmes across BT Group, Tesco, NSPCC, and the UK Ministry of Justice, championing social justice and equity.

Conclusion

The Elevate Africa Global Ambassadors Programme unites influential leaders to champion Africa’s potential. Together they amplify our story, mobilize partnerships, and shift perceptions for lasting impact.

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