A Visionary at the Intersection of Creativity, Technology & Urban Transformation
Core Tenets & Value-Drivers
Urban Innovation & Social Transformation
A leading voice in reimagining African cities and economies through design, entrepreneurship & policy influence.
Advocate for youth and women empowerment in entrepreneurship.
Technology & Digital Transformation
Founder of a venture-building firm that supports impact-driven businesses.
Innovator that believes in data-driven decision making.
Impact and Economic Inclusion
Building mission-driven businesses that drive economic participation.
Advocating for AfCFTA and the role of technology in economic transformation.
Thought Leadership & Advocacy
Active in global conversations on entrepreneurship, African urbanism and digital economies.
Seeks to influence policy and private-sector engagement in city-making and creative economies.
Resilience & Sustainability
Builder of an urban ocean R&D lab.
An enabler of resilient healthcare systems with global academic partners.
Creative & Cultural Leadership
A creative industries practitioner committed to African storytelling, design thinking and cultural preservation.
Engages with architecture, graphic heritage and urban arts as mediums for social transformation.
“As music is the space between the notes; the science is the space between data points.”
Nkululeko Mthembu
Watch, Look, Listen, Read
Explore my World through different media. Watch thought-provoking talks and interviews, Look at visual stories that shape my journey, Listen to insightful conversations and soundscapes and Read articles, reflections and deep dives into my work.
This is where ideas, experiences, and perspectives come to life.
Watch
African Smart Cities: Rethinking Urban Futures
In this video I explore the concept of African Smart Cities, highlighting innovative approaches to urban development that merge technology, sustainability and inclusivity.
I delve into how African cities are harnessing digital transformation, data-driven solutions and infrastructure advancements to address urban challenges and create more resilient, efficient and people-centered environments.
I use the Crisis Map as a case study.
Good Hood Stories: Durban Crisis Map
In this Good Hood Story, Callum Oberholzer and myself tell the story of how we built a pioneering civic tech platform designed to assist victims of the deadly Kwa-Zulu Natal floods in 2022.
We demonstrate the Crisis Map, which linked people in need with people who can assist them, creating a community of care in times of crisis.
UNISA Lecture Series: Innovation in Action
This lecture explores how African Heritage and traditional wisdom intersect with modern innovation, shaping a future where technology and culture coexist harmoniously.
Through thought-provoking perspectives, there is emphasis on the role of indigenous knowledge systems in global problem-solving and the importance of cultural intelligence in driving meaningful innovation.
Read
Look
Visual Stories : A Tapestry of Inspiration
The landscapes, textures and cultures of Africa are a constant source of inspiration. From the sunbaked hues of the savannah to the intricate beadwork of indigenous artisans, every image tells a story.
A strong visual language fuels my imagination, the way I think, design and create; grounding my work in a sense of place and possibility.
Listen
Sounds of Influence: Curated Playlists
Music is a powerful storyteller, shaping culture, memory and innovation.
Explore a selection of playlists that reflect my journey. From the entrepreneurial spirit of Pista Ventures to the timeless rhythms of Igbo Highlife and a sonic exploration of the continent in A Rough Guide to Africa.
Tune in and experience Africa through sound.
Daily Digest
In a rapidly changing world, staying informed is essential especially for Africa’s rising leaders and innovators.
The Financial Times and The New Yorker deliver a curated mix of global business insights, cultural perspectives and in-depth storytelling.
By connecting Africa’s ambitions to the World’s pulse, these titles foster my broader understanding of the trends and ideas shaping our future.