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Uganda
Africa

Shongo On’osala Aaron is an Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning (AI & ML) Engineer specializing in the intersection of artificial intelligence, data science, and advanced machine learning applications. He is currently a Researcher at Coalition for Advancing Research Assessment (CoARA) working on Ethics and Research Integrity Policy for responsible research assessment (ERIP) for data and artificial intelligence (Al), focusing developing policies, methods and tools that promote ethical standards essential for modern research methodologies in the context of data and artificial intelligence to bring together a wide range of organisations involved and interested in research assessment. His expertise spans Artificial Intelligence and Generative AI model development, deployment & maintenace, and cloud-based Machine Learning, with a strong focus on responsible AI to solve real-world challenges.

Aaron holds a Bachelor of Science in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning from ISBAT University, Uganda, alongside a Higher Education Certificate in Information Technology and a Diplôme d’État in Mathematics and Physics. Polyglot with exceptional analytical and problem solving abilities, he leverages his multilingual proficiency to collaborate on AI projects across diverse regions.

With experience at Google, Aaron has worked on cutting-edge AI solutions in computer vision, deep learning, Natural Language Processing, predictive analytics and Generative AI. His projects include maize disease classification, traffic speed prediction, PM2.5 estimation, and AI-driven agricultural productivity enhancement. He has also played a key role in integrating Google Cloud technologies to streamline operational efficiency.

Beyond his technical expertise, Aaron is passionate about AI ethics, safety & reliability, digital inclusion, and sustainable innovation. He has presented research at international conferences, including the 2024 International Conference on the Impact of Disruptive Technologies on Business World: Challenges and Opportunities in Africa, where his work on  Harnessing the Power of Advanced Deep Learning Techniques for Early Detection and Classification of Maize Leaf Diseases in Uganda and Automated Feature Engineering and Optimal Feature Selection for Regression Models: A Case Study Using OpenFE was recognized.

Aaron is currently developing an AI-driven personalized virtual professional engine, showcasing his commitment to leveraging AI for education, professional growth, and social impact. Dedicated to mentorship, continuous learning, and AI for good, he strives to harness artificial intelligence to tackle global challenges in healthcare, environmental sustainability, and economic development.

Shongo On’osala Aaron
Member, Kampala Hub
South Africa
Africa

Simiso Kheswa currently serves as a Specialist Quality Assurance Analyst at Absa Bank, specializing in software quality assurance, where he makes sure that the data and software programs operate as they should and deliver quality services. Simiso’s expertise spans business analysis, software development, data engineering, automation and digital content creation, supported by a strong background in different industries, institutions and companies including Retail, Insurance, Investments, Financial Services, Telecommunications and Entertainment.

Simiso holds a Bachelor of Science in Information Technology, from Eduvos (Formally known as Pearson). He also completed the Business Analysis IIBA® certification from the Faculty Training Institute in South Africa and currently completing an Advanced Diploma in Business Analysis IIBA®. Simiso’s professional qualifications are accredited by the IIBA (International Institute of Business Analysis) and ISTQB (International Software Testing Qualifications Board).

Simiso is a passionate, self-driven and experienced technology enthusiast as well as an advocate that aims to drive change and the transformative potential of emerging technologies and AI. Simiso has also worked closely with the youth of South Africa, by guiding them in school projects that may include technology and social impact. His ability to inspire young future leaders is one of his most admirable traits, which demonstrates his skills in collaboration and engaged with people.

Driven by a mission to helping the youth have access to educational resources. Simiso aims to make AI and digital skills accessible to underserved communities, empowering the youth as well as to prosper in an emerging technology-driven world.

Simiso Jerome Kheswa
Member, Johannesburg Hub
Zimbabwe
Africa

Simon Muzariri Sam proudly stand as the Co-founder and CEO of Omorfo Tech Labs, Media and AI League Committee member at Pan African Robotics Competition, Trans chat, and Home Designer. With a passion for robotics and AI development, he has dedicated him self to mentoring aspiring individuals for over a decade. Having trained over 1000 students in robotics, AI, web development, IoT, entrepreneurship, and electronics, he strive to empower the next generation of innovators.

Throughout his journey, he has been honoured with multiple awards in various global STEM competitions, a testament to my commitment and expertise in the field. As a Software Engineering student with ALX and MasterCard, I bring a wealth of experience spanning more than half a decade.

Together with his dedicated team, they are determined to push the boundaries of technology, foster creativity, and shape a brighter future for all.

Simon Muzariri
Hub Leader, Harare Hub
Zimbabwe
Africa

I am a passionate computer science student at the National University of Science and Technology (Zimbabwe), currently working towards a Bachelor of Science Honors degree in Computer science with a specialization in AI and cybersecurity. With a solid understanding of key computer science principles, including data structures, algorithms, and software engineering , I am skilled in programming languages such as Python, C, C++, Visual Basic, etc. and have hands-on experience with technologies like Robotics and Artificial intelligence. Actively engaged in research, Girls in Stem Zimbabwe, and the SEAZ, I am eager to contribute to the advancement of innovative AI technologies.

Sinqobile Caren Dube
Member, Bulawayo Hub
South Africa
Africa

Siphamandla is a visionary technology generalist who explores the convergence of systems theory and innovation. A reader, health enthusiast, and aspiring bridge-builder across diverse communities, he plans to continue his academic journey with a Master’s degree in Information and Communications Technologies in the near future.
His passion revolves around understanding complexity and resilience, drawing inspiration from seminal frameworks like Stafford Beer’s Viable System Model (VSM) and Ashby’s Law of Requisite Variety—principles he believes hold the key to designing adaptive and resilient systems in an era of relentless disruption. As an aspiring enterprise architect, he synthesizes these theories to forge IT-business ecosystems that don’t just withstand change but thrive on it

Beyond academia, Siphamandla enjoys spending time with loved ones and values holistic development through cross-industry collaboration and interdisciplinary research, particularly in platform engineering, systems thinking, and emerging technologies.

As an advocate for digital equity, Siphamandla strives to address Africa’s technological divide. He aims to build technology ecosystems where underserved communities can not only access digital infrastructure but also develop essential technical skills. His vision centers on creating inclusive learning environments that empower communities through both technological access and skills development

For Siphamandla, adaptability is both a strategic approach and a guiding principle. He aspires to work on viable systems and community technology access, driven by the belief that successful transformation requires continuous learning and evolution in our rapidly changing world.

Siphamandla Yende
Member, Johannesburg Hub
Germany
Europe

With a background in data science, HR strategy, and learning technology, Sofia is an expert in AI ethics, data analysis, and digital upskilling. She is responsible for the product vision, strategic partnerships, and business development. As the founder, she is the driving force behind the development of the GenAIQ metric—an AI literacy framework built in collaboration with researchers and pilot clients.

Sofia Santamaria
Member, Vienna Hub
Togo
Africa

Statisticien de formation, je suis titulaire d’une licence en Mathématiques et Statistiques (UCAO, Togo), d’un Master1 en Big Data Analytics (Université Numérique Cheikh Hamidou Kane, Sénégal) et d’un MBA en Actuariat et Big Data (ISM Dakar). Certifié en Data Analysis, je me spécialise dans l’analyse de données, la modélisation statistique, la gestion des risques et l’aide à la décision.

Je travaille actuellement en tant que statisticien à la Direction des Statistiques et du Suivi-Évaluation de l’École Nationale d’Administration (ENA) du Togo, après avoir été affecté au ministère de la fonction publique ,du travail et de dialogue social. Parallèlement, j’enseigne les mathématiques (probabilités, statistiques, analyse) à ESIG Global Success et à ESIBA.

Je m’intéresse à l’application de l’intelligence artificielle et des outils de data science pour optimiser la prise de décision dans le secteur public et privé.

SOGA Para
Member, Lomé Hub
Switzerland
Europe

I’m a PhD student working on world models in the Machine Learning Group lead by Prof. François Fleuret.

Stéphane Nguyen
Member, Geneva Hub
Nigeria
Africa

Stephanie Udemezue is an Electrical and Electronics Engineering graduate with a deep passion for technology, innovation, and problem-solving.
As a front-end web developer and an AI/ML trainee, she is always eager to explore how artificial intelligence can drive real-world solutions and make a meaningful impact. Her curiosity and drive push her to continuously learn, experiment, and build ideas that create smarter, more efficient solutions to everyday challenges.
As a web developer, Stephanie has always dreamed of integrating AI into web development projects to create seamless user interfaces and interactions. She envisions designing digital experiences that are not only visually appealing but also intuitive and adaptive to user needs. By incorporating AI into these projects, she aims to enhance the overall user experience through smarter, more responsive designs that make technology accessible to everyone.
Currently deepening her understanding of AI, machine learning algorithms, and data-driven decision-making, Stephanie is particularly focused on developing AI-powered solutions that can drive meaningful change in society. Her work in AI/ML is fueled by a belief that technology has the power to solve problems at scale. Whether through her front-end development expertise or her exploration of AI-driven projects, she is committed to creating solutions that are both innovative and practical.
Beyond her technical pursuits, Stephanie is passionate about inspiring and guiding others into the world of tech. She strongly believes that the more people who get involved in technology, the bigger the impact that can be made together. Actively encouraging those new to the field to explore, learn, and innovate, she understands that fresh ideas and diverse perspectives are the keys to progress.
Her ultimate goal is to bridge the gap between technology and social progress. By harnessing innovation, Stephanie envisions a future where smart solutions drive meaningful change, helping to solve some of society’s biggest challenges while creating a more inclusive and sustainable world.

Stephanie Udemezue
Member, Makurdi Hub
Kenya
Africa

Stephen Mulingwa is a data scientist, researcher, and entrepreneur passionate about leveraging data-driven solutions to drive business growth and societal impact. As the founder of Taistat, a consultancy firm specializing in data analysis and machine learning, Stephen helps businesses and organizations extract actionable insights from data to optimize decision-making, enhance efficiency, and foster innovation.

With a background in quantitative and qualitative research, Stephen has worked on diverse projects, including healthcare analytics at Kenyatta National Hospital and predictive modeling for real-world challenges. His expertise spans machine learning, statistical analysis, and business intelligence, with a particular focus on deploying AI-driven solutions that address industry-specific needs.

Stephen is currently advancing his knowledge through the Data Science Hybrid program at Moringa School, where he has built expertise in model interpretability, predictive analytics, and automation. His projects include predicting contributory causes of traffic accidents and developing a diabetes prediction application, showcasing his ability to blend AI with practical applications for public safety and healthcare.

Beyond technical expertise, Stephen is committed to knowledge-sharing and capacity-building. He is actively working on launching an Excel tutorial course to equip learners with essential data skills. Additionally, he creates informative AI and ML content for platforms like TikTok, aiming to make data science more accessible to a broader audience.

With a vision to revolutionize how businesses and institutions harness data, Stephen continues to explore opportunities where AI, automation, and strategic analytics can drive meaningful change. Whether through consultancy, research, or education, his mission remains clear: to empower individuals and organizations with data-driven intelligence for a smarter, more efficient future.

Stephen Musyoka Mulingwa
Member, Nairobi
Kenya
Africa

Stephen Mwangi Maina is a passionate innovator in the fields of Artificial Intelligence (AI), Edge Machine Learning (Edge ML), and the Internet of Things (IoT). With expertise in developing Edge ML models and designing hardware optimized for edge computing, they focus on creating efficient, real-time AI solutions that operate on low-power, resource-constrained devices. Their work integrates AI inference at the edge, enabling intelligent decision-making without relying on cloud connectivity, which is crucial for latency-sensitive and privacy-focused applications.

At the core of Stephen’s expertise is the development and deployment of Edge ML models tailored for real-world use cases. They specialize in optimizing machine learning algorithms for embedded systems, ensuring that models run efficiently on microcontrollers (MCUs), single-board computers (SBCs), and specialized AI accelerators. By leveraging frameworks such as TensorFlow Lite, TinyML, and ONNX Runtime, they design and implement AI models that deliver high performance while maintaining minimal computational overhead.
Beyond software, Stephen is deeply involved in hardware design for Edge AI. They develop custom PCBs and system architectures that integrate AI-capable processors such as ARM Cortex-M series, NVIDIA Jetson modules, and other edge AI chips. Their designs prioritize low power consumption, robust connectivity, and seamless integration with various sensors and actuators, making them ideal for industrial automation, robotics, and smart surveillance systems.
As an IoT solutions architect, Stephen engineers end-to-end IoT ecosystems that connect edge devices to cloud platforms securely and efficiently. They work with communication protocols like MQTT, LoRaWAN, and NB-IoT to ensure reliable data transmission. By implementing real-time data processing and AI-driven analytics at the edge, they enable predictive maintenance, smart monitoring, and autonomous decision-making across diverse industries.

Currently, Stephen is working on a telematic dashcam project that incorporates Edge AI to assess driving behavior, enhance road safety, and provide real-time alerts to nearby vehicles during emergencies. With a keen focus on bringing this product to market, they are tackling challenges such as hardware prototyping, AI model optimization, and cloud integration to create a competitive solution.

Driven by a passion for technological innovation, Stephen continues to push the boundaries of AI and IoT, building smart, efficient, and scalable solutions that address real-world problems. Their ability to bridge the gap between hardware and AI software makes them a valuable contributor to the rapidly evolving landscape of intelligent edge computing.

 

Stephen Mwangi Maina
Member, Nairobi Hub
United States
The Americas

I am interested in becoming a Young AI Leader because I believe AI has the potential to create meaningful solutions for real-world challenges, and I want to be part of that impact. Currently, I am working with Helping Hand for Relief and Development, where I’ve been designing tools to improve warehouse operations. My focus has been on streamlining inventory management and making the donation process more efficient, ensuring that resources reach the communities that need them most. While this work has been fulfilling, I know that the challenges I’m passionate about solving extend far beyond the warehouse. The opportunity to be a Young AI Leader excites me because it provides a platform to explore AI’s potential on a broader scale. I want to use AI to address issues like access to education, disaster relief, and healthcare—areas where technology can bridge critical gaps. AI’s ability to analyze data, optimize systems, and provide tailored solutions aligns perfectly with my goal of building impactful, scalable projects that empower individuals and communities. Through this program, I hope to collaborate with other driven individuals, share innovative ideas, and learn from experts in the field. I want to refine my understanding of AI and how it can be applied ethically and effectively to solve pressing global problems. Becoming a Young AI Leader is an opportunity to grow as a technologist while ensuring the work I do has a positive and lasting impact.

 

Subhan Hussain
Impact Lead, Houston Hub
United Arab Emirates
Arab States
Zimbabwe
Africa

I’m a Computer Science student with a growing interest in AI and cloud computing. Right now, I’m diving into machine learning and cloud platforms like AWS and Google Cloud, learning how to build and deploy models. I’m comfortable with Python and Java, and I’m excited to apply these skills to real-world problems as I grow. If you’re experienced in AI and ML or cloud engineering, I’d love to connect, learn from you, and explore opportunities in this field.

Tadiwanashe Chigayo
Member, Bulawayo Hub
United Arab Emirates
Arab States
Zimbabwe
Africa

Tamirirashe Chiramba is an award-winning Electronic Engineer, Teen Robotics & AI Trainer, and passionate advocate for emerging technologies. As Co-Founder of Omorfo Tech Labs and Innovation Specialist on the Board of the Digital Skills for Africa Youth Initiative, she champions technological advancement and digital literacy. Recognized globally as the Women Changing the World Emerging Woman of the Year 2025, Tamirirashe is celebrated for her dedication to empowering marginalized communities through STEM education, robotics, and entrepreneurial training.  

 

A dynamic mentor and alumna of the Academy for Women in Entrepreneurship (Class of 2024), she bridges gaps in tech access while fostering creativity, innovation, and social impact. Her work cultivates a generation of problem-solvers, equipping youth with skills to thrive in a digital world. Tamirirashe’s vision is rooted in creating equitable opportunities, ensuring underserved populations harness technology to shape a brighter, more inclusive future.

Tamirirashe Chiramba
Impact Lead, Harare Hub
Zimbabwe
Africa

A level 3.2 Data Science and Informatics student at Midlands State University. My curriculum covers machine learning algorithms, statistical analysis, data mining, data warehousing and management, and programming, among other modules. I am seeking an opportunity to use my practical knowledge in machine learning, AI, and data analytics in a real-world scenario as a junior developer.

Tanaka Tongowona
Member, Gweru Hub
Zimbabwe
Africa

I am Tanatswa Sihlahla a dedicated student pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Information management and technology. Am very passionate about leveraging technology to solve real world problems.l have a strong foundation in database management and data analysis.

Tanatswa Sihlahla
Member, Bulawayo Hub
Zimbabwe
Africa

Tapiwa is a Mining Engineer with a Bachelor’s degree in Mining Engineering and studying towards a Master’s degree in Engineering Management. His research interests lie on the intersection of AI and Mining Sustainability, and the impact of AI on Cybersecurity within the minerals Industry. 

Tapiwa Marinda
Regional Lead, Masvingo Hub

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