Meet HEVA’s Advisory Board
HEVA is delighted to introduce and welcome the 4 members of our new advisory board. As we continue to grow and evolve, it is imperative to leverage the expertise and insights of seasoned professionals who can guide us toward sustainable growth and success.
Our Advisory Board comprises distinguished individuals who bring a wealth of experience and diverse perspectives from various backgrounds linked to Africa’s creative industries and economy. Their collective knowledge, contextual acumen, and commitment to excellence will play a pivotal role in steering HEVA toward achieving the goals we have set out in our work across investments, research, and support for creative and cultural enterprises, practitioners, and artisans. The contributions of our new board members will also be instrumental as we continue to expand our work across Africa.
Please join us in welcoming Esther Ndeti, Lonwabo Mavuso, Emanuela Gregorio, and Dr. Jenny Mbaye. Each member of our Advisory Board brings unique insights and a proven track record of success in their respective fields.
Esther has earned years of experience in the venture funding space. Her keen eye for investment strategy and tactical expertise in early-stage financing has allowed her to excel in strategic analysis, due diligence assessment, capital-raising advisory and portfolio management.
Lonwabo is passionate about the role of arts as a progressive enabler for social and economic development. In over 10 years he has had considerable experience working in non-profit organisations, government and the private sector within cultural and creative industries. He is currently a Director at Andani.Africa, a South Africa-based research, insights, and strategic advisory company that specialises in the creative and cultural industries.
Emanuela has notched her Economist expertise in SME finance. In over 15 years of working in international development with a focus on Africa, she has been responsible for identifying, appraising, implementing and supervising projects in different sectors. She has consistently integrated a digital economy perspective and promoted platform technologies to increase financial inclusion and promote trade through e-commerce.
Jenny is knowledgeable in creative labour, cultural work, entrepreneurship and management as well as in cultural policy, governance and education in African contexts. She is a Reader (Associate Professor) in Culture and Creative Industries, and the Associate Dean, Employability, Engagement and Enterprise, for the School of Communication & Creativity at City, University of London. Her work focuses on urban creativities and cultural economies in Sub-Saharan Africa, with a specific interest in arts communities and organisations, capacity-building, and transformation.
Together, our advisory board is committed to providing strategic guidance, fostering innovation, and ensuring that HEVA remains at the forefront of fueling the growth of Africa’s creative industries.
As we embark on this new chapter with our Advisory Board, we look forward to leveraging their collective wisdom to drive sustainable growth, enhance our impact, and create long-term value for our stakeholders.
Explore our advisory board members’ expertise
