Tafadzwa Banga is an engineer who works at the Zimbabwe National Geospatial and Space Agency. He has led the first space-related project for Zimbabwean students, founded the Zimbabwe chapter of the Student for the Exploration and Development of Space (SEDS), and has been recognized as one of the top 10 space leaders under 30 promoting space in Africa. He has contributed significantly to the development of the national space agency through his computer-aided design skills and expertise in additive manufacturing. Tafadzwa is passionate about using space technology to promote sustainable development in the African community and has participated in several international events related to space technology.
Chiedza Banda is the Current NPoC for SGAC in Zimbabwe is part of the Our Giant Leap Research and Hackathon Program Team. She is also a mentee for the UNOOSA Space4 women program. Chiedza intents to study Space law for her masters and is a law graduate from the University of Zimbabwe.
Communication Team
Ruth Okoh is an Aerospace engineer and Founder, SpaceBoss Aerospace, and also the Chief Technology Officer at Sigicomms Ltd; a Satellite Service Provider
Mapfumo Chipinda is a dynamic and passionate young professional who brings a wealth of innovation, knowledge and expertise to the Communications Team of the 7th African Space Generation Workshop (AF-SGW). With a background in Mechanical Engineering, specializing in robotics and manufacturing systems, Mapfumo completed his BSc Honours Degree at the esteemed University of Zimbabwe in December 2022. He is also a United People Global Sustainability Leader trained under rhe Hurricane Island Center for Science and Leadership and the current vice president for SEDS UZ. Driven by a profound interest in astronomy, astrophysics, rocket science, and robotics, Mapfumo’s passion for the space domain is palpable. He eagerly delves into exploring the wonders of the cosmos, actively staying updated with the latest advancements and breakthroughs in the field. This deep curiosity fuels his desire to contribute to the development and exploration of space, making him an invaluable asset to the AF-SGW Communications Team.
Program Team
Letwin is pursuing a career in Surveying and Geomatics at Midlands State University. She is passionate about Open Mapping, GIS and Remote Sensing. A space enthusiast who finds pleasure in learning new things and networking with individuals with similar mindsets. Loves discovery and travelling. She is also fond of youth and women involvement within STEM-related fields.
Jake Kwaayisi Yawson is an aerospace engineer with a passion for space education and innovation in Ghana. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering and a master’s degree in Project Management from Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology. Jake works as an airline safety officer and is the SGAC National Point of Contact for Ghana. As an active Space Generation Advisory Council (SGAC) member, he has volunteered on the communication team of the AFSGW 2021 in Stellenbosch, South Africa, and contributed to a paper for the Small Satellites Project Group (SSPG) at the International Astronautical Congress 2022 in Paris. He is a Space Ambassador for Ghana at Space Is For You, where he writes articles on space spinoffs and space-related activities in Ghana. He is also the project coordinator for the CanSat Ghana Elementary Campaign, which seeks to teach high school students coding, electronics, and space systems using the mission design of a CanSat. Through his work and voluntary involvement, Jake is helping to inspire and educate the next generation of aerospace professionals in Ghana.
Logistics Team
Chioma Ezeigbo is a final year law student at the University of Nigeria with interest in Air & Space Law, and Aerospace Engineering. She is the President of the University of Nigeria Students’ Bar Association (UNSBA), the first female President of the Association in over 35 years of its existence. She is also the founder and pioneer President of Space Club, University of Nigeria. Chioma believes in the combo of STEM and Law, and is a passionate promoter of science, technology, engineering, mathematics (STEM), and legal education.
Khadija is a computer science engineering student with a background in Mathematics. Her passion for space and technology was ignited when she joined the space club of her university and fell in love with the field. She is constantly seeking opportunities to expand her knowledge and skills in these areas while contributing to projects that could make the world better for everyone
Delegates Team
Mr. Norman Kerandi Michira is a dedicated Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Officer at the Kenya Space Agency, where he plays a crucial role in leveraging geospatial engineering for various projects. Additionally, he currently holds the position of National Point of Contact for Kenya in the Space Generation Advisory Council (SGAC), an organization focused on empowering young professionals and students to contribute to the advancement of space activities. Mr. Norman obtained his Bachelor’s degree in Geospatial Engineering and Space Technology from the University of Nairobi. Throughout his academic journey, he displayed a profound interest in diverse thematic areas, including agriculture, disaster management, urbanization, and climate change. He actively participates in projects pertaining to these fields, utilizing satellite data and remote sensing technologies to provide innovative solutions. As a passionate advocate for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Mr. Norman champions the use of space technology to address global challenges. He firmly believes in the power of satellite data and remote sensing to deliver impactful solutions. With his comprehensive knowledge and experience, Mr. Norman continues to drive advancements in the field of space technology, contributing to a more sustainable and resilient future.
Eden Abeselom is an accomplished Bachelor of Electrical and Computer Engineering with industrial control stream (Honor) graduate from Debre Berhan University and a current pursuit of a Master’s degree in Space Engineering at Addis Ababa Science and Technology University, Ethiopia. As an Assistant Researcher in the Department of Aerospace Engineering Research and Development Directorate at the Space Science and Geospatial Institute, Eden is already making significant contributions to the field. She also serves as a coordinator for the Ethio Space Kids Club (ESKC) program, inspiring the next generation of space enthusiasts, and a program coordinator for the Women in Space and Engineering (WiSE) project, working to promote gender equality in the industry. Additionally, she is an event coordinator for the space technology for earth application (STEA) voluntary project group of the Space Generation Advisory Council (SGAC). Eden’s passion for space engineering has taken her around the world, where she has actively participated in various events and workshops. With her impressive achievements and dedication to promoting diversity and inclusion in the industry, Eden is definitely someone to watch out for in the world of space engineering. Her passion for inspiring the next generation and promoting gender equality makes her a true asset to the industry. Follow her journey as she continues to make waves in the field of space engineering
Local Organizing Team
Henry M Phiri is a motivated young man with a lot of passion and talent in tech. He was born in Zimbabwe and, at 24 years of age, is currently pursuing his undergraduate degree in Electronics Engineering at the National University of Science and Technology .He has a particular passion for the fields of telecommunication systems, control engineering, embedded systems, power electronics, and software engineering .Henry has developed an impressive set of skills over the years, including Android app development, web development, microcontroller programming using PIC, and programming using C, C++, and Java. He is also highly interested in machine learning, data analytics, artificial intelligence, encryption, cyber security, and the Internet of Things (IoT). In addition to his academic pursuits, Henry is an active member of various committees and organizations. He is a committee member of the NUST Electronic Society, a committee member of the Students Exploration for the Development of Space (SEDS-EARTH), and the President of the Students Exploration for the Development of Space (SEDS-ZIM) Chapter. He is also a member of the Space Generation Advisory Council (SGAC) and the SAYWHAT youth organization. Henry has also shown strong entrepreneurial skills, co-founding a technology company called Signtechzw. He is a self-motivated, hardworking, flexible, and fast learner who is committed to making a positive impact on society through his work. Despite his busy schedule, Henry also finds time to pursue his personal interests, including playing chess, computer coding, and reading. Henry Phiri is an accomplished individual with a bright future ahead of him. His passion for technology, combined with his entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to making a positive impact, make him a valuable asset to any organization or project he undertake.
Sardius thrives on curiosity and he believes that when takea on challenges that is when he can only see the best that he can do- to see how far he can go. He had a fascination in aerospace in high school. However, noticing that this field was not available in Zimbabwe, Sardius took on mechanical engineering, which was an intriguing challenge to him. He came come across SEDS UZ, where he could be part of the pioneering group of the initial stages of space exploration in Zimbabwe
Muongeni Tamara Manda is a 3rd year student at Chinhoyi University of Technology, Zimbabwe studying Geoinformatics and Environmental Conservation. She is a former attachee at Anglo-American Unki Mines Pvt Ltd. She is a Treasurer of Youth Mappers school chapter and Geospatial Society. She is also part of the executive of SEDS school chapter in Zimbabwe.She is a Local Lead of Shurugwi in the NASA Space Apps Challenge since 2021.Muongeni Tamara Manda is a member of Zimbabwe Institute of Geomatics Youth Network, member of Ladies In Maps Zimbabwe, member of African Women in GIS and student member of Space and Satellite Professionals International. She is also an environmental fellow 2023 at ADVOCATES4EARTH and Programs Team member of Our Giant Leap Hackathon 2023 SGAC Project Group on Diversity and Gender Equality.
Wilma is a lawyer, a tech savvy and space exploration fanatic .Currently she is doing her Masters in Intellectual Property and Technology Law.
