Management Team

Management Team

NAA has carefully curated a Management Team with a focus on executing its services impactfully, efficiently, and effectively. Composed of experienced professionals with diverse expertise in technical, operational, and cultural competencies; this team ensures the successful delivery of NAA’s mission. Here are the key attributes that define NAA’s Management Team:

Executive Leadership


Nelisa Awakening Africa (NAA) operates across multiple countries in Africa, with its headquarters situated in Kigali. The organization is led by a CEO who reports to the Advisory Board. Assisting the CEO in overseeing the operations and strategic direction of NAA is the Executive Management Team. This team consists of key executives, including the Chief Finance Officer (CFO), Chief Operations Officer (COO), Chief Projects Officer (CPO), Chief Technology Officer (CTO), and Chief Public Relations Officer (CPRO). The appointment of these team members is subject to approval by the Board. At the country level, NAA has an Executive Director (ED) responsible for managing the organization's activities within a specific country. The ED is nominated by the CEO and subsequently approved by the Advisory Board. Working closely with the ED, the CEO approves the composition of the Management Team. This team collaborates with the ED and is comprised of various roles, including the Human Resources and Administration Manager, Projects Officer, Youth Coordinator, Accountant, IT Officer, and Public Relations & Communication Officer. These individuals play essential roles in supporting the operations, project implementation, coordination of youth-related activities, financial management, IT support, and public relations efforts within the country.

Executive Advisory Board


The Executive Advisory Board of Nelisa Awakening Africa (NAA) is a distinguished panel composed of five highly skilled and experienced professionals, each specializing in one of the core services offered by NAA. This esteemed board brings together experts in livelihood skills training, early venture capital financing, mental health care, preservation and promotion of authentic cultural heritage, and cultural tourism. As esteemed advisors, they provide invaluable guidance and strategic counsel to NAA's executive team, drawing upon their extensive knowledge and expertise in their respective fields. With their deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities within these areas, the Executive Advisory Board plays a crucial role in shaping NAA's vision, strategy, and impact. Through their collective wisdom and diverse perspectives, they contribute to the continuous growth and success of NAA, ensuring that the organization remains at the forefront of empowering African youth and driving socio-political, economic, and technological transformation across the continent.

Organization Structure

Introduces the Nelisa Startup Fund (NSF). NSF plays a vital role in producing well-informed job creators. Eligible startups meeting the necessary requirements and processes receive early-stage venture capital finance from NSF. The amount of funding offered is determined based on factors such as sector focus, applicant input, and relevant factors defined by NSF policy. To access NSF, startups must be formally registered to support inclusive economic development. The funds for NSF are sourced from NAA's overall income, grants, angel investors, and investors seeking to promote youth entrepreneurship while achieving a reasonable return on investment. NSF exits once the startups have reached a sustainable level, following the parameters outlined in the NSF Policy's exit strategy. NAA acts as a reliable partner during a specified period to ensure the sustainability of the NSF scheme, as the funded startups may not have the ability to provide collaterals and loan guarantees required by existing financial institutions.

Our work speaks for itself

Numbers Speak

Here is what we have accomplished so far.

1.2

M+

Impacted Youth

1600

+

Supported Projects

6

+

Countries