Carol Warui, Eddi Mandhry, Clara Ngando, Akua Gyekye

African Collaborative is growing! This year, our Board of Directors has expanded from 8 to 12. Through a thoughtful search for leaders who exemplify excellence and vision, we are thrilled to appoint four remarkable leaders, Eddie Mandhry, Carol Warui, Clara Ngando, and Akua Gyekye. Their expertise, insight, and leadership will strengthen our mission and help propel our collective work to new heights.

Meet our newest members below and learn more about the incredible experience and perspectives they bring.

Eddie Mandhry

Eddie Mandhry is the inaugural Managing Director of Columbia University’s Sports AI Innovation Center, where he leads groundbreaking work at the intersection of artificial intelligence and sports innovation. His leadership journey spans global institutions and initiatives, including senior roles at Yale University, NYU, and Schmidt Futures. Eddie's expertise in technology, international relations, and cross-sector collaboration positions him as a powerful ally in our efforts to center innovation and equity. He also serves as a trustee of the Carnegie Council for Ethics in International Affairs and Hampshire College, and is a life member of the Council on Foreign Relations. Read more about Eddie here.

"I'm honored to join the African Collaborative board at such a pivotal time for philanthropy on the continent. I’ve spent much of my career working at the intersection of global partnerships, innovation, and African-led development—and I’ve seen firsthand the brilliance and ingenuity that flourish when proximity, trust, and flexible capital align.
What excites me most is African Collaborative’s bold commitment to reimagining how resources flow—placing sustainability, local leadership, and long-term impact at the center. I’m thrilled to support this visionary team and help amplify the voices and solutions rooted in community and led from within."

— **Eddie Mandhry**

Carol Warui

Carol Warui is a strategic communications and public affairs expert with over 15 years of experience shaping brand narratives and building public trust. From leading Coca-Cola’s East and Central Africa communications team to managing PR for the Africa Climate Summit 2023, Carol has consistently delivered visibility and impact on both regional and global stages. Her recent roles as a Cannes Lions juror and Governing Council Representative at KEPSA reflect her deep influence across Africa’s creative, corporate, and civic sectors. Carol’s unique ability to blend strategic thinking with purpose-driven storytelling is a welcome asset to the Board and our broader Collaborative. Read more about Carol here.

"Serving on the African Collective board is a profound honor. To contribute to work that enriches our continent and rewrites its story for generations to come is not only meaningful - it's deeply fulfilling. This is legacy building work that will stand the test of time.”

— **Carol Warui**

Clara Ngando

Clara Ngando is a seasoned finance executive with over 15 years of experience advancing financial strategy, governance, risk management, and compliance across fintech, energy, development, and public sectors in Africa. Her leadership spans CFO, Internal Audit, and Senior Consulting roles, with a proven record in capital structuring, internal controls, and enterprise transformation across multiple African markets. She will be an invaluable asset to our board, bringing both strategic insight and deep expertise. Read more about Clara here.

“Africa is at a defining moment where governance, trust, and resilience will shape the next chapter of our growth. I am honored to join the African Collaborative’s Board to help reimagine systems and champion solutions that empower people and institutions across the continent.”

**— Clara Ngondo**

Akua Gyekye

Akua Gyekye is Microsoft’s Head of Government Affairs for Africa, where she leads a team shaping technology and public policy on issues including artificial intelligence, data privacy, cybersecurity, digital safety, and trade. She brings over 20 years of cross-sector experience across technology, law, finance, and international development, with leadership roles at Microsoft, WhatsApp, and Meta. Akua is passionate about advancing inclusive, future-focused policies and amplifying African leadership in global decision-making. Read more about Akua here.

"I’m honored to join the African Collaborative Board and to support its mission of investing in African-led changemakers working across education, health, livelihoods, technology, climate, justice, and gender equity. Throughout my career, I’ve witnessed the brilliance and innovation of African leaders, and I’m passionate about helping create the conditions for them to thrive and drive locally rooted change. I’ve also seen how transformative it is when African leaders are empowered to lead, and I’m thrilled to work alongside such an inspiring community to accelerate lasting impact across the continent.”

**— Akua Gyekye**

As we continue to grow and evolve, the guidance of Eddie, Carol, Clara and Akua will be instrumental in sharpening our strategic direction and expanding our impact. We are honored to have them join the African Collaborative community, and we look forward to learning from their leadership.