African Visionary Fellows (AVF)

Bright Shitemi (Mental 360) & Nasser Diallo (Clinic+O)

In today’s episode, we’re honored to feature two visionary leaders who are breaking new ground in the fields of mental health and healthcare access across Africa. Bright Shitemi is the founder and Executive Director of Mental 360, a youth-led organization in Kenya that is focused on promoting mental health awareness and creating support systems for young people aged 15 to 35. Through Mental 360, Bright and his team are working to increase mental health literacy, reduce stigma, and advocate for better access to mental health services. The organization has created safe spaces for youth to discuss their mental health challenges, empowering them to seek the support they need. With partnerships across the country, Mental 360 is making a tangible impact on improving mental health care for young Kenyans. Joining Bright is Nasser Diallo, the founder and Executive Director of Clinic+O, a pioneering healthcare organization in Guinea. Clinic+O is expanding access to affordable primary care services by offering subsidized medical visits with discounts ranging from 50% to 100%. Nasser’s hybrid care model includes telemedicine, home care visits, and free mass consultations through a network of community health workers. By making healthcare more accessible and affordable, Clinic+O is helping to prevent severe illnesses by ensuring timely medical attention and support for underserved populations in Guinea. In this episode, Bright and Nasser will share their journeys, the challenges they’ve faced, and the innovative solutions they are implementing to make healthcare and mental health services more accessible and equitable across Africa.

Victoria Heilman (TAWAH) & Dineo Mkwezalamba (Dzuka Africa)

In today’s episode, we’re excited to feature two visionary leaders who are dedicated to creating lasting change through their work in empowering marginalized communities and emerging entrepreneurs. Victoria is the founder and Executive Director of Tanzania Women Architects for Humanity (TAWAH). TAWAH brings together female architects, engineers, quantity surveyors, and economists to provide affordable and sustainable shelter for vulnerable groups in Tanzania. By focusing on marginalized communities—including the elderly, people with disabilities, women, and children—Victoria and her team are using their expertise in construction to create quality housing and generate income opportunities, particularly in the rural Coast region, with the ultimate goal of alleviating poverty and empowering women in the process. Joining Victoria is Dineo, the founder and Executive Director of Dzuka Africa. Dzuka Africa is a non-profit organization that empowers emerging youth and women entrepreneurs with both life and professional skills. Through their Startup Hubs Dzuka Africa provides infrastructure, business acumen, and access to tools and equipment to help young entrepreneurs build resilient startups. Dineo is giving young entrepreneurs the tools they need to not only become employable but also to build self-sustaining businesses that thrive. In this conversation, Victoria and Dineo will share their journeys, discuss the challenges they’ve overcome, and highlight the innovative solutions they’re implementing to empower marginalized communities and foster a new generation of entrepreneurs across Africa.

Doris Mollel (Doris Mollel Foundation) & Norman Manzi (Dream Village Rwanda)

In today’s episode, we’re honored to feature two incredible African visionaries who are making a profound difference in the lives of vulnerable communities. Doris Mollel is the founder and Executive Director of the Doris Mollel Foundation (DMF) in Tanzania. After being born a 900-gram premature baby, Doris turned her personal experience into a powerful mission: raising awareness about the challenges of pre-term birth. DMF works to improve neonatal care by equipping hospitals with essential equipment, supporting research, and advocating for policies to reduce pre-term baby mortality in Tanzania. Doris’s dream is to extend this life-saving impact across East Africa, ensuring more babies get the care they need to survive and thrive. Joining Doris is Manzi, the founder and Executive Director of Dream Village in Rwanda. Dream Village is dedicated to supporting children and young adults living with HIV, empowering them to nurture their dreams and live fulfilling lives. Through hands-on HIV treatment, peer counseling, career guidance, and skills training, Dream Village equips young people with the tools they need to overcome stigma and build healthier futures. They also partner with the Ministry of Health and local authorities to drive advocacy campaigns around HIV prevention, testing, and stigma eradication. In this episode, Doris and Manzi will discuss their journeys, the challenges they’ve encountered, and the innovative work they’re doing to create sustainable change in Tanzania and Rwanda.

Muthi Nhlema (BASEflow) & Murendeni Mafumo (Kusini Water)

In today’s episode, we’re thrilled to be joined by two remarkable African visionaries for a conversation about one of the most pressing issues of our time: water conservation and management. Murendeni (or Murendi, as we affectionately call him) is the founder and Executive Director of Kusini Water, based in Johannesburg and serving communities in South Africa and Lesotho. He’s joined by Muthi, the founder and Executive Director of BASEflow, which works to improve water access and quality across Malawi. In this conversation, Murendi and Muthi will be exchanging stories about their work, the challenges they’ve faced, and the innovative solutions they’re implementing to address water scarcity and broader sustainability issues in Africa.