Explore AL for The Arts:

About Us

The AL for the Arts Network is purposed to meaningfully contribute to the development of the creative arts industries on the continent by creating a collaborative platform for ALA employer partners, students, alumni, staff and non-ALA affiliated artists to engage in various AL for the Arts initiatives and activities. With a focus on nurturing talent and fostering collaboration, we’re building a community that celebrates Africa’s rich cultural heritage while driving forward its economic development.

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Meet the Team

Nwabisa Matyumza
Program Manager

Nwabisa is a media executive with over 15 years of experience working across the African continent in television and content development. She has launched numerous TV and radio stations across the continent,  developed industry training courses, and drives initiatives focused on sustainability in TV and film production. As founder of Black Ironwood, she works across creative production, mentorship, and youth development. She is passionate about building future-ready talent and shaping a more inclusive, purpose-driven creative industry.

Feliciana Nezingu
PROGRAM ASSOCIATE

Feliciana was born in Angola and completed her tertiary education in South Africa as a Mastercard Foundation Scholar at the University of Pretoria, where she earned a Master of Arts in Security Studies. Driven by her passion for African development and human security, she undertook various roles throughout her studies, including positions in journalism, writing, community engagement, and research. She has also worked as a political risk and intelligence analyst at VoxCroft Analytics and as a climate change researcher at the South African Institute of International Affairs. Feliciana is currently a research intern for the Early Career Success team. Beyond work, she enjoys traveling, discovering unique restaurants in the city, and connecting with friends over coffee.

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Meet the Taskforce

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Francis Ekii

Social entrepreneur who founded Young Entrepreneur’s Challenge, a youth-led entrepreneurship program. He is currently the American Center Director at the U.S. Mission in Uganda, overseeing youth development programs in entrepreneurship, STEM, creative arts, and education.

Alexis Teyie

A poet, literary writer, and editor. Co- founder of Enkare Review, Magic Door, and July Agency. Alexis co-authored a children’s book, Short Cut (2015) and published a poetry chapbook, Clay Plates: Broken Records of Kiswahili Proverbs (2016)

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Mary Maker

A refugee education activist, an actor, and a writer. Currently serving as a Goodwill Ambassador with the UNHCR. Mary co-founded Elimisha Kakuma, an organization aimed at providing access to higher education opportunities for high school graduates living in Kakuma Refugee Camp in Kenya.

Emmanuel E. Mushy

Social entrepreneur with a background in arts and culture, marketing and communication, innovation, and sustainable development. He is founded Visual Aided Stories (VAS) a youth-led enterprise of creatives entrepreneurs and civic innovators using art and storytelling as tools for social change.

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Towela Tembo

Towela Kams is a social documentary photographer, filmmaker and arts advocate passionate about transforming the creative industry in Africa through Creative Connect Botswana – an organization she co-founded that aims at improving skills development and collaboration across the continent. Over the last five years, Towela has released four social documentaries on colourism, toxic masculinity, sexual assault and life as an immigrant. In addition, her media company PBTK also enlists a portfolio of clients such as the United Nations organization.

Eliseus Bamporineza

Eliseus Bamporineza is a Tujenge Africa Foundation (TAF) alumnus, poet, and one of the beneficiaries of the Aspire Leaders Institute founded at Harvard University. Prior to joining USIU-Africa in August 2019 to pursue a BA in International Relations, he attended a one-month pre-university orientation program in July 2019 at the University of Rochester in New York. He is currently in fourth year, focusing on Foreign Policy and Diplomacy and minoring in Philosophy.

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