ABOUT YOU AS A FUTURES THINKER / PRACTITIONER

You identify yourself as an African futures thinker or practitioner. How would you describe to the woman or man on the street what it is that you do in this regard?

As a research analyst my work entails looking for solution that will drive Africa to a level of global influence. This is achieved by studying best practices and research thereafter providing this information to individuals and organizations.

How many years have you worked as an African futures thinker / practitioner?

Five years

In which countries or places have you had working experience as an African futures thinker / practitioner?

Kenya,Tanzania and Uganda

In what languages have you undertaken futures / foresight related work or research?

English and Swahili

What is it that motivates you to work or participate in the foresight / future studies / related field

My desire to see Africa reach a level of global influence.

What goal/s would you most like to reach with your work as an African futures thinker / practitioner?

My goals are very clear: To inspire individuals, to be fearless influencers of the society, one person at a time, one organization at a time.

Who or what most influenced your thinking as a futures thinker / practitioner, and how?

Dr Dambisa Moyo

What is your main disciplinary background? (i.e. your primary training / qualification)

Management

How do other people describe you and how do you describe yourself?

Others describe me as… strategic

I describe myself as… fearless

YOUR PERSPECTIVE

What is one of your favourite quotes about the future?

“A short-term efficacious intervention may have few discernible, sustainable long-term benefits.” - Dambisa Mayo

How would you describe the state of African futures thinking right now?

Future thinking in our continent is emerging,there seem to a number of thoughts leaders who have chosen to be fearless and decide what the future should be other than waiting for the first world to think for us.

What is, in your opinion, the main barrier to uptake of futures knowledge by African institutions and organisations?

Africa is still playing second fiddle to the first word, this has made it difficult for Africans to generate and consume their own futuristic solution.

If you were to give advice to someone who wants a career in African foresight / future studies, what would you say to him or her?

I would recommend authenticity and fearlessness mixed with passion as the outstanding character required.

What are your recommended readings for every African futures thinker / practitioner?

Dead Aid by Dambisa Moyo
Why Nations Fail: The Origins of Power, Prosperity, and Poverty by Dan Ace moglu

What are your recommendations for other favourite futures resources: websites, newsfeeds, mailing lists, associations, etc.?

African Center for Strategic Studies