Our Team

Our team is made up of a group of individuals who possess a wide range of expertise relevant to climate science and policy. This team plays a crucial role in providing expert advice, strategic guidance, and accountability.

Staff

  • Charles Wanguhu

    Charles Wanguhu is a Pan-Africanist with a focus on good governance and human rights. He is the founding director of the Enzi Ijayo- Africa Initiative (EI-AI). Charles has broad experience in natural resources and energy governance. He currently sits on the boards of the Natural Resource Governance Institute and the Africa Centre for Open Governance.

  • Natasha Haavi

    Natasha Haavi

    Natasha is a highly skilled and enthusiastic project manager with over 8 years of experience working across various industries. She possesses extensive experience in building and streamlining processes and managing stakeholders. Natasha expresses confidence that her skills and experience can contribute to optimizing processes and enhancing employee efficiency, leading to cost reduction and improved work quality standards. In her previous roles, she achieved a 20% increase in employee efficiency and a 10% improvement in customer satisfaction.

Fellows

  • Bryan Micheni

    Bryan is a Power Sector Fellow at EI-AEI An energy and carbon expert, Mr. Micheni possesses over 7 years’ extensive experience in the power sector, specifically power generation and control; high and medium voltage design and construction; power system studies and energy modelling; and project management and commissioning. Pursuing a Master’s degree in Sustainable Energy Transitions from Strathmore University while equipped with a Bachelors in Science in Electrical Engineering from the University of Nairobi.

  • Hafsa Maalim

    Hafsa is a climate diplomacy expert with EI-AEI. An expert on climate diplomacy, climate and energy security, multilateral cooperation and partnerships She is in analyst with vast experience in African governance, peace and security, bringing expertise from three international organisations focusing on the African continent and African engagement in multilateral spaces. She possesses an in-depth understanding of the African policy landscape, the working methods of the African Union and the Regional Economic Communities and Regional Mechanisms (RECs/RMs), as well as multilateral systems such as the UN and EU. She has worked on several policy strategies and is a published researcher on African partnerships in the multilateral space and climate, energy, peace and security. Hafsa has a background in Law, with a focus on International Law.

  • Nyasha Munodawafa Enzi Ijayo Website

    Nyasha Munodawafa

    Nyasha is a multifaceted policy researcher and financial economist driven by a passion for impactful change. Utilising his diverse background in finance, economics, and policy research, Nyasha has tackled complex challenges across various sectors, from environmental sustainability to financial inclusion. Currently pursuing a Master's degree in Applied Economics, Nyasha holds a Bachelor's degree in Finance and brings extensive experience in policy research to the table. Their work has encompassed a diverse range of industries and topics, including US policy and rule-making, regional remittances, cryptocurrency solutions, and advising start-ups. Their experience extends beyond the financial sector, encompassing bag manufacturing and even the mining industry. Beyond his professional pursuits, Nyasha is committed to environmental protection. He is a passionate advocate for birdlife conservation and actively contributes to initiatives promoting environmental sustainability. He has an interest in advancing his expertise in energy economics while navigating the intersection of economic prosperity and environmental responsibility.

  • Amwene Etiang Enzi Ijayo Africa Initiative

    Amwene Etiang

    Amwene is our new Research Intern at Enzi Ijayo. Amwene is a Law graduate from the University of Bristol. In her final year, she wrote a dissertation titled “Another Story about Africa: How to Ensure Corporate Respect for Human Rights on the Continent Using Human Rights Due Diligence.” Her goal is to become a lawyer and use the law as a tool to solve problems for people and businesses, with the broader aim of making society more equitable. Her areas of interest are Business and Human Rights, Climate Justice, Renewable Energy, and Climate Finance.

  • Cherop Soy Enzi Ijayo Africa Initiative

    Cherop Soy

    Cherop joins our team to assist with Beyond Oil & Gas Alliance (BOGA) and to expand our youth program. Cherop is an early career professional who is keen on emission reductions as reflected in her past roles in both the private and public sectors with a focus on the energy sector. She believes that achieving a net zero future requires climate ambition from all fronts. With a passion for empowering youth and advancing the renewable energy sector, Cherop has played a pivotal role in fostering equitable engagement and driving impactful initiatives across the continent. As a seasoned advocate, Cherop has conceptualised and led groundbreaking projects aimed at integrating youth and gender perspectives into energy policies and practices. She continues to champion movements that empower African youth and promote sustainable economic development through renewable energy technologies.

Board

  • Nqobile Xaba

    Dr Nqobile Xaba is a researcher in the Knowledge Economy and Scientific Advancement faculty at the Mapungubwe Institute for Strategic Reflection (MISTRA). Her work focuses on the just transition in South Africa, the broader climate change, and environmental issues. Her research interests are on mineral beneficiation and associated technologies. Prior to joining MISTRA, she was a chemistry lecturer at Tshwane University of Technology. She previously worked as researcher at the at the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) for five years in the energy materials group, her research works focused on energy conversion and storage technologies (Fuel cells and rechargeable batteries). She holds a BSc degree in pure and applied chemistry (cum laude) from the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN), and BSc honours degree in chemistry, an MSc degree in chemical engineering science from the University of North-West (NWU), and a PhD in chemistry from the University of the Western Cape (UWC). She is an alumni of the 72nd Lindau Nobel Laureate meeting. She has published her work on renowned scientific journal articles, has contributed book chapters and opinion editorial articles on leading South African publications. She is the co-editor and contributing author to the MISTRA volume A Just Transition to a Low Carbon Future in South Africa.