Ms Thandikile Chisala Mbvundula is a senior executive and visionary leader with over 35 years of transformative experience in strategic business management and Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) across Africa. Her academic credentials in Control Systems and Computing Science and Information Systems Management, respectively, from leading UK universities, coupled with her extensive hands-on experience in implementing innovative solutions in over 120 organisations, underscore her proficiency in finance, administration, and strategic operations. Ms Mbvundula founded Malawi’s first commercial internet service provider and the first woman-owned ISP on the continent, Epsilon & Omega, in 1994, earning her recognition in Africa's digital landscape as one of Africa’s Internet pioneers. Her accomplishments include further advocating for policy change to enhance digital accessibility in the region and facilitating negotiations for the establishment of impactful initiatives such as the East African Submarine Cable System – EASSy. She served as CEO of NICO Technologies, Executive Manager for the NEPAD e-Africa Commission and as the ICT Programme Manager at OSISA, where she coordinated initiatives for the ICT sector in 10 Southern African countries. Currently, she serves as an independent ICT4D consultant, specialising in enhancing ICT penetration in Malawi. Ms Mbvundula has held several advisory roles at national and continental levels and has advised high-ranking officials at the government and policy levels, served on advisory committees with institutions like the African Union, UNECA, SADC and multiple development agencies and on multiple boards across institutions on the continent. With her extensive network, collaborative spirit, and dedication to scientific and technological development in Africa, she brings invaluable insights, strategic acumen and perspectives to the Space sector. She was appointed Chair of the Task Force to establish the Malawi Space Agency in 2023. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Control Systems and Computing Science from the University of Sheffield and a master’s in Information Systems Management from the University of Liverpool. Currently, she is an independent ICT4D consultant, specialising in developing, designing, and reviewing policies and strategies for enhancing ICT penetration in Malawi.
