Introducing the 2024/2025 Gurus and Griots Fellows

Meet the New Cohort Driving Change Across Africa and Beyond

IE Africa Center is delighted to announce the 2024 cohort of the Gurus and Griots Fellows. This year, we welcome an extraordinary group of thought leaders and practitioners whose work spans social impact, intercultural communication, data management, and philanthropy. Each fellow brings unique expertise and a deep commitment to shaping Africa’s future through transformative ideas and actions.

Meet the 2024 Fellows:

Dr. Clarence Moniba
Founder, Moniba Foundation
Dr. Moniba is a seasoned leader and advocate for sustainable development in Africa. As the founder of the Moniba Foundation, he drives initiatives that address critical issues such as education, healthcare, and youth empowerment. With his extensive background in diplomacy and economic policy, Dr. Moniba is dedicated to creating pathways for progress across the continent.

Erdoo Tor-Agbidye
Data Management Strategist
Erdoo is a specialist in leveraging data to solve complex social problems and optimize decision-making processes. Her expertise in data management and strategy has empowered organizations to make data-driven decisions that enhance impact and foster sustainable growth. As a Gurus and Griots Fellow, she will explore how data can be harnessed to address Africa’s most pressing challenges.

Fathima Beckmann
Founder, i-Culture, Global Intercultural, DEI, and Communications Strategic Advisor
Fathima is a trailblazer in diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) and intercultural communication, with extensive experience advising organizations on how to navigate global and multicultural environments. Through her work with i-Culture, she promotes inclusive practices and cultural understanding that drive organizational success and social cohesion.

Osayi Alile
CEO, Act Foundation
As the CEO of Act Foundation, Osayi leads one of Africa’s most impactful grant-making organizations, dedicated to driving sustainable social change through partnerships and capacity-building initiatives. Her extensive work in philanthropy and social development has empowered countless communities, focusing on health, entrepreneurship, and leadership.

The Gurus and Griots Fellowship provides a platform for African intellectuals, practitioners, and leaders to share their insights and collaborate on projects that challenge conventional narratives and offer bold solutions for the continent. Throughout the year, the fellows will engage in research, thought leadership, and community-focused initiatives, amplifying their voices on a global stage.

Join us in celebrating these outstanding individuals as they embark on a journey to inspire change and shape the future of Africa and the world. Stay tuned for more updates on their projects and the impact they will create.