Individuals
CUB Partners
Prof. Dr. Omid Fatahi Valilai
Title / Position:
Professor in Industrial Engineering
Organization / Institution:
Constructor University Bremen
Collaboration period:
From 07/2023 – Now
Short biography:
Prof. Dr. Omid Fatahi Valilai is a Professor in Industrial Engineering in the School of Business, Social & Decision Sciences at Constructor University Bremen. Head of Emerging Technologies in Industrial Engineering (EITIE) and has authored more than 120 research papers in leading journals and conferences.
Main research/expertise areas:
Computer-integrated manufacturing; manufacturing systems; integrated and collaborative manufacturing process design; new product development integration with manufacturing processes; system analysis and design; blockchain technology
Role in the consortium project:
Primary Coordinator of the EU Erasmus+ project YouthTeamUp
Roshanak Davallou
Title / Position:
Research Associate
Organization / Institution:
Constructor University Bremen
Collaboration period:
From 10/2024 – Now
Short biography:
DVE Technical Lead guiding European, African, and Middle Eastern youth in Deep Virtual Exchanges.
Main research/expertise areas:
IoT systems & Arduino microcontrollers / LoRa-based communication & sensor integration
Danial Eyvazi
Title / Position:
Teaching Assistant
Social Media and Web applications manager
Organization / Institution:
Constructor University Bremen
Collaboration period:
From 09/2025 – Now
Short biography:
BSC Computer Science Student – Full stack developer
Main research/expertise areas:
Web applications , Blockchain, User Experience
Jan Klaassen
Title / Position:
Independent Consultant
Organization / Institution:
Constructor University Bremen
Collaboration period:
From 07/2023 – Now
Short biography:
Jan Klaassen holds a master’s degree in Political Science and previously served as Research Project Manager at Constructor University Bremen, co-managing administrative and financial aspects of third-party funded research projects. He was also Instructor of Record for the course Global Africa – Perspectives, Challenges, Solutions. He is an independent consultant in the YouthTeamUp Erasmus+ project, with current research interests in African International Relations, Security Studies, and International Political Sociology.
Main research/expertise areas:
African International Relations; Security Studies; International Political Sociology; Research project management
Role in the consortium project:
Independent Consultant, YouthTeamUp Erasmus+ project
Noushin Mohammadian
Title / Position:
Postdoctoral Fellow
Organization / Institution:
Constructor University Bremen
Collaboration period:
From 08/2023 – Now
Short biography:
Postdoctoral Fellow at Constructor University Bremen, contributing to research and development activities within international and interdisciplinary projects. Actively involved in academic research, collaboration, and knowledge dissemination in the context of emerging technologies and applied research initiatives.
Main research/expertise areas:
To be updated
Role in the consortium project:
To be updated
Pardis Pirayesh
Title / Position:
Research Associate
Organization / Institution:
Constructor University Bremen
Collaboration period: From 09/2023 – Now
Role in the consortium project: Coordinator, Mentor and DVE Technical Lead
Short biography:
Actively involved in academic research, collaboration, and knowledge dissemination in emerging technologies and applied research initiatives.
Main Research/Expertise areas:
Research on predicting consumer behavior and the effectiveness of digital marketing strategies, and the role of emerging technologies such as virtual reality and augmented reality in improving the customer experience.
Nastaran Mesgari
Sonja Mattfeld
Title / Position:
Project Coordinator & Training Cycle Lead (initial development phase)
Organization / Institution:
Independent Consultant
Collaboration Period:
From 07/2023 – To 05/2024
Short Biography:
Sonja is a project manager, consultant, and ecosystem builder with extensive experience in cross-cultural collaboration, youth empowerment, and Africa–Europe partnership projects. Her background spans international business consulting, entrepreneurship support, research management, and community-driven innovation programs. She is passionate about helping young people translate ideas into action and about building bridges between universities, businesses, and local ecosystems. Across her work, Sonja combines strategic thinking with hands-on implementation to create inclusive, motivating learning environments and sustainable project structures.
Main Research / Expertise Areas:
Cross-cultural collaboration & Africa–Europe partnership building
Training design & facilitation (SVE cycle, entrepreneurship skills)
Youth empowerment & project-based learning
Stakeholder coordination & program management
Innovation ecosystems and early-stage venture development
Role in the Consortium Project:
During the initial development of YouthTeamUp, Sonja coordinated key stakeholders, established communication workflows, and co-designed the project’s structure. She set up the full SVE training cycle, onboarded and supported trainers, facilitated training sessions herself, and coached student teams throughout their project journeys. She also contributed to project evaluation and the refinement of the program methodology during the pilot phase.
Email:
sonja@mattfeld.eu
WAZIUP Partners
Abdur Rahim
Title / Position:
Managing Director
Organization / Institution:
Waziup e.V.
Collaboration Period:
From 07/2023 – Now
Short Biography:
Dr.-Ing. Abdur Rahim is the Managing Director of Waziup e.V. and has more than 10 years of experience working with Africa. He has served as coordinator and project manager for more than 10 successful European projects.
Main Research / Expertise Areas:
IoT, Edge Computing, Smart Systems, Project Management
Role in the Consortium Project:
Project coordinator
Email:
abdur.rahim@waziup.org
Solomon Muhunyo Githu
Title / Position:
Researcher
Organization / Institution:
Waziup e.V.
Collaboration Period:
From 07/2024 – Now
Short Biography:
Researcher with expertise in embedded systems, Internet of Things (IoT), capacity building on emerging technologies, and project coordination. He has been actively involved in European Union – African Union collaborations through projects such as HUBiquitous and YouthTeamUp, supporting technology acceleration across Africa and Europe.
Main Research / Expertise Areas:
Embedded systems, IoT, product development
Role in the Consortium Project:
Project facilitator
Email:
solomon.githu@waziup.org
Doreen Chepkoech
Organization / Institution:
Waziup e.V.
Collaboration Period:
From 11/2024 – Now
Short Biography:
Provided technical guidance in the YouthTeamUp project by designing and leading sessions in both Shallow Virtual Exchanges (SVE) and Deep Virtual Exchanges (DVE), fostering innovation and cross-cultural collaboration among youth.
Main Research / Expertise Areas:
IoT, Edge Computing, Smart Systems
Role in the Consortium Project:
Technical Facilitator
Email:
bii.doreen@waziup.org
DBTI Partners
Patience Abraham Kaura
Title / Position:
Chief Executive Officer
Organization / Institution:
Dar Teknohama Business Incubator
Collaboration Period:
From MM/YYYY – Now
Short Biography:
Patience Karua is the Chief Executive Officer of the Dar Teknohama Business Incubator (DTBi) and Buni Innovation Hub under the Tanzania Commission for Science and Technology (COSTECH). She brings over 10 years of experience in the innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem, with a strong track record in nurturing startups, strengthening innovation infrastructures, and advancing national digital transformation agendas.
Patience is also a policy maker, actively contributing to the development of key national policies and guidelines, including the Tanzania National Innovation Framework. She is an experienced project manager and has served as the Country Consortium Lead for several EU-funded initiatives such as AFRICONEU, UNIHUBS, and UNVEIL.
She is an expert in Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) and has supported numerous startups in understanding, protecting, and leveraging their intellectual assets for business growth.
Patience serves on the Board of the Southern Africa Innovation Collective (SAIC) and has been a jury expert for both Africa Business Heroes and the Global Startup Awards. Additionally, she is a dedicated mentor for VC4A, supporting entrepreneurs from idea stage to investment readiness.
Main Research / Expertise Areas:
Innovation, Technology, Entrepreneurship, Policy & Intellectual Property
Role in the Consortium Project:
Project Lead at DTBi
Email / Website:
https://teknohama.or.tz
patience.karua@costech.or.tz
Phone:
+255 786 599 100
Elia Wiston Kinshaga
Title / Position:
Business Development Manager
Organization / Institution:
Dar Teknohama Business Incubator
Collaboration Period:
From MM/YYYY – Now
Short Biography:
Elia Kinshaga (MBA) is a proficient Business Development Manager with a strong focus on results, possessing notable expertise in innovation ecosystems, product development, business mentorship, branding, and marketing. He has demonstrated strong leadership capabilities while overseeing and managing the Digital Innovation Incubator in Dar es Salaam under the Tanzania Commission for Science and Technology.
With over 9 years of professional experience, Elia is a trusted, well-organized, and results-oriented professional, passionate about empowering entrepreneurs and organized groups to achieve social and economic development.
Main Research / Expertise Areas:
Coaching, Branding and Marketing, Business Management
Role in the Consortium Project:
Business Mentor
Email / Website:
https://teknohama.or.tz
elia.kinshaga@costech.or.tz
Phone:
+255 718 395 627
Makange Mramba
Title / Position:
EU Project Manager
Organization / Institution:
Dar Teknohama Business Incubator
Collaboration Period:
From MM/YYYY – Now
Short Biography:
Makange Mramba is a seasoned project manager and consultant with extensive experience in innovation management, SME development, and public-sector capacity building in Tanzania. He has overseen major international projects, including EU-funded initiatives and the Tanzania Digital Innovation Youth Employment project financed by the Royal Danish Embassy. Mramba has also coordinated the DLI project supported by USAID and held leadership roles such as Chief Finance Officer at DTBi, Director of Business Finance Consultants Ltd, and Director of Finance and Administration at COSTECH.
His background includes senior financial management positions, including Financial Controller for Poverty Africa in East Africa and Senior Auditor at COASCO. Mramba has contributed to national programs supporting SACCO modernization through SCCULT and SELF, and has delivered training for SMEs, local governments, and women entrepreneurs in partnership with ILO Tanzania. He is a GIZ-accredited trainer and has served on public boards such as NACTE and the TCRA Consumer Consultative Council.
Main Research / Expertise Areas:
Finance and Project Management
Role in the Consortium Project:
Project Manager
Email:
mrambamakange@gmail.com
Phone:
+255 652 781 872
Justin Welya
Title / Position:
Accountant
Organization / Institution:
Dar Teknohama Business Incubator
Collaboration Period:
From MM/YYYY – Now
Short Biography:
Justine Sylvester Welya is an Accountant at Dar Teknohama Business Incubator Limited (DTBi). He holds a Bachelor of Accounting and Finance with Information Technology from Ruaha Catholic University and has developed strong experience in financial management, budgeting, reporting, and donor-funded project compliance.
He began his career at the Tanzania Revenue Authority (TRA) as an Intern Accountant, gaining practical knowledge in taxation and compliance. He later worked at Kagish Logistics Company Limited, managing day-to-day financial operations and budget oversight.
Currently at DTBi, he is responsible for financial planning, audits, donor compliance, and ensuring transparent and accountable financial processes. He is proficient in QuickBooks Online and other digital accounting tools that support efficiency and accuracy. He is motivated by opportunities that create measurable social and economic impact and works effectively both independently and within multidisciplinary teams.
Main Research / Expertise Areas:
Accounting
Role in the Consortium Project:
Accountant
Email:
accountant@teknohama.or.tz
Phone:
+255 620 130 160
Edulife Partners
Irene Pirelli
Title / Position:
Project Manager
Organization / Institution:
Fondazione Edulife
Collaboration Period:
From 12/2023 – Now
Short Biography:
Project manager and designer in the non-profit and cultural sectors, specialized in developing and coordinating national and European projects, particularly under Erasmus+ and Creative Europe programmes. With a background in Political Science and a Master’s degree in Emergency Governance, she combines strategic planning skills with a strong focus on social inclusion, cultural innovation, and education.
Over the years, she has designed and managed initiatives promoting youth empowerment, digital and green transition, and the use of arts and technology for social impact. Her professional experience includes collaboration with NGOs, cultural associations, and public institutions, supporting them in accessing EU funds, fostering partnerships, and enhancing project sustainability. Passionate about participatory processes, she promotes community engagement through culture, creativity, and lifelong learning.
Main Research / Expertise Areas:
Non-profit, social and cultural fields
Role in the Consortium Project:
Project Coordinator for Fondazione Edulife in Italy
Eugenio Piccoli
Organization / Institution:
Fondazione Edulife
Collaboration Period:
From the beginning of the project – Now
Short Biography:
Collaborator and ICT Manager at Fondazione Edulife ETS. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychological Science (University of Padova) and has pursued studies in Human-Computer Interaction (HCI – University of Trento), User Experience Design (UXD), and Digital Product Management. He works as a freelance IT Consultant, Trainer, and Web Designer.
Main Research / Expertise Areas:
Human-Computer Interaction (HCI); User Experience Design; Digital Product Management; E-learning technologies; ICT for social innovation
Role in the Consortium Project:
ICT Manager – development of digital tools and support for technology-enhanced learning
Sara Capitanio
Organization / Institution:
Fondazione Edulife
Collaboration Period:
From the beginning of the project – Now
Short Biography:
Sara works in social innovation and project design, focusing on community engagement, impact evaluation, and sustainable development within the social economy. At Fondazione Edulife, she collaborates on projects that connect education, innovation, and social impact, supporting organizations in turning ideas into meaningful change. Her background combines experience in nonprofit management, European projects, and civic participation, driven by a strong belief in collaboration as a tool for collective wellbeing.
Role in the Consortium Project:
Supervisor
UDSM Partners
Eva I. Shayo
Title / Position:
Lecturer
Organization / Institution:
University of Dar es Salaam
Collaboration Period:
From 07/2023 – Now
Main Research / Expertise Areas:
Wireless Communication, Innovation, Signal Processing, Neural Networks
Role in the Consortium Project:
Coordinator of the YouthTeam Up at University of Dar es Salaam
Email:
eva.shayo@gmail.com
Godwin M. Gadiel
Title / Position:
Senior Lecturer
Organization / Institution:
University of Dar es Salaam
Collaboration Period:
From 12/2025 – Now
Main Research / Expertise Areas:
Wireless Communications; Massive MIMO; mmWave and Terahertz communication systems; Signal Processing
Role in the Consortium Project:
YouthTeamUp Facilitator
Email:
godwin.mruma@gmail.com
Kalebo Nashon Mashinga
Title / Position:
Engineer
Organization / Institution:
University of Dar es Salaam
Collaboration Period:
From 12/2024 – Now
Main Research / Expertise Areas:
Circuits and systems; Digital electronics; Analogue electronics
Role in the Consortium Project:
YouthTeamUp Mentor and Trainer
Email:
calebnahshon@gmail.com
CBU Partners
Santhi Kumaran
Title / Position:
Professor
Organization / Institution:
Copperbelt University
Collaboration Period:
From 07/2023 – 06/2026
Short Biography:
Santhi Kumaran has over 35 years of university-level experience and has published more than 70 peer-reviewed publications. His expertise spans wireless communications, Internet of Things (IoT), Artificial Intelligence (AI), and Machine Learning (ML). He continuously explores the latest developments in these fields and actively trains youth in Africa to become innovators.
He is also deeply interested in Green ICT, particularly in balancing the growth of smart grids, smart cities, and smart homes with the environmental impact of increasing ICT usage and greenhouse gas emissions. He is currently working on further research and exploration in this area.
Main Research / Expertise Areas:
Wireless Communications, IoT, AI, ML
Role in the Consortium Project:
Consortium Member
Email:
santhi.kr@cbu.ac.zm
Langtone Shumba
Title / Position:
Lecturer
Organization / Institution:
Copperbelt University
Collaboration Period:
2023 – Present
Role in the Consortium Project:
Technical Assistant to students
Email:
lshumba2012@gmail.com
Josephat Kalezhi
Title / Position:
Associate Professor and Dean
Organization / Institution:
The Copperbelt University
Collaboration Period:
From 07/2023 – Now
Short Biography:
Prof. Josephat Kalezhi is an Associate Professor and Dean of the School of Information and Communication Technology at the Copperbelt University in Kitwe, Zambia. He has more than 25 years of experience in teaching and research. His current research interests focus on Artificial Intelligence, with particular emphasis on Machine Learning, and he also has a strong interest in the Internet of Things. He has published more than 20 research papers in conferences and peer-reviewed journals.
Main Research / Expertise Areas:
Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Internet of Things
Role in the Consortium Project:
Project Team Member
Email:
kalezhi@cbu.ac.zm
Bongohive Partners
Mulemwa Kusemwa
Title / Position:
Associate (Operations and Programme Specialist)
Organization / Institution:
BongoHive
Collaboration Period:
From 02/2025 – Now
Short Biography:
Mulemwa Kusemwa is dedicated to empowering the next generation of entrepreneurs and innovators across Africa. As a former serial entrepreneur and startup founder, combined with experience in startup ecosystem development, he brings a strong and practical understanding of the African entrepreneurial landscape.
Main Research / Expertise Areas:
Project Management, Entrepreneurship Support
Role in the Consortium Project:
Facilitator / Coordinator
Email:
mulemwa@bongohive.co.zm
Mariah Tembo
Title / Position:
Ecosystem and Programme Associate
Organization / Institution:
BongoHive
Collaboration Period:
From 02/2025 – Now
Short Biography:
Mariah Tembo’s expertise includes developing and implementing effective strategies and creating compelling content focused on entrepreneurship and innovation. She provides guidance and practical insight to help navigate the challenges of launching and growing African ventures.
Main Research / Expertise Areas:
Project Management, Entrepreneurship Support
Role in the Consortium Project:
Facilitator / Coordinator
Email:
mariah@bongohive.co.zm