Profiles - Africa Growth Fund

Mercy Mutua

Mercy is currently the Head of Access to Finance at Mastercard Foundation. She is an Entrepreneurial Financial Specialist experienced in deal sourcing, execution and management, having developed a combination of investment instinct, financial analysis skills and a demonstrated execution track record, owing to the 15+ years of professional experience and a satisfactory academic standing. Prior to joining Mastercard Foundation, Mercy was the Head of Investment Advisory Services at AECF and Regional Director for Africa at Capria Ventures

Kanini Mutooni

A demonstrated leader who gets results. Kanini has applied her entrepreneurial mindset to senior-level positions in financial services (including impact investing) and the not-for-profit sector. She is currently Managing Director at Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation.

Lumka Mlambo

A “fund of funds” manager with experience in South Africa and London. Lumka has held senior financial roles at Identity Capital Partners and JPMorgan Chase & Co. She is currently a fund principal at the SA SME Fund, which focuses on supporting small- and medium-sized enterprises in South Africa.

Hamdiya Ismalia

A strong, well-rounded investment professional. Hamdiya has expertise in fund structuring, business planning and strategy, mergers and acquisitions, and more. Hamdiya is the General Manager at Venture Capital Trust Fund.

Frank Aswani

A unique perspective combining health sciences, an MBA, and a passion for impact investing. Frank brings extensive experience in both the private and social sectors. He is currently the CEO of the African Venture Philanthropy Alliance.

Nemo Kimiri

I am a Gender-Based Violence (GBV) specialist with over a decade of experience in Africa, Southeast Asia, Eastern Europe, and the Middle East. My focus has been on strengthening institutions, mitigating risk, and ensuring that gender-based violence survivors are at the center of every solution. I also co-founded GenderJobs.org to facilitate access to opportunities to work on gender equality by supporting current and aspiring gender professionals, particularly young professionals, in navigating the existing and growing variety of gender jobs.