Meet our team
Multi-Disciplinary And Multi-Dimensional
We bring together a multi-disciplinary team with deep sector expertise in health and life sciences that spans the startup spectrum, from business and product development to manufacturing and financial modelling.
Wilfred Njagi
Co-founder & Chief Executive Officer
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Wilfred Njagi
Wilfred Njagi is the co-founder & CEO at Villgro Africa, a leading healthcare incubator in East Africa. He holds an MBA from the University of Milan and a BSc in Computer Science from Egerton University in Kenya. He is well plugged into the African entrepreneurial ecosystem, having worked at the Africa Venture Capital Association early in his career. He’s also an angel investor and transaction advisor. Wilfred brings a diverse set of experiences, having lived and worked in the Middle East, India, and East Africa. He ventured into social enterprise business incubation a decade ago during a fellowship at Villgro India in 2013, after which he took up the challenge of scaling Villgro to Africa.
He currently serves on the board of Pollinate Impact and on the investment committees of Kazana Fund and Jaza Rift Ventures. He has also part of the AI for Global Health Advisory Group set up by Duke University’s Innovations in Health Program. Recognized as one of Africa’s Most Respected CEOs (2022) by Business Executive Magazine and one of the MB100 winners (2022), Wilfred continues to champion African entrepreneurship, locally-led innovation, and scalable impact across the continent.
He currently serves on the board of Pollinate Impact and on the investment committees of Kazana Fund and Jaza Rift Ventures. He has also part of the AI for Global Health Advisory Group set up by Duke University’s Innovations in Health Program. Recognized as one of Africa’s Most Respected CEOs (2022) by Business Executive Magazine and one of the MB100 winners (2022), Wilfred continues to champion African entrepreneurship, locally-led innovation, and scalable impact across the continent.
Rob Beyer
Co-founder & Executive Chairman
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Rob Beyer
As Villgro Africa’s Co-Founder and Executive Chairman, Rob brings a unique combination of seasoned experience in business, social entrepreneurship, education and technology. He is a visionary leader who has lived in Kenya for almost 20 years and is familiar with the unique challenges that entrepreneurs face when it comes to sustainability and scaling within the African context.
Snider Mugese
Director, Finance and Operations
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Snider Mugese
Snider Mugese is the Director of Incubation Operations and Finance at Villgro Africa, where she has supported startups across Sub-Saharan Africa in building sustainable healthcare and life science solutions. With more than nine years of experience in startup incubation, financial management, and ecosystem building, she has been instrumental in mobilizing resources, developing co-funding models, and driving women-led innovation initiatives. Snider is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and Certified Investment and Financial Analyst (CIFA), and she is currently pursuing a Master’s in Development Finance at Strathmore Business School.
Immanuel Momanyi
Advisory Lead
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Immanuel Momanyi
Immanuel Momanyi has experience in business consulting, financial modeling, investment analysis and market research. As Villgro Africa's Advisory Lead, he oversees projects that range from market research to help clients understand the African market, the human impact potential for their innovations and the development of commercialization plans that convey go-to-market and business growth strategies, among others.
He has multi-sectoral experience working with businesses first-hand throughout Sub-Saharan Africa to develop new business strategies, raise capital, and pioneer innovative products and services.
He holds a bachelor’s degree (Hons) in Actuarial Science from Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) and is in the process of acquiring his actuarial fellowship from the Society of Actuaries.
He has multi-sectoral experience working with businesses first-hand throughout Sub-Saharan Africa to develop new business strategies, raise capital, and pioneer innovative products and services.
He holds a bachelor’s degree (Hons) in Actuarial Science from Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) and is in the process of acquiring his actuarial fellowship from the Society of Actuaries.
Jackson Mwatha
Head of Investments & Transaction Services
Jackson Mwatha
Jackson is an Impact Investing, Corporate Finance and Development Finance expert with over 14 years’ experience working with growth-phase and larger enterprises in designing scaling strategies and raising various forms of capital, ranging from varieties of equity, debt, convertibles. He brings to the team vast experience in investment structuring, fund structuring, financial modeling, strategy building, business planning, capacity building, business restructuring, due diligence and fundraising. Jackson has held various senior positions in local and international organizations and has advised over 100 businesses across Africa in multiple industries including healthcare, renewable energy, food & agriculture, manufacturing, retail, etc.
Janet Onyango
Communications Lead
Janet Onyango
Before joining Villgro Africa, Janet spent 14 years in monitoring and broadcast journalism where she learned the art of making complex stories accessible to global audiences. She then pivoted to a career in communications where she worked across health, technology, conservation, and development finance, translating impact into compelling narratives.
She brings this storytelling experience to her role as Communications Lead at Villgro Africa, where she devises ways to tell the world about the catalytic impact of Villgro's work in solving some of Africa's most persistent challenges.
Janet holds an LL.B Law degree and an LL.M in Banking and Finance Law. She is fluent in three languages including English and French.
Outside of work, Janet's love of words extends into her own storytelling projects on social medIa. She has a passion for historical and literary fiction. She can often be found hiking or cycling, with a good book playing in her ear.
She brings this storytelling experience to her role as Communications Lead at Villgro Africa, where she devises ways to tell the world about the catalytic impact of Villgro's work in solving some of Africa's most persistent challenges.
Janet holds an LL.B Law degree and an LL.M in Banking and Finance Law. She is fluent in three languages including English and French.
Outside of work, Janet's love of words extends into her own storytelling projects on social medIa. She has a passion for historical and literary fiction. She can often be found hiking or cycling, with a good book playing in her ear.
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Benjamin Barwa
Project Management Lead
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Benjamin Barwa
Benjamin Barwa leads Villgro Africa’s Project Management Office (PMO), which drives execution discipline across the organisation. He coordinates planning, resourcing, and performance tracking for Villgro’s incubation, acceleration, and advisory programmes, building the systems and dashboards that help teams deliver on time, on budget, and aligned to Villgro’s impact goals. With over a decade of experience spanning banking, pensions, climate innovation, and SME advisory, Benjamin brings a strong blend of financial structuring, portfolio management, and ecosystem-building expertise, having previously supported entrepreneurs at The Co-operative Bank of Kenya, Kenya Climate Innovation Center, Ongoza Institute, and BlueInventure to access capital, strengthen operations, and refine their business models.
Waringa Kamau
Stakeholder Engagement Lead
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Waringa Kamau
Waringa Kamau is a trained journalist with a Master’s degree from the University of California, Berkeley. She has gained extensive experience working in leading newsrooms worldwide, including CNN in Atlanta, Al Jazeera in San Francisco, and Bloomberg News in New York, among others.
Following her journalism career, Waringa transitioned into Strategic Communications, contributing to various sectors such as technology, philanthropy, and social impact organizations. Most recently, she served as the Chief of Staff at The Sanergy Collaborative in Nairobi, Kenya.
Currently, Waringa is the Stakeholder Engagement Lead at Villgro Africa. In this role, she serves as the main liaison for external stakeholders, including clients, partners, and the board of directors. She also supports the leadership team in fostering and maintaining positive relationships that enhance the organization’s credibility, growth, and impact.
Following her journalism career, Waringa transitioned into Strategic Communications, contributing to various sectors such as technology, philanthropy, and social impact organizations. Most recently, she served as the Chief of Staff at The Sanergy Collaborative in Nairobi, Kenya.
Currently, Waringa is the Stakeholder Engagement Lead at Villgro Africa. In this role, she serves as the main liaison for external stakeholders, including clients, partners, and the board of directors. She also supports the leadership team in fostering and maintaining positive relationships that enhance the organization’s credibility, growth, and impact.
Winnie Wangari
MedTech Lead
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Winnie Wangari
Winnie Wangari is a B.Sc. Mechanical Engineer graduate from the University of Nairobi. A registered graduate member of the Engineering Board of Kenya (EBK) and the Institute of Engineers of Kenya (EIK). Prior to Villgro Africa, Winnie gained her experience in engineering skills from Kenya Ports Authority (KPA), National Industrial Training Authority (NITA) and Gearbox Kenya.
She provides technical support to invention based enterprises to help them through their product development stages, clinical validation phase and go-to-market strategies.
She provides technical support to invention based enterprises to help them through their product development stages, clinical validation phase and go-to-market strategies.
Loice Shirwa
Senior Analyst
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Loice Shirwa
Loice Shirwa has worked in the telecommunication and lean startups industries for two years. At Villgro Africa, she conducts financial operations through creating, examining and interpreting financial reports, taxation and budget analysis.
She also supports consultancy projects and portfolio analysis through market research, conducting diligence and selection of innovative startups for incubation across Africa.
Loice seeks to see healthcare businesses reflect life in the 21st century through adoption of viable models. She holds a Bachelor of Commerce in Finance from Kenyatta University.
She also supports consultancy projects and portfolio analysis through market research, conducting diligence and selection of innovative startups for incubation across Africa.
Loice seeks to see healthcare businesses reflect life in the 21st century through adoption of viable models. She holds a Bachelor of Commerce in Finance from Kenyatta University.
Edwin Osora
Senior Analyst
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Edwin Osora
Edwin Osora holds a Bachelor’s degree in Actuarial Science from Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT). He has prior experience working in the health insurance sector for over 3 years.
At Villgro Africa, he provides analytical and technical support for conducting market research, scouting, screening and selection of innovative startups across Sub-Saharan Africa for incubation. He manages companies that have been onboarded to the portfolio and provides strategic support for their growth.
He provides support in consulting projects, which includes market research for clients, helping them to better understand the African market and the human impact potential for innovations in the African region, market entry strategies, commercialization plans, etc.
Edwin leverages on his artistic hobbies such as graphic designing and photography to tell Villgro Africa’s impact stories.
At Villgro Africa, he provides analytical and technical support for conducting market research, scouting, screening and selection of innovative startups across Sub-Saharan Africa for incubation. He manages companies that have been onboarded to the portfolio and provides strategic support for their growth.
He provides support in consulting projects, which includes market research for clients, helping them to better understand the African market and the human impact potential for innovations in the African region, market entry strategies, commercialization plans, etc.
Edwin leverages on his artistic hobbies such as graphic designing and photography to tell Villgro Africa’s impact stories.
Amadi Growman
Senior Analyst
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Amadi Growman
Amadi Growman has over 2 years of experience working with startups. At Villgro Africa, he provides analytical and technical skills for conducting diligence and selection of innovative startups for incubation across Africa. He also oversees business growth, investor readiness and go-to-market strategy support for early-stage companies.
His additional roles include supporting consulting projects, providing advice on go-to-market strategies, commercialisation plans and helping clients understand the African market.
His ultimate goal is to use his data science skills to help innovative startups solve Africa's toughest problems and positively impact the people living in low-resource settings on the continent.
He has experience in data analysis, qualitative and quantitative research and development of the ecosystem. He holds a B.Sc. Actuarial Science from Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT).
His additional roles include supporting consulting projects, providing advice on go-to-market strategies, commercialisation plans and helping clients understand the African market.
His ultimate goal is to use his data science skills to help innovative startups solve Africa's toughest problems and positively impact the people living in low-resource settings on the continent.
He has experience in data analysis, qualitative and quantitative research and development of the ecosystem. He holds a B.Sc. Actuarial Science from Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT).
Christian Khisa
Communications Associate
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Christian Khisa
Christian Khisa is a creative storyteller and content developer. He gained his skills and knowledge through working in digital communication and also from Pan African Christian University while doing a Bachelors of Arts in Communications, majoring in public relations and minoring in journalism.
Prior to Villgro Africa, he sharpened his skills by creating content for clients such as Mua Insurance and Heroes for Change.
At Villgro Africa, he collaborates with the team to communicate and tell impact stories. Chrisian leads video production and provides creative support to the communications team through content development such as photography and graphic design.
Prior to Villgro Africa, he sharpened his skills by creating content for clients such as Mua Insurance and Heroes for Change.
At Villgro Africa, he collaborates with the team to communicate and tell impact stories. Chrisian leads video production and provides creative support to the communications team through content development such as photography and graphic design.
Ann Kariuki
Senior Analyst
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Ann Kariuki
Ann holds a Bachelor's degree in Mass Communication (majoring in Public Relations) from Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology. She has prior experience working in the Micro Insurance sector, in the operations department for over 5 years.
At Villgro Africa, she supports the implementation of internal company processes and operations systems, sources and facilitates capacity building programs for team development and growth among other operational duties.
She also supports consultancy projects, conducts desk and on-site due diligence of potential incubatee and selection of innovative start ups for incubation across Africa.
At Villgro Africa, she supports the implementation of internal company processes and operations systems, sources and facilitates capacity building programs for team development and growth among other operational duties.
She also supports consultancy projects, conducts desk and on-site due diligence of potential incubatee and selection of innovative start ups for incubation across Africa.
Keith Obade
Data Analyst
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Keith Obade
Keith Obade is a skilled data storyteller who holds a Bachelor of Science in Actuarial Science and is an alumnus of the ALX-T Data Analytics Nanodegree program.
With over three years of experience in the insurance sector, Keith brings a wealth of knowledge to his role at Villgro Africa.
At Villgro Africa, he plays a vital role in defining and constructing custom data analytics solutions, handling reporting, evaluating key business metrics, and information management for Villgro Africa and its collaborative startups.
With over three years of experience in the insurance sector, Keith brings a wealth of knowledge to his role at Villgro Africa.
At Villgro Africa, he plays a vital role in defining and constructing custom data analytics solutions, handling reporting, evaluating key business metrics, and information management for Villgro Africa and its collaborative startups.
Isaiah Muthui
Visual Communications & Brand Specialist
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Isaiah Muthui
Isaiah Muthui is an experienced graphic designer and visual storyteller who has worked in various industries including NGOs, government organizations, and startups. He specializes in editorial design and layout, branding, digital, and print design, and brings a unique combination of creativity and strategic insight to each project.
Isaiah is passionate about turning data into compelling stories and is skilled at creating impactful reports that engage and inspire readers. In addition to his design skills, he also has experience in web design and management using WordPress.
At Villgro, Isaiah works closely with the Communications team to achieve the organization's annual goals, which involves designing web posts, social media graphics, and general reports.
Isaiah has a Bachelor's degree in Electrical and Electronics Engineering from Moi University.
Isaiah is passionate about turning data into compelling stories and is skilled at creating impactful reports that engage and inspire readers. In addition to his design skills, he also has experience in web design and management using WordPress.
At Villgro, Isaiah works closely with the Communications team to achieve the organization's annual goals, which involves designing web posts, social media graphics, and general reports.
Isaiah has a Bachelor's degree in Electrical and Electronics Engineering from Moi University.
Lisa Ilusa
Technical Analyst
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Lisa Ilusa
Lisa Ilusa Nyandusi holds a Bachelor’s degree in Biomedical Engineering from the University of Kent and a Master’s degree in Machine Learning in Science from the University of Nottingham.
At Villgro Africa, she supports and contributes to the technical due diligence and selection of innovative health technology startups for incubation across Africa. She works closely with portfolio companies to strengthen their product development, technical documentation, and regulatory readiness. She also contributes to the organization’s impact measurement initiatives.
Her work includes venture development initiatives and contributing to the development of technical frameworks and tools that strengthen product development and enable the growth and scaling of health innovations across the continent.
At Villgro Africa, she supports and contributes to the technical due diligence and selection of innovative health technology startups for incubation across Africa. She works closely with portfolio companies to strengthen their product development, technical documentation, and regulatory readiness. She also contributes to the organization’s impact measurement initiatives.
Her work includes venture development initiatives and contributing to the development of technical frameworks and tools that strengthen product development and enable the growth and scaling of health innovations across the continent.
Enock Kiprono
Technical Analyst
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Enock Kiprono
Enock is a Biomedical scientist with Bachelor's degree in Biotechnology and Biosafety from the University of Eldoret and yet to acquire his Master’s degree in Molecular biology and Bioinformatics from Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology.He has experience in both wet and dry lab having worked at the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI). He supports Invention based enterprises in critical stages of product development to commercialization.
Mitchelle Mbithi
Social Media Consultant
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Mitchelle Mbithi
Mitchelle Mbithi is a communications professional with a background in social media, digital storytelling and public relations. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Communication from Daystar University, with concentrations in Electronic Media and Public Relations.
Prior to Villgro Africa, she gained experience across media, public relations and digital communications, working with organisations including Royal Media Services, NRG Radio, Oracom Group and Tell-em PR. Her experience spans social media management, content development, journalism, public relations and multimedia storytelling.
At Villgro Africa, Mitchelle works as a Social Media Consultant, supporting the organisation’s digital presence across its programmes, partnerships and innovation ecosystem. She develops and manages social media content and campaigns, contributes to communications planning, supports event communications and uses digital storytelling to amplify the work of African health innovators and Villgro Africa’s partners.
Prior to Villgro Africa, she gained experience across media, public relations and digital communications, working with organisations including Royal Media Services, NRG Radio, Oracom Group and Tell-em PR. Her experience spans social media management, content development, journalism, public relations and multimedia storytelling.
At Villgro Africa, Mitchelle works as a Social Media Consultant, supporting the organisation’s digital presence across its programmes, partnerships and innovation ecosystem. She develops and manages social media content and campaigns, contributes to communications planning, supports event communications and uses digital storytelling to amplify the work of African health innovators and Villgro Africa’s partners.
Naomi Khaemba
Data Analyst
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Naomi Khaemba
Naomi Khaemba is a Data Analyst with a passion for numbers, data storytelling, and using data to drive impact. She holds bachelor’s degrees in Industrial Chemistry and Business Management and has further developed her expertise in data analytics and statistics.
With a genuine love for mathematics and the stories numbers can tell, Naomi specializes in data collection, dashboard development and reporting, making data more accessible, visible, and actionable for the people who need it to make informed decisions. At Vilgro Africa, she supports the Impact Team’s data and evaluation work across its programmes, using analytics to strengthen visibility into programme performance, outcomes, and impact.
Naomi brings both analytical rigour and an entrepreneurial mindset to everything she builds. She is particularly passionate about data storytelling and leveraging analytics to better understand performance, identify opportunities, and support entrepreneurship, innovation, and impact solutions across Africa.
With a genuine love for mathematics and the stories numbers can tell, Naomi specializes in data collection, dashboard development and reporting, making data more accessible, visible, and actionable for the people who need it to make informed decisions. At Vilgro Africa, she supports the Impact Team’s data and evaluation work across its programmes, using analytics to strengthen visibility into programme performance, outcomes, and impact.
Naomi brings both analytical rigour and an entrepreneurial mindset to everything she builds. She is particularly passionate about data storytelling and leveraging analytics to better understand performance, identify opportunities, and support entrepreneurship, innovation, and impact solutions across Africa.
Board & Investment Committee
Wesley Ronoh
As Villgro Africa’s Co-Founder and Executive Chairman, Rob brings a unique combination of seasoned experience in business, social entrepreneurship, education and technology. He is a visionary leader who has lived in Kenya for almost 20 years and is familiar with the unique challenges that entrepreneurs face when it comes to sustainability and scaling within the African context.
Rob Beyer
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Wilfred Njagi
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Wesley Ronoh
Wilfred is Villgro Africa’s Co-Founder and CEO. He holds an MBA from the University of Milan and a BSc. in Computer Science. He is well plugged into the African entrepreneurial ecosystem as an Incubator Lead, an Angel Investor and a Transaction Advisor. He brings in a diverse set of experiences having lived and worked in the Middle East, India and East Africa. Following a short stint at the African Venture Capital Association, he was immersed in the startups and incubation world while pitching his idea to a Jordanian-based incubator, OASIS500 in 2012. He went on to do a one-year Villgro fellowship in India (2013/14) after which he took up the challenge of scaling Villgro to Africa. To date he has reviewed over 2,000 entrepreneur pitches and been involved in supporting and mentoring over 100 enterprises.
Nazeem Mohamed
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Nazeem Mohamed
Nazeem has over 40 years of experience in global pharma, working in both private and public sectors, giving him unique insight into the need for better coordination and harmonisation between these sectors in order to improve the quality of lives of people in the developing world.
He has played a key role in the development of the local manufacturing industry through his work as the Chair of the Federation of East African Pharmaceutical Manufacturers (FEAPM) and the Vice Chair of the Federation of African Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Associations (FAPMA).
He has played a key role in the development of the local manufacturing industry through his work as the Chair of the Federation of East African Pharmaceutical Manufacturers (FEAPM) and the Vice Chair of the Federation of African Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Associations (FAPMA).
Interested in joining our team?
We work with ambitious, hard working, creative people who are adaptable and able to work both independently and as part of a team. If you think you are a good fit, please reach out to us.
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