Our Team
AGCIH is led by a governance and AI-focused Executive Director and overseen by an independent Board of Trustees providing strategic guidance across governance, gender equality, digital transformation and public-sector innovation.
To understand how the Board functions and the principles that guide our work, read our Governance & Board Charter.
Leadership
The Office of the Executive Director provides overall strategic direction for AGCIH.
Danai Hazel Kudya
Founder & Executive Director – Africa Governance & Civic Innovation Hub (AGCIH)
Danai Hazel Kudya is a governance, human rights and anti-corruption lawyer whose work focuses on strengthening public institutions, safeguarding civic space and guiding responsible adoption of emerging technologies. Over more than 15 years, she has worked with national institutions, human rights commissions, UN agencies and civil society to advance accountable, people-centred governance in Zimbabwe and across Africa.
As Founder and Executive Director of AGCIH, she leads the Hub’s vision at the intersection of governance, AI policy, digital rights and public-sector innovation, with a particular focus on ensuring that Zimbabwe’s digital and AI agenda is inclusive, ethical and grounded in real institutional realities.
Board of Trustees
The Board of Trustees provides independent oversight and strategic guidance, ensuring that AGCIH’s work remains rooted in strong governance, inclusion, ethics and public interest outcomes.
Ms. Shimtah Atipa Nembaware
Trustee – Gender, Inclusion & Equity
Manager, Complaints Handling & Investigations – Zimbabwe Gender Commission
Ms. Shimtah Atipa Nembaware is an accomplished advocate for gender equality and human rights, with over a decade of experience in community programming, investigations and rights-based governance. She currently serves as Manager, Complaints Handling and Investigations at the Zimbabwe Gender Commission, leading national efforts to combat both online and offline gender-based violence (GBV) and to strengthen institutional responses and access to redress.
Within AGCIH, she provides strategic guidance on gender-responsive governance, digital inclusion and safeguarding as the Hub develops frameworks and tools for responsible AI and public-sector innovation.
Ms. Mirirai Muyengwa Mapasure
Trustee – Digital Transformation & AI Governance
Data Scientist & IT Consultant – Public Health & ICT
Ms. Mirirai Muyengwa Mapasure is a seasoned Data Scientist and IT Consultant with over 16 years of experience in the ICT and public health sectors. She brings a blend of technical expertise, data-driven decision-making and strategic ICT advisory across government and development settings.
Mirirai is passionate about empowering communities through digital transformation and AI mentoring, bridging technology and purpose to create meaningful impact. Within AGCIH, she provides strategic guidance on digital transformation, AI adoption and data governance, ensuring that technology choices align with ethical, inclusive and context-aware governance.
Ms. Tinah Kadhau
Trustee – Legal, Governance & Compliance
Ms. Tinah Kadhau serves as AGCIH’s Trustee for Legal, Governance & Compliance, offering oversight on regulatory obligations, institutional governance and legal risk management. She supports AGCIH in aligning its work and structures with applicable laws, its Trust Deed and good governance practice.
Her role is central to ensuring that AGCIH’s growth is underpinned by clear governance arrangements, sound decision-making processes and respect for legal and ethical standards. A detailed professional profile will be added once finalised.
Mrs. Catherine Mareya-Chiviya
Trustee – Finance, Audit & Risk Oversight
Mrs. Catherine Mareya-Chiviya serves as the Trustee for Finance, Audit & Risk Oversight at AGCIH, providing stewardship on financial governance, accountability and organisational risk management. She supports the development of transparent financial systems that enable partners and donors to have confidence in AGCIH’s operations.
Her role strengthens AGCIH’s ability to plan sustainably, meet compliance requirements and manage resources responsibly as the organisation grows. A detailed professional profile will be added once finalised.
To be appointed
Trustee – Youth, Innovation & Future Readiness
This Board seat is reserved for Youth, Innovation & Future Readiness to ensure that AGCIH remains connected to emerging ideas, innovation ecosystems and next-generation perspectives in governance, AI and digital transformation.
Appointment to this role will be announced in due course. The Trustee will help AGCIH connect governance and AI debates with youth priorities, experimentation and new forms of civic innovation.