Independent (Nthakoana Maema)

|CEO | Social Innovation, Social Enterprise Development Specialist | Ecoystem Strengthening | Feminist Innovation and Food Systems. I am a seasoned development strategist, facilitator and expert in social innovation, women and youth development in marginalized communities and organisational resilience for sustainable transitions. With over 20 years in the nonprofit and social enterprise sectors within rural and township economies, I specialize in equipping impact leaders with the tools to navigate complexity, drive strategic decision-making, and foster innovation together with their teams. As the CEO of an impact incubator, and a consultant in the sector, I have successfully designed and rolled out in-person/virtual enterprise development and financing programs that empower youth and women social entrepreneurs, strengthen organisational resilience of youth-focused CSOs, and drive sustainable business models. Passionate about fostering inclusive economic ecosystems, I have designed and delivered high-impact projects funded by AFD, Erasmus+, EU Horizon, international foundations and other local, global partners. I have firsthand experience bridging strategy and implementation, while building systems and processes that foster resilience, and leadership development of teams. My expertise lies in bridging informal and formal economies, township economies through the lens of inclusive sustainability. I am dedicated to equipping emerging leaders and entrepreneurs with the skills to navigate complex challenges and create sustainable impact.