FutureMap Foundation Unveils New Board of Directors to Drive Youth Empowerment and Digital Innovation in Africa
The FutureMap Foundation, a prominent non-profit organization dedicated to empowering African youth through technology, innovation, and mentorship, has announced the appointment of a new Board of Directors. This strategic move marks a significant milestone in the Foundation’s mission to promote inclusive growth, digital literacy, and entrepreneurial opportunities for young people across the continent.
The newly constituted Board brings together seasoned professionals from diverse sectors, each with a proven track record of impact and leadership.
Among the appointees is Dr. Mairo Mandara, an esteemed Obstetrician/Gynecologist and Public Health Physician known for her extensive work in advancing health and education across Africa. Dr. Mandara has led numerous transformative programs aimed at improving maternal and child health and promoting girls’ education.
Also joining the board is Mrs. Rakiya Shuaibu Mohammed, a distinguished expert in technology and finance with over 25 years of experience. With an academic background in Computer Science and Information Systems Engineering, she holds advanced certifications in IT governance, cybersecurity, and accounting, making her a strong advocate for innovation-driven development.
Malam Kashifu Inuwa, the Director-General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), is another prominent addition. A pioneer in Nigeria’s tech sector, he is the first CISCO Certified Internetwork Expert (CCIE) in the Nigerian public service. Trained at top institutions including MIT, Harvard, and Cambridge, Malam Inuwa has led major digital transformation initiatives, startup acceleration programs, and national digital literacy campaigns.
Completing the board is Dr. Odiong Akpan, Managing Partner at Ubulu Africa. With nearly two decades of experience in global firms such as Chevron, Ericsson, Airtel, and Schlumberger, Dr. Akpan is an expert in digital systems and innovation management. His work focuses on deploying advanced digital infrastructure to drive operational efficiency and sustainable innovation.
Speaking on the new appointments, Mr. Ahmad Shu’aibu, CEO of the FutureMap Foundation, expressed optimism about the Foundation’s future.
“This is a defining moment for FutureMap. Our new Board of Directors embodies the values we uphold—diversity, innovation, and proactive leadership. Each member brings a unique perspective and deep expertise that will help us scale our impact and build a tech-empowered generation, particularly in underserved communities across Africa,” he stated.
“Their leadership will be pivotal as we expand access to cutting-edge training in fields such as Artificial Intelligence, Blockchain, and Agritech, while also boosting participation of women and small businesses in the digital economy. We are confident that the future holds great promise.”
The FutureMap Foundation is a forward-thinking organization committed to addressing Africa’s development challenges through technology and youth engagement. Its initiatives aim to foster a vibrant ecosystem of education, entrepreneurship, and sustainable digital growth.
Among its flagship goals are training 3,000 Nigerians in deep-tech skills by 2030 and significantly increasing women’s participation in technology, particularly in northern Nigeria. With its renewed leadership, the Foundation is set to play a transformative role in shaping Africa’s digital future.
