The AZBC Executive Committee
Meet the President
Joseph Kufakwandi
Joseph Kufakwandi
Chair
I am very honoured to be the new Chair of the Australia Zambia Business Council in this next phase of our journey. My key priorities are to better connect with our members and stakeholders and to improve our overall maturity as an organisation.
I am the Manager Business Information Services at the Department of Planning, Lands and Heritage, where I lead initiatives to enhance internal and external technology services. My role centers on supporting the Chief Information Officer and senior management, establishing portfolio management practices, driving strategic ICT procurement, optimising business processes, and ensuring that technology implementations align with our departmental goals to support the state’s development and heritage conservation.
In my personal time , I enjoy moments with family and friends, exploring a variety of music genres, and enthusiastically supporting Arsenal Football Club. These activities not only bring joy but also inspire my professional engagements.
Joseph is currently also serving as AZBC’s acting treasurer.
Meet the Vice President
Mwaba Mwaba
As the Vice Chairperson of the Australia Zambia Business Council (AZBC), I’m thrilled to be part of a dynamic team driving collaboration, trade, and investment between our two nations. Let me introduce myself and share what I bring to the table:
ABOUT ME
Global Visionary. With a passion for cross-cultural connections, I’ve navigated career and business landscapes from Perth to Lusaka, and multiple geographical locations in between. My mission is to bridge gaps, foster partnerships, and create win-win scenarios. Using innovation as my compass, I thrive on exploring fresh solutions to unique challenges.I believe in pushing boundaries and embracing change
WHAT I BRING TO THE TABLE
Business Diplomacy. I thrive on building relationships. From government officials to industry leaders, I connect the dots, creating synergies that propel businesses forward. I draw on my years in the event management industry and have honed my strategic thinking. I see patterns, anticipate trends, and translate them into actionable steps for AZBC.
BEYOND THE BOARDROOM
When I’m not strategising, I’m curating beauty experiences. My skin and beauty brand celebrates natural radiance and self-care. Because business brilliance starts with feeling confident in your own skin. My events and image management business, Hyped and Co, has orchestrated unforgettable moments. From corporate galas to community gatherings, we infuse every occasion with creativity and flair.
LET’S CONNECT!
I’m passionate about collaboration, so let’s connect! Whether you’re an investor eyeing Zambia’s energy potential or a startup dreaming big, reach out. Together, we’ll write the next chapter of Australia-Zambia synergy.
Mwaba Mwaba
Vice Chair
Meet the SECRETARY
Cranston Haankwenda
Cranston Haankwenda
Secretary
ABOUT ME
I am honoured to hold the position of Secretary at the Australia Zambia Business Council (AZBC). Allow me to share a glimpse into my role and passion within this dynamic organisation.
My commitment lies in fostering robust business and cultural connections between Australia and Zambia. I strive to address the unique challenges faced by businesses operating across these two nations by actively engaging with both Australian and Zambian business communities, emphasising collaboration, trade, and investment opportunities.
I will work closely with the leadership team to provide strategic direction to the AZBC, ensuring that our initiatives remain relevant and impactful, by bridging cultural nuances and business practices, thereby promoting understanding and cooperation. My advocacy work will highlight the mutual benefits of collaboration in the direction of driving economic growth.
Beyond the AZBC, I am the founder and lead business development consultant at Consult Cranston, a globally recognised multi award winning business development agency. My responsibilities include identifying opportunities, formulating market expansion strategies, and ensuring seamless execution. Through innovation and a keen understanding of industry dynamics, I contribute to our agency’s continued success and global impact
I am privileged to work with a robust management team. Together, we continue to strengthen the vibrant Australia-Zambia partnership.
Yande Chali
I am honoured to serve as a board member of the Australia Zambia Business Council (AZBC). With a passion for fostering economic ties between our nations, I bring extensive experience in community engagement and event management.
Starting from philanthropic initiatives during my formative years, to charity events supporting women in Africa, my journey has been an opportunity that led to the establishment of REPKULTURE—a dynamic clothing brand dedicated to celebrating diversity and combating cultural displacement.
WHAT I BRING TO THE TABLE
My commitment to community empowerment is demonstrated through my involvement with initiatives such as the African Collective and my role as Events Coordinator for the WA Youth Awards where I honed my skills in event planning, stakeholder engagement, and digital outreach, experiences enrich my contributions to AZBC.
Drawing upon my immigrant experience and cultural heritage, I bring a unique perspective to the board, prioritizing inclusivity and unity in business endeavors, powered by my marketing background which equips me with strategic insights, enabling me to drive impactful campaigns and enhance AZBC’s visibility.
Speaking of business, I am also the founder of Repkulture, an Afro-inspired fashion brand based in North Perth. A brand I strategically guided from a home-based venture to a prominent presence in Perth’s CBD. Our limited-edition pieces—crafted in Nigeria and Zambia—blend tradition with innovation. Each stitch tells a story, transcending borders and supporting local artisans.
Join us on this transformative journey of fashion with purpose!
I look forward to enhanced engagement with the Australian/Zambian business community
Yande Chali
Committee Member
Siji Adeniyi
Siji Adeniyi
Committee Member
ABOUT ME
As a board member of the AZBC, I bring a multifaceted perspective, blending my expertise in healthcare management, property development, and a deep connection with the community through my Zambian-born wife. With a Bachelor of Science in Health Science and a Master of Health Administration, I’ve demonstrated leadership by managing numerous general practice locations while driving strategic initiatives.
My commitment to community engagement is evident through my involvement with the Nigerian Association of Western Australia, where I previously served on the executive team. This experience provided valuable insights into community dynamics and the importance of collaborative leadership in driving impactful initiatives.
Beyond my professional endeavours, I harbour a profound passion for Africa’s advancement. I recognise the immense potential of the continent and believe in harnessing the power of the diaspora to support an African socio-economic agenda. Through collaborative efforts and strategic partnerships, I aim to leverage the collective talents, knowledge, and resources of the diaspora to drive sustainable development and positive change across Africa.
As a visionary leader and advocate for community empowerment, I am poised to make meaningful contributions to the AZBC. I champion initiatives that foster quality economic growth, innovation, and inclusive prosperity.
Let’s connect and create impactful change together!
Navid Mavaddat
As a board member, I bring a wealth of expertise to the AZBC, combining academic rigour with practical experience. With a Bachelor of Computer and Mathematical Sciences (Hons.) from the University of Western Australia and a PhD in Information Technology from Edith Cowan University, I’ve delved deep into the intersection of technology and human well-being.
PIONEERING RESEARCH AND INDUSTRY
CollaborationMy PhD thesis explored the use of simulation to propagate light through multi-layered biological tissue, coupled with Machine Learning (AI) techniques to enhance medical procedures. With the help of the prestigious Science Industry Fellowship from the Department of Jobs, Tourism, Science and Innovation allowed me to learn from industry leaders and bridge the gap between research and commercialization. As an author of a book chapter on utilising biomedical signal simulations for training Deep Learning networks, I’ve contributed to cutting-edge advancements. My 20+ years in scientific research and commercial software development span diverse domains, including computer vision, optical simulation, 3D CAD, and web technologies. I am currently serving as a Software Engineer at Alpha Solar Technology (AST), a trailblazing Australian company specialising in Building Integrated Photo-Voltaic (BIPV) products, developing software to enhance the efficiency of AST’s BIPV technology, a critical step toward renewable energy adoption in the construction industry.
COMMUNITY BUILDER AND ETHICAL TECH ADVOCATE
Beyond my technical pursuits, I’m passionate about community building and ethical technology use. Teaching programs for children’s moral education have reinforced my belief that technology should serve humanity’s best interests. I also firmly believe that economic, research, and cultural connections yield social and material benefits.
Let’s forge stronger bonds between our nations and drive positive change together!
Navid Mavaddat
Committee Member
Teamwork
Teamwork is the foundation of success in any endeavor. When individuals work together towards a common goal, they can achieve far more than they could alone. Teamwork fosters a collaborative environment where diverse perspectives and skills come together to create innovative solutions. By sharing knowledge and expertise, team members can learn from each other and grow both personally and professionally.
Teamwork also promotes accountability and motivation. When individuals are part of a team, they are more likely to take ownership of their responsibilities and strive to meet deadlines. Additionally, seeing their teammates’ efforts and progress can motivate them to work harder and push themselves beyond their limits. This collective energy creates a positive and productive team dynamic, driving everyone towards achieving their goals.
Moreover, teamwork encourages creative problem-solving and adaptability. When faced with challenges, team members can pool their resources and brainstorm solutions together. This collaborative approach allows them to tackle complex issues from multiple angles, leading to more effective and sustainable solutions. Furthermore, teamwork enables teams to respond quickly to changes and obstacles, making them more resilient and better equipped to handle unexpected setbacks.
In conclusion, teamwork is essential for achieving success in any field. It promotes collaboration, accountability, motivation, creative problem-solving, and adaptability. By working together towards a common goal, individuals can achieve far more than they could alone, and the benefits of teamwork will continue to propel them forward long after their goals are achieved. By embracing teamwork, individuals can unlock their full potential and achieve greatness together.