Our Team
Meet our Team
Each of our team members specializes in their area. They are passionate about their work, experienced and creative. Most importantly, they care about the people behind a company and do their best to make your business a success.
Ezana T. Raswork
CEO and Founder
Ezana Raswork is a Senior Executive with over 20 years of General Management, Voice Search, Directory, Mobile, Marketing and Emerging ... Read more
Ezana Raswork is a Senior Executive with over 20 years of General Management, Voice Search, Directory, Mobile, Marketing and Emerging market expertise.
Prior to founding Africa 118, Ezana was a Senior Vice President at Canwest Publishing, Canada's largest publisher. He had General Management responsibility for the Eastern Canadian business unit which generated $300M in sales and had over 1000 employees. Before joining Canwest, Ezana was the Vice President of Business Development at Yellow Pages Group, Canada's dominant Yellow Pages company.
There he led the Company's entry in new vertical segments and into Enhanced Directory Services in partnership with a major Telecommunications operator. Ezana has an extensive marketing background that he gained from senior marketing roles at Microcell Telecommunications (Canadian GSM mobile operator) and over his 11 years at Procter and Gamble.
Prior to founding Africa 118, Ezana was a Senior Vice President at Canwest Publishing, Canada's largest publisher. He had General Management responsibility for the Eastern Canadian business unit which generated $300M in sales and had over 1000 employees. Before joining Canwest, Ezana was the Vice President of Business Development at Yellow Pages Group, Canada's dominant Yellow Pages company.
There he led the Company's entry in new vertical segments and into Enhanced Directory Services in partnership with a major Telecommunications operator. Ezana has an extensive marketing background that he gained from senior marketing roles at Microcell Telecommunications (Canadian GSM mobile operator) and over his 11 years at Procter and Gamble.
Yusto Omondi
Software Development
Yusto joined Africa 118 in a full time role as Data Manager in May 2012. Yusto was recruited following an extensive search for the optimal ...
Read moreYusto joined Africa 118 in a full time role as Data Manager in May 2012. Yusto was recruited following an extensive search for the optimal candidate combining IT expertise in Database Development, Software and Content Development, Project Management and Systems Analysis. His deep technical expertise (PHP, Java, XML, My SQL) acquired over the past 7 years working across a variety of IT projects in Kenya (Ecryp, Toyota, USAID) has helped to ensure Africa 118 strong leadership for the local data team to ensure the accuracy of the database as well as support the evolution of the service. Yusto has also developed proprietary database tools and software applications which ensure Africa 118's core data assets are structured for optimal performance as well as to enable expansion geographically as well as onto multiple platforms.
AMOS PITKINS
Regional Sales Manager
Pitkins Amos joined Africa 118 in November 2015 as a sales executive. He has since grown to lead the Kenya team achieve steadily growing ... Read more
Pitkins Amos joined Africa 118 in November 2015 as a sales executive. He has since grown to lead the Kenya team achieve steadily growing business. Prior to joining Africa 118, Amos worked at Vivacom Telecom Ltd, Kenya Credit Traders and CARE Kenya in varying sales business development and field roles, all which provided him with valuable skills towards approaching the ever-growing business needs by providing tailor made solutions which works best in business enterprises. He is passionate about maintaining good relationships with clients, exploring specific needs and anticipating new opportunities. Amos possesses a Bachelors degree in Business Information Technology
Misganaw Alemu
Human Resource Consultant
Misganaw Alemu is a certified management consultant. He has over 15 years of all rounded practical Human Resources Management exposure and ... Read more
Misganaw Alemu is a certified management consultant. He has over 15 years of all rounded practical Human Resources Management exposure and experiences in different Government, Non-Government, and Private Organizations. Prior to joining Africa118, he was worked as HR Business Partner at British Council Ethiopia Office, HR Director at BelCash Technology Solutions, and as a Senior HR Consultant at Verdant Consulting Ethiopia Office.
He has a very wide and diversified practical Human Resources Management experience and has supported a number of companies in various industries including Financial, Technology Companies, NGOs and private organizations where he has shown a comprehensive HR reform projects. Misganaw has MA degree in Human Resources & Organizational Development, B.A degree in Business Management and Diploma in Human Recourse Management. His fundamental roles includes: strengthening country wide HR operations, refining recruitment, hiring and onboarding processes, strengthening management practices, streamlining business processes guide and mentor managers and other team members on operational efficiencies, monitoring and evaluation tactics, with special support for operational risk management, and he is also responsible to Manage annual team goal setting and planning processes to ensure alignment with overall organizational strategy.
In addition to the responsibility mentioned Misganaw is also responsible for the different stakeholders; such as Banks, Funding agencies, government & non-government organizations engagement programs on the behalf of the Africa118 Ethiopia office.
He has a very wide and diversified practical Human Resources Management experience and has supported a number of companies in various industries including Financial, Technology Companies, NGOs and private organizations where he has shown a comprehensive HR reform projects. Misganaw has MA degree in Human Resources & Organizational Development, B.A degree in Business Management and Diploma in Human Recourse Management. His fundamental roles includes: strengthening country wide HR operations, refining recruitment, hiring and onboarding processes, strengthening management practices, streamlining business processes guide and mentor managers and other team members on operational efficiencies, monitoring and evaluation tactics, with special support for operational risk management, and he is also responsible to Manage annual team goal setting and planning processes to ensure alignment with overall organizational strategy.
In addition to the responsibility mentioned Misganaw is also responsible for the different stakeholders; such as Banks, Funding agencies, government & non-government organizations engagement programs on the behalf of the Africa118 Ethiopia office.
Einstein Wanambiro
Chief Technology Officer
Einstein joined Africa 118 in a full time role as Business Manager – Product in June 2013. Prior to joining Africa 118, Einstein was the ... Read more
Einstein joined Africa 118 in a full time role as Business Manager – Product in June 2013. Prior to joining Africa 118, Einstein was the Data and Customer Service Manager at Mocality.com – a leading online local search portal in Kenya and Nigeria owned by Naspers (South Africa). Einstein was responsible for setting up and handling an innovative crowd-sourcing data collection program. He recruited a team of agents to effectively collect data from small businesses in Kenya and upload them onto the Mocality.com website in exchange for a fee. He was also responsible for developing the data management platform and tools supporting this program. Einstein's extensive background with online and social media platforms has been key to drive Africa 118's expansion onto new online and mobile platforms.
Einstein has a BSc. (Honors) in Computer Science from Manchester University in the UK.
Einstein has a BSc. (Honors) in Computer Science from Manchester University in the UK.
Fredrick Imbo
Chief Operating Officer
Fred is an accomplished market and social research specialist with an impeccable track record in business development having physically ... Read more
Fred is an accomplished market and social research specialist with an impeccable track record in business development having physically worked in 31 countries in Africa and indirectly in about 40 African countries for both development agencies and for-profit clients. Prowess that has been vital in driving Africa 118's market & business intelligence, and business development across Africa. He is also the director for Research & Strategy in Explore Consulting & Research. He previously served as Research and business development executive for Ipsos Synovate for the Sub Saharan region. Currently he is the head of Business Development and Market Intelligence for Africa 118.
His main roles include: P&L, Commercialization and Business Development, Business and Market Intelligence and Information Data management.
His main roles include: P&L, Commercialization and Business Development, Business and Market Intelligence and Information Data management.
Bernard muiru
HEAD OF BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT
Bernard is a Media graduate from Jomo Kenyatta University of Science & Technology with 5 years’ experience in E-Commerce & Digital ... Read more
Bernard is a Media graduate from Jomo Kenyatta University of Science & Technology with 5 years’ experience in E-Commerce & Digital Marketing. He helps purpose-driven entrepreneurs amplify their impact on the world through Digital Marketing strategies.Bernard strongly believe that as E-marketers are responsible for listening to the market and providing solutions based on the industry's needs, rather than creating products based on assumptions. Listening is the key to success. He has been responsible for managing, strategizing and implementing multiple online product launches that have generated over 6 figures. Bernard has worked on multinational and local campaigns leading to successful brand development in different region.
Obor Millicent (Minto)
Programs Manager
Minto is a Project Management Professional with over a
decade experience in Project Planning & Management with vast experience in
managing ... Read more
Minto is a Project Management Professional with over a
decade experience in Project Planning & Management with vast experience in
managing BPO Projects, Community Based Projects, ICT4D Oriented Projects among
others in BPO, Corporate and NGO sectors and has very deep understanding of
projects/programs lifecycle including donor funded projects.
Minto’s strength lies in managing project’s triple constraints - Cost, Scope and Quality
She has a deep and thorough understanding of Social Impact Model of businesses. She has worked with social impact-oriented organizations like Heritage Connections, Digital Divide Data, Voices of Africa, Livity Africa and currently with Africa118 Inc as the Programs Manager for their Google Digital Skills, Digital Launchpad & SheWorksAfrica projects where her roles involve End-to-end design, planning & management of projects regionally across Sub-Saharan Africa.
She has Master’s in Project Planning & Management from University of Nairobi, a degree in Computer Science from Maseno University, and various certifications – Social Entrepreneurship from University of North Karelia & ICT for Development from University of Eastern Finland.
Minto’s strength lies in managing project’s triple constraints - Cost, Scope and Quality
She has a deep and thorough understanding of Social Impact Model of businesses. She has worked with social impact-oriented organizations like Heritage Connections, Digital Divide Data, Voices of Africa, Livity Africa and currently with Africa118 Inc as the Programs Manager for their Google Digital Skills, Digital Launchpad & SheWorksAfrica projects where her roles involve End-to-end design, planning & management of projects regionally across Sub-Saharan Africa.
She has Master’s in Project Planning & Management from University of Nairobi, a degree in Computer Science from Maseno University, and various certifications – Social Entrepreneurship from University of North Karelia & ICT for Development from University of Eastern Finland.
Catherine Maingi
Finance
Catherine Maingi is the Finance Manager
for Africa118. Catherine began working with Africa118 in March of 2016 and established
the company'... Read more
Catherine Maingi is the Finance Manager
for Africa118. Catherine began working with Africa118 in March of 2016 and established
the company's finance processes. She is
responsible for administering the finance organizational strategies which
include managing the accounting information and reporting, analyzing financial
performance and also providing recommendations that support the financial strategic
direction of the business.
Catherine is a qualified finance professional with a keen interest in business strategy and entrepreneurship. She has prior experience as an accountant at Events Promotions Ltd and at Vitafoam Products Ltd in Kenya. Catherine has a degree in Business Management, majoring in Finance and Banking. She is currently pursuing her Master's in Business Administration.
Catherine is a qualified finance professional with a keen interest in business strategy and entrepreneurship. She has prior experience as an accountant at Events Promotions Ltd and at Vitafoam Products Ltd in Kenya. Catherine has a degree in Business Management, majoring in Finance and Banking. She is currently pursuing her Master's in Business Administration.
YONAS ABEJE
Country & Taskmoby Lead
Yonas joined Africa 118 in September 2019, where he was the Taskmoby
Lead in charge of building the new tech venture. At the position, he ... Read more
Yonas joined Africa 118 in September 2019, where he was the Taskmoby
Lead in charge of building the new tech venture. At the position, he has been
able to establish and build Taskmoby, which has now a team of 10 full-staff
employees, 30 000 Users, 1400 service providers, 6000+ Jobs Completed, and
unlocked over 2M ETB for its Service Providers. Under Yonas’ leadership,
Taskmoby has managed to come out of the Covid-19 outbreak with 10x revenue and
successfully expanded into two new markets.
Before joining the Africa 118 team, with his educational background in Master in Innovative Management from ESMT Berlin, he worked as a consultant for various private, government, and NGOs in commercialization and monetization, strategy, and innovation. He worked in Norway’s largest e-commerce finn.no (Schibsted Norway) with developing a new service that seeks to increase user satisfaction and build a commercialization strategy. Additionally, he has been working with the McKinsey team in Ethiopia and Kenya with various business cases and market research in e-commerce and VCs.
Yonas is passionate about using technology to solve user challenges and problems. He has bachelor’s in business administration from OsloMet (Norway) and master’s in management from ESMT Berlin (Germany)
In his spare time, he enjoys traveling, being active, and learning new skills.
Before joining the Africa 118 team, with his educational background in Master in Innovative Management from ESMT Berlin, he worked as a consultant for various private, government, and NGOs in commercialization and monetization, strategy, and innovation. He worked in Norway’s largest e-commerce finn.no (Schibsted Norway) with developing a new service that seeks to increase user satisfaction and build a commercialization strategy. Additionally, he has been working with the McKinsey team in Ethiopia and Kenya with various business cases and market research in e-commerce and VCs.
Yonas is passionate about using technology to solve user challenges and problems. He has bachelor’s in business administration from OsloMet (Norway) and master’s in management from ESMT Berlin (Germany)
In his spare time, he enjoys traveling, being active, and learning new skills.
Lizah Kinyua
Call Center Operations
Lizah Kinyua is the Head of operations in the Africa 118 contact center with over 10 yrs experience in the contact center industry. Prior ... Read more
Lizah Kinyua is the Head of operations in the Africa 118 contact center with over 10 yrs experience in the contact center industry. Prior to joining Africa 118, Lizah was a consultant in Business Processes in and around Contact Centers with 6 companies in her consultancy portfolio.
Prior to venturing out as a consultant Lizah had worked with CCI Kenya where she started off as a call center executive and rose through the ranks to a Quality Analyst, a Call center supervisor and eventually a Campaign Manager for a set of accounts e.g. Britam insurance, Madison insurance, Chloride exide, Autoxpress, Hewlett-Packard, Chase assurance and D.light Kenya.
Prior to venturing out as a consultant Lizah had worked with CCI Kenya where she started off as a call center executive and rose through the ranks to a Quality Analyst, a Call center supervisor and eventually a Campaign Manager for a set of accounts e.g. Britam insurance, Madison insurance, Chloride exide, Autoxpress, Hewlett-Packard, Chase assurance and D.light Kenya.
Stephano Mmari
Team Lead - Web Development
Stephano Joined Africa 118 in July 2021 leading our Web Development Teams. As a developer he is always seeking new ways to employ ... Read more
Stephano Joined Africa 118 in July 2021 leading our Web Development Teams. As a developer he is always seeking new ways to employ technological expertise to facilitate businesses growth and success. Having worked in the tech space for over 7 years, he has a great understanding of website and web based systems. Adept in providing high-quality technical support by troubleshooting, resolving issues and communicating results to the user. Great problem-solver with a penchant for determining best plan of action and most effective solutions.
Awards
