Meet our Nubi Founding Team
Mike Mpanya
CEO
Mike Mpanya is a visionary leader, activist, and entrepreneur with a diverse background in driving socio-economic change across Africa. As the co-founder of Igwele and the founder of Ubuma Leadership, he has empowered thousands of youths through impactful education and employment programs, mentoring over 280 emerging leaders. Mike previously headed Africa’s largest youth organization, operating in 38 countries, where he demonstrated his talent for innovative, technology-driven problem-solving.
He is also known for his contributions as a youth minister, thought leader, and published poet. Mike’s work in advancing socio-economic development was recognized when he won the prestigious Nelson Mandela Institute of Development Studies “My City” Initiative at a continental level.
In the corporate sphere, Mike has been instrumental in expanding Discovery Health’s Vitality Health International throughout Africa, co-developing the world’s first customized Malaria insurance product. Currently, as the founder and CEO of Nubi AI, he continues to harness technology and creativity to foster positive change and innovation.
Liam Watson
Co-CTO & VP Engineering
Liam Watson is a dynamic trailblazer in applied AI and machine learning, whose innovative journey in technology began in Cape Town at the early age of 11. With over a decade of programming experience and more than 6 years specializing in AI and deep learning, Liam has established himself as an innovative leader in developing cutting-edge AI solutions. His work consistently pushes the boundaries of technology, spanning crucial areas such as cybersecurity compliance tools and autonomous AI systems.
As a standout Computer Science student specializing in AI at the University of Waterloo, Liam has garnered recognition for his academic excellence and research contributions. His collaborations with world-class researchers and participation in high-profile conferences like NATO’s CyCon have resulted in impactful publications and awards, including the “Best Research Idea Award” at the IIAKM Knowledge Management Conference.
Liam’s passion extends beyond technical innovation to empowering the next generation of technologists, particularly in Africa. He actively mentors young developers and advocates for increased access to transformative technologies, believing in AI’s power to drive socio-economic growth on the continent. Liam’s leadership style is characterized by fostering collaboration, innovation, and harnessing the talents of diverse teams to build groundbreaking solutions. As the Co-CTO and VP of Engineering at Nubi AI, he leads the development of AI-powered solutions that address critical challenges facing Africa and the global community, using cloud computing and large language models.
Prof. Bruce Watson
Co-CTO & Chief AI Officer
Prof. Bruce Watson is a renowned expert whose career spans decades across industry and academia, having contributed to leading institutions such as Microsoft, Cisco, the University of Waterloo, King’s College London, ASML, and Eindhoven University. His research expertise covers a broad spectrum, including AI, cybersecurity, algorithmics, and silicon chip fabrication—fields that influence virtually all data processing technologies today.
Bruce is one of the few Global Commissioners for Responsible AI in the Military Domain and serves as an expert on various workstreams for the UN’s AI Advisory Board. With a deep understanding of the AI and security challenges facing Africa, he is committed to developing responsible, impactful solutions for the continent.
Previously, he was the Founding Director of AI for Computational Thinking at the Centre for AI Research, Stellenbosch. He holds two PhDs: one in Computer Science from Eindhoven University and another in Discrete Mathematics from the University of Pretoria. His extensive experience and interdisciplinary expertise make him a pivotal figure in shaping the future of AI and technology both in Africa and globally.
Dr Roze Phillips
Strategic Advisor
Dr Roze Phillips is a leading African futurist, medical doctor, and business leader with over 25 years of experience. She lectures at the University of Pretoria’s GIBS Business School and serves on the boards of GIBS, hospital group Netcare Limited and real estate group SPEAR Reit Limited. In 2022, she founded Abundance at Work (Pty) Ltd, focusing on integrating human ingenuity with technology to create value and dignity in the workplace. Her recent philanthropic project, in collaboration with WITS University, involves developing a paediatric clinical electronic medical record app at Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital, Africa’s largest public healthcare facility.
A frequent speaker on the Future of Work, Roze shares insights biweekly on CapeTalk radio. Her career highlights include serving as Group Executive of People and Culture for The Absa Group and spending 18 years at Accenture Africa in various leadership roles. She has mentored tech start-ups with the XPRIZE Foundation and presented at the United Nations on “Blockchain for Social Good.”
Dr Phillips holds a Bachelor of Medicine & Surgery (MBChB), Public Health certifications from Johns Hopkins, an MBA, and a Postgraduate Diploma in Futures Studies. She currently serves as Director and Head of Strategy at Nubi AI.
