Since October 2020, Alexandre Mahougnon Aurel Zoumman has been a research assistant at CIRAD and a PhD candidate at Cheikh Anta Diop University (UCAD) in Dakar, specialising in Plant and Microbial Biotechnology since 2022. He holds a Master’s degree in the same field, obtained in 2020 from UCAD, while his academic journey began with a Bachelor’s degree in Natural Sciences from the University of Abomey-Calavi, in Benin. With an Intra-Africa scholarship (SCIFSA project), he pursued his Master’s in Senegal. Subsequently, he was awarded a DAAD scholarship from Germany to undertake his PhD, as well as the Orange Knowledge Programme scholarship from the Dutch government in 2024. 

These international mobility experiences have enriched Alexandre’s global and intercultural vision, enhancing his expertise in areas such as climate resilience, ecology, agroecology, molecular biology, and management. 

Professionally, he has built strong expertise in soil sciences and microbiomes, illustrated by his scientific publication on plant-microorganism interactions, exploring the symbiotic non-nod-dependent pathway (T3SS). His current research focuses on combating soil salinisation using halotolerant soil microorganisms. His goal is to promote ecological, accessible, and reproducible solutions to empower local farmers. 

In collaboration with the Institute for Tropical Technology and Sciences in Cologne and Wageningen University, he has deepened his knowledge in topics such as climate change adaptation, food systems analysis, and climate resilience. 

Since 2019, his voluntary engagement with ASAF demonstrates his dedication to sharing knowledge, promoting quality education, and expanding opportunities for young people. 

In 2023, he co-founded the Youth Alliance for Agroecology and Climate (YAAC) in Senegal, a network aimed at strengthening the capacities of young people and women in the environmental sector while advocating for climate justice.

“I want to make ASAF a network of alumni serving the development of its members and the continent by promoting the values of mutual respect and altruism.”

Daniel Wafo Fosso has studied Plant Breeding and Genetics at the University of Douala, Cameroon. Through the Intra-Africa Academic Mobility Scheme, he attended the Ebonyi State University, in Abakaliki, Nigeria, in 2021. Daniel has a Master of Science and has worked as a Laboratory Analyst and Research Assistant in Genetics. He has also previously served as the ASAF Co-Ambassador of Nigeria. He is currently based in Douala, Cameroon, where he works as a Private Consultant in green space management and farming systems.

“My vision for ASAF is that it should become an autonomous network specialising in the promotion of higher education that meets the standards of good practice and is accessible to all African students, accompanying them to ensure their integration into working life."

Prince Malouono was awarded a PhD from Panthéon-Sorbonne University in Paris, France, in 2021. He also holds a Master’s in Philosophy from Université Lille 3, obtained between 2014 and 2016. Prior to this, he studied at Université Marien Ngouabi in Brazzaville, Congo, where he attained a Post Master’s degree in Philosophy, a Master's in Philosophy, and earlier, a Bachelor and an Associate degree in Arts. His publications include "Science put to the test of Metaphysics" featured in Ethics and Ethical Life: Congolese Notebooks of Metaphysics (2021-2023), "Heidegger and the question of distress" from Panthéon-Sorbonne University (2022), "Transcendence of Dasein and Intentionality of Consciousness" in Cahiers Congolais de Métaphysique (2020), among others. His works primarily explore the intersections of Heideggerian phenomenology, metaphysical humanism, and the philosophy of Descartes and Nietzsche.

“My vision is pushing back intellectual boundaries in order to establish a dynamic cohesion between the intellectuals of Africa.”

Nelly Adjoa Sakyi-Hagan holds a PhD in Science Education, and is passionately active in educational outreach, gender advocacy and community development.

Currently lecturing Physics at the University of Education, Winneba (UEW), Ghana, she has over two decades of teaching experience, helping to shape the educational landscape of Ghana and beyond.

From January to March 2022, Nelly participated in the Erasmus+ International Credit Mobility PhD exchange programme at the University of Jyvaskyla (JYU), Finland. She also serves as a Postgraduate Coordinator for the Department of Integrated Science Education UEW, a patron of her department’s students’ association and an academic counsellor.

In ASAF, Nelly was an active co-speaker of the Internal Affairs Task Force and had an influential role in drafting the governing documents of the Forum.

“My vision for ASAF is to transform it into a dynamic, influential network that empowers African students and alumni, and make it a platform where educational mobility, capacity-building and leadership intersect to drive sustainable change in Africa’s educational, economic and social sectors.”

Elizabeth Mang'eni holds a Master of Science in Entrepreneurship & Innovations Management from the University of Nairobi, Kenya, awarded through the Mwalimu Nyerere Scholarship Scheme by the African Union.

She also pursued Gender and Equality Studies at the University of Iceland. Elizabeth works as a Senior Trade Development Officer at Kenya’s Ministry of Investment, Trade, and Industry, where she has published research on Gender, Entrepreneurship and Disability inclusion.

Elizabeth is an Alumna of Leadership programmes such as the Mandela Washington Fellowship, Young Africa Leadership Initiative, Australia Award, and the US Professional Fellows Programme on Inclusive Disability Employment.

“My vision for ASAF is to create a more inclusive and equitable forum where diversity is celebrated, and every voice is valued.“

Rovaniaina Briand Randriatsaramiafara graduated as an Agronomist Engineer from the University of Antananarivo, Madagascar, where he studied crop production and rural development (2009–2014).

He worked as an Assistant Researcher in R&D before pursuing postgraduate studies in Industrial Engineering and Management at the University of Mauritius through the Intra-ACP mobility programme in 2016.

In 2017, he moved to Germany and obtained a Master of Science in International Horticulture from Leibniz University Hannover, Germany, specialising in Plant Protection.

He is currently employed in the private sector in southern Germany, where he focuses on vegetable and flower production.

“My vision is to position ASAF as a vital resource for career development by leveraging research and surveys to identify the needs of scientists and tailor impactful training and mentorship programs.”

Roshan Halkhoree is the Director of the Centre for Information Technology and Systems (CITS) at the University of Mauritius (UoM).

He has recognised experience in ICT, leadership, and skills development, which he has applied through the implementation of major innovative ICT projects in his organisation.

Roshan is also a certified Cisco Academy Instructor and Instructor Trainer, and he actively delivers CCNA, CCNP, IoT, Security, and Cyber Operations courses.

He holds an MBA International Business, a Master’s in Information & Communication Technologies (with Distinction), a Bachelor of Engineering (Hons) in Electrical and Electronic Engineering, and a Post Graduate Diploma in Leadership Development in ICT and the Knowledge Society (with Distinction) from DCU. He is currently pursuing a PhD in Digital Transformation.

He was the ASFA Co-Ambassador of Mauritius for the term 2022-2024 and has been actively involved in ASAF.

“Let’s build a stronger, more inclusive ASAF together!”

Nada Joumar is a PhD candidate in Hydrology. As a passionate advocate of the African Students and Alumni Forum (ASAF) network, she is dedicated to fostering cooperation and supporting initiatives that drive constructive change across Africa.

Nada’s journey in voluntary work has fuelled her passion for empowering communities, fostering inclusivity, and addressing challenges with innovative solutions.

Her commitment to community involvement and youth empowerment is enriched by her international experience, such as an Erasmus+ at the University of the Aegean, in Greece and at the University of Sevilla, in Spain.

“To me, ASAF represents a transformative platform for collaboration and action, where diverse voices come together to drive meaningful change. Through ASAF, I aspire to bridge divides and contribute to a brighter, more resilient future for Africa.”

Kangwa Chilekwa holds a Bachelor of Arts in Development Studies, with a strong research focus on the socio-economic factors influencing development outcomes. Her research expertise includes a qualitative thesis on the impact of early child marriages on girl child education attainment in rural Zambia. This research experience – she says – not only deepened her understanding of the complex relationships between gender, education, and development, but also instilled in her a passion for advocating for the rights and empowerment of marginalized communities, particularly young girls and women.

She is now eager to advance her knowledge and skills in a gender-related field through postgraduate studies, with a focus on exploring the intersections of gender, education, and development in various contexts.

Professionally, she has gained experience working with non-governmental organisations (NGOs) on projects promoting reproductive health rights for young people, understanding the importance of empowering them to tackle some of the world's most pressing challenges such as poverty, inequality, and social injustice.

Notably, she participated in the Erasmus+ International Credit Mobility programme at Palacky University in Olomouc, Czech Republic, in 2018. This broadened her academic horizons, fostered her interest in exploring international perspectives on development issues, and equipped her with valuable skills and knowledge.

“My vision for ASAF is to strengthen its presence, enhance membership engagement and capacity building, foster partnerships, and promote EU-AU mobility programmes. I aim to build a stronger, more inclusive ASAF community, empowering African students and alumni to contribute to the continents’ development.”