ELISA CONFAB EVENT

Fiona Wanjiku Moejes, PhD, is a scientist, social entrepreneur and nonprofit leader working at the intersection of research, innovation and impact. A marine biotechnologist by training, she has more than 13 years of experience across academia, research, policy, nonprofit leadership and enterprise. She is CEO of the Mawazo Institute, a pan-African organisation supporting African women researchers to build influential careers across academia, policy and research-driven innovation, while helping shape a stronger, more inclusive research and innovation ecosystem across Africa. Fiona is also co-founder of Mawimbi Ocean Innovations, a science-led social enterprise connecting seaweed farming, coastal livelihoods and biotechnology with sustainable agriculture. Across her work, Fiona is interested in who gets to produce knowledge, whose ideas shape decisions, and how African-led research and innovation can create impact locally and globally. She is a 2025 Archbishop Desmond Tutu Leadership Fellow, Women for the Environment Africa Fellow, Prometheus X Awardee, and 2025 Business Daily Women’s Top 40 Under 40 finalist, and serves on several Board.

When you attend ELISA CONFABS you receive:

1 hour of virtual learning on the most important topics in entrepreneurialism
the opportunity to ask questions directly to the CONFAB speaker
networking opportunities with attendees from all over the world
business development and visibility

Confabs are free events open to the entire ELISA portal community, which includes high potential entrepreneurs and founders with bold ideas for solving the greatest challenges we face in Africa. Attendees also include industry executives, investors, venture capitalists, philanthropists, researchers, educators, government regulators, policy makers, founders and entrepreneurs at every stage of their journey.

During the confab, an inspirational speaker or thought leader provides remarks for 10-minutes focusing on their professional journey, particularly as it relates to entrepreneurism in Africa. This is followed by randomly assigned small group virtual breakout sessions where attendees connect with others, discuss bootstrap briefs and gain recognition for their business, project or idea.

The mission of ELISA is to create jobs and support entrepreneurship in Africa. ELISA members and sponsors discover new opportunities for innovation, connect with others who share the mission, and grow professionally.