Urban systems

Paul is fascinated by the multi-layered relationships that give each city its unique flavour. With his Sustainable Development MPhil and current doctoral research, Paul uses urban metabolism, resource nexus and political ecology as lenses for shaping sustainable, inclusive cities. At ICLEI, he supports local governments to apply systems perspectives to food, water, energy and nature, and facilitates the development of policies and plans appropriate to contexts of change and uncertainty.

Anton holds a Masters’ degree in Environment and Development from the University of London (SOAS). He has led teams in water management and development internationally, facilitating interaction between governments, civil society, the private sector and other stakeholders aimed at risk-reduction for investment in climate-resilient development. Anton’s significant experience extends to Africa, the Middle-East and East Asia. In his position at ICLEI, he is leading the development of a vision for ICLEI’s water programme globally, supporting local and subnational governments to secure sustainable and equitable access to water, while ensuring that healthy ecosystems continue providing their vital water quality, water storage, and flood attenuation services.

Kiera works at the intersection of urban systems and the circular economy. With experience spanning the public, private, third sector and grassroots organisations, Kiera explores alternative economies as tools for systems change, aiming to address some of the world’s most pressing challenges. Her areas of interest include water, jobs and just transition.

Luke spent the past 14 years actively immersed in civil society organisations and fledgling research institutes, working at the forefront of transdisciplinary research and transformative learning, and specialising in urban food security programmes, food systems governance and social-learning processes. He has worked extensively with global leaders across the spectrum of system change – from grant-makers and policy think-tanks, to universities and social movements. Luke holds a BA in Applied Design, a Masters in Sustainable Development Planning, and a PhD that focussed on the role of informal learning networks and youth in food system transformation. Luke also has a small flock of chickens and some young fruit trees that are teaching him a lot about patience and collaboration!

Mahlet holds three Master's degrees, specialising in Public Policy and Management, Urban Environment and Livelihoods, and Managing and Financing Urban Infrastructure. With over a decade of experience in business development, proposal writing, project management, teaching, and research across Africa and Europe, Mahlet is dedicated to continuous learning. She believes local actors hold the key to shaping their development path, and she leverages her expertise to develop locally-led initiatives. Mahlet will be leading business development efforts to support the growth of ICLEI Africa portfolios, starting with Water & Sanitation, Urban Planning, People Centred Development, RISE Africa, and more.

Meembo joined ICLEI-Africa in August 2021, bringing with her more than 18 years’ varied experience in sustainable urban development. With her BSc. and MSc. in Urban and Regional planning, and prior work in Zambia’s central government in various capacities, Meembo has gained leading expertise in urbanisation policy, urban planning legislation, integrated development planning, informal settlement upgrading, and improving national and subnational urban governance capacities. Meembo currently serves as Team Leader and Training Coordinator for the Urban Planning and Development Control Strengthening Program in Tanzania.

Moez has over 30 years of experience as a water expert, both nationally and internationally. Prior to joining ICLEI, he was central director at the Tunisian drinking water utility (SONEDE). He has also worked as Senior Manager at Stockholm International Water Institute (SIWI) and Senior Legal Advisor at WaterLex, a Swiss NGO, and he wasvisiting lecturer at the University of Geneva. Moez holds a Master’s degree in Legal Studies, as well as an LLM in International Economic and Development Law from the University Paris 5. In 2022, he was elected as governor alternate at the World Water Council’s board of governors and he has been member of the scientific and technical committee of the Mediterranean Water Institute for several years. He contributed as a co-author or a reviewer to numerous books, studies and articles on the human right to water and on water governance. 

Jodi Allemeier is a part-time senior specialist with ICLEI Africa, supporting the AfriFOODlinks programs to advance sustainable urban food environments in African cities. With 18 years of experience in municipal governance and urban development, she brings expertise in multi-stakeholder driven system change and program delivery for more resilient cities. Jodi has an Honours in Public Administration and Masters in Development Finance. 

Amy is driven by work that has an impact on both people and the environment, and is especially interested in how these interact in urban food systems. She has a Master’s degree in Sustainable Development, specialising in transformative Afro-centric monitoring and evaluation approaches, and she has seven years of experience working in sustainable procurement, urban farming and food security initiatives. Amy has a keen interest in project management, and enjoys designing and facilitating participatory workshops.

Fru holds a PhD in Development Studies, specializing in maternal and child nutrition and its impact on maternal labor force participation, an MSc in Economics, and certification in Urban Food Systems. Passionate about sustainable development and its implications on food system outcomes, she has over five years of work experience on issues relating to sustainable food systems. With a blend of qualitative and quantitative research skills, she is equipped to tackle multifaceted challenges. Fru's expertise extends beyond academia; she is a trained AgriCluster Resilience and Expansion (ACRE) facilitator affiliated with the North American Food Systems Network. She has received specialized training in Home-grown School Feeding for local governments and municipalities, demonstrating her commitment to practical solutions for sustainable food systems at the local and global levels.

Jokudu Guya is an Urban Systems Professional Officer with a strong interest in urban development across African cities. At ICLEI Africa, she works closely with local governments to implement circular economy initiatives and identify opportunities to embed circular approaches into urban systems. Her areas of focus include the Circular Economy, water-energy-food nexus, and waste management, alongside broader themes in sustainable urban development. Jokudu holds a Master’s degree in Urban Studies and has a background in city development research, with experience in smart cities, urban data, and governance.

Ivan is a master’s graduate in Sustainable Development Planning and Management from Stellenbosch University. He is passionate about sustainability in Africa. He has a background in economics, food, energy, transdisciplinary research, social entrepreneurship, impact investment and financing the Sustainable Development Goals. He as just over three years’ experience as a project manager and researcher in the field of sustainability and alternative food systems.

Safaa brings over a decade of experience in project management, research and consulting at the intersection of gender, inclusion, and urban development. She has collaborated with local and national governments, donor agencies and global networks to advance equitable urban policies. Safaa holds dual Master's degrees in Architecture and Urban Studies from seven universities, with doctoral research in Criminology and Urban Studies at VUB (Brussels) and York University, Toronto. She completed executive training on climate adaptation through the Ban Ki-moon Centre for Global Citizens. Her expertise centres on embedding feminist approaches into urban systems and building institutional capacities for inclusive, resilient cities.

Palesa is a climate and development professional with three years of experience at the intersection of climate adaptation, gender, social inclusion and urban sustainability. She holds
an Honours degree in Environmental and Geographical Science from the University of Cape Town, where she graduated with distinction. Palesa applies a transdisciplinary, rights-based approach to research, advocacy and implementation, and has led GESI-integrated project delivery, M&E frameworks and capacity-building initiatives. Grounded in environmental and social justice, she is able to translate complex data into actionable, community-driven strategies that bridge science, policy and practice to co-create equitable, resilient and locally grounded solutions across African urban contexts.

Sara is an urban studies and design enthusiast, focusing on urban food systems and affordable housing solutions. With four years of experience in managing and implementing government projects in the architectural sector, and two years in urban-related projects, she strives to make a positive impact on urban development. Sara holds an International Master's Degree in Architecture and Urban Cultures from the Catholic University of Leuven in Belgium, complemented by a Master of Urban Studies in the field of Urban Management, with a specialisation in urban food systems linked to the informal economy at the University of Witwatersrand in South Africa. Sara will be involved in ICLEI Africa's urban food systems work.

Vida is an interdisciplinary researcher and storyteller who explores African intersectionality and touch points for knowledge exchange. Her multicultural upbringing, born in Nigeria and raised in Angola and South Africa, shapes her thinking. Vida aims to connect culture with creative solutions for Pan-African socio-geopolitical issues. She will be supporting with the growth of the RISE Africa platform through festival coordination, partner engagement and actively seeking sponsorship.

Tashi holds a Post Graduate Diploma in Sustainable Development from the Sustainability Institute, University of Stellenbosch. This is complemented by over 6 years of hands-on experience in urban agriculture and environmental education initiatives across Cape Town and its environs. She has a steadfast dedication to more equitable and resilient systems in anticipation of the increasingly difficult urban challenges we are facing. She currently works at ICLEI Africa on various projects, as well as coordinating the AfriFOODlinks Youth Ambassadorship program.

Zakiyya holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Town and Regional Planning from the Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT). Prior to joining ICLEI Africa, she gained experience as an Urban Planning and Project Packaging Assistant in the Urban Catalytic Investment Department at the City of Cape Town. Zakiyya has experience as a Research Assistant at CPUT and in the Development Planning Intelligence Management and Research Directorate within the Western Cape Government Department of Environmental Affairs and Development Planning. She has a passion for sustainable development, co-creation, research and innovation.

Kabelo obtained a Postgraduate Diploma in Environmental Management from Stellenbosch University and is currently pursuing a Master of Philosophy from the same institution. Her undergraduate degree from the University of Cape Town includes a double major in Environmental and Geographical Science, and Applied Biology. She has over 3 years of experience in communications and social media marketing, having worked as an Environmental Communication Assistant at the City of Cape Town from 2020 to 2022. She strives to use her versatile work experience and academic background to fulfil her passion of addressing urban sustainability challenges.

Ruby recently graduated with a masters in Development Planning from the University of the Witwatersrand with a research focus on informal recycling systems in Johannesburg’s suburbs. Her undergraduate degree in Politics, Philosophy and Economics illustrates her affinity for multidisciplinary ways of thinking. Ruby sees her role as Communications Officer at ICLEI Africa as the perfect marriage between her professional background in marketing and communications, her education and passion for sustainable urban planning, spatial justice and the environment, and her creative flair.

Luka holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Environmental and Geographical Science and Master of City and Regional Planning Degree from the University of Cape Town, with a research focus on the relationship between the Kuils River Corridor and surrounding urban fabric. He seeks to apply his multidisciplinary background, experience in public policy, analytical approach and passion for communication to systemically and sustainably integrate socio-ecological systems for greater equity and resilience.