Board Members
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Board Members
Biographies
Bornface Kabemba
Executive Director (Board Chairman)
Bornface Kabemba is a visionary entrepreneur, business executive, and corporate leader with over a decade of experience driving business growth and innovation across multiple industries in Zambia. As the Chairman and CEO of Goodlife Group Limited, he has successfully built and expanded one of Zambia’s diversified business groups with interests in manufacturing, logistics, retail, real estate, hospitality, and event management.
Since founding Goodlife Group in 2011, Bornface has led the company’s transformation into a dynamic conglomerate recognized for operational excellence, strategic partnerships, and sustainable business development. Under his leadership, the group has established strong collaborations with major corporations, NGOs, and institutions, while continuously creating employment opportunities and contributing to Zambia’s economic growth.
Bornface is widely recognized for his entrepreneurial mindset and ability to identify emerging market opportunities. He has overseen the development of several successful ventures, including Goodlife Industries Ltd, a fully Zambian-owned manufacturing company specializing in fast-moving consumer products, and Goodlife Logistics Ltd, which provides logistics and supply chain solutions for both public and private sector clients.
In the retail sector, he co-founded Young Phiroz Kalingalinga Store, now regarded as one of Zambia’s leading retail chains, achieving remarkable growth and strong financial performance within a short period. Through Goodlife Hostels, he has also contributed to addressing student accommodation challenges by developing affordable and sustainable housing solutions.
Beyond business, Bornface is passionate about innovation, leadership development, and empowering local enterprises. His commitment to excellence, strategic growth, and community impact continues to position him as one of Zambia’s emerging business leaders.
Prof. Gerry Nkombo Muuka
Non-Executive Director (Board Vice Chairman)
Professor Gerry Nkombo Muuka is a distinguished Zambian academic, strategist, diplomat, and global business education leader with more than three decades of international experience in higher education, strategic management, leadership, accreditation, consulting, and diplomacy. He currently serves as the Ambassador of the Republic of Zambia to United Arabs Emirate (UAE) and the Northern territory, a position he has held since 2025.
Professor Muuka earned his PhD in Business from the The University of Edinburgh in 1993 under a prestigious British Commonwealth Scholarship. He also holds an MBA from Murray State University and graduated Summa Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Business Administration from the University of Zambia. Throughout his academic journey, he received numerous awards for academic excellence, including multiple national honors for being the best all-round student at the University of Zambia.
A globally respected scholar and administrator, Professor Muuka served for over two decades at Murray State University in the United States, where he rose through the ranks from Lecturer to Full Professor of Strategic Management. During his tenure, he held several senior leadership positions including Associate Dean, MBA Director, Interim Dean, and Director of AACSB Accreditation within the AACSB-accredited Arthur J. Bauernfeind College of Business. He successfully led multiple international accreditation reviews and played a central role in expanding and strengthening graduate business education programs.
From 2018 to 2021, Professor Muuka served as Dean of the College of Business at Al Ghurair University, where he spearheaded strategic transformation initiatives, enhanced research productivity, promoted internationalization, and advanced e-learning systems during the COVID-19 period. He also chaired the UAE Business Deans’ Council and led regional collaborations among business schools in the Gulf region.
Professor Muuka is widely recognized for his expertise in strategic planning, higher education leadership, AACSB accreditation, organizational development, international business, and economic transformation. Over the years, he has consulted for governments, universities, corporations, and international organizations across Africa, the Middle East, the United States, and the South Pacific, including consultancy assignments in Papua New Guinea, Kenya, Botswana, and the United Arab Emirates.
An accomplished author and researcher, Professor Muuka has published extensively in peer-reviewed international journals and academic books, with research focusing on strategic management, higher education, international business, African economic development, leadership, and organizational transformation. His scholarly work has earned international recognition, multiple Best Paper Awards, and significant global academic citations.
Professor Muuka is also a former President of the International Academy of African Business and Development, where he championed academic collaboration and research on African business and development issues across continents.
With a career defined by excellence in scholarship, leadership, diplomacy, and institutional transformation, Professor Gerry Nkombo Muuka continues to make impactful contributions to global education, business strategy, public service, and international development.
Prof. Vernon R.N. Chinene
Non-Executive Director (Board Member)
Professor Vernon R.N. Chinene is a distinguished academic, researcher, and higher education leader with extensive experience in agronomy, soil science, university administration, and agricultural development. In March 2024, he was appointed by the Minister of Education as the inaugural Vice Chancellor of Palabana University, a testament to his longstanding contribution to higher education and national development in Zambia.
Professor Chinene previously served as Professor of Agronomy and Soil Science at University of Zambia, where he built an accomplished academic and research career spanning several decades. He obtained his Bachelor of Agricultural Sciences Degree with Merit from the University of Zambia in 1976, before earning a Master of Science Degree in Soil Science and Water Management from Wageningen University in 1979. He later attained a PhD in Agronomy and Soil Science from University of Hawaiʻi in 1983.
Beginning his academic journey as a lecturer and researcher in 1979, Professor Chinene steadily rose through the ranks due to his academic excellence, leadership, and dedication to agricultural innovation. Between 1989 and 1997, he served as Dean of the School of Agricultural Sciences at the University of Zambia for nearly nine years, providing strategic leadership in academic development, research advancement, and institutional growth.
In 2008, Professor Chinene was appointed inaugural Vice Chancellor of Mulungushi University, where he served for almost five years and played a pivotal role in establishing and shaping the institution during its formative years.
His research interests include land suitability assessment for agricultural production, climate change impacts on farming systems and food security, and soil fertility management through the analysis of relationships between soil test values and crop production outputs. Over the years, he has supervised numerous Master’s and PhD candidates, contributing significantly to the development of agricultural research and academic excellence in Zambia and beyond.
Beyond academia, Professor Chinene is actively engaged in commercial farming in Namwala District, with a strong interest in livestock production complemented by crop production as a value-addition enterprise. His practical involvement in agriculture reinforces his commitment to sustainable farming systems, food security, and rural development.
Professor Chinene is widely respected for his visionary leadership, academic mentorship, and dedication to advancing higher education and agricultural transformation in Zambia.
Robert James Spooner
Non-Executive Director (Board Member)
Robert James Spooner is a highly accomplished Project Management and Development professional with more than 35 years of international experience delivering large-scale construction, hospitality, infrastructure, commercial, mixed-use, and industrial developments across Africa, the Middle East, Europe, and North America.
A qualified Civil Engineer, Robert graduated from the University of the Witwatersrand in South Africa and has since built an impressive career leading multidisciplinary teams on complex projects valued from several million to multi-billion US dollars. His expertise spans project management, owner’s representation, development management, construction supervision, feasibility studies, infrastructure planning, procurement coordination, and stakeholder engagement.
Throughout his career, Robert has held senior leadership roles with internationally recognized organizations including Arup, Bovis Lend Lease, WSP Group Africa, Kingdom Hotel Investments, and various private development firms. He has successfully managed and overseen landmark projects in countries including Canada, South Africa, Nigeria, Kenya, Libya, Ethiopia, Uganda, Botswana, Zimbabwe, and the United Kingdom.
His portfolio includes luxury hotels, casino developments, pharmaceutical plants, convention centres, mining export infrastructure, mixed-use towers, retail and office complexes, industrial facilities, and hospitality refurbishments. Notable projects include the Tinapa Business Resort Development in Nigeria, the Federal Palace Hotel redevelopment in Lagos, the Cape Town International Convention Centre Expansion, and major hospitality developments for Kingdom Hotel Investments in Kenya.
In recent years, Robert has worked as Director of Gojigo and as an independent consultant retained by leading international property and consulting firms including JLL, Avison Young, Integrity Consulting, and Coromandel Properties. During this time, he oversaw several high-value developments throughout British Columbia, Canada, including hotel, commercial, retail, office, and mixed-use projects.
Known for his collaborative leadership style, Robert is passionate about building strong project teams, establishing effective systems, and maintaining clear communication across all levels of a project. He is respected for combining technical expertise with practical commercial understanding, enabling successful delivery from concept through completion.
Robert is a member of the Institute of Civil Engineers, the Institute of Structural Engineers, and the Association for Project Management. His broad international exposure, leadership capability, and commitment to excellence continue to make him a trusted advisor and project leader within the global construction and development industry.
Mika Nakamba Kabemba
Board Member
Mika J. Nakamba is a dynamic and results-oriented business executive with a strong foundation in business administration, executive leadership, and logistics management. She has built a reputation for driving organizational growth, improving operational efficiency, and leading teams with professionalism and strategic vision.
Mika holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration from University of Lusaka, where she developed a solid academic grounding in management, organizational leadership, and business operations.
She currently serves as the Chief Executive Officer of Minaka Logistics, where she oversees the company’s strategic direction and day-to-day operations. In her role, she leads business development initiatives, manages operational planning, and ensures the efficient coordination of logistics services. Her leadership has been instrumental in strengthening stakeholder relations, enhancing operational performance, and positioning the company for sustainable growth.
Prior to her current role, Madam Mika Nakamba served as a Top Executive at Young Phiroz General Dealers, where she provided executive oversight in administration, business coordination, and strategic operations. During her tenure, she contributed significantly to organizational management, staff supervision, and the execution of business development strategies.
With expertise spanning business administration, strategic planning, logistics coordination, operations management, and team leadership, Madam Mika Nakamba continues to demonstrate strong professional capabilities in managing complex business environments. Her communication skills, leadership approach, and commitment to organizational excellence make her a respected figure in the business and logistics sector.
Kuwa Simachela
Board Member
Ms. Kuwa Simachela Mahamba is an accomplished Public Administrator with 15 years of experience in Student Affairs, currently serving as Dean of Students at Levy Mwanawasa Medical University. In this role, she leads students’ welfare, conduct, engagement, and support programs that foster a safe, inclusive, and academically focused campus environment.
Ms. Mahamba also has extensive experience in human resource management across the public and development sectors, with expertise in workforce planning, talent development, and policy implementation that strengthens institutional performance.
Ms. Mahamba is recognized for her work in Peace Leadership and Conflict Resolution. She attends yearly update workshops in the SADC region to maintain her expertise and contribute to the regional standards. She was listed on the Civilian Standby Force Roster in 2017 and has been attending SADC roster meetings as a Civilian national representative, supporting regional peace and security coordination.
Beyond administration, Ms. Mahamba lectures Management courses in various universities and colleges, bringing theory and practice to the next generation of public sector and business leaders. She holds a MSc in Peace, Leadership and Conflict Resolution, BA in Public Administration, and a Diploma in Technical Teaching, all from the University of Zambia.
She combines strategic public administration, student development, and peacebuilding expertise to drive governance, human capital and regional cooperation.
Benjamin Joseph Ndhlovu
Company & Board Secretary
Benjamin Joseph Ndhlovu is an accomplished Human Resource, Legal, and Corporate Governance professional with extensive experience spanning human resource management, labor law, industrial relations, compliance, corporate governance, education, and consultancy services. He has built a strong reputation for driving organizational excellence through strategic HR leadership, legal compliance, dispute resolution, and institutional development across diverse sectors including higher education, legal practice, corporate consultancy, and financial services.
Benjamin possesses deep expertise in establishing and strengthening HR departments, developing corporate governance frameworks, managing employee relations, and ensuring regulatory compliance. His professional experience includes serving as a Human Resource Manager, Legal and Compliance Officer, HR Consultant, Lecturer, and Board Secretary for various institutions and organizations. He has successfully led organizational transformation initiatives, policy development, workforce planning, talent management, and risk mitigation programs that have enhanced operational efficiency and strengthened institutional governance.
In the legal and compliance space, Benjamin has significant experience in labor law, mediation, arbitration, disciplinary procedures, contract drafting, and alternative dispute resolution (ADR). He has worked closely with regulatory authorities, legal practitioners, and executive leadership teams to ensure organizations maintain compliance with statutory and corporate governance requirements. His ability to align legal strategy with business and HR objectives has contributed to improved organizational performance and reduced operational risk.
Benjamin has also contributed extensively to academia as a university lecturer and administrator, where he has mentored students and professionals while supporting institutional growth through effective academic administration, policy implementation, and quality assurance initiatives.
He holds academic qualifications including a Degree in Law, an MBA in Education, and an MSc in Education Management, alongside professional certifications in Human Resource Management and Diplomatic Practice and Protocol. He is a member of the Zambia Institute of Human Resource Management, Institute of Directors of Zambia, the Chartered Institute of Arbitration Zambia Young Members Group, and the Compliance Institute of Zambia.
Benjamin is passionate about organizational development, corporate governance, employee engagement, risk and compliance management, and leadership development. He is widely recognized for his professionalism, strategic insight, strong interpersonal skills, and commitment to excellence in both corporate and academic environments.
Mikhail Meghji
Board Member
Mikhail Meghji is a highly accomplished African business executive, entrepreneur, and infrastructure specialist with extensive experience across the energy, engineering, construction, and project development sectors throughout Africa. He currently serves as Director of Central Electricals International Limited (CEIL), a leading pan-African EPC and engineering company with over 70 years of operational history and a footprint spanning East, Central, and Southern Africa. With a strong background in large-scale infrastructure delivery, Mikhail has played a central role in the growth and strategic positioning of CEIL across multiple sectors including utility-scale solar, transmission and distribution infrastructure, substations, industrial electrical works, commercial and industrial energysolutions, and integrated building services. Under his leadership, CEIL has expanded its activities into project development, EPCF (Engineering, Procurement, Construction & Financing) structures, and strategic partnerships with international developers, financiers, DFIs, and private equity groups. Mikhail is also actively involved in the development and structuring of renewable energy projects across Africa through Enerfund Africa, an energy investment and development platform focused on accelerating bankable power and infrastructure projects in emerging African markets. He has been instrumental in originating and negotiating complex commercial arrangements involving IPPs, cross-border energy projects, public-private partnerships, and project financing structures across countries including Zambia, DRC, Kenya, Zimbabwe, Tanzania, Angola, and South Sudan. Recognized for his commercial acumen, strategic negotiation capability, and deep understanding of African infrastructure markets, Mikhail has successfully led engagements with governments, utilities, financial institutions, international contractors, and multinational corporations. His expertise spans corporate strategy, project finance structuring, contract negotiation, EPC management, risk mitigation, and business development. Mikhail is particularly passionate about energy access, infrastructure-led economic growth, and developing scalable African solutions through strong local partnerships and international collaboration. He is
widely regarded for his entrepreneurial mindset, ability to execute complex projects in challenging environments, and commitment to long-term sustainable development across the continent.