BIOGRAPHY

Paul Mandele is a seasoned strategic Product Manager and venture builder with extensive experience driving corporate innovation and working with startups. With over eight years of expertise, he has led the development of data-driven digital products and services from ideation to launch, locally and internationally. Paul's career has included managing ICT4D programs, building innovation hubs, and fostering tech and entrepreneurial communities.

Paul built the Tanzania innovation ecosystem by working at The Tanzania Commission of Science and Technology, where he established innovation hubs, institutional innovation policies, and national policy advocacy.

In addition, he worked as an innovation consultant, helping startups and corporations leverage technology for transformation and growth. His work includes collaborations with Niras Finland OY, The World Bank Group, Palladium Group, and Vodacom Tanzania. Paul co-founded Sahara Sparks and other ventures designed to address key challenges facing African communities and was a member of the National ICT Skills Council.

Currently, Paul is a director of Smart Foundry, a venture studio focused on building and investing in digital startups solving African problems. He manages the studio growth strategy and the startups under the studio.

Paul holds a Postgraduate Diploma in Industrial IoT from the African Leadership University and General Electric, which equips him with advanced skills for leading data-driven industrial innovation.