Lonwabo Mavuso is a seasoned strategist specialising in Africa’s cultural and creative industries. With over a decade of experience spanning non-profit organisations, government, and the private sector, he has led numerous research projects across South Africa, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Ethiopia, and Malawi. His expertise lies in public-private partnerships, private sector investment in the creative industries, cultural policy development, market research, and cultural tourism. 

As the co-founding Executive Director at Andani.Africa and other in capacities, Lonwabo has spearheaded high-impact studies, including Europe – Southern Africa CCI Collaboration for the EU, Creative Markets Research for the British Council, private sector investment in Ethiopia’s creative industries, and youth engagement in Southern Africa’s radio and creative sectors for Arterial Network and the British Council. His work also includes digital collaboration research for the Go Digital project, a feasibility study for the Resistance and Liberation Movement Museum for the Department of Sports Arts and Culture, and an assessment of South Africa’s digital creative economy for the Goethe-Institut. 

Lonwabo’s career includes leadership roles at Business and Arts South Africa, South African Tourism, and Wits University’s Drama for Life Department. He also co-founded the Bafundi Film and TV Festival in partnership with South African Broadcast Corporation, Gauteng Film Commission, and the National Film and Video Foundation. 

Lonwabo is passionate about leveraging the CCI as a driver for economic and social development.