Rene Parker Campaigns for AfriLabs Board Chair
Our beloved director and co-founder, Rene Parker is campaigning to assume the prestigious responsibility of leading the AfriLabs board. On the 10th of October there will be an election in which members of the AfriLabs network will vote on who they believe would be the most suitable candidate for the role. The AfriLabs board could really use a leader like Rene to usher them into this new age of innovation.
Let’s have a look at what Rene has to say about why she took an interest in the role.
“As a passionate advocate for technology and innovation in Africa, I firmly believe in the mission and vision of AfriLabs to drive the growth of the African tech ecosystem. Having closely followed AfriLabs’ work and impact over the years, I am inspired by the organisation’s commitment to fostering collaboration, knowledge sharing, and innovation across the continent.
I strongly admire how AfriLabs has created a vibrant community of tech hubs and entrepreneurs, providing them with critical support, resources, and mentorship to help them thrive in a rapidly evolving digital landscape”
Among all the other highly qualified and capable candidates, let’s see what qualifies her for the role. She has been involved in many projects and has built a great many relationships over the past decade. Here are her current organisational affiliations and leadership experiences.
- Technology Innovation Agency (TIA) Project Steering Committee member
- Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA) Project Steering Committee member
- Living Labs in Southern Africa (LLiSA) Board member
- RLabs Tanzania Board member
- RLabs UK Board member
- RLabs Namibia Board member
- Schwab Foundation member
- African Business Heroes – Semi-Finalist Judge
- Tech Build Africa – Advisory Board member
- RLabs Nigeria – Advisory Board member
“I’m currently the CEO of RLabs, with my main focus being growth and sustainability. My key responsibilities include Overall strategy development and implementation, Sustainability including fundraising, Strategic partnerships, and Team well-being.
My experience and background make me well-suited to contribute to the strategic vision and decision-making processes of AfriLabs. With extensive experience in the technology sector, including leadership roles in both local and international organisations, I possess a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities that tech startups and hubs face in Africa.”
But what can she offer the AfriLabs network? Let’s see what Rene believes she can do for them.
“I can bring valuable insights and expertise in areas such as innovation management, ecosystem building, and stakeholder engagement. I have a track record of successful collaboration with diverse stakeholders, including government agencies, private sector partners, and international organisations.
This experience has honed my ability to navigate complex landscapes, build strong relationships, and drive impactful initiatives. I’ve also worked extensively with international partners through my experience overseeing the expansion of RLabs and its operations into 23 countries.”
Let’s look at what motivates her to do what she does.
“I am passionate about empowering African entrepreneurs, particularly those from underserved communities, to realise their full potential. This has led me to have a deep sense of purpose and a genuine desire to make a positive impact on society.
I find fulfilment and joy in witnessing the transformation of people’s lives and take satisfaction in knowing my work contributes to someone’s success and self-empowerment.
I am continuously motivated by a genuine desire to create a more equitable and inclusive society, driven by compassion, empathy, and a deep understanding of the challenges faced by marginalised communities.
I believe that technology and innovation have the power to transform lives, create sustainable jobs, and drive economic growth across the continent.”
As much as she has experience in impacting communities socially and economically, she is especially experienced in raising funds to get things done! Let’s see what she has done in this regard:
“I’ve been working with our fundraising team since our formation overseeing the raising of funds of more than $50 million. My experience includes identifying the opportunities to pursue, breaking them down into bankable projects, and building the business cases and funding proposals.”
Rene is not simply qualified, but highly capable of ensuring that AfriLabs’ goals are achieved, within the timeframe set. She has the desire, the drive, the network and the skills to do so. Her prior accomplishments are a testament to it.
We hope for the best for her, because the organisation, as well as the continent, really needs her approach and her sense of urgency right now. It’s time for a new era of social impact. Wouldn’t you agree?
