Meet Our Leader and Founder

 At Akani Innovation Strategists, founded by Ayanda in 2019, she leads the design and delivery of economic research, feasibility studies, and local economic development strategies. With over 15 years of professional experience in research and development projects, she is recognized for her ability to translate diagnostic evidence into actionable, fundable strategies, ensuring that projects are both bankable and sustainable. 

Ayanda completed both her undergraduate and postgraduate studies in Commerce, specializing in Development Economics and Econometrics, at the University of Johannesburg (UJ). This strong academic foundation has been complemented by extensive professional experience, including work with a private development economics firm and government entities such as Statistics South Africa and the Competition Commission. Through these roles, she mastered the discipline of research — combining technical rigor with practical application — to inform policy, strategy, and investment decisions with precision and impact. 

Her governance and advisory experience further strengthens her profile. She has served as a Board Member of the Mbombela Housing Association, overseeing property development and investment portfolios, and as Audit Committee Chairperson for the Mpumalanga Stainless Initiative (MSI), where she guided financial accountability, policy review, and incubator business planning. These roles highlight her ability to combine technical economic expertise with governance oversight, ensuring transparency, credibility, and impact in every project.

Ayanda’s academic grounding, professional experience across both private and public institutions, and governance track record position her as a trusted strategist and economist capable of delivering complex development projects with precision and measurable outcomes.