★ Curriculum Vitae ★

The work,
so far.

Over ten years across civil society, research and public engagement, working on how emerging technologies shape participation, institutions and public life. Currently a Visiting Fellow at the London School of Economics and a Chevening Scholar completing an MA in AI Ethics and Society at Birkbeck, University of London.

Portrait of Ian Mangenga
Ian Mangenga · London, 2026
Sep 2025 – Sep 2026
Visiting Fellow
London School of Economics, Firoz Lalji Institute for Africa

Leading Artificial Cartographies, a research project mapping the material and spatial infrastructure of AI across Africa: land, labour, data flows, and the governance systems built on top of them. Producing research and public engagement outputs on AI governance, digital infrastructure and emerging technologies.

May 2025 – May 2026
Digital Youth Engagement Consultant
UNICEF South Africa

Leading digital participation initiatives reaching over 500,000 young people through U-Report and Internet of Good Things, in partnership with the Department of Basic Education. Designing data-driven campaigns and tools on online safety, mental health and girls' empowerment.

Jun 2025 – Dec 2026
AI & Digital Innovation Working Group Member
Y20 South Africa

Contributing policy recommendations on artificial intelligence, digital innovation and inclusive economic growth to the G20 youth engagement process.

Oct 2023 – May 2025
AI Governance & Ethics Consultant
Freelance: Property Point Ventures, Chocolate Tribe, Red Bull South Africa

Advised organisations on responsible AI adoption, AI risk assessment and governance readiness, translating emerging regulatory and ethical expectations into practical guidance.

2018 – Present
Founder
Digital Girl Africa

Founded a pan-African organisation advancing women's participation in the digital and AI economy across nine countries, supporting more than 15,000 women and girls through research, capability building and ecosystem development, in partnership with governments, multilaterals, philanthropies and technology companies.

Jan 2023 – Sep 2023
Digital Content Specialist
Desmond & Leah Tutu Legacy Foundation

Developed public engagement campaigns translating complex issues of democracy, human rights and social justice into accessible public communications, and supported advocacy initiatives strengthening civic participation across civil society audiences.

Mar 2020 – Dec 2022
Creative Director
Digital Girl Studio

Led strategic campaigns, documentaries and digital storytelling projects translating public policy and social issues into accessible multimedia content for NGOs, foundations and public-interest organisations.

Jun 2019 – Feb 2020
Content & Communications Manager
Parliamentary Monitoring Group

Produced policy analysis and public communications improving access to parliamentary proceedings, legislation and democratic processes, working closely with parliamentarians, civil society and media stakeholders.

In Progress
MA, AI Ethics & Society
Birkbeck, University of London · Chevening Scholar

Dissertation: the governance and societal implications of AI-driven credit scoring and automated financial decision-making. Relevant modules: Algorithms and the Law; Managing Emerging Technologies.

 
BSc, Geography and Archaeology
University of the Witwatersrand
2025
Chevening Scholar
UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
2022
Good Ideas Campaign
Meta Africa
2021
Web Champion
Web Foundation
2021
200 Young South Africans
Mail & Guardian

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