African Association of Miyagi (AFAM)

Core Leadership

Dr. Ujuagu Akunna Francess

Secretary General

Coordinates AFAM’s operational activities and helps translate strategy into action across the organization.

Main ResponsibilitiesCoordinate AFAM’s daily operations and activities, Serve as a link between the Executive Board, committees, members, and partners, Prepare agendas, minutes, and maintain official records, Monitor project and team progress, Support the President and Executive Board in planning and administration.

Core Leadership

Manami Sato

Deputy Secretary

Supports internal coordination and helps maintain continuity across AFAM’s administrative and operational functions.

Main ResponsibilitiesSupport the Secretary General in coordinating AFAM’s operations and administration, Assist with implementation of programs and executive decisions, Prepare agendas, minutes, and administrative records, Maintain correspondence and internal files, Support communication, scheduling, and coordination with partner institutions and organizations.

Finance

Yui Mbaye

Treasurer

Leads AFAM’s financial stewardship, accountability systems, fundraising efforts, and long-term sustainability planning.

Main ResponsibilitiesManage AFAM’s financial records, budgets, and reporting, Ensure financial transparency and accountability, Coordinate fundraising and sponsorship activities, Support sustainability planning and resource mobilization, Provide budgeting support for programs and events, Collaborate with departments on funding and partnerships.

Programs

Aki Mori

Programs & Events Coordinator

Leads the design and implementation of cultural events, public forums, and member-focused programs.

Main ResponsibilitiesPlan and coordinate AFAM events, cultural programs, and public seminars, Lead community engagement, youth activities, and multicultural exchange initiatives, Coordinate event operations, logistics, volunteers, and partnerships, Collaborate with the Communications & Media Lead on event publicity and promotion, Support fundraising and sponsorship activities related to programs and events

Communications

Dr. Margaret Dansu

Communications & Media Lead

Oversees branding, digital communication, publicity, media engagement and AFAM’s public voice.

Main ResponsibilitiesLead AFAM’s communication, publicity, and branding activities, Manage social media, announcements, newsletters, and digital outreach, Prepare promotional materials for events, seminars, and publications, Draft press releases and official public communications, Coordinate with other departments to support visibility and outreach efforts

IT/Digital Systems

Isaac Kobina

IT & Digital Systems Lead

Design and maintain an integrated digital ecosystem.

Main ResponsibilitiesLead the design, development, maintenance, and updating of the AFAM website, Develop, manage, and maintain AFAM’s centralized membership and organizational database, Support the digital publication and online distribution of AfriMag, Coordinate website content updates, and online information management, Support AFAM’s digital systems, online platforms, and basic technical operations for events and communications

Social Affairs & Education

Dr. Emmanuel Dansu

Social Affairs & Education Lead

Educational Programs & Academic Engagement.

Main ResponsibilitiesDesign and implement educational initiatives, including: Seminars, lectures, and workshops, Academic discussions on Africa and global issues, Collaborate with universities and institutions to promote intellectual exchange. Support AFAM’s contribution to education in Japan, especially in schools and universities, Assist in developing educational content, outreach activities, and youth learning opportunities

Publication & Outreach

Akemi Ishigaki

AfriMag Director (Publication & Outreach Lead)

Editorial leadership and external engagement.

Main ResponsibilitiesProvide leadership and strategic direction for AfriMag’s publication and outreach activities, Coordinate the planning, production, editing, and release of each issue, Develop themes, article concepts, and editorial priorities aligned with AFAM’s mission, Supervise contributors, editors, designers, translators, photographers, and volunteers involved in production

Culture, Art & Sports

Chifundo Njala

Culture, Art & Sports Lead

Plans and lead implementation of AFAM's culture, art and sports initiatives.

Main ResponsibilitiesCollaborate with the Programs & Events Coordinator to organize AFAM cultural, artistic, and sports activities, Promote African culture, creativity, and intercultural exchange through events and performances, Coordinate cultural exhibitions, music, dance, art, and recreational activities

Deputy Culture, Art & Sports

Yuri Sakuma

Deputy Culture, Art & Sports Lead

Supports the Culture, Art & Sports Lead in planning and implementing AFAM’s cultural, artistic, and sports initiatives.

Main ResponsibilitiesAssist in coordinating AFAM culture, art, and sports activities. Support collaboration with the Programs & Events Coordinator. Help oversee event preparation and participant engagement. Act on behalf of the Lead when necessary.

Steering Committee

Kanako Kinoshita

Steering Committee Leader

Provides strategic direction, oversight, and guidance for projects or initiatives, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and effective decision-making.

Main ResponsibilitiesSupport the entire implementation of AFAM activities, leadership development, integration

Student Affairs

Gideon Vunase

Director Student Affairs

Connects student wings to the central body and supports student integration, participation, and leadership development.

Main ResponsibilitiesStudent support, chapter coordination, leadership development, integration

Student chapter presidents from participating universities join the wider AFAM leadership structure by linking campus-based activities with the Central AFAM Body, ensuring unity, continuity, and stronger coordination across the Tohoku region.