The Forge
THE FORGE
Potential → Purpose
Executive Leadership

The team forging the future.

THE FORGE is guided by a structured executive leadership team responsible for vision, operations, governance, finance and program execution — ensuring accountability, clarity and effective delivery across every initiative.

Founding Leadership

Vision and direction.

Office of the President

Dalitsani Banda

Founder & President

Dalitsani Banda serves as the Founder and President of THE FORGE, providing overall strategic vision, institutional leadership and direction for all programs and initiatives. He is responsible for guiding the long-term mission of THE FORGE, overseeing partnerships and ensuring that all departments operate in alignment with the organization's core vision of building founders, innovators and leaders.

Executive Team

Governance and execution.

Departmental Leadership

Wisdom Tushiya Phiri

Vice President

Responsible for supporting the President in strategic leadership and overseeing internal coordination across departments. The Vice President ensures alignment between vision and execution, and plays a key role in decision-making and institutional continuity.

Ruth Kafwenku

Director of Operations & Executive Management

Leads operational systems across THE FORGE, including execution planning, logistics, institutional coordination, and day-to-day management of programs and events. Ensures that all initiatives are executed efficiently and professionally.

Cara Boikhutso Rufaro Marimo

Secretary General

Responsible for governance, documentation, internal communication and administrative coordination. The Secretary General ensures organizational structure, record-keeping and institutional compliance across THE FORGE.

Roiness Kabisa

Deputy Secretary General

Supports the Secretary General in governance, documentation, internal communication and administrative coordination. Assists in maintaining organizational structure, record-keeping and institutional compliance to ensure THE FORGE operates with clarity and accountability.

Ketsia Mumba

Director of Finance & Compliance

Oversees financial planning, budgeting, accountability systems and compliance structures. Ensures transparent financial management and responsible allocation of resources across all programs.

Sangster Nsangu

Deputy Director of Finance & Compliance

Supports financial planning, accountability systems, budgeting processes, compliance monitoring and institutional governance. Works closely with the Director of Finance & Compliance to strengthen financial stewardship and ensure THE FORGE operates with transparency, responsibility and sustainability.

Gift Mwakapandula

Director of Programs & Events

Leads the design, planning and execution of all Forge programs, including Forge Conferences, Forge Labs and Forge Academy initiatives. Responsible for program structure, content delivery and event excellence.

Lawrence Mwanza

Deputy Director of Programs & Events

Supports the Director of Programs & Events in planning and execution. Assists in coordination of events, program logistics and delivery systems to ensure smooth and impactful execution of all Forge initiatives.

Build with us

Partner with a team built for the long road.