Simba SMP – Director of Simba Media Productions and Pan Africanist Thought Leader will be a KEY SPEAKER AT OUR The Africa4u Awards for Africans in GREATER MANCHESTER taking place at 6 Floor, Room 620 , The Maxwell Building, The University of Salford, 43 The Crescent Salford M5 4WT on Monday the 26th of January 2026 at 5pm ON THE DOT.

This event is organized in partnership with Greater Manchester Black Tech Expo

INFORMATION ABOUT SIMBA CAN BE FOUND BELOW

ABOUT SIMBA

SIMBA SMP – Director of Simba Media Productions and Pan Africanist Thought Leader

Studied Media and Communications (TV) at the University of Westminster (London). Communications and International News (Relations) at the prestigious Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU) in Hong Kong and he is also a graduate of Film and TV productions from the University of Greenwich (London). Some of his other qualifications include Information Systems Management (IMIS) and Broadcast journalism. Among the top organisations he has been involved with includes the BBC, Bloomberg (London), AFP (Hong Kong). In 2012 he worked at the London 2012 Olympics Games for the biggest broadcaster in the world, Olympic Broadcasting services (OBS).

Widely travelled many countries in Europe, Asia and Africa. A deep understanding of different cultures, politics and history. An experienced researcher about the English canon and post colonialism literature. Has spoken in the UK Parliament to commemorate the Black history month and was a key speaker at the 2017 Universal Peace Federation (UK) conference to mark Africa Day in London. He has also been honoured by (former)Prime Minster David Cameron and (former) London Mayor Boris Johnson for an outstanding role as a London ambassador during the London Olympics in 2012. Simba has a wide history of working in empowerment projects and comes with experience in brand creation and management.

GET TYOUR TICKETS ON THE LINK BELOW

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/africa4u-awards-for-africans-in-greater-manchester-tickets-1979176657661

“Kate Campbell Director of Zahara Therapy Ltd, (2020 -2026) will be a KEY SPEAKER AT OUR The Africa4u Awards for Africans in GREATER MANCHESTER taking place at 6 Floor, Room 620 , The Maxwell Building, The University of Salford, 43 The Crescent Salford M5 4WT on Monday the 26th of January 2026 at 5pm ON THE DOT.

This event is organized in partnership with Greater Manchester Black Tech Expo

INFORMATION ABOUT KATE CAN BE FOUND BELOW

ABOUT KATE

“Kate Campbell, is Director of Zahara Therapy Ltd, (2020 -2026), an award-winning therapy practice and consultancy. 

Bio:

Zahara Therapy Ltd is winner of 2025 Global Pharma Mental Health Awards

https://ghpnews.digital/winners/zahara-therapy-ltd-2/

and 

2024 GHP Social Care Awards

https://ghpnews.digital/winners/zahara-therapy-ltd/

Kate’s be-spoke, affordable and accessible therapy, training, supervision and consultation partnerships, draw on a relational decolonising, systemic and narrative focus. 

Kate has a proven track record of teaching clinical practice and supervising complex therapeutic work with children, families, & adults. 

Her extensive expertise ranges from NHS, Education, Social Care and Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) leadership positions.

She has received positive accolades and testimonies from the care experienced, legal, medical, corporate, public and private sector populations. 

Kate’s inclusive and empathic approach has been recognised and awarded for impactful, positive therapeutic outcomes for marginalised communities across the world”

CLICK ON THE LINK TO GET YOUR TICKETS BELOW

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/africa4u-awards-for-africans-in-greater-manchester-tickets-1979176657661

 Sponsors & Stallholders Wanted 

We’re inviting sponsors and stallholders to partner with us for the Africa4U Awards for Africans and Caribbeans in Greater Manchester, hosted by Greater Manchester Black Tech Expo in partnership with AFRICA4U.

 Salford Business School
6 Floor, Room 620, Maxwell Building
University of Salford
 Monday, 26 January 2026
 5:00pm – 8:00pm

This landmark community event will bring together leaders, entrepreneurs, innovators, creatives, professionals, and community champions from across Greater Manchester.

Why get involved?

 Showcase your brand, products, or services
 Connect with a diverse and engaged audience
 Align with community impact, inclusion, and leadership
 Build meaningful local and industry partnerships

Whether you are a business, organisation, or community group, this is an opportunity to be visible, be valued, and be part of something meaningful.

 Limited sponsor and stall spaces available

 Interested in sponsoring or hosting a stall?
Comment “INTERESTED” or send us a DM to find out more.

#Sponsorship #Stallholders #Africa4UAwards #GreaterManchester #CommunityImpact #Partnerships #BlackTechExpo #AFRICA4U #InclusiveGrowth 

RDC SOLDIER meets THE LEGENDARY AKON after being officially recognized as the pioneer of Lingala Rap / Hip-Hop on the global stage © Spo

After Congolese rumba, the first great musical heritage of the DRC, RDC Soldier makes history by becoming the first Congolese rapper to headline a major festival, performing Lingala Rap / Hip-Hop at the Beeston Festival.

Through his vision, hard work, and determination, RDC Soldier has paved the way for a new generation, carrying the sound of the Congo from local streets to international stages.

His album Lingala Hip Hop and Nazembe Ya Rap and sold over 150,000 copies in its first week, and he is currently working on a biography book and a feature film.

Working on two more album this years 

RDC Soldier is recognized by Google, Apple Music, and Spotify as one of the top Congolese rappers in the UK and worldwide.

 RDC Soldier — The King of Lingala Rap / Hip-Hop

ETINYIN SIZAR will be streamed LIVE on 3rd Jan 2026

(5.00 pm WAT) on the following platforms:

Zoom: https://tinyurl.com/mrf33cjx

Facebook: https://web.facebook.com/jamesenehenshawfoundation

Youtube: @jehfcentre

Born on the 28th of March, 2001, Leo Edochie is a creative storyteller with a degree in Film, Theatre, and Television. Driven by a passion for building ideas from the ground up, he has always been drawn to the process of creating, shaping, and connecting meaningful work.

That passion led to the founding of Lions Den Studios, a creative platform focused on intentional storytelling and production. He is also the creator and host of Lion In The Room, a podcast centred on boldness, honest conversation, and uplifting others through reflection, growth, and real-world insight. Through his work, Leo aims to inspire courage, depth, and purpose in both creators and audiences alike.

Dear Family and Friends,

We are pleased to inform you that Owek. Elizabeth Kaleebi has been appointed Minister for Foreign Affairs of Butembe Chiefdom, one of the Chiefdoms of Busoga Kingdom in Eastern Uganda. She works at the intersection of diaspora leadership, sustainable development, and international partnerships.

She is the Chairperson of Busoga Nordic Development Association (Sweden) and the Regional Leader for Twegaite Nordic, mobilising African diaspora networks in the Nordic region to support community-led development in Uganda.

Her work focuses on economic sustainability of traditional institutions, renewable energy solutions, community-based skills education, and youth and women empowerment, with a strong emphasis on climate-smart and culturally grounded development models.

Owek. Elizabeth Kaleebi continues to set the pace in making a difference to many communities in different regions.

CONGRATULATIONS TO Owek. Elizabeth KaleebI

Dear Family and Friends

We are pleased to inform  you that Greater Manchester Black Tech Expo in partnership with AFRICA4U AND FRIENDS CIC will be organising The Africa4u Awards for Africans in GREATER MANCHESTER taking place at The Maxwell Building,  The University of Salford,  43 The Crescent Salford M5 4WT on Monday the 26th of January 2026 at 4pm .

COME AND BE PART of this amazing annual initiative aimed at bringing communities and the youth together to celebrate their stories as we embrace the spirit of community cohesion, inclusion, and diversity.

Africa4u CIC continues to promote the true life and success stories of African and Caribbean Achievers around the world .
We have organised community award initiatives in The UK, Germany,  Netherlands,  Romania , Switzerland,  Egypt,  The USA and Nigeria

KEY SPEAKERS ON THE DAY

Mr Michael Ekpechue- The Director of Adanian Labs

Michael Ekpechue is a prominent figure involved with the Greater Manchester Black Tech Expo, often speaking at or promoting their events, like the recent “AI For All” session in November 2025, focusing on inclusive tech and People Data Infrastructure (PDI) for the community, as seen in his LinkedIn posts. He’s actively championing tech access and innovation for creators, students, and businesses in the region, partnering with organizations like Adanian Labs and MMU. 

Dr Sohal Ahmed – Director of Bradford 4 BETTER organisation ( National Diversity Award Winners and Winners of The King’s Award )

Dr Sohail Abraham Ahmed is a multi-award winning medical doctor and the founder of Aelixir Media and Aelixir Healing.Dr Sohail is from Bradford, U.K. and works in a number of sectors, including the NHS, community, voluntary, arts and media.

Dr Sohail is regarded as one of the top GP’s in the U.K after being nominated as the GP of the year at the National General Practice awards in 2021. 

Dr Sohail is a founding member and the current Chair of one of the largest and fastest growing community-action groups in the United Kingdom, Bradford 4 Better, who were also the recipients of the first ever King’s Award for Voluntary Service in 2024. 

Dr Sohail has worked in multiple sectors over the years ranging from retail, hospitality, sports, voluntary, community and healthcare and continues to provide mentorship and opportunities for those seeking work experience.

SIMBA SMP – Director of Simba Media Productions and Pan Africanist Thought Leader

Simba Chioto studied for BA in Media and Communications (TV) at the University of Westminster in London. He then went to Hong Kong to study Broadcast Journalism and Asian Culture at the Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU) and acquired work experience in that region of the world.

Simba is also a holder of a Bachelor of Science degree in Television and Film Production from University of Greenwich, London and a Diploma in the Management of Information Systems.

Some of his media work highlights include being selected to work for the Olympic Broadcasting Company (OBS), a company that beamed the London 2012 Olympics around the world. He was also an official London Ambassador who welcomed dignitaries from around the world and received appreciation from Prime Minister David Cameroon and Mayor Boris Johnson. Besides media business and work experience in Asia, Simba has also worked for Transport for London.

Simba is passionate about empowerment and supporting the undermined and less privileged members of society. This is exhibited by his experience of voluntary work in different countries in Europe, Asia and Africa. Some of the organizations he has worked for in London include Shape a disabled persons empowering organization and Worldwrite a charity that deals with issues shunned by the mainstream media. At Worldwrite he has been a researcher about the European and English canon, slavery, colonialism literature and the works of powerful historian CLR James. He joined ZimLink, an international organization that promotes culture exchange and empowering individuals through the use of media

Also watch this space for a detailed list of our Award Recipients who will also be receiving prizes on the day

For more information and to become a sponsor , Contact Michael on 07405230017 or Tony on 07882809005

Greater Manchester Black Tech Expo (GMBTE)

Powered by Community. Driven by Innovation.
Meta Description:
Greater Manchester Black Tech Expo (GMBTE) is a community-driven movement
empowering digital literacy, skills development, innovation, and business growth across
Greater Manchester. Discover how GMBTE is bridging the digital divide and building an
inclusive digital future.

What Is GMBTE?
Greater Manchester Black Tech Expo (GMBTE) is a community-led digital empowerment
platform dedicated to making technology accessible, inclusive, and beneficial for everyone — especially Black and underrepresented communities across Greater Manchester.
More than an event, GMBTE is a movement. A movement committed to equity, opportunity, and long-term digital empowerment.

Our Purpose
GMBTE exists to create real, lasting impact across the region by delivering:

● Digital literacy and digital skills training
● Upskilling programmes for all ages
● AI, blockchain, and emerging tech learning
● Business growth and entrepreneurship support
● Community events, workshops, and networking
● Partnership-driven opportunities and pathways
● Tech access and inclusive innovation

Everything we do is built around uplifting communities, unlocking opportunities, and ensuring no one is left behind in the fast-changing digital world.

Who We Serve
GMBTE welcomes and supports:

● Young people exploring digital careers
● Adults transitioning into tech
● Creators, innovators, and digital makers
● Small business owners and entrepreneurs
● Parents, families, and community groups
● Local organisations seeking digital inclusion support
● Anyone committed to learning, improving, and building a better future

If you have a passion for growth, learning, or community impact — GMBTE is for you.

What Makes GMBTE Different
GMBTE stands out because we are:

● Community-built and community-powered
● Focused on digital literacy, not just tech exhibitions
● Committed to access, representation, and equality
● Open to all ages, backgrounds, and ability levels
● Driven by partnerships that create real opportunities
● Centered on local impact with global relevance
● Empowering people through practical learning, not theory alone

We don’t just talk about change — we create it.

Powered by Collaboration

Collaboration is at the heart of our mission.
GMBTE works closely with:

● Local universities & colleges
● Technology companies
● Innovation hubs
● Community organisations
● Diaspora groups
● Global partners
● Local initiatives

Together, we build pathways to digital skills, employment, innovation, and entrepreneurship.

Our Growing Impact
GMBTE is actively transforming communities across Greater Manchester by:

● Increasing digital literacy
● Creating accessible learning spaces
● Supporting underrepresented entrepreneurs
● Opening doors to tech careers
● Encouraging creativity, innovation, and confidence
● Building inclusive digital ecosystems
● Helping families, students, and adults upskill
● Strengthening community networks and opportunities

Every session, programme, and partnership brings us closer to a more inclusive digital
future.

Why GMBTE Matters
Greater Manchester is a rapidly growing digital city — but many still face barriers to access and opportunity.
GMBTE bridges this divide by giving people the skills, tools, and support needed to succeed.
We are developing a future where everyone — regardless of background — has a fair
chance to participate, learn, build, innovate, and thrive.

Join the Movement
GMBTE is more than an expo.
It is a growing community of learners, builders, creators, leaders, and partners committed to making Greater Manchester a beacon of inclusive digital advancement.
Together, we can build a future where every voice is heard, every talent
is seen, and every community has a place in the digital economy.

Learn More
🌐 gmblacktechexpo.co.uk
📧 info@gmblacktechexpo.co.uk

Cynthia Akinyi Waggah (She/Her)
Public Administrator | Community Leader | Founder & Director, Afrikana CIC

Cynthia Akinyi Waggah is a seasoned public administrator, community leader and social impact practitioner with over a decade of experience spanning Government services, Non-governmental Organisations and community development initiatives. She is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Public Administration at the University of Birmingham, building on her academic foundation in Political Science, Sociology and Communications from the University of Nairobi, Kenya.

Cynthia has served in senior positions within the Government of Kenya’s Ministry of Interior and Coordination of National Government Functions, where she provided leadership in national development projects, coordinated border management programmes and contributed to security and peacebuilding initiatives.

Her work included policy formulation as part of the Border Management Secretariat, collaboration with international partners such as the US Customs and Border Protection and GIZ and supervision of staff, assets and cross-departmental operations.

Beyond government, Cynthia has experience in grants administration with Rafiki Wa Maendeleo Trust, where she supported programme development, donor reporting and grant compliance.

Her early career included customer service roles with South African Airways and Flowerwings Kenya Ltd, strengthening her communication, client relations and operations management skills.

She is currently the Chairperson of the Cumberland Sanctuary Network, where she provides strategic leadership, financial oversight and governance support for a community-based charity.
Cynthia is also the Founder and Director of Afrikana CIC, a community interest company
dedicated to creating inclusive, culturally rich and safe spaces that promote wellbeing, creativity and social cohesion. Afrikana CIC’s programmes include:

Mental Health Clubs – providing peer support and wellbeing activities.Arts & Crafts for All Ages – fostering creativity and intergenerational exchange.
Monthly Film Nights – exploring culture, identity, and community through cinema.
Weekly Afro-Social Events – celebrating African and Caribbean heritage through food, music, and dialogue.
Bi-Annual Large Community Events – festivals and gatherings bringing diverse communities together.

Community Space Hire – providing accessible venues for grassroots projects.
Informal Coffee Mornings – nurturing connections and open conversations.
Afrikana CIC’s work is made possible through the efforts of volunteers, young people, families, and community leaders who share Cynthia’s passion for inclusion, resilience, and cultural celebration.

With strong communication skills, proven leadership, and a deep commitment to public service, Cynthia continues to use her expertise in project management, governance, and community engagement to drive meaningful change. She is passionate about empowering communities, tackling social inequalities, and creating opportunities for young people to thrive.