OUR TEAM
Nyeji Chilembo
Co-Founder & Managing Partner
Specializing in finance for development within emerging markets, she has garnered extensive experience across diverse sectors and geographies. Nyeji’s professional journey includes roles as an Economic Advisor with Plan International and the Zambian Government.
Her international experience extends to the United Kingdom and Malaysia, where she focused on pivotal areas such as international trade, foreign direct investments, and private equity. She previously served as an institutional banker and Associate Director at Standard Chartered Bank PLC in Zambia. As Co-founder and Managing Partner of wCap Limited, a pioneering female-owned venture capital firm in Zambia, Nyeji remains steadfast in her commitment to fostering growth and empowerment within the regional investment ecosystem.
wCap is dedicated to supporting high-growth female-led enterprises in Southern Africa, offering not only financial backing but also technical expertise and access to growth capital. Beyond her professional endeavours, Nyeji actively contributes to global initiatives aimed at advancing women’s leadership in finance and addressing environmental challenges. She is a Global Member of 100 Women in Finance and a Member of Women Leaders for Climate in Zambia, underscoring her dedication to promoting economic empowerment and sustainable development across sectors.
Chanda Mutoni,
Chief Investment Officer
Chanda has 19 years of experience in financial services in Zambia. As former Managing Director and Head of Corporate Finance at Stockbrokers Zambia Limited, and as an independent consultant Chanda was instrumental in the development of the Zambian Capital Market and in the emergence of Stockbrokers Zambia as a leading independent investment bank and broker on the LuSE.
He has advised clients ranging from Zambian entrepreneurs to Fortune 500 companies and executed many of the LuSE’s pivotal transactions between 2005 and 2018, including the USD 400 million restructuring and capital raise by ZCCM-IH, the largest transaction on the LuSE by market value. In addition to his financial background, Chanda is also a social impact entrepreneur. He is the Co-Founder of eNgoma Solutions Limited, a Zambian-owned social impact technology solutions company that provides value-added services to African-based organizations.
Chanda currently serves as a Non-Executive Director of Zambia Forestry & Forest Industries Corporation Plc (ZAFFICO), which is listed on the LuSE. He is also a member of the Advisory Board of Kalene Hill Partners Limited (KHP), a sub-Saharan Africa-focused impact-oriented corporate finance practice. He served as a Non-Executive Director of the Lusaka Securities Exchange (LuSE) and was a member of Investment Committee and the Membership & Rules Committee.
Driven by his commitment to creating a positive social impact and developing the Zambian Capital Market further, Chanda is always on the lookout for new opportunities to contribute and make a difference.
Yvonne C. Mpala
Co-Founder & General Partner
Yvonne C. Mpala is an accomplished professional in the banking industry, with over 18 years of extensive experience across diverse sectors in the US, UK, and Zambia. She possesses a robust skill set in various areas including enterprise development, risk management and investment advisory.
As Co-founder and General Partner of wCap Limited, a groundbreaking venture capital firm in Zambia, Yvonne has played an instrumental role in driving innovation and fostering growth in the local entrepreneurial ecosystem. Her involvement at wCap Limited underscores her commitment to empowering female entrepreneurs and driving impactful investments.
Yvonne is a member of the Institute of Risk Management South Africa and the Institute of Bankers in South Africa, where she continues to contribute her insights and expertise to the banking and risk management community. With her wealth of experience, diverse skill set, and dedication to fostering innovation and growth, Yvonne stands as a formidable force in the Zambian investment ecosystem, driving positive change and empowering individuals and businesses alike.
Martina Jane Phiri
Principal
Martina is a Financial Services professional with a decade of experience in the Banking, Microfinance, and Trade Finance sectors. With wealth of knowledge and expertise, Martina has established a solid reputation in the industry. Previously, Martina served as the Managing Director at Fortis Gold Cash, a prominent microlending company.
Martina successfully managed a diverse portfolio of clients, ensuring efficient and effective financial solutions were provided to meet their needs.
With a strong focus on investor management and fundraising, Martina implemented strategies to attract investment and secure funding for the business, driving its growth and expansion. Martina is a certified Financial Analysis and Valuation expert, specializes in credit analysis and holds a bachelor’s degree in development studies from the University of Zambia.
Melissa Gray
Co-Founder
Melissa is an ACCA qualified accountant with 19 years of accounting and business operations experience in the UK and Zambia across various sectors. Her expertise includes operational management, integration of business efficiencies, financial and management accounting, corporate governance, business internal and external compliance.
Chisha Kafuli
Investment Analyst
Chisha Kafuli is an Investment Analyst at wCap, where he evaluates investment opportunities with an eye for potential growth and sustainability. His educational foundation is strong, holding a degree in Economics and Finance and an Honours degree in Financial Analysis and Portfolio Management from the University of Cape Town. This academic preparation has given him a robust understanding of the financial landscape and the critical skills needed for effective investment analysis.
His professional experience includes time at Deloitte, with experience auditing a variety of sectors such as banking, energy, agriculture, and non-profits. This experience has honed his analytical capabilities and offered him insights into different business models and their operational and financial nuances.
His educational and professional experiences have enabled him to hone his ability in performing in-depth financial due diligence and company valuations. He is skilled at breaking down complex financial data into understandable insights, making strategic investment decisions accessible and relatable.