About Us Our People Our Staff Our Staff OLU ALAKE | Chief Executive Officer Olu brings significant third-sector experience to The Africa Centre, having previously served as CEO at The Peel Institute. He has previously held senior management positions in various Beyond-Profit organisations, including London Marathon Foundation, Buttle UK, Equality & Human Rights Commission and Arts Council England. His responsibilities in these roles have included business transformation, grants management, strategic leadership, and organisational development. Olu is a founder member and President Emeritus of 100 Black Men of London and also a Trustee of The Reader Organisation. BELVIN TAWUYA| Chief Marketing & Communications Officer Belvin has over 10 years of Digital Marketing and communications experience in both private and non-profit sectors. A pan-Africanist with a visceral passion for equality and a deep understanding of the power of strategic communication, Belvin has successfully led various campaigns that have brought about positive change. He works closely with the executive leadership to deliver the organisation’s overall strategic plan. Belvin was previously a Trustee at The Africa Centre and has also served on other Boards. SARAH CLARK | Chief Finance & Operations Officer With over 20 years of experience in finance and operations, Sarah heads up these activities for The Africa Centre. After working in the visual effects software industry for 11 years Sarah moved to the voluntary sector in 2011 and has successfully led finance, special projects, and fundraising activities at local and national levels. Sarah is passionate about the Africa Centre being an inspiring space that shares and celebrates the continent’s past, present, and future and its diaspora. JESSICA THOMAS | Finance & Operations Manager Jessica oversees the finance and operations for The Africa Centre. After working in the Technology and Retail industry for many years Jessica joined The Africa Centre to support its goals and help support the African diaspora. Outside of work, Jessica is passionate about Music, Film, and Technology. CHIKE AZUONYE | Venue & Events Officer Chike has over 25 years of experience in administration, facilities management, and venue sales. He is responsible for managing our facilities and overseeing both community and corporate venue hires and ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations. Chike is passionate about Africa and its global diaspora. His association with the Centre goes back to the late 80s when he first got involved as a volunteer. He is also a gifted visual artist whose work has been exhibited both locally and abroad. He is an active member of several sub-committees. HAJA FANTA | Programme Coordinator Haja Fanta is a London-based curator, writer, and researcher originating from Sierra Leone. She works with artists and institutions to deliver a range of visual art exhibitions, projects, and programmes. Haja has previously developed projects with Southbank Centre, National Portrait Gallery, HOME by Ronan Mckenzie, and photographer Neil Kenlock. She is currently working as a Project Curator at The Africa Centre delivering the National Lottery Heritage-funded Malangatana Programme. VERONIQUE BELINGA | Programme Coordinator Vee is a cultural and memory worker based in London. They are responsible for coordinating the Chakula programme – a series of events, workshops and dialogues geared towards supporting and empowering Black and African LGBTQ+ communities. For them, this programme at the Africa Centre is the opportunity to grow in knowledge about LGBTQ+ liberation and rights-based movements in Africa and its diaspora, resource global solidarity networks and build spaces for joy, safety, and resilience. Vee is also a music lover and spends their free time playing music and doing radio. Manage Cookie Preferences