Brighton Chilekeni

CEO/Founder , tech4wild, Lumezi Safaris & Tours, Chile Farms and Tina Villa Park

Brighton Chilekeni: A Distinguished and Relentless African (Zambian) Leader Brighton Chilekeni’s career embodies a truly pan-African commitment to preserving Africa’s natural heritage while pioneering sustainable business ventures. A well-trained military professional, he has forged a formidable reputation at the forefront of climate finance, community-driven conservation, technological innovation, and strategic tourism, with a proven operational footprint across multiple African nations. A Pan-African Journey Forged in Passion, Vision, and Discipline His distinguished career spans the iconic landscapes of Africa, having designed and executed critical conservation programs in Kenya, Zimbabwe, South Africa, Botswana, and Namibia. This extensive field experience is underpinned by a background as a well-trained military professional, blending frontline pragmatism with academic rigor and strategic discipline. This unique journey—which includes being recognized as the youngest conservation professional to receive acclaim in Kenya—has equipped him with an unparalleled continental perspective. He now applies this insight to a landmark climate initiative while leading multiple visionary ventures. Core Identity: The CEO, Leader & Advisor · Entrepreneurial Leadership: Founder & CEO of Tech4Wildlife, a pioneering project dedicated to revolutionizing conservation law enforcement through the adoption and mastery of advanced technology. · Climate Finance Leadership: A key leader in one of the world’s most ambitious carbon conservation projects—the first-ever REDD+ project in Zambia, the largest in Africa by hectarage, and the third-largest globally. · Wildlife Law Enforcement & Security Advisor: A trusted expert advisor in wildlife law enforcement, providing strategic guidance on anti-poaching operations, counter-trafficking initiatives, and the integration of technology into field security protocols. · Tourism & Hospitality Visionary: Owner and Founder of Lumezi Safaris and Tours, a premier agency led by Brighton himself as an expert tour guide. It specializes in curated travel experiences, expert tourism advice, and strategic consulting for visitors seeking to explore the heart of Africa. · Agricultural & Game Ranching Innovator: Founder of Chile Farms, an ambitious agricultural project with a clear vision to become a leading game ranch and a benchmark for sustainable farming and wildlife management. · Real Estate Developer: Founder of Tina Villa Park, a dynamic real estate venture offering high-quality flats and houses for rent and sale, creating modern, comfortable living spaces and fostering community development A Dynamic and Comprehensive Skill Set Brighton’s expertise is a powerful fusion of strategic leadership, entrepreneurial vision, deep technical proficiency, and military-grade discipline. 🚀 Visionary Leadership & Strategic Advisory · Conservation Technology Entrepreneurship: As the CEO of Tech4Wildlife, he actively drives innovation, identifies technological gaps, and creates solutions to combat poaching and enhance field efficiency. · Large-Scale Carbon Project Management: Proven ability to lead and manage complex operations for a record-setting, continent-leading REDD+ project, driving significant climate finance and community benefits. · Strategic Security & Law Enforcement: Leveraging his military training, he provides expert-level guidance on integrating technology and tactical protocols into law enforcement operations for maximum impact and personnel safety. · Pan-African Operational Expertise: Possesses a deep, practical understanding of conservation dynamics and stakeholder engagement across diverse ecosystems in Kenya, Zimbabwe, South Africa, Botswana, and Namibia. 🛠️ Advanced Conservation Technology & Field Mastery · Technology Integration Specialist: Expert in the end-to-end deployment of conservation tech stacks, including SMART, EarthRanger, GIS, Cybertracker, and Garmin inReach. · Data-Driven Decision Making: Leverages spatial data and real-time analytics from platforms like EarthRanger and GIS to guide patrols, model threats, and allocate resources strategically. · Field Tool Proficiency: Mastery in configuring and using field tools like Cybertracker for data collection and Garmin inReach for team safety and coordination. · Conservation Fire Management Expert: Skilled in the strategic use and control of fire as a ecological management tool to maintain healthy ecosystems, prevent destructive wildfires, and enhance habitat for wildlife. 🌍 Strategic Field Operations, Tourism & Impact · Anti-Poaching & Wildlife Trafficking Prevention: Designs and advises on technology-enhanced, intelligence-led law enforcement operations that are proactive and highly effective, with specialized expertise in disrupting wildlife trafficking networks. · Human-Wildlife Conflict (HWC) Mitigation: Implements practical, community-driven solutions supported by technological monitoring. · Elite Tourism & Guided Experiences: Through Lumezi Safaris and Tours, Brighton leverages his extensive continental network and profound ecological knowledge as an expert guide to provide unparalleled travel experiences. He offers expert consulting and curates journeys that showcase Africa's breathtaking beauty, promote eco-tourism, and support local economies. · Game Ranching Expertise: Applies deep knowledge of sustainable wildlife management and breeding practices at Chile Farms, contributing to conservation, economic diversification, and ecological balance. In Summary: The Architect of a Sustainable, Tech-Enabled Future Brighton Chilekeni is a comprehensive architect of the future for conservation, tourism, and sustainable business in Africa. He operates at a unique and powerful intersection: · As a CEO and Founder, he is building the tools (Tech4Wildlife), showcasing the beauty (Lumezi Safaris), developing communities (Tina Villa Park), and innovating in agriculture and game management (Chile Farms). · As a Climate Leader, he is at the helm of a groundbreaking African carbon project, channeling international finance into vital conservation and community development. · As a Strategic Advisor and Expert, his military background, early recognition, and pan-African experience instills a culture of discipline, resilience, and strategic execution. His specialized command in wildlife law enforcement, anti-trafficking, guided tourism, game ranching, and fire management makes him a uniquely versatile asset. Brighton Chilekeni is not just participating in Africa's progress; he is actively leading its evolution, making him an invaluable visionary and a driving force for change across the continent.
Hayley Rocco

Children's Book Author, Hayley Rocco Books

I'm a children's book author with a focus on creating books that ignite passion and curiosity for wildlife and wild places in young readers. "If we care about animals, we'll want to protect them." I'm looking to connect with professionals who are studying and/or are actively helping in advancing wildlife conservation efforts in general. I am also a beginning nature photographer with a passion for capturing the unique personalities of each animal I see. (That's the goal, anyhow!) I've had a lifelong passion for animals and want to learn all I can and share what I can with young readers, hopefully inspiring the next wave of conservationists, naturalists, scientists, etc.!
Emmanuel SAWADOGO

Burkina Faso W National Manager 2016-2022, Ministry of Environnement

MuKasa Emmanuel

Executive Director , Herp Fauna Foundation

Levi Chabuka

Climate Activist, Resilient-Gen

I am a Malawian,  a graduate from the University of Malawi, a passionate young climate activist, a founder and executive director of  a nascent environmental leadership organization, Resilient-Gen. I have  profound experience in community mobilization, community engagement not to mention resource mobilization. I love all things green!!
He is passionate in biodiversity and sustainable development, showcasing proficiencies in policy analysis, science-guided advocacy, and the advancement of community enterprises and infrastructure rooted in climate change adaptation and ecosystem approach.
Sikela Namangolwa

Environmental Education Officer, Wildlife & Environmental Conservation Society of Zambia

Sangay Dorji

N/A, Tarayana Foundation

I am Sangay Dorji from Bhutan. I am a Conservation Biologist. 
Yihew Biru Woldegiorgis

Researcher, Gullele Botanic Garden

I am Yihew Biru a researcher working as wildlife ecologist at Gullele Botanic Garden Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. I do have a research and teaching experience in higher education systems and research institutions in Ethiopia. My research background is on feeding ecology and resource use overlap among different species of large mammals, human-wildlife conflict mitigations, biodiversity conservation challenges across Ethiopia and ethnozoology related topics. I am eager to acquire new concept and experiences from the team throughout the GWWC course and after.
MUGOGO MARK

Chief Executive Director, Uganda Environmental Conservationists Organization

I'm MUGOGO MARK with experience in wildlife tourism management , i'm an educator and a Conservationists i'm the founder and CEO of Uganda Environmental Conservationists Organization a youth lead Organization which aims to conseve Uganda's rich biodiversity , Preserve the natural resources and fight against climate change. I'm interested in educating young Pupil's in primary about Conservation work, tree planting and waste Management. I've a 3 year's experience guiding tourists , 4 year's experience doing Conservation work at Uganda Environmental Conservationists Organization.
Nasir Uddin, PhD

Counter Wildlife Trafficking Program Coordinator , Wildlife Protection Activity

I am a trailblazer in the fight against wildlife crime and the promotion of conservation efforts across Bangladesh and Asia. With a proven track record of over a decade, my expertise lies in wildlife trafficking prevention, human-wildlife conflict mitigation, and zoonotic disease control. In my current role as Program Coordinator for Counter Wildlife Trafficking with WPA, I lead initiatives to fortify Bangladesh's law enforcement agencies against wildlife crime. I orchestrate multi-agency collaborations, conduct training sessions, and craft strategic policies, significantly enhancing the nation's capacity to combat the illegal wildlife trade. Previously, as a Research Investigator at icddr, b, I drove impactful research endeavors in public health, particularly focusing on zoonotic diseases. I am adept at project management and ensure seamless coordination of research activities, resulting in actionable insights that inform national policy frameworks for disease prevention and control. My academic prowess, including a Ph.D. in Ecology from the Chinese Academy of Sciences and a DVM from Chattogram Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, underscores my multidisciplinary approach to conservation challenges. My doctoral thesis on understanding wildlife trade dynamics in Bangladesh has garnered international acclaim for shedding light on critical conservation issues. Beyond academia and professional endeavors, my contributions extend to numerous publications in prestigious journals, reflecting my commitment to knowledge dissemination and evidence-based conservation practices. My active involvement in organizations like the Bangladesh Veterinary Council, the IUCN Asian Elephant Specialist Group, and Rangers Federation Asia further amplifies my impact on wildlife conservation efforts. My remarkable achievements and unwavering dedication epitomize my status as a visionary leader in wildlife conservation and public health advocacy, paving the way for a sustainable future where humans and wildlife thrive harmoniously. I am open to collaborating and learning in mutually beneficial ways.
Josephat Mungoche

PhD Candidate, University of Nairobi

simbarashe kandiero

Project Coordinator, The Zambezi Society

Opeyemi Blessing Oyawale

Advocate for SDG 4 and SDG 15, University of Ibadan

I am Opeyemi Blessing OYAWALE, a first-class wildlife and ecotourism management graduate from the prestigious University of Ibadan, Nigeria, fueled by a deep passion for wildlife research and conservation consultancy. My academic journey has been a quest to understand and contribute to the delicate balance between humanity and the natural world. With a firm foundation in wildlife and ecotourism management, I am on a dedicated path towards becoming a wildlife researcher and consultant. Motivated by my curiosity to explore the complex lives of wildlife, I want to establish a name for myself as a researcher and provide accurate evaluation for conservation initiatives. In addition, my goal is to provide sustainable practice consultations that help close the gap between human activity and the health of the various ecosystems on our planet. I'm continually looking for scholarship opportunities to further my education overseas as part of my quest for excellence. By doing this, I hope to improve my perspectives on the world, my knowledge, and my abilities, positioning myself to have a bigger influence in the field of wildlife research and conservation. My vision includes promoting responsible wildlife management, becoming a catalyst for positive change, and encouraging peaceful cohabitation between people and the natural world. I'm eager to connect with fellow researchers, conservationists, and professionals in related fields. Whether you share a similar passion or have insights to offer, I welcome the opportunity to build meaningful connections and explore collaborations that contribute to the betterment of our environment. I would love to connect with you if you share my enthusiasm for wildlife research and conservation consulting, and if you have any insider knowledge regarding scholarship chances. Please get in touch, and together we can set out on a mission to change the world we live in for the better. Thank you for stopping by, and I look forward to connecting with you and like-minded individuals who share a commitment to wildlife preservation
Maria

Trainee, Wildhub

Maria is B.Forestry graduate from the Department of  Forestry and Wildlife at University Of Uyo.  Maria is enthusiastic about forest  and wildlife management ,biometrics, mensuration, ecology, biodiversity conservation, climate change impact  and environmental sustainability. Maria has worked as a Forest Officer Assistant, Volunteer,Forest Intern and a Customer Service Officer. She's currently looking out for scholarships and assistantships in Universities and opportunities for further study and learning. Maria is skilled in Data analysis and Business Intelligence, Environmental management,Virtual Assistance, Interpersonal communication and team work. She is teachable and always ready to learn. Maria joined Wildhub to learn more about Wildlife species management and monitoring, species biodiversity conservation and work opportunities outside Nigeria.
Asim Ejaz

MEAL Assistant , Pak Mission Society

Nicolas Laurent

Biologist, Royal Belgian Institute of Natural Sciences

Osvaldo Abrão

Carnivore Reintroduction Project Coordinator , Endangered Wildlife Trust

Hi! My name is Osvaldo Abrao, I am Mozambican and Conservation Biologist. I am working in Zinave National Park, as Carnivore Reintroduction Project Coordinator. Zinave, is one an Conservation Area in Recover Process and now the population of prey are growing well. As  result, we have natural return of predators, mainly lions. In addition of lions I am working with hyenas, leopards and other small predators.  I am very interested to learn more about predators, species conservation, restoration, how engage community in conservation and to hear more success histories in conservation around the world!
ANYANG OMARIA KENNETH

RANGELAND SECURITY ASSISTANT, TAITA TAVETA WILDLIFE CONSERVANCIES ASSOCIATION

Joie Didier SOSSOUKPE

Fundraising, Monitoring and Evaluation Officer, Benin Environment and Education Society