Spotlighting the people shaping Dev-Afrique’s work across Africa
Our third volume in the Profiles in Practice series features Shuko Musemangezhi, Associate Principal and leader of our Data Systems and Monitoring & Evaluation Practice. From designing data value pipeline frameworks to leading complex WSH data systems strengthening initiatives across multiple countries in Sub-Saharan Africa, Shuko’s journey exemplifies the data-driven innovation and African-led solutions that define Dev-Afrique’s approach to development challenges.
Can you tell us about your background and your journey to Dev-Afrique?
I have an undergraduate degree in public health, a Masters in global health delivery with a specialization in health management, and a postgraduate certification in data science. I also recently got accepted into a PhD in Public Health Informatics with a focus on health data systems.
My work has spanned multiple sectors — climate change, food sovereignty, agriculture, youth development, social protection, WSH, public health, and academia. I joined Dev-Afrique in August 2022 as a part-time consultant, and in 2023 transitioned into a full-time senior consultant, and now serve as Associate Principal, leading the Data Systems and MEL Practice.
What drew you to development advisory work?
I have one life goal: to help as many people as I can during my time here on earth. I had an early epiphany about service in high school, and development work became the pathway to achieving that mission.
What led you to join Dev-Afrique, and how has your experience here shaped you?
Dev-Afrique attracted me for three key reasons. First, it is homegrown and African-led, giving me the opportunity to collaborate with like-minded Africans who have a strong resolve for African-driven solutions. Second, the geospatial focus offered something new. I had worked mostly with tabular data, but geospatial work could add layers that provide more compelling data stories and drive greater social impact. Third, as a small firm in its infancy, it provided tremendous growth opportunities alongside great mentors and collaborators. I work with a team of leaders who are willing and ready to make a bet on great and innovative talent and ideas.
Personally, this role has challenged me to step out of my shell and become more outspoken. Working alongside Nigerians on the team, it’s impossible to remain reserved—you are encouraged to show up fully and assertively. Dev-Afrique’s mantra that individual and institutional interests should be inseparable has helped me grow in multiple ways. I am now more detail-oriented, a better planner, and more emotionally intelligent as a leader.
Describe a project that deeply impacted you during your time here.
Two projects stand out. The first was the geospatial data value pipeline when I first joined. After my onboarding, I was tasked with building the data value pipeline for geospatial data ecosystems. I had to collaborate with experts within the team. Initially, I doubted myself, but it became a turning point that taught me self-belief, humility, and the value of iterating in phases rather than seeking perfection immediately.
The second was the Public Service Data Systems: Landscaping, Learning, and Technical Assistance project which I led from scratch to its maturation as WSH Data Labs. We were new kids on the block in the WSH sector, working with senior professionals at the Gates Foundation who knew the sector inside out. Building the team, navigating complex stakeholder environments, developing trust, and establishing Dev-Afrique as a trusted partner in the WSH ecosystem around data systems was incredibly challenging but rewarding. We delivered a successful webinar reaching over 1,000 stakeholders across 40+ countries, led successful sessions at the 22nd African Water & Sanitation Association (AfWASA) International Congress and Exhibition (ICE) 2025 in Kampala, Uganda, produced the non-sewered sanitation data systems landscape report, built an interactive data and operations management dashboard for the sector, and supported the development of the sector’s data systems maturity assessment by ESAWAS.
Is there a part of your role that people might not realize is crucial to Dev-Afrique’s success?
As an Associate Principal, I carry significant responsibility across multiple dimensions. On the project delivery side, I need to provide thought leadership; teams expect me to have answers when they have questions, whether from internal team members or clients. I need to know all the work streams across our practice’s projects, which means staying on top of several bodies of work simultaneously.
Beyond project delivery, I am responsible for bringing in new projects, new talent, and revenue to sustain the Data Systems Practice. I also need to maintain a bird’s eye view of the organization to know when to deploy specific team members or collaborate with other practice areas.
Additionally, I led the internal systems strengthening Community of Practice (CoP) – developing internal systems such as the Grammarly guidelines, project management guidelines, and checklists that guide our work internally. I currently support the Internal Capacity Building CoP and serve as a member of the Global Partnership (DevGlobal x Dev-Afrique) AI Task Force which focuses on improving internal operations and team effectiveness by encouraging the integration of AI and LLMs into daily tasks for greater efficiency.
What distinguishes Dev-Afrique’s approach to development advisory in Africa?
Three key elements set us apart. First is cultural competence. Historically, many development initiatives have failed because they do not align with or leverage local cultures and contexts. At Dev-Afrique, we ensure we adhere to the norms and cultures of the contexts where we work, seeing culture-specific factors as enablers rather than barriers. Our team not only comprises domain expertise, but also lived experiences within the countries we operate, giving us deep contextual knowledge.
Second is sovereignty. We believe our clients should own the work we do. We are facilitators and enablers, but they own the processes and ideas. This drives co-creation rather than the paternalistic approach that has been the norm for many years.
Third, we are impatient optimists. We are driven by the work and the desire to see change. We are not caught up in bureaucracies, as our organizational structure ensures that hierarchy does not become a bottleneck that deters us from delivering impact. We want to see change, we want to work, and we want to deliver impact to the last mile as quickly as possible.
What is something your teammates might be surprised to learn about you?
I produce music for fun! I have also tapped into the creative side of things. I used to do a bit of cinematography, motion graphics, and even worked extensively with After Effects. For example, I designed the Geospatial Value Pipeline DRC report from scratch. That creative background enables me to work closely with our communications team and offer thought partnership on design elements, but these days, I am more focused on sound and music production.
Can you share a moment during your time at Dev-Afrique that reaffirmed your passion for this work?
The WSH Data Labs Program exemplified everything I value about this work. Seeing how our team came together; working like a team on steroids, as our leadership described it, was incredible. The selfless nature of team members, people going above and beyond, working extensive hours, and supporting each other regardless of personal circumstances, really impacted me.
The project also demonstrated how we could establish trust and become thought leaders in a new sector. From being new kids on the block to becoming a trusted partner within the WSH ecosystem around data systems, managing stakeholder relationships with donors, government line ministries, regulators, and development partners, it showed the meaningful impact we can achieve through collaboration and excellence.
How has working at Dev-Afrique changed your perspective on Africa’s development challenges?
Working here has reinforced my belief in African-led solutions while deepening my understanding of the complexity involved in creating sustainable change. The experience has shown me how critical it is to balance cultural competence with technical excellence, and how sovereignty and co-creation are essential for lasting impact.
It has also highlighted the importance of data systems in driving evidence-based decision making across sectors. Whether in health, WSH, or agriculture, the ability to collect, analyze, and act on data is fundamental to addressing Africa’s development challenges effectively.
What makes you proud to be part of Dev-Afrique?
I am proud to be part of an organization that truly embodies the principle that individual and institutional interests should be inseparable. Dev-Afrique has created an environment where personal growth directly contributes to organizational success and, ultimately, to the impact we create across the continent. Working alongside impatient optimists who are committed to African-led solutions and willing to go above and beyond to deliver meaningful change makes me proud to call this organization home.
Shuko’s journey from a youth advocate to a data systems leader reflects the multi-sectoral expertise and innovative thinking that drives Dev-Afrique’s work. His evolution from consultant to Associate Principal leading an entire practice demonstrates the growth opportunities and trust that characterize our organization. As we continue this series, we celebrate professionals like Shuko who bring both technical excellence and unwavering commitment to our shared mission of African-led development impact.
