Thraets, a pro-democracy civic tech research lab focused on combating digital threats to democracy in the global south, is thrilled to announce the addition of three distinguished professionals to its advisory board: Simon Engelbrecht, Belinda Nichols, and Richard Zulu.
With extensive and diverse expertise in digital security, resilient technology development, technology education, and innovation support, we believe that these leaders will bring invaluable insights that will further our mission.
Simon Engelbrecht brings over two decades of experience in creating resilient technologies for challenging environments. Formerly the CTO of Refugees United (REFUNITE), Simon pioneered SMS and USSD systems that connected displaced families in low-connectivity areas like Kakuma and Dadaab refugee camps in Kenya. His innovative solutions have had a profound impact on humanitarian efforts across Africa. Currently, Simon holds advisory roles at Mastercard Lighthouse and Copenhagen Fintech, where he continues to advocate for sustainable, user-centred technologies. His expertise in offline-first solutions will be invaluable as Thraets develops tools for protest documentation and other critical applications in resource-constrained settings.
BeLinda Nichols is an accomplished educator and writer who brings a passion for digital empowerment and technology education to Thraets’ advisory board. With a background that includes training hundreds of university students in mobile and web development during her time at Google, BeLinda has been a driving force in fostering tech talent across East and West Africa. As the founder of Nayah Solutions, she has implemented tech and entrepreneurship programs in Tanzania and Senegal, partnering with organizations like UNIDO and USAID. Her initiatives include developing mobile app curricula for SUZA Zanzibar and teaching teenagers Android App Inventor. BeLinda’s expertise in technical communication and hands-on experience with technology education in emerging markets will help Thraets create accessible and impactful training programs for communities worldwide.
Richard Zulu, the founder and lead at Outbox, an innovation and entrepreneurship support organization in Uganda. Richard brings over twelve years of experience in building support systems for startups, software developer communities, and small and growing businesses in Uganda. Through Outbox, Richard has designed and managed innovation challenge initiatives in collaboration with partners such as Google, NSSF, UNFPA, UNICEF, and MTN Uganda. His work has supported over 100 businesses annually, helping them become more competitive and investment-ready. Richard is passionate about leveraging human-centered design approaches for product development and is an East African Acumen Fellow (2014) and a US International Visitors Leadership Program alumnus. His expertise in fostering innovation and entrepreneurship will be instrumental in guiding Thraets’ efforts to create sustainable and impactful solutions.
Simon Engelbrecht, BeLinda Nichols, and Richard Zulu each bring unique perspectives and a shared commitment to leveraging technology for social good. We are confident that their collective expertise in digital security, resilient technology development, technology education, and innovation support aligns perfectly with Thraets’ mission to combat digital threats. As members of the advisory board, they will play a pivotal role in shaping Thraets’ strategic direction and ensuring that our initiatives are both impactful and sustainable.