Bornface Ontomwa

I am a seasoned programme and project leader with over eight years of experience driving learning, training, and business growth initiatives across Africa. My career has been built on one consistent theme: turning strategy into action while creating environments where people, businesses, and teams thrive.

At the African Management Institute (AMI), where I currently serve as Learner Success Lead, I manage a pan-African team of 19 people, including both associates and managers. My role has stretched across team leadership, client relationship management, and programme execution. I ensure that programmes are not only delivered on time and at scale but also leave lasting impact. I’ve overseen the rollout of initiatives reaching thousands of learners, achieving consistently high engagement rates and strong completion results. For example, I managed a continent-wide SME growth programme that supported over 100+ businesses and achieved engagement rates of over 80%, contributing to measurable business growth.

Before AMI, I led projects with Zydii Africa where I worked directly with clients like Crown Paints to digitise their training programmes in record time. I managed cross-functional teams across tech, content, and client service, ensuring that client expectations were not only met but exceeded. The Crown Paints digitisation project was delivered in just one month, a testament to both operational efficiency and client trust.

My foundation in programme leadership was built at the Capacity Building Institute (CBI-360), where I supported capacity-building initiatives across Kenya and Rwanda. I facilitated leadership and customer service training for organisations such as the Rwanda Airports Company and the Kenya Revenue Authority, achieving satisfaction rates of over 90%. These early roles sharpened my skills in facilitation, client engagement, and designing programmes that deliver practical results.

Beyond formal roles, I have managed pan-African entrepreneurial networks and growth initiatives. As Growth Network Manager, I built a vibrant community of over 1,000 businesses across 10+ countries, organising masterclasses and facilitating peer-to-peer learning that sparked measurable business growth. I also led the Survive to Thrive programme, supporting 60 SMEs across Kenya and Uganda with practical tools that enhanced their resilience during challenging times.

What sets me apart is the blend of structure and heart I bring to my work. I use data and systems to keep programmes on track, but I also connect deeply with the people involved — learners, entrepreneurs, clients, or colleagues. My track record shows a consistent ability to deliver results, strengthen teams, and create experiences that transform businesses and lives.