General Information

Strategic business advisor, mentor, and coach with over 15 years of leadership experience in strategic management, business development, and ecosystem building. She is the Managing Director of Yiva Investment, where she spearheads cleantech innovation, strategic partnerships, and advisory services for entrepreneurs and innovation ecosystem.

Her career journey reflects a consistent focus on empowering businesses to grow sustainably. As Managing Director of AET AFRICA (2015–2024), she successfully commercialised the energy efficiency innovations and later transitioned the company from manufacturing into IP licensing demonstrating her ability to navigate complex markets and scale enterprises. She has also held senior roles at Abenzi Woodhouse and the Aspire Development Agency, where she led regeneration projects and strategic initiatives that strengthened local economies.

Sandiswa’s expertise extends beyond operational leadership into global advisory, coaching and mentorship roles. She serves on the UNIDO Global Cleantech Innovation Program (GCIP) advisory board and the IEA Technology Innovation Board, where she contributes to shaping international innovation ecosystems. Her advisory work emphasizes inclusion, impact-driven growth, and the empowerment of underrepresented entrepreneurs.

Her academic foundation includes a master’s in development studies from Nelson Mandela University, complemented by advanced training from institutions such as the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), the University of Basel Venture Lab, and Aachen University in Germany. These experiences have equipped her with a global perspective on innovation management, leadership, and commercialization.

Core Skills & Expertise

• Business Advisory & Strategic Management: Guiding organizations through growth, restructuring, and market expansion.
• Mentorship & Coaching: Supporting entrepreneurs and executives in leadership development, commercialization, and resilience.
• Public Speaking & Moderation: Skilled facilitator and conference moderator, adept at engaging diverse audiences.
• Project & Ecosystem Development: Proven track record in designing and executing regeneration, innovation, and partnership projects.
• Inclusive Leadership: Championing women, youth, and marginalized groups in entrepreneurship and business development.

Sandiswa is recognized for her analytical insight, strategic foresight, and ability to translate vision into actionable frameworks. Whether advising startups, mentoring innovators, or moderating global conferences, she brings a unique blend of academic rigor, practical business acumen, and inclusive leadership to every engagement.