Nkemakonam Agunwa, Program Manager, Africa

Nkem is an adept communicator and digital campaigner with almost a decade’s experience working in both national and international organizations. Through her work as a human rights activist, she has engaged extensively on issues of freedom of expression, police brutality, democracy and good governance. Her expertise in digital mass mobilization for action has resulted in a series of impactful campaigns over the course of her career.

As the Africa Program Manager, Nkem supports activists, advocates, and legal experts across Africa to leverage the power of video and technology to defend human rights. At the same time, supporting the development of counter-narratives, upholding human rights values, advocating for change, and countering the proliferation of manipulated media that undermines the trustworthiness of video evidence. 

In her former role at WITNESS as Africa Project Coordinator, Nkem contributed thought leadership on the threats of mis/disinformation in Africa and the necessity of prioritizing solutions relevant to communities most affected. 

Before joining WITNESS, Nkem worked with the Nigeria Country office of Amnesty International, where she developed and executed campaigns to combat all forms of injustice. She has also trained and supported movement leaders, human rights defenders, and activists to implement adequate human rights documentation and reporting in pursuing justice and accountability.

Nkem holds a Master’s in Mass Communication from Liverpool John Moores University, United Kingdom, and a Bachelor of Arts in Theatre Arts from the University of Benin, Nigeria.