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About usThe why and the who
We exist to close the gap between rigorous research and what happens on the ground in development and learning.
Translating evidence into programmes that work
Across Africa, good research often stays on the shelf, while programmes on the ground are designed without the evidence they need. Next Gen Africa was founded to close that gap.
We are not just researchers. We are translators of evidence into actionable programmes, helping institutions, funders and corporates design, evaluate and strengthen work that builds careers, communities and organisations.
Our academic background is a guarantee of quality and ethical practice. It means you can trust how we collect information, how we treat participants, and how we reach our conclusions.
Mandate, vision and mission
To conduct applied research, design learning interventions and facilitate community engagement that strengthens career pathways and organisational effectiveness.
A society where evidence and learning drive equitable career and community development across Africa.
To partner with institutions to co-create, evaluate and scale solutions in research, career development and community learning.
Dr Zinhle Mthembu
to be added
Specialist in [discipline] with a focus on career development and community-based learning.
Dr Mthembu leads Next Gen Africa’s work across research, monitoring and evaluation, career development, community engagement and learning and development. Her work brings together academic rigour and community-centred practice.
Her research includes work on community engagement and involvement for community empowerment in health settings, including in the Ingwavuma community in KwaZulu-Natal, and a systematic review of community engagement processes in health research in low- and middle-income countries.
Credentials and specialist areas
- Academic qualifications, e.g. PhD in [field], [university], [year]
- Selected publications (2–3 titles with journals)
- Specialist areas and methods
- Professional memberships or affiliations
Preview note: the highlighted items are placeholders for Dr Mthembu’s credentials. They will be replaced once she sends her bio, publications and photo.
What makes us different
Ethical and rigorous methods
We are trained in research ethics, validity and reflexivity. Every engagement is designed to protect participants and produce findings you can stand behind.
Evidence-based recommendations
Our work is grounded in the literature and in systematic inquiry, not intuition. You get recommendations with a clear line back to the evidence.
Capacity to publish and disseminate
We can help you turn programme learning into publishable case studies and reports, adding to your own credibility with funders and peers.
Have a programme, study or evaluation in mind?
Tell us about the challenge you’re working on. We’ll reply with ideas for how we could help, and suggest a short exploratory call.