Dr. Azwifarwi Shadrack Nepfumbada is a distinguished Former South African Diplomat, entrepreneur, and cultural advocate whose career spans more than 25 years of service within South Africa’s diplomatic corps. Trained as an Industrial Engineer, he began his professional journey in the industrial sector before transitioning into international diplomacy, where he would represent his country across multiple continents.
Throughout his diplomatic tenure, Dr. Nepfumbada served in Chicago, Milan, São Tomé and Príncipe, Gabon, Chad, Kenya, and Guinea, cultivating strategic partnerships and strengthening economic and political cooperation. His final diplomatic post brought him to Los Angeles, California—a city he now considers his second home and where he continues to foster dialogue between Africa and the United States.
Beyond public service, he is an accomplished business leader. As Founder and CEO of Shonisani Business Complex and Chief Executive of Vhakoma-SA-Holdings, he oversees ventures spanning South Africa and emerging African markets, including Kigali, Rwanda. He also serves as Vice President of Royal Africa Trade and as International Business Development Director for Formula GT, reinforcing cross-continental commercial engagement.
Dr. Nepfumbada’s work extends into academia and the creative economy. He lectures in African Studies, Political Science, and International Relations at respected American institutions, contributing to scholarly discourse on governance and global affairs. Through platforms such as Unknown Store and African Angel Art & Tours, he advances cultural diplomacy by promoting collaboration in film, music, fashion, and the arts. He also advises international talent agencies and entertainment studios, strengthening industry ties between Africa and the United States.
Holding three undergraduate degrees and two postgraduate qualifications, Dr. Nepfumbada earned a Doctorate of Philosophy in Humanities and is currently pursuing an LLB degree through the University of South Africa. A committed Pan-Africanist and multilingual communicator, he speaks eight African languages in addition to French, Portuguese, and Arabic.
