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Richard Mawula is a Co Founding Director of the Vision Africa AI, where he brings together over 25 years of experience in insurance, environmental management, academic research, and technology innovation. A dynamic entrepreneur, AI enthusiast, insurer, and biodiversity manager, Richard is recognized for his ability to bridge financial systems, advanced technologies, and ecological stewardship to design strategies that protect biodiversity, empower communities, and foster sustainable growth.

Throughout his career, he has led cross sector programs and initiatives that enhance institutional visibility, strengthen collaboration, and align technology with sustainable development goals. His leadership reflects a consistent commitment to measurable impact, whether in corporate boardrooms, biodiversity hotspots, or academic settings.

As an AI practitioner, Richard views artificial intelligence as a practical tool for transformation. He is particularly focused on machine learning applications for predictive analytics, agricultural extension, and climate adaptation. In the insurance sector, he pioneered Genetic Resilience Insurance (GRI), a groundbreaking model that reframes biodiversity as an insurable asset, rewarding farmers and seed banks for maintaining crop diversity through lower premiums and higher payouts.

His expertise in biodiversity management is guided by the principles of the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (ITPGRFA). He has championed regenerative agriculture, the cultivation of high value native fruits and flowers, and the use of genetic sequencing data to ensure resilient seed systems. Looking ahead, Richard envisions Vision Africa AI as a platform for climate smart solutions, including predictive modeling and global seed exchange systems that connect farmers with stress tolerant varieties, positioning the Centre as an intelligent biodiversity broker.

Richard’s professional journey includes leadership roles in life and general insurance with Sanlam, Liberty, and AIG Uganda; academic contributions as a co lecturer at Makerere University; and research with the National Agricultural Research Organisation (NARO). Earlier, he supported conservation projects with UNEP/GEF/FAO and contributed to policy communication under CGIAR.

He holds a Certificate in International Leading Practices in AI & LLMs (Affaan Intelligence Academy, Dubai), a Postgraduate Diploma in Business Administration (UMI, Kampala), a Certificate of Proficiency in Insurance (IIU & IRA), an MSc. in Environmental Sciences & Biodiversity Management (SLU, Uppsala), and a Bachelor’s Degree in Environmental Science (Makerere University).

At Vision Africa AI, Richard’s vision is to unite financial innovation, artificial intelligence, and ecological stewardship to ensure Africa’s food systems remain protected, resilient, and economically viable, while positioning the Centre as a regional hub for AI driven sustainability and inclusive socio economic growth.