Vanessa is currently leading efforts on regulatory and policy reforms within the African Medicines Regulatory Harmonisation Programme at AUDA-NEPAD. Her primary focus involves coordinating and facilitating advocacy initiatives for the implementation of legislative frameworks aimed at enhancing the regulation of medical products across African Union Member States. She also plays a key role in overseeing the execution of institutional development plans by national regulatory authorities.

With over 12 years of experience, Vanessa has held various positions in policy advocacy, communication and project management across diverse sectors, mainly in health. She holds an Honours Degree in Sociology from the University of Zimbabwe, a Post Graduate Diploma in Public Health from the University of Pretoria, and is currently pursuing a Master’s in Business Administration at Cavendish University.