Dr. Josephine Wapakabulo is a globally recognized executive at the forefront of artificial intelligence, energy transition, and financial innovation, with over 25 years of leadership spanning engineering, data science, and investment across Africa, Europe, and beyond.
She currently serves as Chief Future Officer at The Whitaker Group, where she architects forward-looking strategies that leverage AI, digital infrastructure, and capital deployment to unlock transformative opportunities across Africa’s energy, climate, and financial ecosystems.
An accomplished electrical engineer and data scientist, Dr. Wapakabulo has founded and scaled ventures, including TIG Africa, that integrate advanced analytics, machine learning, and innovative financing models to accelerate energy access and climate solutions. She works closely with governments, investors, and multilateral institutions to structure and launch high-impact platforms across Energy, ClimateTech, and FinTech, including solar, bioenergy, and digital financial services ecosystems.
Previously, she made history as the first woman to be the founding Chief Executive Officer of a national oil company. As CEO of the Uganda National Oil Company (UNOC), she built the institution from inception and led the execution of strategic partnerships exceeding USD 20 billion. She played a pivotal role in structuring landmark infrastructure projects, including the East Africa Crude Oil Pipeline and Uganda Refinery, while establishing governance and commercial frameworks that positioned the sector for long-term value creation.
Her earlier career includes senior leadership roles at Rolls-Royce in the UK and Germany, where she led global engineering transformation programs and complex international joint ventures, including the USD 1.5 billion V2500 aircraft engine equity transaction. She has also served as Chief Operating Officer at the Walk Free Foundation, influencing global policy, and as CEO of Downforce Technologies, where she advanced AI-driven climate data platforms and carbon market infrastructure.
She serves on multiple boards and advisory platforms, including the Bloomberg New Economy Forum, and is a published author, award-winning innovator, and chartered engineer. She holds a PhD in Information Science, a Global Executive MBA from INSEAD, and executive training from Oxford University.