This week on Comms Spotlight, we meet a Comms professional who is turning scientific research into stories that inspire action, Davies Mlekenyi Mbela is Communications Officer at the Science for Africa Foundation. He started his career in Journalism and over the years, transitioned to Public Relations, Digital Marketing and eventually Science Communications. In his interview with us, Davies shares his drive for building a career in Communications as well as something new he’s excited to learn at this stage of his career.
What inspired you to pursue a career in Communications?
From a young age, I was captivated by the power of storytelling and its ability to shape perspectives. Journalism felt like the perfect avenue to bring stories to life, and I eagerly pursued it.
My passion led me to a local media house, where I quickly immersed myself in the fast-paced world of news reporting. However, as I navigated the newsroom, I realised that the structured rigidity of journalism wasn’t the right fit for my vibrant personality and creative energy.
Recognising this, I pivoted into Public Relations and events—fields that aligned seamlessly with my dynamic nature. Thanks to my education at Daystar University and six years of experience working in media agencies and the events industry, I refined my ability to craft compelling narratives, engage diverse audiences, and create memorable experiences.
After years of working in structured employment, I took a leap of faith into consultancy. Together with a long-term friend and business partner, we launched a digital marketing outfit, offering strategic communication solutions to various clients. Our collaboration extended beyond business—we co-authored a book, further solidifying our expertise in the digital marketing space.
Then, in 2019, a new opportunity emerged—one that would redefine my career trajectory. The African Academy of Sciences (AAS) introduced me to the world of science communications. What started as an exciting challenge quickly evolved into a deep passion for translating complex research and development (R&D) outputs into digestible, impactful narratives.
Six years later, I have honed my expertise in unpacking and communicating critical scientific findings to diverse audiences. My role has expanded to encompass donor engagement, grant writing, stakeholder relations, and science content development across multiple media formats—digital, print, and multimedia.
Beyond storytelling, I have provided strategic communications support to teams, ensuring that scientific insights reach the right audiences with clarity and impact. This journey—from journalism to PR, events, digital marketing, and finally, science communications—has been a testament to my adaptability and commitment to impactful storytelling. Today, I stand at the intersection of science and communication, using my expertise to bridge the gap between research and real-world impact.
What do you do as the Communications Officer at the Science for Africa Foundation?
As the Communications Officer at the Science for Africa Foundation, I lead strategic communications for three high-impact initiatives that shape Africa’s research, innovation, and policy landscape.
Science Policy Engagement for Africa’s Research (SPEAR) Programme I ensure that groundbreaking research doesn’t just sit on a shelf, I proofread key research outputs, package them for design and eventual publication. I also craft tailored dissemination strategies for each, ensuring that we maximise reach and impact across multilingual audiences.
Through targeted engagement, I position our research to inform policies, drive dialogue, and shape decision-making across the continent. Science Innovation, Translation, and Entrepreneurship (SITE) Programme I guide grantees and teams in amplifying their work by refining key messaging, developing op-eds and blogs, and aligning with high-value media opportunities.
I also map strategic events for engagement and oversee the creation of compelling impact outputs—graphics, presentations, and multimedia content that tell powerful stories to diverse audiences. Clinical Research and Trials Community Programme As the communications lead for a consortium of clinical trial networks operating across Africa, I ensure our platform remains an authoritative hub for news and insights on clinical research in Africa.
I guide user experience (UX) enhancements to boost engagement, making critical trial information accessible and actionable. Beyond these flagship initiatives, I oversee communications vendors across multimedia, branding, media, and PR—ensuring high-quality, impactful outputs.
I also drive multimedia and digital communications for 14 Calestous Juma Fellows, distinguished African researchers solving the continent’s most pressing challenges. Additionally, I steer C-suite communications, ensuring that executive engagements across Africa and globally are backed by sharp, branded, and well-positioned materials that elevate our influence across key digital and event platforms. At the core of my work is a passion for storytelling—bringing Africa’s scientific and innovation breakthroughs to life across media and digital platforms.
What’s the biggest challenge you’ve faced on your career journey, and how did you deal with it?
One of the biggest challenges I’ve faced in my career journey is navigating communications in complex, multi-stakeholder environments where scientific, policy, and innovation narratives must align for impact. Science and policy often operate in different spheres, with researchers focused on data and policymakers looking for actionable insights.
Bridging that gap—ensuring that rigorous scientific findings translate into accessible, policy-relevant content—has been both a challenge and an opportunity. Some of the interventions that worked to alleviate this include:
I learned to tailor messaging to different audiences—scientists, policymakers, funders, and the public—whilst maintaining accuracy and impact. Beyond reports and policy briefs, I leveraged op-eds, social media, infographics, and multimedia storytelling to enhance visibility and comprehension.
I worked closely with researchers and policymakers to co-create content that resonated with their priorities, ensuring alignment and engagement. I identified opportunities to position African research in global conversations, pitching stories to media and aligning communications with key international events.
I also noted that Africa is multilingual, thus ensured key outputs are translated for the audiences that we are targeting. This challenge refined my ability to translate complexity into clarity, elevate African science and innovation on the global stage, and drive conversations that lead to action.
What’s one thing you’re currently learning about Communications?
One key area I’m currently deepening my expertise in is impact storytelling—how it can be told not just as a final result, but as a journey. I’m exploring how to frame impact as a pathway, weaving together indicators, outputs, outcomes, and long-term transformation—each amplified at different timestamps to show progress and momentum.
This approach shifts the narrative from just reporting end results to capturing the evolution of change in real time. Additionally, I’m refining how to tailor impact stories for different stakeholders, recognising that funders, policymakers, researchers, and the public each perceive impact differently.
I’m balancing data-driven storytelling using metrics and evidence—with human-centred narratives that bring the numbers to life. Ultimately, I’m focused on making impact more visible, relatable, and actionable, ensuring that African-led science and innovation stories don’t just inform but inspire and drive change.
How have you stayed passionate about your career over the years?
I’ve stayed passionate about my career by continuously evolving with the industry, staying informed, and refining my expertise in science communications. I actively follow emerging trends in PR, communications, and technology, analysing how leading firms adapt to shifts such as AI, digital storytelling, and media fragmentation.
This helps me anticipate changes and position my work strategically. Secondly, I regularly review regional and global reports on scientific discoveries to identify gaps and opportunities in science communications. Understanding the evolving research landscape enables me to craft impactful narratives that amplify African-led innovation.
I’ve also participated in high-level communications workshops led by industry leaders, sharpening my skills in storytelling, strategic messaging, and audience engagement. A combination of continuous learning, industry engagement, and a deep passion for impactful storytelling has ensured my work remains dynamic, relevant, and influential.
What’s the best professional advice you’ve ever received?
My mentor once told me “The difference between your work and the other chap giving a similar service, is precision!”
