Maxence Melo

Maxence Melo is a building economist turned into a digital innovator and an “information architect”.

He leads JamiiAfrica, a regional dynamic non-profit entity which is on a mission to create a well-informed citizenry, promote responsive governance and encourage active citizen participation.

He has played an enormous role in revolutionising digital democracy while promoting transparency and accountability.

Maxence was recognised by the African Union as one of the top three Leading African Innovators for Change in 2018 for strengthening the viability of whistleblowing policy tools in Africa.

Maxence is a recipient of various awards, including the 2019 International Press Freedom Award by the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ).

Between December 2016 and November 2020, he appeared before the court 159 times on three charges over the protection of the personal data of his clients in Tanzania. In 2023, he was appointed as Board Member of Tanzania’s Personal Data Protection Commission, representing CSOs, Media and Private Sector.