Vice Legal Representative, Arise and Shine International Ministries (ASIM)  Deputy Director, Africa Reborn Award

Mr. Mutware Japhet is a dynamic, visionary leader with a proven track record in legal advisory, youth empowerment, public policy, and thought leadership across Africa. He currently serves as the Vice Legal Representative of ASIM (African Strategic Impact Movement) and Deputy Director of the Africa Reborn Award, a continent-wide initiative recognizing exceptional leadership, innovation, and service.

With over a decade of experience navigating complex legal frameworks, governance systems, and advocacy platforms, Japhet is a recognized authority in promoting ethical leadership, civic engagement, and institutional accountability. His work focuses on empowering African communities by aligning policy with practice and vision with action.

Japhet’s leadership has been instrumental in advancing regional campaigns on good governance, social entrepreneurship, and youth inclusion. He has directly advised NGOs, local governments, and multilateral initiatives on legal reform, leadership development, and capacity building.

As a certified leadership trainer, Japhet has designed and facilitated over 40 youth leadership and entrepreneurship programs across Rwanda, Uganda, and Kenya—impacting more than 3,000 young changemakers. His workshops on strategic thinking, ethical leadership, and social innovation have helped build a pipeline of responsible leaders in both rural and urban communities.

Published Author, Legal Expert, and Changemaker

Mr. Japhet is also a published author and columnist, whose work explores the intersections of law, leadership, and transformation in African society. His essays and thought pieces have been featured in several pan-African publications, contributing to public discourse on decolonizing leadership, civic responsibility, and nation-building.

In his legal career, he has worked as a consultant for regional advocacy groups, drafting policy proposals and legal memoranda that promote democratic values and protect vulnerable populations. His specialization includes constitutional law, international human rights, and youth policy integration, with a focus on harmonizing local governance with continental frameworks like the African Youth Charter.

Japhet’s role as Deputy Director of the Africa Reborn Award has amplified his impact, helping to identify and celebrate grassroots leaders and innovators from over 25 African countries. Under his stewardship, the award has expanded its reach, deepened its mentorship network, and enhanced its impact storytelling platform.

In addition to his formal roles, Japhet is a co-founder of two community-based initiatives:

• The Leadership Lab Africa, which mentors university students in public speaking, advocacy, and ethical leadership.
• Reform Mind Rwanda, a civic education platform focused on mindset transformation, anti-corruption awareness, and youth voter engagement.

Mr. Japhet is a frequent keynote speaker at international forums, policy dialogues, and interfaith leadership summits. He holds a degree in Law and certifications in Leadership for Development, Strategic Planning, and Conflict Resolution.

Driven by his passion for justice, transformation, and legacy-building, Japhet continues to inspire a new generation of African leaders to reimagine the continent’s future—grounded in vision, integrity, and collective action.