Leadership
MR Silvestry Koka
CHAIRMAN
Silvestry is a visionary entrepreneur and strategic leader with over three decades of experience building and scaling businesses that deliver real, impactful solutions across East Africa.
A pioneer in value-driven enterprise, his career has been defined by a relentless focus on solving complex business challenges with creativity, operational excellence, and bold innovation. Silvestry has consistently turned ideas into thriving ventures, shaping over ten successful companies that span diverse sectors within and beyond Tanzania.
His expertise extends across executive leadership, safety, governance, and business transformation, earning him a reputation as a results-oriented strategist and a trusted long-term partner to clients. His ability to see around corners and lead with integrity has made him a cornerstone in the region’s economic and entrepreneurial advancement.
ALMERO DU PISANIE
DIRECTOR
Almero oversees the Financial and Commercial Operations of ITHUBA, bringing over 29 years of experience in Financial Management, Auditing, Corporate Management, and Lottery Operations. As a trusted member of the Executive Committee (EXCO), Almero combines strategic foresight, technical acumen, and financial discipline to drive sustainable growth and operational excellence.
An accomplished CFO and COO, Almero is known for his ability to align financial strategy with business objectives, optimize cost structures, and implement systems that enable scalability and compliance. His deep industry knowledge in regulated environments, including lottery operations, positions him as a vital leader in maintaining ITHUBA’s performance and credibility.
Almero holds a BCompt Honours Degree, which underpins his strong analytical approach and ability to harness innovative solutions that create both financial and commercial impact.
KELVIN KOKA
DIRECTOR
Kelvin Koka is a Director of ITHUBA Tanzania and a key leader within one of the country’s most promising and impactful ventures. With deep experience across the retail, telecommunications, and finance sectors, he brings strategic insight and a strong commercial instinct to ITHUBA’s leadership team.
His expertise adds immense value in navigating Tanzania’s market dynamics, particularly in aligning the business with regulatory frameworks, operational requirements, and consumer behaviour. Kelvin plays a pivotal role in building trusted partnerships, streamlining processes, and unlocking opportunities that position ITHUBA Tanzania as a force for economic inclusion and innovation in the gaming industry.
CHARMAINE MABUZA
DIRECTOR
Charmaine Mabuza is a renowned business leader and one of the Top 10 Most Influential Women in Gaming. As the CEO of ITHUBA, she has revitalised the South African National Lottery, setting a new standard of excellence. Under her visionary leadership, the Lottery has embraced gaming innovation and optimised operational processes for the benefit of players. She has been appointed on the WLA Illegal Lotteries and Betting Committee, highlighting her expertise in the Lottery industry.
As the founder and Director of Zamani, a prominent holding company, Mrs. Mabuza has played a pivotal role in its success. She is actively involved in the Eric and Charmaine Mabuza Foundation, which aims to make a lasting impact on societal causes. Recognised by Forbes and BBQ, Mrs. Mabuza’s visionary approach, dedication, and remarkable achievements have transformed the gaming industry and positively influenced millions of lives. Her contributions as a business leader have solidified her reputation as a respected and influential figure.
ZAINAB SERIA
DIRECTOR
Zainab is a highly accomplished National Lottery expert, specialising in Legal & Compliance. With an impressive career spanning over 16 years, she has consistently delivered specialised legal and regulatory compliance solutions. Zainab’s extensive expertise in the intricacies positions her as a trusted advisor in navigating complex legal and compliance challenges. Zainab’s exceptional command of legal and regulatory frameworks and extensive experience enables her to offer strategic guidance and mitigate risks. Her unwavering commitment to excellence and continuous growth make her an invaluable asset in ensuring compliance, safeguarding operations, and driving success in the National Lottery industry.
She currently holds an LLB (Bachelor’s Degree in Law) from the University of Western Cape, has completed Practical Legal Training (LEAD) from the University of Western Cape and has an Advance Diploma in Labour Law from the University of North West.
BEN MABUZA
GENERAL MANAGER
Ben Mabuza is an accomplished professional with a decade of experience in management and Lottery-related expertise. His contributions have been integral to the success of ITHUBA and have helped pave the way for international recognition by the World Lottery Association. Mr. Mabuza demonstrates an exceptional skill set in IT security, governance, and planning functions to ensure compliance with international technology standards and protocols.
With a General Management Programme from the Gordon Institute of Business Science and having attended a Strategy Building and Competitive Advantage programme at Harvard Business School, Mr. Mabuza is a key player at Executive level, providing technical insights to Lottery hardware and software requirements.