Dr. John Maphephe

Dr. John Maphephe is a seasoned election consultant, technology governance and project manager with over 25 years of experience in Africa. He has worked in the ICT sector for over two decades, specializing in the use of technology to secure and protect democratic elections. As an international development professional, he has provided strategic and technical leadership to numerous programs in support of elections, justice, peace and security, and governance. His expertise includes electoral affairs and democratic processes, technology governance and management, judicial sector reform, modernization, case management and legal technology and international development: Supporting programs focused on justice, peace, security, and governance. Holder of a PhD in Public Administration researching digitalisation and its impact on the public sector, democracy and elections, governance and politics, law reforms, and financial sector. As a cyber-optimist, digital transformation is necessary to strengthen democracy and improve global citizen participation in political and communication processes. In this regard, protecting digital rights is critical in creating an enabling environment for innovation and meaningful citizen participation to take place in the public sphere Highly experienced and accomplished Senior Adviser with over 20 years of experience in international development, humanitarian assistance, and diplomacy. Proven track record of providing strategic guidance and support to governments, international organizations, and civil society organizations in Ethiopia and the region. Expertise in democratic governance, human rights, conflict prevention and resolution, economic development, and humanitarian assistance. Dr. Maphephe boasts extensive international experience, having worked in few countries across Africa and beyond, including: Countries of Operation: Lesotho, South Africa, Namibia, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Mozambique, Rwanda, Kenya, Tanzania, Malawi, Sudan, Somaliland, Ethiopia, Egypt, Senegal, Mali, Gambia, Sierra Leone, Ivory Coast, Liberia, Ghana, Cameroon, Nigeria, Cameroon, Nigeria, Iraq and Afghanistan. Countries Visited for Projects: United Kingdom, Spain, Netherlands, Italy, United Arab Emirates, China, and Singapore. Dr. Maphephe's diverse experience spans multiple regions, showcasing his expertise and adaptability in various contexts. Notably, he served as the Chief Technical Advisor for the Gambian electoral cycles from January to August 2022. He is a Practitioner Fellow at the Electoral Integrity Project and a qualified electoral technology cyber security expert with experience in law enforcement, elections management bodies, the private sector, and public service. Dr. Maphephe led the UN Missions' technology work, developing tools and policy recommendations for the responsible use of technology and countering threats to democracy. Prior to joining the UN Missions in Sudan in 2009, he was a senior ICT advisor to the Lesotho Mountain Police and the Ministry of Finance and Development. He also worked full time for twelve years as a system administrator at the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) Lesotho. He also worked as a technical expert for the Criminal Investigation Division (CID) supporting various investigations. He also managed the UNDP Lesotho and the ICT Strategic Plan for the Judiciary and the development of the Case Management System. Dr. Maphephe's academic credentials are equally impressive: he holds a PhD in Technology and Public Management, a Master’s Degree in Good Governance and Political Transformation, a Master’s Degree in Business Administration with a specialisation in ICT Project Management. His experience and qualifications make him a valuable asset in promoting technology-enabled initiatives that promote democratic values and support public institutions. Maphephe is a versatile professional who is a: Collaborator: building effective partnerships and fostering teamwork, Doer: delivering results-oriented solutions with a hands-on approach, He is a Strategic thinker: developing innovative and forward-thinking ideas, Researcher: conducting thorough analysis and delivering data-driven insights, and Communicate Confidently, Reliable Communicator: Articulating complex ideas with clarity and precision.

Thematic Areas of Expertise