GEORGE
NATANGWE
PENDAPALA NEKWAYA
Fintech | AI | Data | Strategy
About
Innovative MBA graduate and technology leader with 8+ years of experience spanning data analytics, AI/ML development, system design, and international business development. My unique background combines civil engineering foundations with advanced business strategy, enabling me to build scalable solutions that bridge technical innovation and real-world impact.
I specialize in developing AI-powered applications, designing data-driven systems, and leading cross-functional teams to deliver products that solve complex challenges. My work spans fintech, healthcare, insurance, hospitality, and education—from building RAG-powered AI agents and knowledge graphs to developing real-time computer vision systems and voice AI platforms. As a Hassenfeld Fellow, I've gained immersive global business experience across Israel, India, Germany, and the UAE, studying cutting-edge technologies and business models in emerging markets.
Beyond technical expertise, I bring strong analytical capabilities in quantitative analysis, financial modeling, and market research. My entrepreneurial experience includes founding Buffr, a digital financial inclusion platform, and leading projects that have been recognized by accelerators including MassChallenge, Global Venture Labs, and Brandeis Spark.
I'm passionate about applying AI/ML, system design, and quantitative analysis to help organizations make data-driven decisions, optimize operations, and create meaningful social impact. Whether consulting on data analytics strategies, building custom AI solutions, or developing fintech innovations, I bring a holistic approach that combines technical depth with business acumen.
Building the Future of Finance
Founder
Buffr Inc.
Building financial identity for Namibia's informal economy—a sector representing approximately 24.7% of GDP (approximately N$8 billion).
- Products Developed: Buffr Payment Companion — Instant payment infrastructure for emerging markets, inspired by India's UPI
- Products Developed: BuffrLend — Digital lending module
- Products Developed: BuffrSign — Digital signature module
- Products Developed: Buffr Host — Front desk AI for independent Hospitality properties
- Key Achievements: Conducted comprehensive field studies on digital payment ecosystems across 5+ countries
- Key Achievements: Selected for MassChallenge, Global Venture Labs, and Brandeis Spark accelerators
- Key Achievements: Developed AI-powered credit scoring using ML-driven transaction analysis
Brand Identity & Web Development Consultant
AnchorBridge Support House LLC
Complete brand identity creation, website development, and business strategy for affordable independent housing provider
- Created complete brand identity including logo design, color palette, and brand guidelines
- Built production-ready website with Next.js 14, TypeScript, and Tailwind CSS
- Developed comprehensive business plan and marketing materials
Project Manager, DEIJ & Workforce Development
The Alliance for Climate Transition (ACT)
Led comprehensive workforce development assessment in partnership with Massachusetts Clean Energy Center (MassCEC).
- Key Accomplishments: Conducted 14+ in-depth interviews with clean energy companies (startups to Fortune 500)
- Key Accomplishments: Analyzed hiring needs across 50+ companies in the clean energy sector
- Key Accomplishments: Developed diversity and inclusion strategies for clean energy workforce
- Key Accomplishments: Authored comprehensive workforce development assessment report with actionable recommendations
- Technical Project: ACT Climate Economy Careers Platform — Career platform with AI-powered resume analysis, skill gap identification, and real-time chat interface
Business Development Consultant
Aquasaic Corporation
Strategic consulting for innovative water treatment technology startup
- Designed initial architecture for Aquasaic Aqua Intel Platform
- Conducted commercial and technical research on cutting-edge water treatment technologies
- Developed pitch decks tailored for funding opportunities (municipal, industrial, residential sectors)
Business Development Intern
Insait IO
Fintech predictive analytics startup focused on AI applications in banking.
- Analyzed Valley National Bank financial data, identifying real estate loans as key revenue driver (>30% of industry revenue)
- Researched EU AI Act and US regulatory compliance considerations for AI in finance
- Developed compliance framework documentation for AI applications in banking
Instructional Assistant
Brandeis International Business School
Supported graduate-level business education courses
- Served as Instructional Assistant for Social Impact Investing and MBA Career and Management Communication courses
- Facilitated classroom discussions, provided academic support, and assisted with course material development
- Supported student learning and course delivery for graduate-level business education
Business Operations Manager / Site Engineer
Polar Power Inc.
Led operations for multinational telecommunications and renewable energy company
- Key Achievements: Managed team of 10+ employees in Namibia office, building and managing relationships with major telecommunications clients (MTC, MTN) and SADC government stakeholders
- Key Achievements: Successfully constructed 10 telecommunication towers for MTC (Namibia's largest carrier)
- Key Achievements: Secured contract to design and deliver 2 portable WiFi trailer masts to BoFiNet (Botswana)
- Key Achievements: Managed optical fiber installation project in Swakopmund, coordinating with municipal stakeholders
Operations & General Manager
Etuna Guesthouse & Tours
Managed operations of family-owned hospitality facility
- Managed operations of family-owned 35-room hospitality facility
- Oversaw guest services, tour coordination, and daily business operations
International Sales Representative
Kanie Distribution and Supply Chain
International business development and strategic partnerships
- Represented company at Dubai Expo 2020 for international business development, presenting technical solutions at Namibia's 4th Industrial Revolution Expo
- Developed strategic partnerships across SADC region, conducting market research and competitive analysis to identify growth opportunities
Site Operations Coordinator
Namibia Road Products & Services (NRP)
Led road construction operations and infrastructure development
- Led road construction operations managing teams of 15 workers, completing 3.5 km road upgrade project in Katutura township
- Coordinated with municipal stakeholders and managed project timelines, ensuring on-time delivery of infrastructure improvements
- Supervised road construction activities, quality control, and safety compliance for infrastructure development projects
Civil Engineering Intern
Lithon Project Consultants
- Evaluated 15+ tender documents for compliance with Namibian standards
- Conducted site inspections for stormwater infrastructure projects
- Assisted with civil engineering projects focusing on infrastructure development and municipal services
Programming & Data Science
AI/ML & Frameworks
Web Development & Cloud
Computer Vision & Real-Time Processing
Voice AI & Speech Processing
Data Science & Analytics
Business & Analytics
Academic Foundation
Master of Business Administration (STEM-Designated)
Brandeis International Business School
Bachelor of Engineering: Civil & Environmental Engineering
Namibia University of Science & Technology
High School Diploma
Oshigambo High School