Dr Lisa-Maria Rebelo has been appointed Acting Managing Director of the Digital Earth Africa (DE Africa) Program Management Office (PMO), effective January 2025.
Lisa has served as Lead Scientist at DE Africa since 2022, overseeing a team of African and global scientists developing innovative Earth Observation-based tools and applications that enhance decision-making processes across the continent. Imraan Saloojee, Contract Manager at RIIS (the interim host of the DE Africa PMO), expressed confidence in Lisa’s appointment. “Dr Rebelo’s strong connections with key institutional players in both continental and global contexts, coupled with her deep understanding of the program’s objectives, make her exceptionally well-positioned to lead DE Africa. Her leadership will be instrumental in driving uptake and delivering impactful outcomes across the continent.”
With 20 years of experience in remote sensing across Africa and Asia, Lisa is an active member of various scientific advisory groups. She serves as Vice Chair of the Ramsar Convention’s Scientific and Technical Review Panel, Principal Investigator and Wetlands Coordinator for the Japanese Aerospace Exploration Agency’s science team, and as a panel member for the Global Ocean Observing System’s Biology and Ecosystems Panel. Born and raised in Nairobi, Kenya, Lisa is enthusiastic about her new leadership role.
Lisa says, “While I will continue to lead the science team, I am eager to take on a broader leadership role in guiding the program’s critical areas, including capacity development, stakeholder engagement, platform management, program delivery, and communications. Together with our dedicated African team and partners, we are committed to unlocking and demonstrating the immense value that DE Africa offers to the continent.” She holds a PhD in Remote Sensing from University College London.