Humbulani Mudau has over 20 years of technical and management experience in Space Science and Technology, particularly in Earth Observation systems, space technology development, as well as remote sensing, and geospatial applications. Mr Mudau has vast experience in inter-governmental, interagency, regional, global and international space diplomacy while lobbying on policy issues and resource mobilisation for national and international projects. Over the years, he has led at executive level, showcasing his robust and concrete capabilities in project designing, implementing and evaluating international projects with diverse stakeholders. In his capacity as the senior scientific representative at GEO Secretariat in Geneva, Switzerland, he conceptualised the African Group on Earth Observations (AfriGEO) initiative. Later on as the Chief Director of Space Science and Technology in the South African government, he was responsible for the implementation of the Department of Science and Technology’s 10 year Innovation Plan – that included the National Space Strategy and South African Earth Observation Strategy (SAEOS) – as well as the establishment of the of the South African National Space Agency (SANSA) and the National Earth Observation and Space Secretariat, among many other initiatives.

Academically he holds a Masters in Satellite Remote Sensing from the University of Paris VI; a B.Sc. Honours in Environmental Management and Geospatial Sciences from University of Johannesburg; a Certificate in Remote Sensing from University of Johannesburg; and a B.Sc. Biological Sciences from University of Venda.