Indigenous Knowledge Systems for Sustainable Futures
Strengthening the role of Indigenous science, governance, ecology, and innovation in shaping future wellbeing economies.
About Indigenous Wellbeing Economies
Indigenous Wellbeing Economies unlock the economic, health, cultura, social, and ecological value of Indigenous Knowledge Systems by integrating them into modern innovation and market development. They build resilience by improving health outcomes, regenerating ecosystems, strengthening local industries, and creating inclusive, culturally grounded economic growth.
Our Indigenomics Framework
The Indigenomics Framework shows how Indigenous Knowledge Systems can drive health resilience, ecological restoration, and sustainable economic growth for the modern world. It places indigeneity at the centre of science, technology, and innovation. building trust, strengthening adoption, and ensuring development aligns with the lived realities of communities.
At its core, the framework strengthens five interconnected capitals that enable resilient and future-ready societies. By strengthening these capitals, the Indigenomics Framework protects Indigenous knowledge as a strategic asset, grows it sustainably for future generations, and builds Indigenous-led industries that contribute directly to Africa’s GDP.innovation, and development, because systems grounded in cultural logic build trust, improve adoption, and deliver long-lasting impact. The framework strengthens five interconnected capitals that enable resilient societies:
Human Capital
Indigenous diagnostics, prevention, community care, emotional wellbeing, and intergenerational knowledge transfer.
Social Capital
Trust, cultural governance, community institutions, relational accountability, and collective decision-making.
Natural Capital
Indigenous stewardship of land, water, biodiversity, regenerative food systems, and climate resilience.
Economic Capital
Indigenous-led enterprises, regenerative value chains, natural therapeutics, green and blue economy industries, and local market participation.
Cultural Capital
Worldviews, languages, cosmologies, rituals, and identity systems that shape legitimacy, behaviour, and innovation.
Partner with us
Investment & Development Partners
We collaborate with global development institutions, impact investors, philanthropy, and funding organisations to scale Indigenous-led solutions that deliver measurable health, ecological, and economic outcomes.and build inclusive economies for the modern world.Additionally, a strong online presence and effective web design are essential for promoting these initiatives and engaging communities in this transformative model.
Knowledge, Research, & Innovation Partners
We work with universities, research institutions, think tanks, and technology leaders to advance Indigenous science, ensure ethical data and AI governance, and strengthen evidence systems rooted in IKS.
Policy, Governance, & Institutional Partners
We support governments, regulators, traditional leadership structures, and wellbeing economy networks to integrate IKS into health, STI, ecological, and economic strategies at national and regional levels.
Communities, Enterprise and Ecosystem Partners
We collaborate with Indigenous healers, stewards, youth innovators, and community organisations to strengthen local governance, develop regenerative value chains, and protect Indigenous knowledge as a strategic asset.
Our Partners
Our Leadership
Mr. Nhlanhla Ndlovu (Chair)
iNkosi Zwelithobile kaMtirara (IPROSA Sovereignty Council)
iNkosi Zwelithobile kaMtirara (IPROSA Sovereignty Council)
iNkosi Zwelithobile kaMtirara (IPROSA Sovereignty Council)
iNkosi Zwelithobile kaMtirara (IPROSA Sovereignty Council)
iNkosi Zwelithobile kaMtirara (IPROSA Sovereignty Council)
Prof. Thembinkosi Modi (WSU)
iNkosi Zwelithobile kaMtirara (IPROSA Sovereignty Council)
Mhlkz. Nomathamsanqa Mpumlwana (Head of Fund)
Mhlkz. Nomathamsanqa Mpumlwana (Head of Fund)
iNkosi Zwelithobile kaMtirara (IPROSA Sovereignty Council)
Mhlkz. Nomathamsanqa Mpumlwana (Head of Fund)
Mhlkz. Bhanekazi Mpumlwana (Head of Organisation)
Mhlkz. Bhanekazi Mpumlwana (Head of Organisation)
Mhlkz. Bhanekazi Mpumlwana (Head of Organisation)
Zwakele Mbanjwa (Tech & Data)
Mhlkz. Bhanekazi Mpumlwana (Head of Organisation)
Mhlkz. Bhanekazi Mpumlwana (Head of Organisation)
Mr Francis Zulu (Primary Health)
Mhlkz. Bhanekazi Mpumlwana (Head of Organisation)
Mhlkz. Motheba Mohapi (Community Relations)