1. Full Name: James E. Mister, Executive Advisor- Topos Institute & AriaX Ventures

  2. Princeton Graduation Year and Program(s): 2010, Politics, Law & Public Affairs, Program in Political Theory, AAS, EPS (EU constitutional law, economic union, post-colonialism and sustainable development)

 4. Where are you currently based?  San Francisco, CA

  5. How did your time at Princeton, shape your interests and career path?  

At Princeton, I developed a passion for interdisciplinary problem-solving at the intersection of policy, technology, and economic development. Courses in political economy and sustainable systems laid the groundwork for my career advising governments, investors, and entrepreneurs across emerging markets. Princeton’s global mindset inspired my commitment to building equitable infrastructure and innovation ecosystems—including in Africa.

6. What are the biggest gaps you see in your field when it comes to African representation or leadership, and how can they be addressed?

One major gap is the underrepresentation of African-led narratives in shaping global tech and investment priorities. Expanding access to catalytic funding, mentorship, and international partnership opportunities is crucial to amplify African leadership. Building stronger bridges between African innovators and global capital and policy networks will drive more equitable outcomes.

7. How do you stay connected to the continent or to African-centered work in your current role?

I actively engage with investors focused on African immigrant and diaspora founders and have mentored African entrepreneurs through my work with the Westerwelle Foundation. As an alumnus and mentor of that foundation's Young Founders Programme, I supported the successful application and acceptance of a fellow Princeton alumnus—a logistics and mobility tech founder from Kenya. I also remain closely connected to friends and alumni from the Lincoln Park High School IB Programme in Chicago (including the current Governor for the Republic of Senegal at the African Development Bank), Princeton, and the Technical University of Munich active in Africa across tech and innovation, government and policy, sustainable development and agriculture, as well as art. Through advisory roles, I support initiatives that strengthen cross-border innovation and infrastructure investment in emerging markets, keeping me deeply engaged with Africa’s evolving entrepreneurship ecosystem.

 8. Are there emerging trends or innovations in your sector that you're excited about, especially in relation to Africa’s development?  

I’m excited by the rise of decentralized infrastructure models, especially in energy, fintech, and logistics—that are transforming access across Africa’s fast-growing economies. Innovations like embedded finance, AI-driven supply chains, and renewable microgrids have the potential to leapfrog legacy systems. These trends are reshaping how entrepreneurship and development can sustainably across the continent.

9. What advice would you give to current students or recent graduates who hope to make a similar impact—especially those working within or in partnership with African institutions and communities?

Invest time in building authentic relationships and listen deeply to local needs before proposing solutions. Focus on creating values that aligns with community priorities and long-term resilience rather than short-term metrics. Global collaboration can be powerful, but centering African leadership and agency is essential for driving meaningful, lasting impact.