Our Team

January Mvula

Patron: 

January Mvula is a seasoned development specialist and the newly appointed District Commissioner for Mwanza. As Patron of Chikwa Ecovillage, January leverages his extensive background in local government and the non-profit sector to advocate for sustainable, community-led growth. 

Currently gaining education in the field of Integrative Ecosocial Design, January combines academic rigor with practical field experience. His track record includes over ten years leading the Sustainable Rural Community Development Organisation (SURCOD) and coordinating peacebuilding efforts across Malawi as the Country Coordinator for MasterPeace. January is dedicated to aligning policy with impact, helping Chikwa Ecovillage serve as a model for regenerative living and community resilience. 

Malwa Tchagbele

Director: 

Malwa Tchagbele serves as the Director of Chikwa Ecovillage, utilizing his expertise as a Regenerative Systems Designer to co-create blueprints for the next generation of human habitats. Operating as a digital nomad with roots in Togo, Malwa brings a global perspective to developing integrated social, ecological, and economic models rooted in community collaboration. 

His strategic vision is supported by hands-on technical experience. With a background in Architecture and training in Earth Architecture from CalEarth, Malwa specializes in natural building techniques like Superadobe and Cob. His diverse portfolio spans over a decade of freelance collaboration, including building Superadobe domes in Mexico, constructing cob structures in North Carolina, and working on artistic installations such as a mycelium tile mural with Redhouse Architecture. 

At Chikwa, Malwa combines project management with design skills to create replicable, scalable ecovillage models. He is dedicated to networking these models into thriving eco-cities, ensuring sustainable development is adaptable and accessible.