The Story

About JAFTER

Championing research, innovation, and public diplomacy.

Mwenezi, Zimbabwe · Based in Seoul, South Korea

From: Mwenezi, Zimbabwe
Based: Seoul, South Korea

The Story

From a village in Mwenezi to a laboratory in Seoul.

Orein Francis Jafter — known publicly as JAFTER — is a Zimbabwean nanoscientist and researcher based in Seoul, South Korea, working at the intersection of nanoscience, innovation, and public diplomacy between Africa and Korea.

A Mastercard Foundation Scholar, JAFTER holds a BSc and MEng in Nano Science & Engineering from Yonsei University, with research experience at the IBS Center for Nanomedicine focused on soft nanomaterials and nanodevices, and an exchange research placement at the University of Pennsylvania. His published work spans nanoscience and green chemistry.

Beyond the lab, JAFTER is active in Korea–Africa public diplomacy — diplomatic engagements, invited talks, and community leadership that advocate for stronger ties between the African diaspora and Korean institutions.

His path runs from a village in Mwenezi, Zimbabwe, through six schools across three countries, to laboratories in Seoul — carried by the belief that African problems deserve African-led scientific solutions.

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