Dr. Mahmoud Abdulwahab Alawi is a distinguished academic, researcher, and institutional leader currently serving as the Principal of the Karume Institute of Science and Technology (KIST) in Zanzibar. With a Ph.D. in Computer Science from Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, his academic journey also includes a Master’s in Communications Engineering and a First-Class Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science from the International Islamic University Malaysia.

Over the past two decades, Dr. Alawi has held key positions in academia and public service, including Dean of the Faculty of Engineering at Zanzibar University and Director at KIST. He is a member of multiple high-level governance boards such as the East African Science and Technology Commission (EASTECO), Ardhi University Council, and the Council of the Nelson Mandela African Institute of Science and Technology (NM-AIST).

His research expertise spans intelligent transportation systems, IoT, wireless communication, and cybersecurity. Dr. Alawi has authored numerous peer-reviewed publications and book chapters, and he has been recognized with several academic and research awards. Beyond academia, he has contributed to national development through consultancy roles in ICT strategy, digital systems development, and innovation policy.