_Black History Month spotlight: Andrew Twagira

Getting to know Andrew Twagira

Andrew Twagira is the Letting Manager at Knight Frank’s Aldgate office and recently stepped into the role of Co-Chair for the EMBRACE Employee Resource Group. His journey is a testament to resilience, ambition, and a commitment to community empowerment.

Roots in Uganda and a passion for property

Born in Uganda, Andrew spent his early years in Masaka before relocating to Camden, London, with his family. As the youngest of seven siblings, his Ugandan heritage remains a cornerstone of his identity. “Ninety percent of my family are in Uganda, so I've got a lot of roots back there,” he reflects.

After completing his education at the University of Lincoln, where he studied English and Criminology, Andrew discovered his passion for property. With a job at the student union and his mother’s encouragement, he invested in his first property, showcasing his keen business acumen. “I bought it from a wedding planner, so it looked really nice. I thought, well, if I would live here, someone else would too — that was my mentality,” he explains.

Career in real estate

Upon returning to London, Andrew set his sights on a career at Knight Frank after researching the best property companies to work for. His proactive approach led him to gain experience at smaller firms, including Ludlow Thompson and Stirling Ackroyd, before joining Knight Frank six years ago. Starting as a lettings negotiator, he quickly advanced to manage the Aldgate office, where his background as a landlord significantly contributed to his success.

Empowering the next generation with Quidsmart

Andrew’s entrepreneurial spirit extends beyond his personal investments. He co-founded Quidsmart, an educational workshop aimed at teaching young people in his community about wealth creation. The six-week programme focuses on budgeting, saving, and property investing, helping to bridge the knowledge gap often present in underserved communities. “In our community, we often look for secure jobs, but there’s a lack of knowledge about other ways to make money or invest,” Andrew notes.

With the support of industry volunteers, Quidsmart has reached over 500 young people, culminating in a day at financial institutions like Santander, BlackRock, and Goldman Sachs. “When young people see individuals who look like them in these roles, it inspires them to believe that they too can succeed,” he says.

Leadership and diversity at Knight Frank

In his role as Co-Chair of the EMBRACE group, alongside Jessie Kainth, Andrew is passionate about enhancing diversity within Knight Frank. Having served as a Director on the Strengthening our Culture KFX board, he acknowledges the progress made but recognises the journey ahead. “I always say, brick by brick, lay the foundation. Even if you're not here in five years, you've laid the groundwork for others to build upon,” he asserts.

Andrew's philosophy, encapsulated in his campaign slogan “Brick by Brick” during his university tenure, reflects his belief in continuous improvement and building towards a greater future. Described by friends as “like a duck” — graceful on the surface but diligent underneath — Andrew embodies calmness and determination, driven by a profound desire to make a positive impact on the world around him.

Find out more about Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at Knight Frank.