About Leonel
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AddressC:\LEONEL\ABOUT_LEONEL

Engineer · Builder · Entrepreneur

About Leonel

I build the runtime and product layers that turn AI capabilities into dependable software people can actually use.

LEONEL.TXT

From Maputo to global product teams

I am a senior AI engineer and entrepreneur based in Maputo, Mozambique. Over more than 17 years, I have worked across eHealth, logistics, consumer products, commerce, cloud infrastructure, and now production AI systems.

My strongest work sits where models meet real operational constraints: agent runtimes, safe tool use, browser automation, durable workflows, evaluation, identity, billing, and the product experience around them. I enjoy owning the whole system—from architecture and implementation to the decisions that make a product viable.

Alongside long-running work with international teams, I build founder-led products including Appvise, Gentlebot, and Loop. That combination has made me equally comfortable with deep engineering work and the ambiguity of taking a product from zero to one.

17+ yearsProduction engineering

Continuous software work since 2008 across health, logistics, media, eCommerce, cloud infrastructure, and AI products.

Since 2015Toptal Verified Expert

Publicly listed as a Verified Expert in Engineering and a network member since December 2015.

2012Berkeley AI foundation

Completed BerkeleyX Artificial Intelligence (CS188.1x) with distinction.

CAREER.LOG

Selected chapters

Some engagements overlap.

  1. 2008–2013

    Jembi Health Systems / MOASIS

    Software Engineer, eHealth

    Built health-information systems in collaboration with Mozambique's Ministry of Health.

  2. 2013–2020

    Maputo Port Development Company

    Software Development Consultant → Software Engineering Manager

    Progressed from consultancy into leadership of the port's software team and project portfolio.

  3. 2017–2019

    Keepy

    Full-stack Developer

    Built mobile and backend systems for a family-memories product.

  4. 2019–2022

    CacheFly

    Front-end Engineer → System Architect

    Worked on products and architecture for a global CDN provider and was promoted to System Architect.

  5. 2021–2023

    Lumin / Pangaea Holdings

    Technical Lead

    Led engineering for loyalty and promotions capabilities at a direct-to-consumer eCommerce brand.

  6. 2025–present

    Monto

    Senior Software Engineer

    Builds production AI systems for enterprise accounts-payable portal automation, including schema research, evaluation, and browser-agent tooling.

Education & foundation

University studies

Computer Science — Eduardo Mondlane University, Maputo (2005–2008) · full coursework completed (no dissertation)

BerkeleyX Artificial Intelligence

CS188.1x · completed with distinction, 2012