Vanguard Economics is elated to announce the formation and inception of its first advisory board.
Composed of 4 members, the board holds a breadth of experience in operations, law, technology, and business. This experience will be invaluable to Vanguard Economics as it charts a path of growth within Rwanda, Uganda and the African continent at large.
“As a company, we are on a transformational journey to position Vanguard Economics as a leading research and advisory firm in Africa. To this end, we are now incorporated in Kigali, Rwanda and Kampala, Uganda. We’ve also designed a strategic growth and expansion plan for the next couple of years, underpinned by a corporate governance structure that is inclusive of an advisory board. We envision that this board will play a pivotal role in the transformational journey of the company.” – Dr. Kato Kimbugwe, Managing Director.
Vanguard Economics advisory board members are:
● Cikü Mugambi, CEO, Kobo 360, and Vanguard Economics board chair
● Richard Mugisha, Senior Partner, Trust Law Chambers
● Faith Keza, MBA Candidate, Harvard Business School
● Kassahun Kebede, Ph.D, Business Transformation Advisor
Cikü Mugambi
Cikü Mugambi has strong analytical, financial, and leadership skills, as well as a deep understanding of the African business landscape. Cikü is the Chief Executive Officer at Kobo360, a leading digital logistics platform in Africa. As the CEO, she leads a team of over 200 people across 6 countries, overseeing the vision, strategy, and operations of the company.
With over a decade of experience in consulting, venture capital investment and business development, Cikü is passionate about leveraging technology and data to solve complex logistics challenges, create value for customers and stakeholders, and empower local communities.
Cikü is also a venture partner at Next Billion Growth, a fund that invests in high-potential tech and tech-enabled businesses in Sub-Saharan Africa. She holds an MBA from Strathmore Business School.
“Vanguard Economics is transforming the consulting landscape in Africa. It is therefore, with the at most pleasure, that I join its advisory board, where I shall continue to support the growth and development of the organisation at this point in its history.” – Cikü Mugambi, Vanguard Economics Board Chair
Richard Mugisha
Richard Mugisha is a senior partner at Trust Law Chambers, a firm that he founded in 2004. He is the former president of the East African Law Society (EALS) and former chairman of the Business Law Reform Commission in Rwanda, and currently serves on various national committees, foundations, and company boards.
Cited by Chambers & Partners as a band 1 Attorney who is a “go-to lawyer and a great negotiator” and by IFLR1000 legal directories as “a leading Lawyer”, Richard has been at the forefront of a number of privatisation deals in Rwanda, and led numerous assignments in the fields of energy, infrastructure & mining as well as banking and finance.
Mr. Richard Mugisha holds a Master of Laws (LLM) from New York University. He is a member of the Rwanda Bar Association and a fellow of the Africa Leadership Initiative and the Aspen Global Leadership Network. He currently serves as the Honorary Consul of the Republic of Lithuania to the Republic of Rwanda, with residence in Kigali.
“The advisory board of a company provides an outsider’s perspective, necessary for shaping a company’s strategic direction, and complimenting the internal expertise of the directors of the company. I am happy to join Vanguard Economics advisory board, and to play a part in its achievement of its goals and objectives.” – Richard Mugisha, Vanguard Economics Board Member
Faith Keza
Faith Keza is the former CEO of Irembo, a technology company that develops digital products focused on users in emerging markets.
Irembo’s pioneer product is a services platform, IremboGov, for the Government of Rwanda. Through this platform, Irembo has provided 8 million citizens and foreign nationals digital access to over 98 public services through a 4000 agent-strong network across Rwanda.
Prior to Irembo, Faith worked in Silicon Valley, California as a software engineer at Google, Delphix and Oracle. Faith holds an MBA from Harvard Business School, Harvard University. She currently serves as a member of the board of directors of the National Bank of Rwanda (BNR) and the Rwanda Development Board (RDB).
“In today’s business landscape, it is critical to reflect how best to mitigate risks. The advisory board of Vanguard Economics will serve as a support mechanism that identifies and mitigates potential risks, where in members of the advisory board can offer insights into market trends, regulatory changes, and emerging threats. I am glad to be a part of this support system which will be helpful for Vanguard Economics to achieve its vision, proactively address risks and adapt its strategies accordingly.” – Faith Keza, Vanguard Economics Board Member
Kassahun Kebede, Ph.D
Kassahun Kebede has passionately worked at the nexus of academia and industry for over 18 years. His career spans a number of roles; university lecturer, researcher, consultant, and business advisor.
In his role as a consultant, enterprise advisor, and trainer, Kassahun served both the private and the third sectors. Kassahun has been involved in training, coaching, and advising several SMEs in Africa.
He also co-founded Afrinovation, a consulting firm that has been actively engaged in providing industrial engineering and management services to its clients in Africa. Kassahun holds a Ph.D. in Technology Management from Ritsumeikan University, Japan.
“Vanguard Economics’ mission to offer locally sourced solutions to the issues African communities encounter deeply resonates with me. The company’s strategic plan for growth and transformation is truly compelling. So, when the opportunity arose to join Vanguard Economics as an advisory board member and aid its mission and strategic advancement, I enthusiastically accepted. I look forward to playing a part in propelling the company forward.” – Kassahun Kebede, Ph.D, Vanguard Economics Board Member
Note to Editors
1. Vanguard Economics is a research and advisory firm established and headquartered in Rwanda since 2015. We specialise in social and economic advisory and research services, backed by extensive field operations and data generation capabilities. We have successfully implemented over 150 projects with over 96 clients across Government entities, Development agencies, Foundations, NGOs, and local and international Businesses.
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