Team bios - Development Reimagined

OUR TEAM

Talk to our diverse, multisectoral and multilingual team of staff and consultants, a third of whom are based in China, another third on the African continent, and the rest elsewhere around the world, to put our incredible expertise and networks to work on your project, problem or new idea.

THE KEY PEOPLE BEHIND OUR GLOBAL IMPACT

Hannah Ryder

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

Hannah Ryder

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

Hannah Ryder is the Founder & CEO of Development Reimagined. A former diplomat and economist with 20 years of experience, named one of 100 most influential Africans in 2021, she is also Senior Associate for the Africa Program of the Center for Strategic International Studies (CSIS), sits on the Board of the Environmental Defence Fund, and is a member of UAE's International Advisory Council on the New Economy. Prior to her role at DR, Ms Ryder led the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)’s work with China to help it scale up and improve its cooperation with other developing countries, including in Africa. She has also played various advisory roles for the UN and OECD and co-authored the seminal Stern Review of the Economics of Climate Change in 2006.

Yike Fu

CHINA'S CLIMATE FINANCE POLICY LEAD AND PROGRAM MANAGER

Yike Fu

CHINA'S CLIMATE FINANCE POLICY LEAD AND PROGRAM MANAGER

Yike Fu is a Policy Analyst and Program Manager at Development Reimagined, specializing in African development, China-Africa relations and development finance. She has been responsible for leading numerous areas of work at DR including on debt analysis in Africa and beyond, China-Africa trade and investment logistics and analysis, and climate action. She previously worked at the International Finance Corporation (IFC) and the African Union Representational Mission to the United States. She holds an MA in International Affairs from The George Washington University.

JADE SCARFE

AFRICA'S DEVELOPMENT FINANCE AND G20 ENGAGEMENT PROGRAM MANAGER

JADE SCARFE

AFRICA'S DEVELOPMENT FINANCE AND G20 ENGAGEMENT PROGRAM MANAGER

Jade is a Project Manager for Development Reimagined’s flagship project Africa Unconstrained, which focuses on financing needs and debt vulnerabilities of African countries. Her research focuses on China-Africa development finance alongside debt vulnerabilities, infrastructure needs and South-South cooperation. She has worked with a breadth of stakeholders from China, Africa and the wider international community, including governments, private sector, NGOs and civil society. Her writing has appeared in a number of publications, including The Africa Report, The China-Africa Project, The Diplomat and more. Jade holds a Master’s in China and Globalisation studies from King’s College London.

LESLIE MUDIMU

DECOLONISING DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM MANAGER

LESLIE MUDIMU

DECOLONISING DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM MANAGER

Leslie Mudimu is the Programme Manager for the Decolonising Development programme. She is a multidisciplinary social scientist with a background in Politics, History, International Relations, Justice and Transformation and Development Studies. Leslie’s academic research focus was on the inclusion of women in transitional justice processes and the representation of women in politics in Zimbabwe. She has professional experience in qualitative research, project management and marketing and communications. She previously worked with a range of organisations such as UNAIDS, MSF, Institute for Security Studies, supporting systems change processes, evaluation and project communications. Leslie is a trained facilitator with expertise in online and in-person facilitation. She was an ASRI Future Leaders Fellow in 2021 and was awarded an Andrew Mellon Scholarship in 2019 to pursue her Masters. She holds a Master of Arts in Development Studies from the University of the Witwatersrand and a Bachelor of Social Sciences (Hons) degree from the University of Cape Town.

ROSIE WIGMORE

AFRICA REIMAGINED FLAGSHIP ProGRAM Manager

ROSIE WIGMORE

AFRICA REIMAGINED FLAGSHIP ProGRAM Manager

Rosie is the Project Manager of Africa Reimagined (AR) at Development Reimagined (DR) where she supports high-end African brands with entering the Chinese market by operating services such as trademark protection, Chinese market research, Chinese partnership building, and Africa to China logistical support and import/export services. Rosie has worked with DR for over two years now with proven success in helping high-end African brands navigate the Chinese market. She is extremely passionate about her work because more African brands selling in the Chinese marketplace means African countries can export more value-added goods, create jobs and foster innovation in African countries. Rosie is also alumni of the School of International Studies at Peking University in Beijing where she served as an editor at the University's Africa Think Tank. PATT is led by a diverse group of scholars who specialise in African Studies within the context of Sino-Africa relations.

Yixin Yu

INVESTMENT AND TRADE PROMOTION POLICY LEAD

Yixin Yu

INVESTMENT AND TRADE PROMOTION POLICY LEAD

Yixin is a Junior Research Analyst at Development Reimagined. Her focus area is on public-private partnership and entrepreneurship. She has over three years of experience across private and public sectors in Ethiopia. She was the China Liaison Officer for project ‘Partnership for Investment and Growth in Africa’ at International Trade Centre, where she accumulated rich experience in investment and trade promotion.

Leah Lynch

DEPUTY DIRECTOR

Leah Lynch

DEPUTY DIRECTOR

Leah Lynch is Deputy Director of Development Reimagined (DR) and is based in London, UK. Leah has over 12 years of experience in development and lived in China for over 10 years. Leah has also travelled extensively around Asia and Africa for research. Leah supports the strategic direction of the team and engagement with key stakeholders across China and the UK. Previously, Leah was chair of the Sustainability Forum at the British Chamber of Commerce in China, providing direction on sustainability initiatives for British and Chinese business and has also consulted on various evaluations on UK aid (ICAI). Leah is a specialist on development cooperation from the UK and China and has advised on various United Nations projects, including providing support to the UN China team during the COVID-19 Pandemic. Prior to DR, Leah was at the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) China, supporting the UN’s portfolio on communication strategies, China’s South-South Cooperation and the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). Before UNDP, Leah lived and worked in Kenya developing sustainable water policies for the Kenyan government.

HUIYI CHEN

CHINA'S DEVELOPMENT INSTITUTIONS LEAD

HUIYI CHEN

CHINA'S DEVELOPMENT INSTITUTIONS LEAD

Huiyi is a Research and Coordination Analyst. Her aspiration to contribute to decolonizing development knowledge informs her focus on the Belt & Road Initiative, women's empowerment and the social impact of development aid in Africa. Huiyi previously worked as a think tank researcher with substantial experience in China's development trajectories and its rising role in global governance. She holds an MSc in Development Studies from the London School of Economics. Her specialisations at DR include the Belt & Road Initiative, China-Africa cooperation, international relations and global governance, comparative politics, the informal economy and urban development.

RUGARE MUKANGANGA

ECONOMIC ADVISOR

RUGARE MUKANGANGA

ECONOMIC ADVISOR

Rugare is a Data and Economic Analyst and commercial farmer with a background in economics, data analysis, marketing and business development. His interests include energy security, sustainable development, technology and languages. He specialises in analytical reporting. He holds a BSc in Economics from Wuhan University.

JING CAI

AFRICA-CHINA PROGRAM MANAGER

JING CAI

AFRICA-CHINA PROGRAM MANAGER

Jing leads China-African health and agriculture cooperation research at Development Reimagined, having managed our FOCAC Policy Analysis and Advocacy project. She is also the co-author of “China-Africa Health Cooperation under FOCAC Umbrella”, in which she analysed China’s commitments around health cooperation since the first FOCAC summit and deepdived into four African countries’ health overview, challenges and cooperation with China as cases studies. Before DR, Jing worked at GIZ Cambodia on M&E of a disability advocacy project. She also worked as a translator with Chinese medical team in Benin.

IVORY KAIRO

DECOLONISING DEVELOPMENT TEAM POLICY ANALYST

IVORY KAIRO

DECOLONISING DEVELOPMENT TEAM POLICY ANALYST

Ivory is a Kenyan lawyer with experience in policy research and analysis. She also supports the communications team at DR. Ivory speaks English, Swahili and French.

YUNONG

CLIMATE ANALYST

YUNONG

CLIMATE ANALYST

OVIGWE EGUEGU

PEACE AND SECURITY POLICY LEAD

OVIGWE EGUEGU

PEACE AND SECURITY POLICY LEAD

Ovigwe is a Policy Analyst at Development Reimagined. He focuses on geopolitics with particular reference to Africa in a changing global order. Specifically, his work includes analyses and publications on great power politics and it's impact on developments in the region. He pays special attention to regional/international security, institutions-alliances, and initiatives-projects. Ovigwe is frequently invited to policy dialogues, seminars and workshops hosted by leading think tanks including the Atlantic Council, Institute for Security Studies, Council on Foreign Relations and the South African Institute of International Affairs. He regularly appears on Al Jazeera, TRT World, CGTN, DW News, and BBC and. He writes pieces for publications such as The Diplomat, China Global South and The Africa Report.

SENA VONCUJOVI

COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER AND AFRICA-CHINA POLICY ANALYST

SENA VONCUJOVI

COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER AND AFRICA-CHINA POLICY ANALYST

Sena Voncujovi is the Communications Manager at Development Reimagined, based in its Beijing headquarters. Responsible for ensuring the brand's digital identity aligns seamlessly with its values, work, and strategic objectives, he orchestrates the public and online voice across all its digital platforms. As an experienced Africa-China Policy Analyst, Sena assists high-end African brands in entering the Chinese market through bespoke consulting services, IP registration, trademarking, marketing, and e-commerce onboarding services through Development Reimagined's flagship "Africa Reimagined" Project. As a former Yenching Scholar at Peking University, he previously served as Editor-in-Chief of its Africa Think Tank (PATT). As a consultant in Tokyo, he advised the Ghanaian government for TICAD 7. Sena is also the co-founder of Jaspora, Tokyo's largest African diaspora community. In 2021, he was named one of the 100 Most Influential People of African Descent Under 40 by MIPAD. His perspectives have been published by outlets such as The Diplomat, Africa Business, and NHK, as well as academic institutions like the Harvard Kennedy School, Georgetown University, and Northwestern University. He speaks English, Japanese, French, and Spanish, and is currently learning Mandarin.

VIKKI XING

ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT AND HUMAN RESOURCES

VIKKI XING

ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT AND HUMAN RESOURCES

Equipped with a Bachelor of Business in Hotel Management from Australia and a prestigious Sino-French Joint MBA from the University of Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne & UIBE, Vikki Xing serves as Administration Assistant at Development Reimagined. With 8 years of international experience from Australia and Canada, she has played pivotal roles in managing international education programs and spearheaded innovative marketing campaigns. Vikki's expertise aids Development Reimagined in bridging China-Africa ties, ensuring operational efficiency and solidifying global connections.

JOAN AWUOR

COMMUNICATIONS ASSISTANT

JOAN AWUOR

COMMUNICATIONS ASSISTANT

Joan is a communications assistant at Development Reimagined who is an expert in providing strategic communication directions and maintaining strong brand presence for organisations on viritual platforms. She is an economist by profession.

SAISH SANKHE

AFRICA REIMAGINED E-COMMERCE PLATFORM ENGAGEMENT LEAD

SAISH SANKHE

AFRICA REIMAGINED E-COMMERCE PLATFORM ENGAGEMENT LEAD

Saish Sankhe (BE, MBA, DYLSC) has over 4 years of experience, right from working as a Sales Manager in companies like Decathlon and RAW Pressery, to working as a Marketing Executive with RailTel Corporation of India (PSU under the Ministry of Railways). He is currently working as a Project Manager at the Tata Institute of Social Sciences, Mumbai and as an E-Commerce Platform Engagement Lead at Africa Reimagined. He loves to preserve his interests at heart and has been associated with YUVA (Youth for Unity and Voluntary Action), which encompasses the largest Youth NGO network in India, where he is working as a volunteer and has been a part of various camps and events for youth communities and leaders. He has also co-founded ‘Bolo P for Periods’, an organization focused on spreading period positivity and working towards menstrual equity. Since its inception in 2020, Bolo P for Periods has conducted over 50+ sessions for people of all genders covering 3000+ women, girls and men to date. Mr Saish is also an alumnus of the National Service Scheme Unit of the St. John Education Campus where he led the campus unit of 400 volunteers for 2 years.

CHRISTY UN

DEVELOPMENT FINANCE ANALYST

CHRISTY UN

DEVELOPMENT FINANCE ANALYST

HELLEN OKELO

CLIMATE ANALYST INTERN

HELLEN OKELO

CLIMATE ANALYST INTERN

Hellen Okelo is a Climate Analyst Intern at Development Reimagined and a graduate student at the Yenching Academy of Peking University. At DR, Hellen supports the Climate team on research projects that are geared towards enabling African countries adjust to clean energy transition. Hellen’s interests include sustainable development, banking and women empowerment. Prior to joining DR, she worked in Mauritius for a female-led incubator and in Kenya in the banking sector. She holds a Bachelors degree in International Business from The African Leadership University.

ETSEHIWOT KEBRET

INTERNATIONAL FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS POLICY LEAD

ETSEHIWOT KEBRET

INTERNATIONAL FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS POLICY LEAD

Etsehiwot is a Development Finance Advisor focusing on Special Drawing Rights, Multilateral Bank Reform, the Sustaianble Development Goals (SDGs) and African debt. Her writing can be found in the Diplomat, CSIS Africa, China Dialogue, Africa Business and more. Prior to DR, Etsehiwot had diverse experience in humanitarian and development issues, working in both multilateral organizations and international non-governmental organizations. She holds a Masters’s degree in Development Studies from the London School of Economics.

JUDITH MWAI

AFRICAN DIPLOMACY IN CHINA LEAD

JUDITH MWAI

AFRICAN DIPLOMACY IN CHINA LEAD

Judith is a Research and Policy Analyst at Development Reimagined, where she specialises in Africa-China relations, international development, and diplomacy. During her time at Development Reimagined, Judith has co-authored several articles published in The Diplomat on debt and China-Barbados relations and was quoted by China Daily in a piece on women's rights in China. Previously, Judith worked in Kenya as a research analyst for an Advocate and Commissioner and Oats office.

NANA AMA AKUFFO-KWAPONG

CLIMATE CONSULTANT AND ECONOMIST

NANA AMA AKUFFO-KWAPONG

CLIMATE CONSULTANT AND ECONOMIST

Beryl Nana Ama Akuffo-Kwapong is a Climate Consultant-Economist specializing in renewable energy investment, policy analysis, and opportunities for sustainable economic growth. Prior to DR, she gained a diverse range of multi-disciplinary experiences in the private and public sectors, having worked in both multilateral organizations and international non-governmental organizations. She holds a Master's degree in Public Policy from Georgetown University.

CHENSI LI

AFRICA-CHINA POLICY ANALYST

CHENSI LI

AFRICA-CHINA POLICY ANALYST

Chensi Li is a Research Analyst at Development Reimagined. Her prior work experience spans local NGOs in Nigeria and Cameroon and think-tanks in Pakistan. Her research areas include Sino-African relations, African foreign affairs, public diplomacy, state-building and national governance.

ZIHAN CHEN

COMMUNICATIONS ASSISTANT AND CLIMATE INTERN

ZIHAN CHEN

COMMUNICATIONS ASSISTANT AND CLIMATE INTERN

DAVID NYAGWETA

ECONOMIST

DAVID NYAGWETA

ECONOMIST

David is an economist at Development Reimagined. His main research interests include development, and demographic economics with focus on intersecting issues such as mobility, economic policy, development finance, health, and subjective wellbeing amongst others. Prior to DR, David was involved in research, lecturing, and consulting within academia.

MEGHNA GOYAL

ECONOMIST AND DATA ANALYST

MEGHNA GOYAL

ECONOMIST AND DATA ANALYST

Meghna Goyal is currently working as a Data Analyst Intern while pursuing her Master's degree in Economics at Peking University HSBC Business School in Shenzhen, China. Her academic interests revolve around econometrics and development economics, with a particular focus on education and healthcare. Prior to joining DR, Meghna has worked with NGOs in India, delivering comprehensive seminars on menstrual hygiene, WASH, and sanitation to young girls aged 8-14 years. Meghna obtained her Bachelor's degree in Economics from the University of London. She is fluent in English and Hindi and is currently learning Mandarin.

OUR TEAM

THE KEY PEOPLE BEHIND OUR GLOBAL IMPACT

Hannah Ryder

Yike Fu

JADE SCARFE

LESLIE MUDIMU

ROSIE WIGMORE

Yixin Yu

Leah Lynch

HUIYI CHEN

RUGARE MUKANGANGA

JING CAI

IVORY KAIRO

YUNONG

OVIGWE EGUEGU

SENA VONCUJOVI

VIKKI XING

JOAN AWUOR

SAISH SANKHE

CHRISTY UN

HELLEN OKELO

ETSEHIWOT KEBRET

JUDITH MWAI

NANA AMA AKUFFO-KWAPONG

CHENSI LI

ZIHAN CHEN

DAVID NYAGWETA

MEGHNA GOYAL

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