Dalberg Advisors, a global impact consultancy committed to building a more inclusive and sustainable world, announced the appointment of Lillian Kidane as the new Regional Director for its Africa region.
Lillian Kidane, a Partner affiliated with our office in Addis Ababa, brings a rich portfolio of expertise in sustainable and impact-based philanthropic and commercial strategies for emerging markets.
“Lillian’s appointment marks a significant milestone in Dalberg’s commitment to Africa. Her extensive experience across the continent in public health systems, climate, trade, and digital transformation will be invaluable in contributing to shaping the continent’s development trajectory,” says Gaurav Gupta, Global Managing Partner of Dalberg Advisors.
Lillian has two decades of experience working with governments, foundations, corporations, and NGOs both on the continent and from the United States to support systems transformation and access to medicines in Africa. Lillian’s recent accomplishments include serving as a senior advisor to the COVID Vaccine Delivery Partnership (CoVDP) leadership in Geneva, tasked with overseeing the allocation and disbursement of vaccines across 34 countries globally during the pandemic years.
“Dalberg has a remarkable history of working with partners to make a positive difference, and I am eager in my new position as Regional Director, to deepen our collaborations with changemakers, so that we might play a stronger role together in shaping sustainable development across the African continent,” Lillian Kidane, Partner and Regional Director for Africa, Dalberg Advisors, remarks.
Prior to Dalberg, Lillian held leadership roles at General Electric (GE), Africa, as well as with the Clinton Foundation. She has degrees from Yale University School of Medicine and the Johns Hopkins School of Public Health.
“Lillian’s operational track record and her deep expertise across a range of high-impact issues shaping the future of Africa make her the perfect choice to guide our work on the continent. She is inspiring to both our clients and our people, leading with excellence and empathy,” adds Sunru Yong, Partner, Kenya office.
Dalberg Advisors started its operations in Africa in 2007 in South Africa and quickly expanded across West and East Africa, covering over 1,100 engagements across the continent, working with a range of stakeholders, including community-based organizations, local and global nonprofits, investors, foundations, companies, regional bodies, and various government ministries.
“Africa does not need more consultants telling us what change ought to look like on our continent. We want to see entrepreneurial energy and investment championing efforts to decolonize the traditional development agenda. We hope to contribute our small part to this by consistently elevating local entities and grassroots leaders dedicated to seeing sustainable change in our communities, and Dalberg shares this vision,” states Lillian Kidane.
