I am pleased to announce new senior advisers have joined the PIP platform providing advocacy support to an increasing number of global tech clients with interests in Africa, Europe, Middle East and Latin America. They will work closely with Mortimer Hope, Africa Lead and Sebastian Cabello, LATAM Lead and myself, in collaboration with our clients’ local teams to extend their reach and deliver policy impact in their respective countries and support wider regional objectives.
Cecilia Mamelodi-Onyadile has over twenty years’ experience in the telecommunications and ICT industry in Botswana and the SADC region covering regulation, policy and infrastructure development. Her association with SADC spanned more than a decade, during which she: was instrumental in coordinating the fifteen member states in the development of a region-wide, integrated, cost-effective and reliable telecommunications and ICT infrastructure; had oversight of the work of implementing agencies; and facilitated high-level discussions between Ministers of member states in relation to the 4th industrial revolution. Earlier in her career, Cecilia was Head of Regulatory Affairs at the Botswana Telecommunications Corporation and a founding Board Member of the Communications Regulatory Authority.
Vitalis Olunga has worked in the ICT industry of Sub-Saharan Africa for the past twenty-five years. He has delivered on major strategic projects including formulating the National Broadband Strategy for Kenya, establishing the national regulatory authority in Federal Republic of Somalia and conducting regulatory profile assessments for Cameroon, DRC, Cote d’Ivoire, Malawi, Mozambique, Senegal and Zambia. He was ITU expert on ICT wireless broadband strategy for countries in Africa as well as chairing ITU and CTO forums for operators in Africa. Earlier in his career, Vitalis was Chair of GSMA Africa Regional Interest Group. Vitalis has an extensive understanding of market trends, industry priorities and operational requirements of MNOs in this region. He is also an accomplished speaker and trainer in ICT policy, regulation and technology.
Annie Kithima Badjoko a lawyer specialising in legal and regulatory ICT affairs will provide our clients with senior level advice in Central African countries. She was the legal adviser to Vodacom in the Democratic Republic of Congo for twelve years, also chairing the regulatory subcommittee of GSMA. Her public sector roles include chief of staff to the Minister of Trade in Kinshasa and Legal adviser in the office of the president of the Republic of Zaire (DRC). Educated in Belgium and USA, she is fluent in English, French, Swahili, Luba and Lingala.
In LATAM, we are joined by Geraldine Gonzalez Santibanez, an engineer expert on telecom regulation and spectrum with significant experience in Subtel as Chief of the Division of Regulatory Policy twice (2011-2014 and in 2018). Currently an independent consultant, she continues to be well connected at Subtel. She was responsible for defining the last two spectrum assignment processes of 700 MHz and 2600 MHz bands.
Roberto Ercole provides PIP clients with senior level advice in Europe and the Middle East. A chartered engineer in Europe, he is a spectrum and mobile radio systems expert with global expertise and experience of engaging with senior government officials at Ministerial and Director General level. He works as a consultant for several clients across the MENA region and Europe, including SAMENA Council.
They are already proving the depth of their expertise and local policy impact and I look forward to our collaborations.