Open to opportunities

ALLISON BREMNER

@allisonbremner

Message

Technology and public policy expert driving innovation in Africa.

Kenya

Message

What I'm looking for

I seek a role that allows me to drive impactful technology policies and foster partnerships for sustainable development.

I am H.E. Ambassador Philip Thigo, MBS, a dedicated technology and public policy expert serving as the Special Envoy for Technology for the President of Kenya. My mission is to position Kenya as a global leader in critical and emerging technologies, particularly in Artificial Intelligence. I work closely with the President and various stakeholders to ensure our strategies foster innovation while promoting a secure and inclusive digital future for all Kenyans.

Throughout my career, I have been recognized for my contributions to digital governance and technology advocacy. Notably, I was named one of the World's 100 most influential Kiswahili people in digital government by Apolitical in 2018 and listed among Africa's Top 100 Most Influential Leaders in Technology in 2023. My work with the United Nations and various global organizations underscores my commitment to ethical and inclusive technology development.

As a leader, I prioritize research and policy development to ensure that our approach to technology aligns with national development goals. I am passionate about fostering partnerships that drive investment and innovation, reinforcing Kenya's position as a hub for technological excellence in Africa.

Experience

Work history, roles, and key accomplishments

Current

Special Envoy on Technology

Current

Republic of Kenya

Jun 2024 - Present (1 year 2 months)

As Kenya's Special Envoy on Technology, my role centres on advancing techplomacy to position Kenya as a global leader in critical and emerging technologies, such as Artificial Intelligence and other frontier innovations. As an advisor, I work closely with the President, ensuring our strategies and policies drive innovation while fostering a safe, secure, inclusive, and trustworthy digital future f

Techplomacy Artificial Intelligence Policy Development Innovation International Relations

Current

Chairman

Current

Mama Doing Good

Aug 2021 - Present (4 years)

Chairman of the Board of Mama Doing Good, a non-profit organization working towards empowering society through women economic-financial inclusion.

Board Leadership Financial Inclusion Strategic Partnerships

Current

Advisory Board Member

Current

Swahilipot Hub

Nov 2020 - Present (4 years 9 months)

Advisory Board Member for Swahilipot Hub.

Innovation Ecosystem Advisory Technology Hubs Community Development

Executive Director

Thunderbird School of Global Management

Jan 2023 - Mar 2025 (2 years 2 months)

Led Thunderbird's Global Leadership Work in Africa, collaborating with African Governments, Private Sector, Academia, Innovators and Civil Society to shape Africa's leadership in the 4th Industrial Revolution.

Stakeholder Engagement Program Management Strategic Partnerships

High Level Advisory Board Member

United Nations

Oct 2023 - Dec 2024 (1 year 2 months)

Appointed to the UN Secretary-General's High-Level Advisory Body on AI to provide diverse perspectives and options on how AI can be governed for the common good, aligning internationally interoperable governance with human rights and the Sustainable Development Goals.

AI Governance International Relations Human Rights

Senior Director for Africa

Thunderbird School of Global Management

Jan 2019 - Feb 2023 (4 years 1 month)

Led the Africa Hub in Nairobi, bringing Thunderbird's Global Leadership on the 4th Industrial Revolution to Africa.

Regional Leadership Hub Management strategic initiatives Africa Development

Senior Advisor, Data and Innovations

Office of the Deputy President, Legislative & Inter-govermen

May 2015 - Feb 2023 (7 years 9 months)

Led initiatives on Innovations and Data, including the Kenya National Partnership on Sustainable Development Data. Served as Point of Contact for the Open Government Partnership Initiative (OGP) and Global Partnership for Sustainable Development Data.

Data Management Sustainable Development Data Strategy Development

Technical Advisor for Data, Innovations and Open Government

Executive Office of the Deputy President

Jan 2019 - Dec 2020 (1 year 11 months)

Provided strategic support and leadership to the Presidency on Africa's Global Leadership on Data, Innovations, and Open Government.

Strategic Advisory Presidential Support

Advisor to the Cabinet Secretary on Data & Communication

Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries

Nov 2016 - Jan 2018 (1 year 2 months)

Advised the Cabinet Secretary on Data & Communication for the Government of Kenya.

Data Advisory Communication Strategy Government Relations Public Sector Consulting

Executive Director

Infonet Africa

Jan 2014 - Dec 2016 (2 years 11 months)

Served as the CEO of Infonet Africa.

Executive Leadership Strategic Planning

Director, Strategy and Partnerships

Infonet Africa Limited

May 2013 - Jan 2014 (8 months)

Directed Strategy and Partnerships for Infonet Africa Limited.

Strategy Development Partnership Management Business Development

Associate, Strategic Partnerships

Social Development Network

Jul 2007 - May 2013 (5 years 10 months)

Managed strategic planning, overall development, and management of programmes. Served as point person for strategic private-public partnership initiatives and managed information systems including extensive relational databases.

Strategic Planning Program Management Partnership Development Database Management

Programs Consultant

Foundation El Taller

Jul 2007 - Aug 2010 (3 years 1 month)

Developed overall programs for the Foundation's regional offices in Asia, Latin America, and the Arab World.

Program Development International Development Capacity Building Cross Cultural Communication

Program Officer, Youth

Foundation El Taller

Apr 2001 - Jul 2007 (6 years 3 months)

Coordinated Youth Initiatives and integrated Youth Content and issues into the overall organizational framework. Developed educational programmes and integrated gender principles.

Gender Mainstreaming Digital Content Creation

Information liaison, Africa

Foundation El Taller Africa Regional Office

Jul 1999 - Mar 2001 (1 year 8 months)

Managed information liaison for Africa, focusing on overall program development and mainstreaming of youth issues. Led policy development and negotiations related to youth.

Information Management Program Development Youth Advocacy Policy Development

Education

Degrees, certifications, and relevant coursework

Kenya Institute of Management

Systems Analysis, Management of Information Systems

1996 - 1999

Studied Management of Information Systems with a focus on Systems Analysis. Gained foundational knowledge in information systems and their application.