Swaady Martin is the Founder and CEO of the SWAADY GROUP, a socially responsible group of brands that process African raw commodities into high-value products distributed globally. Passionate about agro-beneficiation, Swaady first launched YSWARA, a company that offers high quality African tea and artisan teatime accessories. Today YSWARA is present in 15 countries throughout high-end stores, restaurants, hotels and spas such as Selfridges and the Four Seasons Hotel Group. The brand was awarded the SME Excellence Award in 2014. Prior to launching YSWARA, Swaady had a 10-year career at General Electric Co., where she held leadership positions in several divisions across the world. Her most recent position was GE Transportation Director for Sub-Saharan Africa and acting-CEO for GE South Africa Technologies. Swaady has received numerous distinctions and awards such as being named one of the “Youngest Power Women in Africa” by Forbes, as well as being selected for the prestigious Archbishop Tutu Leadership Fellowship Programme in 2012. Swaady holds a Masters in Economics from the University of Lausanne and an MBA from the London School of Economics (LSE), NYU Stern Business School and HEC Paris Business School.

The Board of Directors is the supervisory organ of ASE. It influences the overall vision and strategic direction of ASE while making sure that ASE stays true to its mission. Together, its members will bring a wealth of expertise in academia, higher education institution management, fundraising strategies and Africa’s development problematic. Click here to read more about its members.