Robert Karanja is a respected expert in digital governance, impact investing, and responsible technology, currently serving as Director of Investments and Strategic Partnerships for Africa at Co-Develop. In this role, he leads Co-Develop’s Africa-focused investment strategies and collaborates closely with the global investments team to promote inclusive and equitable digital ecosystems across the continent.
With a strong commitment to ethical innovation, Robert previously headed the Digital Identity investment portfolio at Omidyar Network, where he played a pivotal role in shaping policies and practices around data privacy, encrypted communications, e-government, and digital rights. His work involved close collaboration with governments, multilateral agencies, civil society organizations, and research institutions to ensure that digital transformation efforts upheld human rights and inclusion.
Robert’s extensive experience also includes serving in various governance and advisory roles. He is a member of the Advisory Council for California State University’s Cybersecurity Program, where he contributes to curriculum development and strategic quality assessment to ensure global relevance in cybersecurity education.
He also sits on the boards of:
- B Lab East Africa, where he supports the advancement of stakeholder capitalism and sustainable business practices
- Select Africa Limited, providing strategic advisory oversight to drive financial inclusion and enterprise growth across the region
Robert holds an MBA in Strategic Management from Moi University and a Bachelor of Commerce in Entrepreneurship from the University of Northern British Columbia, Canada.
Outside of his professional life, Robert is a passionate golfer, a devoted ice hockey fan, and enjoys spending time with his two sons. He brings a unique blend of strategic insight, policy advocacy, and people-centered investment leadership to the forefront of Africa’s digital development landscape.