Who We Are
Our Identity
UAEFI is a global network of diaspora leaders, senior experts, and strategic advisors committed to shaping inclusive innovation ecosystems. We bridge the gap between international expertise and local realities, transforming opportunities into concrete, measurable action across Africa, the Caribbean, and emerging markets worldwide.
Founded by professionals with deep roots in both developed and emerging economies, UAEFI brings together a unique blend of technical know-how, cultural understanding, and strategic vision. Our members have led projects across more than 20 countries, working with governments, international organizations, private sector leaders, and civil society to drive sustainable development through innovation.
Our Vision
We envision a world where innovation is truly inclusive — where the expertise of the Afro-Caribbean diaspora is recognized as a strategic asset for global development. UAEFI strives to unlock sustainable innovation worldwide by connecting diaspora talent with high-impact opportunities, fostering cross-regional collaboration, and building local productive capacity that endures beyond any single project.
Our Values
Excellence
We hold ourselves to the highest standards of quality and professionalism. Every engagement, every deliverable, and every partnership reflects our commitment to delivering expertise that sets the benchmark in advisory, capacity building, and innovation strategy.
Bridging Gaps
We exist to connect — global talent with local opportunities, international best practices with regional realities, and diverse perspectives with shared goals. By bridging these gaps, we create pathways for knowledge transfer, mutual growth, and lasting partnerships.
Collaboration
We believe that the most impactful solutions emerge from collective intelligence. UAEFI harnesses the power of partnerships — between diaspora experts, local stakeholders, institutions, and the private sector — to co-create strategies that are both innovative and grounded in reality.
Innovation
Innovation is at the heart of everything we do. We champion creative approaches to complex challenges, leveraging technology, research, and cross-cultural insights to create tangible, lasting impact for the communities we serve. Our goal is not just to innovate, but to ensure that innovation reaches those who need it most.
A Word from Our Founder
Chrystèle SANON
Founder & President, UAEFI
"Innovation ecosystems are the engines of sustainable development. Our mission is to structure, strengthen and connect them across Africa, the Caribbean and beyond."
An expert in innovation ecosystems and entrepreneurship, Chrystèle Sanon dedicates her efforts to structuring and strengthening innovation dynamics in Africa, the Caribbean and internationally. As founder of the NGO United Afro Experts For Innovation (UAEFI), she mobilizes a diasporic task force of committed experts to support the development of incubators, accelerators, startup studios and high-impact initiatives. She also contributes to international strategic discussions on innovation and entrepreneurship, particularly within the framework of Startup20 (G20), formulating operational recommendations on ecosystem structuring and innovation policies. Her work focuses on engineering support programs and designing structuring tools for investors and entrepreneurs. She works on international projects with development institutions and investment stakeholders to design programs, toolkits and strategies aimed at accelerating the emergence of innovative, inclusive and sustainable ecosystems.
Our Board
The dedicated team guiding our mission and strategy.
Chrystèle SANON
Founder & President
Innovation Ecosystems Expert
Giulia Ajmone Marsan
Secretary General
Innovation Economist