Early this month the Research ICT Board announced the appointment of Pria Chetty as the Executive Director Designate. Pria brings a wealth of experience in digital policy, regulation, and technology law, with over two decades of work across the African continent. Her deep commitment to advancing inclusive and equitable digital governance makes her uniquely suited to lead RIA into its next chapter.
Reflecting on the appointment, current Executive Director Dr Alison Gillwald shared her thoughts.
“Besides my ringing endorsement of Pria’s appointment as a member of the Research ICT Africa Board, I want to say more personally how very confident I am of her ability to harness this extraordinary and unique resource that is RIA—a result of the collective efforts of dozens of people across the continent over 20 years—to meet the challenges and opportunities offered in this dynamic and globalised environment, in the interests of Africans and in solidarity with the majority world.”
In the thorough and deliberate selection process that led to Pria’s appointment, a central criterion was someone who could reflect the values and spirit of the organisation in its mission to accelerate digital equality and data justice in Africa.
Dr Gillwald continued, “I believed that the person who had the opportunity to build on RIA’s legacy and reinvent this public-interest organisation did not have to be a digital policy guru, but an Africanist and a humanist; an Afro-optimist with the intellectual capability, courage and conviction to critically engage in African and global digital forums to make our policies, institutions, and processes the very best they could be and in ways that would warrant and induce that Afro-optimism. There was only one person at this time for this job. Welcome Pria, and my sincerest thanks to the tireless efforts and support of the Executive Deputy Executive Director, Dr Araba Sey, and the Members of the RIA Board who ensured that RIA got the high calibre of leadership it deserves.”
Over the next six months, Pria will work alongside Alison to ensure a smooth leadership transition, before stepping fully into the role of Executive Director.
Pria, in turn, expressed her enthusiasm for taking up the role, saying, “I have long admired Research ICT Africa’s commitment to digital access and innovation that is just, equitable and inclusive. Under Dr Gillwald’s leadership, RIA has provided crucial insights, bringing to light the unique challenges facing the continent, and engaging in constructive dialogue with policymakers, industry leaders, and the public to shape a digital future that serves the public interest. Africa’s digital landscape is evolving rapidly, presenting both extraordinary opportunities and unprecedented policy provocations. I am deeply honoured to join RIA at this pivotal time and work alongside the accomplished RIA team to continue the mission of Africa’s preeminent digital policy think tank.”
Following the transition period, Alison will remain engaged with RIA in an advisory capacity as a Distinguished Fellow, ensuring that her invaluable expertise continues to inform and strengthen our work, as we remain committed to building on our legacy while adapting to the evolving digital landscape in Africa.
