The Board of Research ICT Africa (RIA) is pleased to announce that Pria Chetty formally assumes the role of Executive Director, effective 1 July 2025. This marks the final stage of the phased transition process and the leadership handover from the founding Executive Director, Dr Alison Gillwald.
The Board instituted a structured and deliberate transition plan to ensure the continuity of RIA’s institutional knowledge, strategic relationships, and policy impact. Over the past six months, Pria has worked closely with Alison and the management team to take up the reins of executive leadership, and the Board is confident that the organisation is in strong and capable hands.
Over more than two decades, Alison has built RIA into a leading African digital policy and research think tank, recognised for its rigorous work and commitment to public-interest outcomes. Her ability to anticipate and shape critical debates around digital governance, access, and equity has positioned RIA as a leading voice across the continent and beyond.
Dr Gillwald will now step back from all executive functions. She will, however, continue to contribute to RIA’s work in the capacity of Distinguished Fellow, allowing the organisation to draw on her deep expertise, extensive network, and longstanding commitment to digital policy on the continent. She will also continue her secondment to the T20/G20 process, contributing to global policy dialogue on behalf of the organisation.
The Board thanks Alison for her exceptional leadership. The Board welcomes Pria as she leads RIA into its next chapter of advancing data justice, digital inclusion, and public-interest digital policy across Africa.
