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Nii Simmonds

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Bio

Nii Simmonds extensive knowledge and experience in Emerging and Frontier Markets, as well as Emerging Technologies and Innovation Commercialization, is highly valued by leaders in both private and public sectors. Alongside his roles as a venture adviser, board observer, and EIR, Nii also offers his expertise on digital transformation and emerging technologies such as robotics, automation, biotechnology, AI/ML, and additive manufacturing. He provides insightful perspectives on their impact on society, policy implications, and the need for efficient solutions to challenges in frontier markets. Additionally, Nii advises on US/EU-African relations and the integration of African emerging tech and critical minerals into Western supply chains for industries like semiconductors, flash memory, renewables, pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and electric vehicles.

Nii has previous management and P&L responsibility with billion-dollar brands at Fortune 500 companies (Big Pharma & Biotech, Consumer Products, and Strategy Consulting). These roles have focused on strategic and long-term planning for various business units, and advising C-Level executives on growth strategy, product development, joint-venture and competitive strategy for brand and product categories.

Nii has worked and consulted globally for The World Bank Group, African Development Bank (AfDB), US State Department, and European Commission in the private sector and entrepreneurship development sectors. Nii was the creator of the African Diaspora Private Sector Engagement program at The World Bank, which was part of the Trade & Competitiveness Global Practice. The program's main objective was to engage African Diaspora professionals to assist SMEs and early-stage businesses in Africa by integrating into global supply chains. In addition, Nii has been a thought leader in creating supply chain supplier programs to integrate OEM suppliers in frontier and emerging markets who have disruptive, innovative solutions or products that can scale to global supply chains. Furthermore, Nii focuses on early-stage venture building and integrating SMEs/suppliers to global supply chains for shared value