Our Board
Promoting Commerce Between Botswana
and the United States
Comprised of experienced leaders from diverse sectors, ABC’s Board oversees the organization’s strategic direction and ensures direct links to the U.S. Embassy and effective support to businesses in Botswana.
sara sullivan
chair
Dr. Sullivan is a seasoned international development expert with over twenty years of experience specializing in strategic communications and program effectiveness. She has proven experience leveraging a wide range of media including print, film, radio, television, and online platforms to enable governments, NGOs, academia, and donors to broaden their constituencies and achieve their strategic goals.
As founder and CEO of international firm Koko Consulting, Sara leverages her expertise to help civil society, governments, and the private sector better attract and deploy donor and development funding. Prior to founding Koko Consulting, she served at the United States Embassy in Botswana as Senior Strategic Communications Advisor for USAID, raising the profile of the agency throughout the region with multiple national campaigns and products, including a feature-length documentary. Previously, as Director of Communications for USAID’s Southern Africa Trade Hub, she led an international team in designing and implementing communications strategies across the program’s eight target southern African countries.
Sara has been on the ABC Board since June 2022 and the chairperson since July 2023. She is committed to working closely with U.S. Government agencies to highlight opportunities for ABC members and strengthen the private sector in Botswana.
She holds a doctorate and master’s degree in English from Boston University, and a Bachelor of Arts in English with a minor in Communications from Westmont College. Dr. Sullivan was also a recurring columnist for the Wall Street Journal from 2015-2016 focusing on topics of interest for the global expat community.
vikash ponangi
viCe-chair
Vikash Ponangi is an entrepreneur and qualified charted accountant who is passionate about creating an enabling environment for business and economic development in Botswana. He is current Marketing Director of the V & V Group of companies, where he oversees areas such as retail, wholesale, distribution, and real estate. He was integrally involved in the conceptualization and creation of “Brandz Unlimited”, one of the leading specialized retailers in Botswana of sports and fitness goods, school uniforms, and fine fragrances.
Mr. Ponangi is a member of the Botswana Institute of Chartered Accountants and has vast experience in public-private dialogue and the formulation of policy and regulations. He has served on various committees such as the National Doing Business Committee, the Ministry of Trade and Industry Sector Level Committee, and the Ministry of Local Government and Ministry of Foreign Affairs Sector Level Committees. Vikash is involved in the Thematic Working Groups for development of the National Development Plans for Botswana and a member of the task force on Regulatory Impact Assessment under the World Bank.
Mr. Ponangi has been one of the youngest members at board level leadership of various organizations such as Business Botswana (formerly BOCCIM), India Botswana Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and the ABC, where he served as Chairperson from 2014-2019.
Mr. Ponangi completed a Bachelor of Science from the University of Botswana, after which he proceeded to become chartered accountant through the UK-based Association of Chartered Certified Accountants. He also completed the Seed Transformation Program under the Stanford University Graduate School of Business.
aswin vaidyanathan
treasurer
Mr. Vaidyanathan is a Partner and Head of the Assurance division at Grant Thornton Botswana, an international auditing and consulting firm that provides services including assurance, tax, advisory, corporate, and business process solutions. He is registered as a Certified Auditor in Botswana and a Certified Auditor of Public Interest Entity. Aswin has more than 26 years of experience in advising companies and stakeholders in audit assurance, financial and IT compliance, and taxation -both corporate and personal. His vast client base of mid-market entrepreneurial businesses, public listed entities, and parastatal organizations include industries ranging from real estate, tourism, financial services, construction, manufacturing, mining, exploration, wholesale, and the medical industry.
Mr. Vaidyanathan participates in several of Grant Thornton’s Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives, including the Private Business Growth Awards, which are presented in association with Business Botswana and Botswana Investment and Trade Centre to recognize and support the emerging private sector in the country. He is also involved in the government’s Digital Transformation Strategy, sponsoring Botswana’s first public school state-of-the art imported interactive tech panel, a classroom solution supporting collaborative learning and access to digitized learning material.
Aswin is a member of several professional organizations, including the Botswana Institute of Chartered Accountants, the Institute of Internal Auditors Botswana, Information Systems Audit and Control Association, and the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India. Grant Thornton has been a member of ABC almost since its inception, and Mr. Vaidyanathan has fulfilled the role of treasurer since he joined the Board in 2018.
In his personal capacity, Aswin is a member and Secretary of the Botswana Hindu Charities Trust, Gaborone Masonic Trust, Angel Network Botswana, and provides pro bono services to various non-profit organizations. He holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree from the University of Madras, India.
pinkie tau
secretary
Pinkie Tau is an experienced commercial leader with a wealth of expertise in development management, trade marketing and international trade. She is the founder and Managing Director of the Business List, a subsidiary of A-LIT (Pty) Ltd, a female-owned company registered in Botswana, and currently serves as the Board Secretary of the ABC. With over 20 years in the field, Pinkie has held various leadership roles, including Marketing Manager, Promotion Manager, Human Resources Manager and UNDP Communications Advisor. Ms. Tau also served as an Assistant to the Private Secretary to the President of Botswana.
An innovative business leader with a strong background in international development, Pinkie excels in building bridges between government and the private sector. She has a track record of managing major projects and spearheading national campaigns for government, corporate clients, and development partners. Throughout her career, Pinkie has been responsible for stakeholder relationship management, corporate affairs, government engagement, project management, research, and strategy development. She has successfully led teams of company directors and employees to execute marketing campaigns and ensure compliance with quality standards such as NOSA, HACCP & ISO Accreditation.
Ms. Tau continues to collaborate with development partners like UNDP and the World Bank to promote the UN framework on "Prosperity for All," and she actively drives programs such as EU Erasmus Plus and SHE Trades Commonwealth Program to promote economic inclusion.inkie holds a bachelor’s degree in human resources management with a minor in computer information systems, and an associate degree in applied Speech Communication. To further enhance her qualifications, Ms. Tau has earned post graduate diplomas in Digital Marketing and another in Strategic Management. She is currently pursuing a Master of Science in International Relations.
Kristen Kerecman
For nearly 20 years, I’ve been crafting communications that don’t just tell a story—they advance a purpose. My passion lies in helping mission-driven organizations amplify their impact, whether that’s through sustainable practices, conservation efforts, or social programs.
Throughout my career, I’ve had the opportunity to work on some truly inspiring initiatives.
At the University of Michigan, I led communications for projects tackling challenges like poverty alleviation and sustainable entrepreneurship, helping these efforts gain national visibility and even influence policy. I’ve also worked with the U.S. Agency for International Development in the Republic of Georgia, shaping messaging that connected with both local and international audiences. Earlier in my career, I managed campaigns for a national
environmental policy organization in Washington, D.C., which included a stint supporting
the Obama transition team as part of the Green Group.
These experiences, along with my background as a former Peace Corps Volunteer and backcountry park ranger, have shaped my approach to communications. I aim to create strategies that are not only impactful but resonate on a human level. I hold a master’s in global strategic communications from Georgetown University, and I’m here to work with you on communications that align with your mission and help create real change.
Let’s make an impact together
Ega Gagoope Duduzile Nkoni
Ms. Ega Gagoope Duduzile Nkoni is a dynamic and results-driven international business professional with a strong track record in entrepreneurship development, trade facilitation, and international business relations. Currently pursuing her MSc in International Business Management at the University of East London, she holds a Bachelor of Business Administration in International Business from the University of Botswana. Her academic
foundation is further strengthened by professional certifications in leadership, trade, and
global business analysis.
She contributes to U.S.–Africa trade relations through her role as Southern Africa Intern at the Corporate Council on Africa (CCA), where she has played a critical part in shaping high-level summits and dialogues.
In addition to her professional roles, Ega is an entrepreneur and Founder of Eco-Jade, a
company that specializes in hydroponics. Through Eco-Jade, she is contributing to sustainable agriculture and food security by producing fresh vegetables and fruits.
Beyond her business and professional engagements, Ega is deeply committed to
entrepreneurship empowerment and trade advocacy. She volunteers as the Administration & Programs Manager for the AfCFTA Youth Advisory Council, where she supports program design, capacity-building initiatives, and donor engagement to empower young people with trade knowledge and entrepreneurial skills. She also volunteers as the High Growth Program Manager at Project124 Africa, where she designs and implements specialized training programs that equip entrepreneurs with tools to scale their businesses.
With a long-term vision to continue contributing to international trade and
entrepreneurship development,Ega is dedicated to advancing Africa’s competitiveness on
the global stage
Chris Hughes
Most recently, Chris served as Group Chief Operations Officer for a Pan-African financial services group with USD 1.2 billion in assets and USD 340 million annual turnover, where he led operations across 12 subsidiaries and established an International Operations Center that delivered multimillion-dollar savings. He has deep expertise in Lean Six Sigma, Balanced Scorecard, Agile transformation, and digital technologies including AI, robotics, and automation, enabling organizations to align strategy, people, and technology for sustainable growth.
Chris is currently a Director and Partner Consultant at LEAD (Pty) Ltd, Vice Chair of the
Botswana Railways Board and holds multiple leadership and governance roles, including
Director of the American Business Council (AmCham Botswana), Director of the Botswana
Harvard Partnership, and Founder & Chairman of WorldLEAD, a youth leadership NGO. Fluent in English and Italian, and conversational in German and Setswana, he is recognized
as a trusted advisor to boards and executives seeking to embed execution discipline,
innovation, and transformation in their organizations
Vishvas Sethi
Vishvas brings over two decades of diverse experience spanning executive roles in technology, telecommunications, and education. As Managing Director of IT-IQ Botswana, Vishvas has led the company to regional market leadership, forging partnerships with global technology vendors and delivering digital transformation initiatives for major clients in government, mining, and financial services. Vishvas’s leadership at DistIQ has driven operational excellence and digital-first strategies in technology distribution across Botswana and Namibia.
Previously, Vishvas held senior positions at Botswana Telecommunications Corporation, spearheading the launch of broadband and next-generation network services, and leading large teams in commercial and technical divisions. Internationally, Vishvas has consulted for leading firms in the USA, managing complex technology projects and developing innovative solutions in wireless, networking, and IT infrastructure.
Vishvas holds an MBA and a Bachelor of Science in Management Information Systems from the Illinois Institute of Technology and is a member of the Institute of Directors (South Africa). Recognized as a thought leader, Vishvas is skilled in public speaking, regulatory compliance, and corporate governance, and is passionate about mentoring talent and advancing digital innovation.
Aditya Ram
Aditya Ram is the Managing Director of Acumen Property Group and the Pro-Vice Chancellor of Infrastructure at Botho University. Mr. Ram is a dynamic Motswana entrepreneur who demonstrated a passion for real estate from a young age. He worked in India, Maldives and South Africa before he returned to Botswana in 2007 and took on the massive roll-out of Botho University’s campus development. He manages a number of real estate portfolios and has led strategic real estate investements in Botswana, Lesotho and beyond.
Aditya is an active angel investor through Angel Network Botswana and is motivated to support a vibrant start-up environment in the country. To this end, he believes thriving business relations and linkages between the U.S. and Botswana are critical and has been a member of the board of the ABC for over 10 years. Mr. Ram has also held board and leadership positions in numerous organizations in Botswana. He is the past president of the global Entrepreneurs Organisation MEPA Bridge Chapter and current secretary of Angel Network Botswana. Aditya has also held the position of Chair of the Board of the ABC between 2019 and 2021, and Treasurer from 2014 to 2019.
Mr. Ram holds a Master of Science in Real Estate Development from Columbia University, New York, as well as a bachelor’s degree in international hospitality management from Lausanne Hotel School in Switzerland. He loves to spend his spare time with his family and friends, especially indulging in foodie experiences or on safari in Botswana.