RAY WILLBERN
MANAGING DIRECTOR
Ray Willbern is the founder of East African Solutions and has been working across Sub-Saharan Africa since 2010.
He has advised on and supported over $1 billion of foreign direct investment into the region, working across sectors including agriculture, natural resources, tourism, infrastructure, and manufacturing. Through this work, he has developed an extensive network spanning investors, government stakeholders, corporate partners, and advisors.
Ray specialises in helping businesses and project sponsors structure credible investment opportunities, combining strategic analysis, financial modelling, and stakeholder engagement to support capital raising, expansion, and project development.
He holds a Bachelor's degree in Management Studies from the University of Nottingham in the UK, certificates in the Economics of Global Poverty from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in the US, and in Corporate Finance from the IESE Business School in Spain. Additionally, he is certified by the World Bank in Unlocking Investments in Emerging Markets and Developing Economies (EMDEs).
Ray is multilingual, with working proficiency in English, German, Spanish, French, Swahili, and Nyanja, supporting his ability to operate across multiple markets in the region.
His work sits at the intersection of commercial strategy, investment structuring, and stakeholder engagement across East Africa.
TBC
KENYA COUNTRY DIRECTOR
TBC
MALAWI COUNTRY DIRECTOR
IVAN OCHIENG
RWANDA COUNTRY DIRECTOR
Ivan Ochieng is the Rwanda Country Director for East African Solutions and has been based in Rwanda since 2019.
He brings extensive experience across business operations, market development, and investment-related activities in East Africa. As Group CEO of Limitless Africa Investment, he has led and overseen ventures across multiple sectors, providing him with a strong understanding of building and scaling businesses within the region.
Ivan is also the Co-Founder of Green Pencils, a Kenyan-based manufacturing business producing environmentally friendly stationery from recycled materials. The company has received international recognition for its sustainability-focused approach.
He has previously served as Chairman of the SME Caucus for the Kenya Association of Manufacturers and as a Board Member of the Kenya Chapter of the UN Global Compact, contributing to discussions around sustainable business practices and ESG standards in the private sector.
His background also includes experience in imports, tax, and audit advisory, giving him a practical understanding of regulatory and commercial environments across East African markets.
He holds a degree in Accounting and Auditing and a Postgraduate Diploma in Sustainability & Responsible Leadership.
TBC
TANZANIA COUNTRY DIRECTOR
TBC
UGANDA COUNTRY DIRECTOR
TBC
ZAMBIA COUNTRY DIRECTOR
CHRISTELLE TULIA
DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO (DRC) AFFILIATE
Christelle Tulia is an affiliate of East African Solutions, supporting the firm’s activities and engagement in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
Born in Kinshasa and with experience working internationally, she brings a strong understanding of both local market dynamics and global commercial perspectives. She is a two-time award-winning entrepreneur and the founder of Kiyana Wraps, a London-based fashion accessories brand, as well as Congolese and Fabulous, a consultancy focused on the DRC.
Her work has been featured in leading international media including Vogue, Forbes, BBC Africa, Al Jazeera, and Schön Magazine, reflecting her ability to position African markets and businesses to global audiences.
Christelle has co-founded ventures across multiple sectors, giving her broad exposure to entrepreneurship, branding, and market development. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in International Relations and Politics and is currently pursuing a Master’s in Global Security and Strategy.
At East African Solutions, Christelle supports the firm’s engagement in the DRC, helping to provide market insight, local perspective, and strategic positioning for opportunities involving the country.
She is multilingual, speaking French, English, Lingala, and Swahili, supporting her ability to operate across regional and international environments.