https://eastafricansolutions.com/home daily 1.0 2026-04-11 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/609d4b083e5ba41fd6193c71/46f8d457-4caf-4ebd-86d4-be10fcd66fe1/Maasai+Mara.png East African Solutions Kenya https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/609d4b083e5ba41fd6193c71/56a0681c-444e-4761-aeaf-2a7dc3a7417f/Lake+Malawi.png East African Solutions Malawi https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/609d4b083e5ba41fd6193c71/3426ef41-a087-439e-84f7-334595620612/Rwanda+Gorilla.png East African Solutions Rwanda https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/609d4b083e5ba41fd6193c71/8494af5a-4b22-4b94-bbe2-6befcf68a61f/Kilimanjaro.png East African Solutions Tanzania https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/609d4b083e5ba41fd6193c71/0b9edd88-454d-4067-bb40-d025df28e36d/Nile+Uganda.png East African Solutions Uganda https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/609d4b083e5ba41fd6193c71/e56b78e9-b82a-45b9-b9c2-ace6b3286fcd/Vic+Falls+PG+Homepage.jpg East African Solutions Zambia https://eastafricansolutions.com/meet-the-team daily 0.75 2026-04-11 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/609d4b083e5ba41fd6193c71/da40585a-c629-48fb-9ca7-f832b4437d4e/Ray+Willbern+background.png Meet the Team - 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 projects and commercial activities associated with over $1 billion of foreign direct investment into the region, working across sectors including agriculture, natural resource sectors, tourism, infrastructure, and manufacturing. Through this work, he has developed extensive experience working with businesses, project sponsors, institutional stakeholders, and advisors. Ray specialises in supporting businesses and project sponsors in developing credible, investment-ready opportunities, combining strategic analysis, financial modelling, and structured stakeholder engagement to support commercial decision-making, expansion, and project development. He holds a Bachelor's degree in Management Studies from the University of Nottingham, certificates in the Economics of Global Poverty from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and in Corporate Finance from the IESE Business School. 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 focuses on commercial strategy, financial analysis, and structured advisory support across East Africa. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/609d4b083e5ba41fd6193c71/1620939349883-RKD72PFNN0FP5VW2D48G/Kenya.png Meet the Team - TBC KENYA COUNTRY DIRECTOR https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/609d4b083e5ba41fd6193c71/1620939600639-AOBDAXAW1AKECE7IVW3E/Malawi.png Meet the Team - TBC MALAWI COUNTRY DIRECTOR https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/609d4b083e5ba41fd6193c71/1a12bbbe-be2c-4b62-bdf0-01260ec661a7/Ivan+Ochieng+Rwanda.png Meet the Team - IVAN OCHIENG RWANDA COUNTRY DIRECTOR an 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 commercial 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 developing 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 trade-related operations, 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. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/609d4b083e5ba41fd6193c71/1620940227757-I39O96MAX1ZIK5BG7OSI/Tanzania.png Meet the Team - TBC TANZANIA COUNTRY DIRECTOR https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/609d4b083e5ba41fd6193c71/1620940462479-07KE25QZICGZMARGWOCG/Uganda.png Meet the Team - TBC UGANDA COUNTRY DIRECTOR https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/609d4b083e5ba41fd6193c71/1620940716779-0LW03THPS22O8JJH432Y/Zambia.png Meet the Team - TBC ZAMBIA COUNTRY DIRECTOR https://eastafricansolutions.com/countries daily 0.75 2026-04-11 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/609d4b083e5ba41fd6193c71/1621004853734-9OHJCB9E2O77DU29Q9YW/Nairobi.png Countries https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/609d4b083e5ba41fd6193c71/1621004897831-0FVOIJUH73NO7GHLP8M4/Blantyre.png Countries https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/609d4b083e5ba41fd6193c71/1621004946032-0Q0IO2L9ZBVZ7F9TE1N6/Kigali.jpg Countries https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/609d4b083e5ba41fd6193c71/1621004999218-LDPX2OQMSEZT79J1CEA3/Dar+es+Salaam.png Countries https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/609d4b083e5ba41fd6193c71/1621005044055-OV79WWTOOVCSQU7DJGNG/Kampala.png Countries https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/609d4b083e5ba41fd6193c71/1621005334226-KOMSC51H9PFH4LSZAMIA/Lusaka.png Countries https://eastafricansolutions.com/why-east-africa daily 0.75 2026-04-11 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/609d4b083e5ba41fd6193c71/7c37a807-972e-4096-a801-39a11fb552fe/Nairobi.png Why East Africa? Zebras grazing in Nairobi National Park in Kenya with the city of Nairobi in the background. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/609d4b083e5ba41fd6193c71/3535d67c-f7eb-439c-acf4-9ec3e9c908e9/Blantyre.png Why East Africa? National Bank of Malawi building in Blantyre. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/609d4b083e5ba41fd6193c71/6aefa4f6-d49e-4942-994b-2f9beca0efd9/Kigali.jpg Why East Africa? Kigali Conference Centre in Rwanda by night. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/609d4b083e5ba41fd6193c71/5b2e6dda-14bc-4e05-a2da-2d4b2aa46243/Dar+es+Salaam.png Why East Africa? Aerial view of the PSPF Towers in Dar es Salaam. Tanzania. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/609d4b083e5ba41fd6193c71/7dbf26d7-fb8e-44bc-9bc3-9d159e81b40e/Kampala.png Why East Africa? Kampala skyline under construction in Uganda. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/609d4b083e5ba41fd6193c71/37b7ca01-dd25-4516-97b2-7ecbdec15f34/Lusaka.png Why East Africa? Night cityscape view of Lusaka, Zambia. https://eastafricansolutions.com/about-us daily 0.75 2026-04-11 https://eastafricansolutions.com/anti-corruption daily 0.75 2021-05-17 https://eastafricansolutions.com/anti-modern-slavery daily 0.75 2021-05-17 https://eastafricansolutions.com/privacy daily 0.75 2025-09-10 https://eastafricansolutions.com/contact daily 0.75 2026-04-11 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/609d4b083e5ba41fd6193c71/2136cfb1-8900-48d3-9cb5-88922f479185/Cornhill.png Contact - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/609d4b083e5ba41fd6193c71/b52aff47-20a8-42e7-b1a6-22c69e40ba18/Kigali+Night.jpeg Contact - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://eastafricansolutions.com/projects daily 0.75 2026-04-11 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/609d4b083e5ba41fd6193c71/ced646c2-9aa8-4525-b497-c143e3de73e3/EAS+Projects+Apr+26.png Projects - PROJECTS Due to confidentiality obligations, much of our work cannot be disclosed publicly until completion. The examples below highlight selected mandates across East Africa and adjacent markets, illustrating the types of opportunities East African Solutions has supported across feasibility, investment preparation, stakeholder engagement, and related advisory work. MARKET ENTRY & FEASIBILITY STUDIES 1) Sweet Potato Value Chain Feasibility Conducted a feasibility study for a sweet potato value chain spanning Kenya and Uganda, focused on smallholder production and agro-processing for export to the UK. The analysis identified structural yield constraints that limited commercial viability, leading to a reassessment of the proposed investment model. (Kenya, Uganda) 2) Retail Expansion — Location Analysis Advised a Tanzanian business on market entry into Kenya through a structured location analysis across 15 potential retail sites in Nairobi. The work assessed commercial viability based on footfall, demographics, visibility, and cost, resulting in clear recommendations for site selection. (Kenya, Tanzania) 3) FMCG Market Entry Assessment — UK to Kenya Conducted a market assessment for the introduction of UK FMCG products into Kenya, analysing pricing, competition, import duties, and distribution dynamics. The work included supplier engagement and commercial feasibility analysis to support market entry decisions. (Kenya) 4) Bamboo Production & Processing Feasibility Assessed the commercial viability of bamboo cultivation and processing in Rwanda. The analysis covered yields, land availability, and production economics, concluding that structural supply constraints limited scalability and rendered the investment unviable under current conditions. (Rwanda) 5) Timber Value Addition Feasibility Conducted feasibility studies for timber value addition projects focused on construction materials and furniture manufacturing, based on regional sustainable timber concessions and plantation supply. The work assessed processing economics, location options, and commercial viability across East Africa, identifying suitable processing locations and key considerations around supply stability and scalability. (Rwanda, Tanzania, Uganda) 6) Cassava-to-Ethanol Pre-Feasibility Conducted a pre-feasibility study for ethanol production from cassava in Rwanda. While technically viable, the analysis showed that margins were insufficient to support commercial investment when accounting for financing costs and execution risks. (Rwanda) 7) Urban Development Projects - Concept Development & Business Planning Supported the concept development and business planning of multiple urban projects in Dodoma. The work included market analysis, commercial positioning, and financial modelling across residential, hospitality, education, and healthcare sectors, providing a structured foundation for project evaluation and implementation planning. (Tanzania) 8) Market Entry Strategy — Multinational Technical Services Company Advised a Belgian multinational technical services company (c. $800m revenue) on market entry into Tanzania. The work included market analysis, competitive positioning, and regulatory assessment, and directly supported the company’s successful entry into the market. (Tanzania) INVESTMENT READINESS 9) Avocado Seedling Business — Access to Finance Advised an organic avocado seedling business on structuring its growth strategy and investment case to support access to finance. The work enabled the business to scale production capacity and meet increasing demand. (Kenya) 10) Safari Camp Development Supported a German–Tanzanian operator in developing a safari camp in Serengeti National Park. The mandate included market analysis, concept development, financial modelling, and debt structuring. The project resulted in the acquisition of a prime site and successful debt financing. (Tanzania) 11) Export-Oriented Venture — Business Planning & Financial Modelling Developed a business plan and financial model for a venture targeting international markets for East African arts, crafts and homewares. The work included commercial analysis of product-market opportunities across the region, financial projections, and structuring the business model to support strategic decision-making. The materials contributed to successful funding discussions for the business. (Tanzania) 12) Boutique Hotel Development Supported the development of a boutique hotel on a major coffee estate in Tanzania, working alongside architects on concept design, market positioning, and financial modelling. The project included full business planning and resulted in successful approval and financing from lenders. (Tanzania) 13) Integrated Grain Storage Platform — Feasibility & Business Planning Conducted a feasibility study and developed a business plan for a grain storage platform in Uganda, positioned to support regional food supply dynamics. The work included market analysis, financial modelling, and optimisation of the commercial model, providing a structured foundation for project evaluation and development. (Uganda) 14) Highway Retail & Service Hub Developed a business plan for a highway retail and service hub along the Kampala–Entebbe Expressway, working alongside architects and government stakeholders. The plan was used to validate the concept and support internal government funding decisions for the project. (Uganda) INVESTOR, GOVERNMENT & STRATEGIC PARTNER ENGAGEMENT 15) Technology Venture — Market Expansion Support Advised a Ugandan technology venture on refining its business model and structuring regional expansion into Kenya. Support included partnership development and introductions to potential investors and strategic collaborators. (Kenya, Uganda) 16) Sustainable Timber Market Assessment — Supply & ESG Analysis Conducted a market assessment of timber supply across Africa for a US buyer to identify underutilised species and evaluate potential sourcing options above global sustainability standards. The work included analysis of regulatory frameworks, supplier practices, and ESG considerations, highlighting opportunities within highly regulated forestry environments and supporting informed commercial decision-making. The analysis and supporting documentation contributed to the client’s ability to secure the sustaniable timber from a respected London Stock Exchange listed, EU headquartered, multinational timber concession holder in Gabon, secure inventory financing from Kenya, and receive customs clearance in the US. (Gabon, Kenya) 17) Cashew Value Chain Assessment — Commercial & Distribution Analysis Conducted an assessment of a cashew value chain originating in Tanzania and supplying Uganda. The work included analysis of commercial structures, distribution considerations, and cross-border market dynamics, providing recommendations to support product positioning and regional distribution planning. (Tanzania, Uganda) 18) Alternative Protein Supply Assessment — Animal Feed Conducted an Africa-wide assessment of insect-based protein supply for use in animal feed, supporting a UK-based wholesaler seeking to diversify supply sources. The work included analysis of supplier capabilities, commercial considerations, and regional market dynamics, resulting in the identification of suitable supply options in South Africa and Tunisia. (South Africa, Tunisia - not on map) MISCELLANEOUS 19) Financial Centre Structuring Assessment — Kigali (KIFC) Assessed the Kigali International Finance Centre (KIFC) as a jurisdiction for regional headquarters, holding companies, and investment structures. The report analysed regulatory requirements, cost structures, and operational considerations to support location and structuring decisions. (Rwanda) 20) Organisational & Funding Support — Healthcare NGO (Pro Bono) Provided pro bono advisory support to a Rwanda-based organisation producing prosthetic limbs for victims of conflict. The work focused on improving operational efficiency and strengthening engagement with funding partners. (Rwanda) 21) Programme Strategy Support — Environmental Initiative (Pro Bono) Provided pro bono strategic support to an East Africa-focused environmental initiative, advising on programme structuring, partnerships, and funding strategy. (Tanzania) 22) Business Environment Assessment Produced a report on Zambia’s business environment ahead of the 2021 elections, analysing sector dynamics and policy conditions affecting key industries. The work provided stakeholders with insights into operating conditions during a period of economic and political transition. (Zambia) 23) Sovereign Risk Assessment — Zambia Debt Crisis Analysed Zambia’s sovereign debt situation and associated political and economic risks during the 2021 election period. The work informed investment decision-making by clarifying key risks affecting market entry and capital deployment. (Zambia) https://eastafricansolutions.com/news daily 0.75 2026-04-11 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/609d4b083e5ba41fd6193c71/2d89f68c-d2bf-4766-83b7-9abd6613fc4f/UK+Kenya+Trade.jpg News - Make it stand out (L-R) Dr. Joseph Warui - Kenya’s Deputy High Commissioner to the UK; Leigh Stubblefield - UK’s Deputy High Commissioner and Development Director to Kenya; Abubakar Hassan Abubakar - Kenya’s Principal Secretary at the State Department for Investment Promotion at the inaugural UK-Kenya Trade Mission at the Weston Hotel in Nairobi, Kenya. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/609d4b083e5ba41fd6193c71/528da72e-3f79-4515-b13b-ee4fdc601c73/Ochieng+Popat.jpg News - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/609d4b083e5ba41fd6193c71/c70ecdfb-6fc3-49c5-8b06-9d672fb558a7/City+of+London.png News - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/609d4b083e5ba41fd6193c71/535216f5-2584-453a-b26a-edcbcdbb2128/Ivan+Ochieng+image.jpeg News - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/609d4b083e5ba41fd6193c71/57012cca-a951-4b8f-9d14-49ef5018a46c/Rishi+Sunak+usable+image.jpg News - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/609d4b083e5ba41fd6193c71/b3dbd2b9-c42f-4cee-85a6-f411a8325556/UKUGanda.jpg News - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/609d4b083e5ba41fd6193c71/08d73faa-7e93-4207-b821-f6f46ec6b746/International+Banker.png News - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/609d4b083e5ba41fd6193c71/878405e8-fb3f-41fc-963a-b25bf4529bdf/IMG_0722.JPG News - Make it stand out David Smith, Chairman of the British African Business Alliance, receiving the CorporateLiveWire Best Management Consulting Firm of the Year - Africa 2022 on behalf of East African Solutions. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/609d4b083e5ba41fd6193c71/dd435f54-1276-450b-ac86-6095bd0a4a1b/New+Times+Rwanda.png News - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/609d4b083e5ba41fd6193c71/71a1846d-119e-4383-8b5a-e7abc24ecb92/Rwanda+Flag.png News - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://eastafricansolutions.com/products/easily180 daily 0.75 2026-04-11 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/609d4b083e5ba41fd6193c71/a26fe3d6-11bb-4655-8429-40995510a525/EASily180.png https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/609d4b083e5ba41fd6193c71/7222d955-8360-4cb4-951e-083c8c496af6/9+Action+from+18+Steps.png https://eastafricansolutions.com/mission-vision-values-usp daily 0.75 2026-04-11 https://eastafricansolutions.com/general-legal daily 0.75 2025-06-23 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/609d4b083e5ba41fd6193c71/5ccd1005-1f3f-486c-b536-c7fd7040d45d/Ts+and+Cs.png General Legal https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/609d4b083e5ba41fd6193c71/2837d5e6-e4f7-4f94-bdeb-6142ec7f51f9/Copyright.png General Legal https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/609d4b083e5ba41fd6193c71/556d0740-8823-4d5d-95be-5a7ddec3e445/Photography.png General Legal https://eastafricansolutions.com/processes daily 0.75 2026-04-11 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/609d4b083e5ba41fd6193c71/dcb1f8b7-90ea-435c-b008-73a23b80d1e1/Feasibility+Study.png https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/609d4b083e5ba41fd6193c71/9b56a323-7b99-4ae6-b33c-c1a7c2a19c0e/brian-mcmahon-9ON4HreGGj0-unsplash.jpg https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/609d4b083e5ba41fd6193c71/e0caa455-52f7-4d7d-b94c-42310d2642aa/Stakeholder+engagement.png https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/609d4b083e5ba41fd6193c71/402b58b3-281a-435f-8b6b-dfe7d4af8ce8/Review+and+Adapt.png https://eastafricansolutions.com/services-sales-page-2 daily 0.75 2026-03-19 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ec321c2af33de48734cc929/294748f1-eac5-43e7-9f28-91ccf0dcc37b/imgg-demo-AbuF0fn3.png https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ec321c2af33de48734cc929/f64d269d-6648-4fff-8ded-3294bd99b0c4/imgg-demo-ZRjbSa11.png https://eastafricansolutions.com/services-sales-page-2-1 daily 0.75 2026-03-19 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ec321c2af33de48734cc929/294748f1-eac5-43e7-9f28-91ccf0dcc37b/imgg-demo-AbuF0fn3.png https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ec321c2af33de48734cc929/f64d269d-6648-4fff-8ded-3294bd99b0c4/imgg-demo-ZRjbSa11.png https://eastafricansolutions.com/investment-staples daily 0.75 2026-04-11 https://eastafricansolutions.com/services daily 0.75 2026-04-11 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/609d4b083e5ba41fd6193c71/9d4709eb-6c39-4c7e-8e31-0e7eb05f2275/Cash+green.png Services Fundraising Support https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/609d4b083e5ba41fd6193c71/f9318f61-dbd4-416c-873b-3bdea41dd160/Barrow+boy.JPG Services Man hard at work in Lusaka, Zambia pushing a handcart loaded with cardboard boxes on a street. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/609d4b083e5ba41fd6193c71/1ff69660-43a2-4f99-bfdc-be1c520e78fd/Woman+market.png Services Lady holding tomatoes in an African vegetable market. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/609d4b083e5ba41fd6193c71/5a31096b-d496-4ac6-aa0a-c2ce60048d82/Playing+chess.png Services Close-up of a hand holding a wooden chess pawn above a chessboard, surrounded by other chess pieces. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/609d4b083e5ba41fd6193c71/23d8af68-f9d3-4bed-8ce1-e2507424c14e/Brickie.png Services Person using a plumb bob to check vertical alignment of a brick wall under construction in Sub-Saharan Africa. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/609d4b083e5ba41fd6193c71/c0d19ccc-cb90-4460-a50f-55b920a0489e/Maasai+Dance.png Services Traditional Maasai group dancing, wearing shukas and holding wooden sticks. https://eastafricansolutions.com/services/investor-government-partner-engagement monthly 0.5 2026-04-11 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/609d4b083e5ba41fd6193c71/cafba2d9-8dcb-4abc-96a6-2abc821a22aa/Lion+wildebeest.png Services - INVESTOR, GOVERNMENT & STRATEGIC PARTNER ENGAGEMENT https://eastafricansolutions.com/services/business-plan-pitch-deck monthly 0.5 2026-04-11 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/609d4b083e5ba41fd6193c71/5342a8a8-42cb-4bb0-b293-9398ba99540d/Leopard+plan.png Services - INVESTMENT READINESS alt="" https://eastafricansolutions.com/services/market-feasibility-study monthly 0.5 2026-04-11 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/609d4b083e5ba41fd6193c71/01349120-93e6-4704-9db2-9f537183d0fb/Kariakoo.png Services - MARKET ENTRY & FEASIBILITY STUDIES alt=""