Juliana Rotich, Information Technologist and Entrepreneur, Kenya - Africa Impact Lectures

Juliana Rotich is a renowned technologist, entrepreneur, and global thought leader in digital innovation, sustainability, and social impact. She is best known as the co-founder of Ushahidi, an open-source software platform for information collection, visualization, and interactive mapping, which has revolutionized crisis response and data transparency across the globe. Ushahidi was initially developed to map reports of violence in Kenya following the 2007–08 post-election crisis and has since been deployed in over 160 countries.

With a deep commitment to leveraging technology for good, Juliana has led numerous initiatives at the intersection of technology and society. She was a co-founder and executive director of BRCK, a rugged, self-powered WiFi device designed to provide internet connectivity in remote and underserved regions. Through BRCK, she championed digital inclusion and access to information for communities across Africa.

Juliana serves on multiple international boards, including the Digital Impact Alliance (DIAL) at the UN Foundation and the World Economic Forum’s Global Agenda Council on Data-Driven Development. She is also a trustee of Microsoft 4Afrika Advisory Council and a former member of the board of directors of Safaricom, one of Africa’s leading telecommunications companies.

A TED Senior Fellow and a recipient of numerous global accolades, including recognition from the MIT Technology Review’s Innovators Under 35 and the World Economic Forum’s Young Global Leaders, Juliana continues to influence conversations on innovation, governance, and ethical tech.

Through her work, Juliana Rotich exemplifies the power of technology to drive equitable development, foster civic engagement, and bridge digital divides across the Global South.

Africa World Initiative | View More Events
Co-hosted with: Princeton Institute for International & Regional Studies, Program in African Studies, Princeton African Humanities Colloquium

Contact the organizers