Our Team
Lance HadleyChief Executive Officer
Lance is an ICT4D and data systems specialist with over 15 years of professional experience in digital innovation, applied research and development programme management. As CEO and co-founder of Sauti East Africa, he leads the development of digital information platforms, AI-enabled market intelligence tools and data systems supporting inclusive economic development.
His expertise spans agricultural markets, digital inclusion, climate resilience and monitoring, evaluation and learning. He has completed assignments for organisations including UNDP, IOM, Google, GIZ, TechnoServe and TradeMark Africa.
Lance holds a PhD in International Affairs from Carleton University, where his research focused on machine-learning applications to agricultural markets in East Africa.
Julia HakspielChief Strategy Officer
Julia has been working in the area of trade, regional integration and social development in East Africa for over seven years and has direct experience designing and implementing trade and development programmes with a focus on gender and poverty. She has worked with leading organisations in this field such as TradeMark East Africa, DFID, Danida, Sida, the International Trade Centre, the World Trade Organization and the World Bank. She holds an MSc in Development Studies from the London School of Economics.
David OregaDirector of Operations
David is an operations and project management specialist with over 15 years of professional experience in field research, community engagement and development programme implementation across East Africa. At Sauti East Africa, he oversees project delivery, stakeholder coordination and field operations for digital initiatives supporting traders, farmers and vulnerable communities.
His expertise spans trade facilitation, digital inclusion, agricultural development and community-based research. Previously, he held senior project and field management positions at the Busara Center for Behavioural Economics and Innovations for Poverty Action, overseeing research and data collection activities across East Africa.
David holds a Bachelor of Science in Information Sciences from Moi University.
Edith AokoResearcher
Edith is an international development practitioner with 11 years of professional experience in project management, research, digital inclusion and community development. At Sauti East Africa, she coordinates donor-funded projects and supports technology-enabled initiatives that improve marginalized communities’ access to climate, agricultural, financial and market information.
Her expertise spans trade, climate resilience, sustainable development and evidence-based decision-making. Previously, she managed rehabilitation, counselling and mentorship programmes in Kenyan correctional facilities.
Edith holds a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Industrial Psychology from the University of Namibia.
Jackline SundaResearcher
Jackline is a research and community development specialist with over 12 years of professional experience in qualitative and quantitative research, field coordination and digital communications. At Sauti East Africa, she supports research design, data collection and the implementation of digital information services for traders, farmers and marginalized communities.
Her expertise spans agriculture, public health, financial inclusion and community-based research. Previously, she worked on research assignments with organisations including Ipsos, Georgetown University, Save the Children, Busara Center for Behavioural Economics and LVCT Health.
Jackline holds a Diploma in Business Administration from North Eastern National Polytechnic.