Spotlighting the people shaping Dev-Afrique’s work across Africa
Our second volume in the Profiles in Practice series features Sainaan Dati, Senior Consultant and Manager. From coordinating complex projects behind the scenes to chairing panels on the continental stage, Sainaan’s story showcases the depth of talent and commitment within our team.
Can you tell us about your background and your journey to Dev-Afrique?
I have a Bachelor of Business Administration from the University of Kent, England. During my studies, I also gained experience in communications, facilitation, and project management.
After my degree, I returned to Nigeria to work in a management consulting firm where I focused on business consulting, feasibility studies, and project portfolio management. I also designed and managed a CSR initiative for the firm which targeted out-of-school children and built a replicable education model.
I joined Dev-Afrique in December 2023 as an Associate Consultant, then in 2024, I was promoted to Consultant and now serve as a Senior Consultant since April 2025.
What drew you to development advisory work?
I have always wanted to work on problems that actually make a difference in people’s lives. I wanted to move away from traditional consulting toward organizations that really impact how people live and work in their communities.
What led you to join Dev-Afrique, and how has your experience here shaped you?
The collaborative structure of Dev-Afrique was an attraction for me. Beyond having leadership you can actually talk to, I was drawn to working with people who know their onions and get things done.
My role has pushed me to grow both personally and professionally. I naturally prefer working behind the scenes, but Dev-Afrique has given me chances to work more directly with clients. This has helped me understand myself better and figure out how to use my strengths while building new skills.
Describe projects that have deeply impacted you during your time here.
Two projects really stand out. The first was leading the capacity assessment part of the ongoing Kimble project. The hardest part was working within a geospatial context, which needs very specialized knowledge. But the experience showed me how much Dev-Afrique trusts its people. I had real freedom to design and run the project while working directly with high-level stakeholders.
The second was our recent work with the University of Washington (UW). This project showed me what our team is really made of. Everyone focused on finding solutions. When we hit problems, people immediately asked, “how do we fix this?” instead of getting stuck on what went wrong. This reinforced my appreciation for the caliber of professionals Dev-Afrique attracts and the collaborative culture that makes our work more effective.
Is there a part of your role that people might not realize is crucial to Dev-Afrique’s success?
Much of my work involves coordination, strategic planning, and analytical thinking. Effective coordination requires thorough preparation and critical analysis that often extends beyond what everyone sees. For the technical delivery meetings I coordinate, there is substantial preparation for each session — deep analysis of how we can optimize outcomes and ensure that every team member, regardless of their position, can contribute meaningfully to project success.
What distinguishes Dev-Afrique’s approach to development advisory in Africa?
The organizational flexibility combined with a genuine pan-African perspective sets us apart. Rather than limiting professionals to country-specific projects, Dev-Afrique creates opportunities for cross-continental learning and collaboration. GeoPalooza was a perfect example — offering accommodation for people to work in Kenya showed how committed the organization is to building pan-African expertise.
What is something your teammates might be surprised to learn about you?
I studied film at A-levels, and I am big on cinema. Once you have that training, it stays with you; I still approach things with that analytical eye. I made a film in my first year that won the District Award in Cambridge and went on to nationals. Through that, I got to meet and interview Hayley Atwell, who plays Agent Carter in the Marvel movies. It was an amazing experience, and I think that attention to detail from filmmaking carries over into my work now.
Can you share a moment during your time at Dev-Afrique that reaffirmed your passion for this work?
GeoPalooza 4.0 was a big moment for me. For those who don’t know, GeoPalooza is an annual conference that brings together geospatial professionals, government officials, development partners, and technology experts from across Africa and beyond to discuss how mapping and spatial data can drive development solutions. I was asked to chair a panel on Strengthening In-Country Geospatial Capacity: Assessment and Sustainability.
The conference was really about showcasing African innovation and leadership in geospatial technology; demonstrating that we have the talent and vision to lead our own development agenda. Being able to facilitate that conversation, with participants sharing experiences from a global stage while representing Dev-Afrique, I was reminded of the real impact we can have when we combine technical expertise with genuine collaboration.
How has working at Dev-Afrique changed your perspective on Africa’s development challenges?
When you work within these sectors, you realize how easily flimsy decisions can be made. Decisions are the result of a series of actions and steps, and when you are the final decision maker, if all those steps are filled with misinformation or one of them is flawed, the decision is flawed. You realize that the excellence of the work really impacts not just the opportunity given to the country, but also the perception of the country to people abroad. It makes you understand the responsibility you have when coordinating these projects — every little thing impacts decisions about hundreds of communities.
What makes you proud to be part of Dev-Afrique?
I am proud to work with an organization that consistently finds and keeps people who really care about doing excellent work. Having worked in different places, I appreciate how Dev-Afrique has built a team of people who focus on quality work and supporting each other. This creates a foundation where we can trust our team to serve our clients and communities well.
Sainaan’s journey shows the collaborative spirit and excellence that define Dev-Afrique’s approach. Her growth from behind-the-scenes coordination to leading continental conversations reflects the opportunities and trust that characterize our team.
As we continue this series, we celebrate the different paths that bring exceptional talent to our shared mission of African-led development impact.
