Our Team

Dr. Kanny Diallo is a public health researcher and molecular epidemiologist with over ten years of experience in scientific research across sub-Saharan Africa. Throughout her career, she has successfully mobilized over one billion CFA francs (more than two million US dollars) in research funding—demonstrating her ability to combine scientific excellence with strategic leadership. She has built a strong network of collaborations across the continent and internationally, working with leading researchers and institutions in Guinea, Côte d’Ivoire, Mali, Ghana, Senegal, The Gambia, Nigeria, Chad, Malawi, Kenya, South Africa, Togo, and Cameroon, as well as in Canada, France, the UK, the US, and Switzerland.

Committed to accessible and inclusive science, Dr. Diallo actively invests in strengthening the capacities of young African researchers. She supervises students at various levels (master’s, PhD, postdoctoral) and leads training and mentoring programs focused on practical skills development: project design, fundraising, science communication. She advocates for a new generation of researchers able to address local challenges with data-driven solutions.

Believing that research must be understood and shared to have real impact, she is also engaged in scientific outreach and community awareness. Through her research projects, she develops health education activities tailored to local contexts—bringing science closer to the people and empowering communities in public health decision-making.

Driven by her commitment to elevating African science, she founded the Foundation for Research and Innovation in Africa (FRIA).The initiative reflects her vision: to make research a true lever of transformation for the continent by strengthening the link between science, society, and public policy. Through FRIA, she aims to develop innovative programs that bring together researchers, decision-makers, and citizens—advancing the role of science in Africa’s sustainable development.

Dr. Kanny Diallo

President of the Foundation

Mr. Telli Diallo

Secretary General of the Foundation

Mr. Telli Diallo is a seasoned finance expert with solid experience in financial market negotiations and in using data analytics to guide investment decisions. For several years, he has held strategic positions in leading financial institutions in Canada, where he contributes to investment portfolio optimization and process improvement.

Fort de ce parcours, M. Diallo met aujourd’hui son expertise en structuration financière, en gestion des risques et en traitement stratégique de données au service de la Fondation pour la The Foundation for Research and Innovation in Africa (FRIA)Drawing on this background, Mr. Diallo now brings his expertise in financial structuring, risk management, and strategic data analysis to FRIA in his role as Secretary General. He plays a central role in designing and deploying an innovative, sustainable investment fund to support scientific research in Africa.

This ambitious project seeks to address the structural underfunding of research on the continent through efficient, locally adapted financial mechanisms. Beyond his financial expertise, Mr. Diallo is deeply committed to positioning FRIA as a major player in transforming Africa’s research and innovation ecosystem. He works to enhance the foundation’s financial autonomy and ensure that mobilized funding aligns with the continent’s strategic priorities.

Mr. Mohamed Youba Sokona is an engineer by training and an expert in sustainable energy, specializing in infrastructure financing in Africa and high-impact development initiatives. He currently holds a senior position within a development finance institution, where he works on developing, structuring, and mobilizing funds for projects in key sectors such as energy, transportation, water, and telecommunications.

Over the course of his career, he has developed strong expertise in strategic consulting, innovative financing, and public-private partnerships. He has also contributed to major projects focused on energy transition and regional integration, offering recognized technical and financial insight.

As treasurer of the Foundation The Foundation for Research and Innovation in Africa (FRIA) Mr. Sokona applies his skills in financial management and investment strategy to develop a sustainable funding model for African research. His strategic vision and deep understanding of development mechanisms make him a key figure in structuring the foundation’s investment fund—aimed at strengthening the continent’s scientific financial autonomy.

Monsieur Mohamed Youba Sokona

Treasurer of the Foundation

Monsieur Emmanuel Dabo

Director of Communications

Mr. Emmanuel Dabo is a recognized science communication specialist, committed to promoting science that is accessible and relevant to society. He is the founder of the African Science Communication Agency (ASCA), which supports research institutions, NGOs, and health agencies in communicating their work to decision-makers and the general public.

With solid experience in designing communication strategies tailored to African realities, he has led numerous initiatives to bring research closer to citizens and to strengthen scientific literacy across the continent.

As FRIA’s Director of Communications The Foundation for Research and Innovation in Africa (FRIA)he leverages his expertise to disseminate scientific findings, enhance the foundation’s visibility, and promote dialogue between researchers, institutions, and communities. His work directly supports FRIA’s mission: to make science a driver of sustainable development—understood and supported by Africans themselves.