About
Zaza Connect
Zaza Connect is a Washington, D.C-based advisory and project coordination platform
with a global partner network and a primary focus across Africa.
We help governments and organizations structure initiatives, align stakeholders,
and bring the right partners together to move work forward.
LEADERSHIP
Alicia Kay Lewis
Founder & Managing Director, Zaza Connect
Alicia Kay Lewis is a Washington, D.C.–based strategist, operator, and entrepreneur focused on developing and executing complex, cross-border initiatives across Africa and other strategic markets. As Founder and Managing Director of Zaza Connect, she leads a global advisory and project platform working across mining, energy, infrastructure, agriculture, food systems, industrial development, and dual-use technologies.
Her work centers on structuring and advancing high-impact projects by aligning governments, investors, operators, manufacturers, and technical partners into executable pathways. She brings a hands-on approach to navigating institutional environments, building strategic partnerships, and coordinating multi-stakeholder initiatives across Africa, the United States, Europe, the Middle East, and other global markets.
In addition to her advisory work, Alicia has founded and owned businesses in precious metals, food, coffee, and defense. Her commercial background includes building ventures tied to trade, supply chains, market development, and strategic growth, as well as leading a defense-focused firm working in drone technologies and with manufacturers across multiple global markets. This operating experience strengthens her ability to support clients not only at the strategy level, but also in the practical realities of execution, positioning, and scale.
Alicia has led and supported initiatives spanning critical minerals, energy development, food systems, dual-use technologies, and defense-related manufacturing networks, with a focus on projects that require both strategic alignment and real-world execution. She is experienced in working within regulated and government-facing environments, supporting project development from early-stage structuring through implementation.
Her work includes:
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Structuring project pathways and delivery strategies
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Navigating government and institutional stakeholders
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Building partner, investor, operator, and manufacturer coalitions
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Coordinating cross-border initiatives across multiple regions
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Aligning capital, partnerships, and execution frameworks
Previously, Alicia served as a Public-Private Partnership Advisor to the UN CITO and contributed to UNDP’s South-South Cooperation initiatives.
She continues to lead Zaza Connect’s expansion as a platform connecting global capital, strategic partners, industrial capability, and on-the-ground execution to advance large-scale development opportunities.
Areas of Focus
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Project Development & Structuring
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Strategic Partnerships & Deal Origination
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Market Entry & Expansion
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Mining & Energy Strategy
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Food Systems & Agribusiness
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Infrastructure & Industrial Development
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Dual-Use & Defense-Adjacent Technologies
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Public-Private Partnerships
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Government & Investor Alignment
ADVISOR
Chukwuemeka Dimanochie, CPA, MBA
Strategic Advisor, Finance & Institutional Development
Chukwuemeka Dimanochie is a seasoned financial executive and business strategist with over 25 years of experience across corporate banking, financial management, and advisory services. He specializes in financial structuring, risk management, and institutional development, advising organizations on how to build, scale, and strengthen high-performing operations across Africa.
He is the Director of Nescro Management Consultancy, where he works with clients in healthcare, energy, the public sector, and financial services across West and Southern Africa, focusing on operational efficiency, growth, and long-term sustainability.
Chukwuemeka previously served as Chief Executive Officer of UBA Zambia, where he led a successful turnaround that transformed the bank into one of the most profitable institutions in the country within three years. He has also held senior roles at Biotronik Canada, Smiths Medical Canada, Access Bank, and Diamond Bank Plc, bringing deep cross-sector experience in finance, strategy, and performance management.
At Zaza Connect, he provides strategic guidance on financial strategy, institutional structuring, risk management, and market expansion.
Areas of Expertise
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Financial Structuring
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Institutional Development
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Banking & Credit Strategy
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Risk Management & Governance
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Business Transformation
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Strategic Planning
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Market Expansion (Africa)