
Olivia Byanyima
With over 19 years of expertise in international finance and investments, Olivia Byanyima is a seasoned professional in the financial services sector, specializing in investment banking and corporate strategy. As the Regional Director of Nordic Impact Funds, Olivia focuses on investing in high-potential, high-impact businesses across Africa. She also serves on the board of the Refugee Investment Fund. Passionate about advancing the global shift towards sustainable energy, Olivia advises esteemed clients such as The World Bank, Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI), and private energy funds, helping to develop clean energy projects and advocate for energy efficiency.
Previously, Olivia founded The Quixotic Project, a financial advisory firm, and served as Senior Transaction Advisor for Manufacturing Africa, a UK-funded initiative led by McKinsey & Company. In these roles, she provided transaction advisory services for projects exceeding $10 million across Nigeria, Ethiopia, Uganda, Kenya, Rwanda, and Senegal.
Olivia also contributed her expertise as an independent investment committee member of the United Nations Capital Development Fund (UNCDF) for five years, evaluating investment decisions in early-stage business models across various impact verticals. Additionally, she served on the Investment Committee for The Hi-innovator program at Uganda’s National Social Security Fund (NSSF).
Beyond her professional endeavors, Olivia is a social entrepreneur. She co-founded Olivia Knox Inc., a social enterprise recognized by Fast Company, Inc., and CNN. In tribute to her parents, she established The Byanyima Foundation, which provides scholarships and mentorship to promising young women from low-income families. Olivia holds an MBA from Columbia Business School, an MA in Quantitative Methods in the Social Sciences from Columbia University, and a BSc in Quantitative Economics from Makerere University. Actively engaged in the entrepreneurial ecosystem, she mentors various startups and frequently shares her insights as a speaker at events focused on entrepreneurship and investment in Africa.
In her spare time, Olivia channels her passion for life and design by traveling the world to explore new cultures, the musical arts, and history. On a good day, she might even create a piece of furniture or home décor for you.