Jessica Rees-Jones

Jessica Rees-Jones Founder Africa X Academy and Foundation

‍Over 25 years’experience in Business Development with a focus on Sustainability.

My focus is to anchor my career in sustainability and bring more than two decades of experience and insights from Africa where relevant.

Business Development is my core strength and I believe that my multi-cultural history and executive experience can add value to a global strategy. I am passionate about turning theory into action. My specialty is in harnessing the circular economy to bring meaningful change with measurable action.

The common thread running through my career is a drive for socio economic inclusion and a circular economy. I have honed my business development skills in every role and different sectors from Fashion to Mining and Extractives to Education and Digital Innovation. This twenty-year journey of discovery led me to achieve success, build rich experiences, hone my skills and ideate on how to make a real difference.

Jessica has also worked as a specialist advisor for African Impact Fund, advising in the startup phase on stakeholder engagement,strategy planning and impact investing portfolio planning, and Executive Director of Inyathelo, with a mission to build an enduring culture of giving that results in a strong and stable society and democracy in Southern Africa.

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LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessica-rees-jones/

Interview: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iI6feR8l8nE

National press/ media: https://www.businesslive.co.za/bd/national/2017-10-14-my-brilliant-career--jessica-rees-jones/

International panelist:https://www.facebook.com/educationatthemargins/videos/526775342599073/

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Work History

Founder and ex-CEO of Africa X Academy and Foundation - December2019 to May 2022.

Specialist Advisor: African Impact Fund - March 2018 to December 2019

Executive Director, Inyathelo; The South African Institute for Advancement. April 2017 – February 2018

Specialist Consultant, Graca Machel Trust - January – December 2013

Specialist Consultant, Cennergi - June 2012 – December 2012

CEO of RBN Foundation, Royal Bafokeng Nation (RBN) - July 2009- March 2012

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Jessica will be facilitating a workshop for Effective Giving - How to choose the Right Fit?

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