Garikai Nhongo
Senior Communications Manager

Garikai oversees translating the ideas, work, and mission of Co-Develop into strategic messages that effectively engage key stakeholders and partners. 

As a communications strategist and global advocate, he is passionate about using the power of storytelling and collaboration to drive meaningful change. From high-level summits to grassroots initiatives, he thrives on connecting diverse perspectives and turning shared visions into transformative realities. His work spans continents, bridging cultures and fostering partnerships that amplify voices and inspire action. Whether crafting narratives, leading campaigns, or creating platforms for dialogue.

He is a Communication and Stakeholder Management professional, having worked with 39 African countries, private sector companies and international partners to drive digital transformation across Africa. He joins Co-Develop from Smart Africa where he led communication, marketing, private sector partnerships, and public sector stakeholder management. Garikai has also been the Team Leader for the European Union’s Public Diplomacy and Strategic Communications in Rwanda and a key expert in the European Union’s Public Diplomacy and Strategic Communications in Zimbabwe. He is also a board member for STEM for Development based in USA.

Garikai holds a Master’s in Public Administration, an MBA, a post-graduate diploma in Public Administration, and a BSc (Hon) Degree in Psychology.

When he is not at work Garikai likes to write poetry and has published two books of poetry, which can be found online (upon request, Garikai may be willing to point readers in the right direction).