Mr. Eric Kacou is the OTF Group’s Regional Director for Africa. Eric joined OTF Group at its inception to fulfill his passion to increase the competitiveness of African economies and the viability of small and medium businesses in Africa.

Eric currently leads the Rwanda National Innovation and Competitiveness (RNIC) Program, a presidential initiative to upgrade the Competitiveness of Rwanda’s economy. This Program is credited with helping Rwanda double its exports in three years and fostering the renaissance of the country’s private sector. In addition, Eric is currently overseeing the Pioneers of Prosperity grant and award program, a collaborative initiative between the John F. Templeton Foundation and OTF Group to recognize dynamic companies in emerging markets who can be an inspiration for future business leaders.

Eric Kacou has advised leaders of Uganda, Nigeria, Sudan, Mali, Burundi, Bermuda and the World Bank on competitiveness. His work has covered a variety of industries including Tourism, Coffee, Tea, Mining, Horticulture, ICT, development banking, investment promotion and private sector institutions.

Prior to joining the OTF Group, Eric worked a strategy consultant with Monitor Company in Toronto and Paris advising senior Fortune 500 executives mostly in pharmaceuticals, telecommunications and manufacturing. Eric is the author of several articles and papers on competitiveness and private sector development in Africa. A frequent speaker, Eric has spoken at the COMESA Business Summit, Wharton’s Africa Business forum and Harvard’s Africa Business Conference.

Eric Kacou earned his Masters in Business Administration (MBA) at the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania. Eric also earned a Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance with the Mercury Profile Distinction from the Ecole des Hautes Etudes Commerciales (HEC) in Montreal, Canada.