Your Pathway to Africa
JK Associates is an Africa focussed consultancy specialising in public affairs, communications, government relations, African business and finance. It offers a tailor-made service to each client.
Our associates bring a solid understanding and first-hand knowledge of the business world and the workings of governments in Africa. In addition, we have experience of working with Africa focused clients in the United Kingdom, United States, the European Union and several Asian countries.
The ability to draw on a wide network of contacts across the globe gives JK Associates the ability to execute assignments successfully with speed and efficiency.
About Us
JK Associates has worked with African governments and parastatals, public-sector organisations including World Bank, African Development Bank, United Nations bodies, and charities. These have included the governments of Uganda, Nigeria, Ghana, UNDP, WHO, UNCA, ACET(Accra). In the corporate sector, clients have included Tullow Oil (Uganda and Ghana), Quantum Global, DLA Piper, the international law firm, Africa Development Corporation (ADC) and Dubai Chamber of Commerce.
Our Services
Public Affairs
Navigating governments, political landscape, regulators, key institutions and businesses
Communication Strategy
Creating appropriate communication plans and executing, including crisis management
Media Training
Equipping management and key staff with appropriate skills in media handling and response
Event Management
Designing entire event programme, sourcing speakers and event management
Political & Risk Advice
Helping understand and navigate the local political landscape, key players and risk factors pertaining to a particular industry
The Leadership Team
Founding Partner
Joel Kibazo
Joel Kibazo, who leads the practice has wide experience which spans the world of journalism, broadcasting, diplomacy, management and finance with some of the leading institutions in the world.
He was Manging Director-Africa at FTI Consulting, the international business services group; Director of External Relations & Communications at the African Development Bank, the continent’s premier financial and economic development institution; Official Spokesperson and Director of Communications & Public Affairs at the Commonwealth Secretariat, the inter-government body serving the 54 nations of the Commonwealth that span the globe.
For 12 years before becoming a leader in public affairs and communications, Joel was a journalist at the Financial Times, one of the world’s premier publications, covering financial markets, and the African business and financial sector. He also worked extensively in broadcasting, reporting and presenting business, education and cultural programmes for BBC World Service, Radio 4 and BBC
World television as well as other broadcasters.
He is a member of several boards including; One World Media, and Education Sub-Sahara Africa (ESSA).
He has a BA in Social Sciences, MA in International Economics and Economic Development, and an MBA (International Marketing.)
Managing Partner
Jay Sharma
Jay manages the practice. She has worked in management in a wide range of companies including C&A, the international retailer, the Rank Group and TL Thomas & CO, a tax consultancy where she was Company Secretary. She joined JK Associates in 2008 and has worked on major events for clients including the Africa Global Business Forum in Dubai, Science in Africa for UNECA and the Africa Series for DLA Piper, one of the largest law firms in the world.
She has a BSc Econ Hons (Law & Politics), Postgraduate Diploma in Intellectual Property Law and Law Society Final Examinations Certificate from the College of Law, London.