Ambassador (Dr.) Robin R. Sanders is currently the CEO of FEEEDS & FE3DS, LLC, which focuses on a range of key Africa-focused sub-sectors such as trade, information systems for the digital economy and technology uses for developing the agriculture and energy sectors. With a Doctorate of Science Degree in Information Systems and Technology, she was an early advocate for AI, AR, and blockchain (circa 2010) as tools to train Africa’s young workforce and spur development, as well as efforts to support cutting-edge energy projects in Africa. FE3DS, LLC also works with U.S. small businesses on strategies to improve their trade capacity, particularly in the energy, agriculture, and information systems (ICT/digital economy). Dr. Sanders has served twice on the U.S. EXIM Africa Advisory Board, and, along with other partners, received EXIM’s annual award for Africa for proposing a unique use of long-term battery storage for traditional power generation plants. Amb. Sanders is currently Chairwoman of the US-Africa Trade Advisory Council, which advocates for a strong and sustained US-Africa trade relationship. She is the author of the renowned book “The Rise of Africa’s Small Businesses,” (which includes Gallup data, and an introduction by Africa leading businessman Aliko Dangote). It is being reviewed as a business text book at a U.S. university; her other book Legendary Uli Women, is a textbook at a Nigerian University.
As a career U.S. diplomat, Dr. Sanders has served at numerous U.S. embassies around the world as a political analyst/officer, working within the career ranks and being appointed as U.S. Ambassador to the Republics of Nigeria, and Congo as well as U.S. Representative to ECOWAS and CDEAO (respectively, the West Africa and Central Affica economic and trade governing bodies). She also served as Deputy Commandant (Vice-President) of the Eisenhour College (then-ICAF) at the National Defense University in Washington, D.C., and Africa Director for Central Africa at the White House. In addition to her doctorate of science degree, Sanders holds a Master’s of Science in Information Systems and Communications; and a Masters of Arts in International and Africa Studies. She is widely known throughout her career for her focus on the importance of technology use and role of data in policy-making, and key role of trade, co-hosting for 10 years the Gallup-FEEEDS Policy Forum. Sanders is also a Gallup Senior Scientist.
Ambassador Sanders is the recipient of six State Department Honor Awards; the United States Military’s Civilian Honor Award; and, the Presidential “Merit of Honor” from the President of Republic of Congo. As CEO-FEEEDS, Sanders has received numerous awards for her work with and advocacy for small businesses and importance of trade. In addition to the Gallup Board, Sanders serves as an Emeritus Board member and current advisor to a Nigerian tech/fintech firm, and energy company, and is on the Presidential Advisory Board of Robert Morris University. Sanders has certifications in content marketing, and working knowledge of AWS, blockchain, and cybersecurity/forensics.
