Baphen Barasa

I am a Pan-African strategy and research consultant with over 10 years of experience delivering investment, market intelligence, and transformation projects across Sub-Saharan Africa.

At Ipsos

Strategy3, I work as a Strategy Consultant where I help organizations solve complex business challenges through data-driven strategy, market intelligence, and commercial advisory services.

My role involves designing and executing market research and strategy engagements to help clients identify growth opportunities, understand customer behavior, assess competitive landscapes, and develop sustainable market-entry and expansion strategies. I lead market sizing and demand assessments, value chain analysis, partner evaluations, route-to-market strategies, and commercial due diligence projects across sectors such as financial services, telecommunications, FMCG, clean energy, and development finance. I also work closely with clients to develop investment cases, growth strategies, innovation roadmaps, and executive-level strategic recommendations that support informed decision-making.

Over the years, I have successfully managed projects across more than 20 African markets, working with organizations such as the African Development Bank, International Finance Corporation, Standard Bank, and MTN Group. One of my notable achievements includes contributing to a pan-African solar market opportunity assessment covering 10 African countries, helping shape investment strategies and supporting the development of a USD 200+ million investment pipeline.

I am recognized for my strong analytical and problem-solving skills, ability to manage cross-functional teams, and capacity to deliver high-quality insights in dynamic and fast-paced environments. My experience working across diverse African markets has strengthened my understanding of emerging market dynamics, investment environments, and sustainable business growth strategies.

I hold a Bachelor of Science in Disaster Management and International Diplomacy from Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology and continue to strengthen my professional expertise through ongoing PMP® and PROSCI® certification training.

Strategy Consultant – Ipsos Strategy3 (2022 – Present)

Responsibilities

Lead market research, strategy, and commercial advisory projects across Sub-Saharan Africa.

Conduct market sizing, demand forecasting, commercial due diligence, and competitive analysis.

Develop go-to-market strategies, market entry plans, and investment cases for clients.

Provide strategic recommendations through data analysis, stakeholder interviews, and market intelligence.

Manage client relationships and support business growth initiatives across multiple sectors.

Key Achievements

Delivered a pan-African solar market assessment across 10 African countries for the International Finance Corporation, supporting a USD 200+ million investment pipeline.

Led multi-country strategic engagements across more than 20 African markets.

Supported clients including the African Development Bank, Standard Bank, and MTN Group with market intelligence and growth strategies.

Developed executive-ready reports, investment memorandums, and strategic presentations for senior stakeholders.

Project Manager – Ipsos (2018 – 2022)

Responsibilities

Managed multi-country projects across Anglophone, Francophone, and Lusophone African markets.

Coordinated project timelines, budgets, risk management, and stakeholder communication.

Led cross-functional teams to deliver projects within scope, budget, and timelines.

Oversaw project governance, reporting, and quality assurance processes.

Key Achievements

Successfully managed the African Development Bank digital transformation program across 10 African countries.

Delivered customer journey redesign projects for Standard Bank projected to improve customer experience and revenue growth.

Managed multiple telecom and innovation studies for MTN Group across African markets.

Data Analyst – Ipsos (2015 – 2018)

Responsibilities

Managed and analyzed media and advertising performance data.

Prepared client reports, dashboards, and market insight presentations.

Monitored print, broadcast, and social media trends for clients.

Supported reporting automation and stakeholder reporting requirements.

Key Achievements

Delivered advertising and PR effectiveness reports for telecom, FMCG, and financial services clients.

Supported media monitoring and audience analytics initiatives that improved client campaign evaluation and decision-making.

Education

Bachelor of Science in Disaster Management and International Diplomacy – Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology

Professional Certifications & Training

PMP® (Project Management Professional) Certification – In Progress

PROSCI® Change Management Training – In Progress

Certificate in Research Clubs of Africa – Mentoring schools on research and its application

Continuous professional training in

Strategic market analysis

Financial modelling and investment analysis

Market sizing and commercial due diligence

Data analytics and visualization using Excel, SPSS, and Power BI

Project management and cross-functional team leadership

Market research methodologies and stakeholder engagement

Technical & Professional Skills

Strategy development and business advisory

Market intelligence and competitive analysis

Commercial due diligence and investment case preparation

Project and program management

Quantitative and qualitative research

Financial modelling and forecasting

Stakeholder management and executive reporting

Data analytics and dashboard reporting