We are delighted to announce the appointment of Cikay Richards as the new CEO of Lyra in Africa Tanzania from 1st October 2023. Cikay is one of the rising stars of Africa and Europe’s Business community and brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the role. Previous to this role, Cikay worked with one of leading big four professional service networks in Switzerland, and prior to that she was the Executive Director of the European Business Group in Tanzania. Cikay is a great leader who shares our vision and passion for economically sustainable and vibrant communities in rural Tanzania. She has a deep understanding of the challenges facing rural Tanzanians and will be focused on developing and driving Lyra in Africa’s programmes as we begin our next chapter. A huge welcome to you Cikay.
Cikay Richards is an accomplished professional with a diverse background and a strong track record of success in both the public and private sectors. Here's a summary of her notable achievements and roles:
· Manager at a Big Four professional service network – Switzerland: Cikay lead the International Development team's engagements in Africa.
· Executive Director of the European Business Group Tanzania (EUBG): In this role, Cikay executed a successful turnaround and, with the support of a board of senior business leaders, was instrumental in fostering trade expansion between Tanzania and Europe. Trade flows between these regions have already reached nearly €1.3 billion. Her work involved building alliances and partnerships and bridging the private and public sectors. Cikay's expertise extended to understanding key sectors driving Tanzania's economy and navigating the intricacies of doing business in the country.
· Embassy of Ireland, Dar Es Salaam: Prior to her role at EUBG, Cikay worked at the Embassy of Ireland in Dar Es Salaam. Her achievements included organizing successful trade missions to Tanzania, implementing an effective online and social media strategy, and revitalizing the Ireland-Tanzania Scholarship Programme. She also organized St. Patrick's Day celebrations for the Embassy.
· Architectural Pioneering Consultants: Before her embassy role, Cikay served as the Head of Operations and Administration at this firm. Her responsibilities ranged from managing operations, finance, and HR to overseeing tenders for large projects, resulting in the successful acquisition of multi-million-dollar projects.
· Centre for Telecommunications Value Chain Research (now The CONNECT Centre for Future Networks and Telecommunications Research): Cikay's career began at Trinity College Dublin, where she worked as a Project Manager. Her responsibilities included client relations management, event management, and acting as a liaison for newly inducted staff and research students. She also managed documentation, reports, and the headquarters building.
· The One Foundation: While still a student, Cikay worked as a Portfolio Assistant Manager, where she designed and developed a €1 million Scholarship Fund for Separated Children Seeking Asylum. This initiative led to over 40 third-level scholarships being awarded to young migrant individuals between 2010 and 2014.
· Volunteer and Awards: Cikay has a strong commitment to public service and has volunteered on various projects globally, including AIDS prevention in Burundi, assisting unaccompanied minors in Mexico City, and working with Raleigh International in Tanzania. She has received recognition and awards for her work, including the 2018 Irish Embassy Award for Creativity and Innovation and being named one of the Top 50 Women in Management Africa in 2021.
· Educational Background: Cikay holds an M. Phil. in International Peace Studies from Trinity College Dublin, a BA in International Relations from Dublin City University, an Advanced Diploma, and an IPMA in Project Management from the Institute of Project Management, Ireland. She is proficient in English, Swahili, and Luganda.
· Cikay Richards is a proud African-Irish woman and a dynamic and accomplished professional with a strong commitment to both her career and public service, making a significant impact in various sectors and regions.