Gédéon Baleke

Gédéon Baleke is a global affairs strategist, entrepreneur, and international development leader with expertise in strategic partnerships, governance, regional cooperation, digital transformation, economic development, and institution-building across Africa.

He currently serves as Secretary-General of the African Coalition for Development, where he works with governments, regional institutions, development organizations, and international partners to promote sustainable development, regional cooperation, and long-term economic transformation across the African continent. He also provides leadership for the Pan African Development Summit, an international platform that brings together policymakers, business leaders, academics, and civil society to explore Africa's development priorities and opportunities for international collaboration.

Mr. Baleke is Chief Executive Officer of ETS Félicité, Founder of BLK Consulting, and Vice President of International Development at Deep Q, where he leads initiatives in telecommunications, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, digital infrastructure, and international business development. A graduate of the Munk School of Global Affairs & Public Policy at the University of Toronto, he has contributed to policy discussions on governance, peacebuilding, human security, youth leadership, responsible mineral supply chains, and institutional reform.

In recognition of his experience in international development, strategic partnerships, regional cooperation, and institution-building across Africa, Mr. Baleke was appointed Director for Strategic Partnerships & Development, Africa, of the International Peace Alliance | Alliance Internationale de la Paix (IPA | AIP).

Working within the Africa Regional Directorate, he contributes to the International Peace Alliance's work by advancing dialogue on frameworks for regional cooperation and strengthening strategic relationships across the African continent. He supports engagement with governments, regional organizations, academic institutions, civil society, and the private sector while contributing to discussions on regional integration, institutional innovation, sustainable development, and international cooperation.

His responsibilities include fostering strategic partnerships throughout Africa; encouraging collaboration among governments, regional institutions, universities, businesses, and civil society organizations; contributing to the ongoing development of the Alliance's framework for regional cooperation and international collaboration; and supporting dialogue that strengthens peace through diplomacy, education, cultural exchange, economic cooperation, and institutional collaboration.

Drawing upon Africa's own experience in regional integration and institution-building, Mr. Baleke also contributes to the International Peace Alliance's broader vision of developing innovative frameworks for international cooperation that encourage closer collaboration among nations, regions, and institutions in support of a more peaceful, inclusive, and sustainable world.

Based in Ottawa, Canada, Mr. Baleke also supports the development of the International Peace Alliance's activities in Canada's National Capital Region, helping strengthen relationships with federal institutions, diplomatic missions, universities, and African organizations while fostering greater collaboration between Canadian and African partners.