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CEO

Join Africa

Nairobi, Kenya

Are you an entrepreneurial leader with a passion for digital marketplaces and social impact? Join Africa, a fast-growing platform transforming how the safari industry connects, is seeking a visionary Chief Executive Officer to lead its next phase of growth. In this pivotal role, you’ll scale a two-sided marketplace, drive user acquisition, secure strategic partnerships, and expand the platform’s reach across Africa and beyond. You’ll oversee product development, financial performance, and team leadership while championing the livelihoods of professional safari guides. If you have a proven track record of scaling digital platforms and the vision to build a category-defining brand in African tourism, we would love to hear from you.

Job Description

The Client


Join Africa is a fast-growing, two-sided digital marketplace transforming how the safari industry connects. The platform links professional safari guides with bookers—including tour operators, lodges, and potentially travelers—creating a transparent, efficient, and empowering ecosystem for guide selection and collaboration. With a mission to elevate the visibility, credibility, and livelihoods of local guides, Join Africa has already built strong traction in East Africa. The platform offers verified guide profiles, reviews, and digital content to build trust and streamline hiring. As the product matures and scales, there’s potential to evolve from a B2B focus into a direct-to-consumer (B2C) platform.


The founding team is now seeking an experienced and visionary Chief Executive Officer to lead Join Africa into its next phase of growth—building a category-defining marketplace in African tourism.


The Role


This is a rare opportunity to lead a high-potential digital platform operating at the intersection of technology, tourism, and social impact. You will drive Join Africa’s evolution into a scalable, pan-African marketplace, while ensuring it remains deeply trusted by both sides of its community: guides and bookers.


Key Responsibilities

  1. Strategic Vision & Execution: Develop and implement an aggressive growth strategy to significantly scale Join Africa's two-sided marketplace, driving user acquisition (both guides and bookers) and increasing transaction volume.

  2. Marketplace Optimization: Continuously enhance the functionality, user experience, and efficiency of the Join Africa platform, ensuring a seamless and valuable experience for both guides and bookers.

  3. Business Development & Expansion: Identify and capitalize on new market opportunities, including potential expansion into the B2C segment. Forge strategic partnerships that accelerate growth and strengthen our market position.

  4. Operational Excellence: Oversee all operational facets, including product development, technology, marketing, community management, and financial performance, ensuring agility and scalability.

  5. Financial Leadership: Drive financial planning, secure necessary funding, and ensure robust financial management to support aggressive growth targets and profitability.

  6. Team Leadership & Culture: Build, mentor, and inspire a high-performance team, fostering a culture of innovation, accountability, and customer-centricity.

  7. Stakeholder Engagement: Cultivate strong relationships with all stakeholders, including the Board, investors, industry partners, and the diverse community of safari guides and bookers.

  8. Brand & Industry Influence: Act as the key external representative for Join Africa, advocating for our mission and values within the safari industry and broader technology landscape.

Skills & Experience

  • Bachelo'r's degree required; MBA or advanced degree preferred.

  • Minimum of 10 years in a senior leadership role, with significant experience as a CEO or in a similar executive position within a fast-growing, two-sided digital marketplace (e.g., ride-sharing, delivery services, online booking platforms).

  • Marketplace Scaling Expertise: Demonstrated success in building, launching, and rapidly scaling digital platforms that connect distinct user groups.

  • Strategic Acumen: Exceptional ability to develop and execute complex business strategies, navigate competitive landscapes, and identify disruptive opportunities.

  • Operational Dexterity: Strong understanding of technology and product development cycles, with the ability to manage complex operations in a dynamic environment.

  • Financial Prowess: Proven track record in financial planning, P&L management, and securing investment.

  • Leadership & Communication: Outstanding leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills, capable of inspiring teams and engaging effectively with diverse stakeholders.

  • Industry Understanding (Desirable): While not a strict requirement, an understanding of the mentality of safari guides and the broader African safari industry would be a significant advantage.

  • Entrepreneurial Mindset: A proactive, resilient, and adaptable leader with a passion for innovation and a drive to create significant impact.

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