About Us
Who we are
IMEX Connect is a trade, investment, and market intelligence consultancy.
We help businesses, investors, and governments unlock growth across African markets.
We combine expertise in economic analysis,
risk management, marketing, events, stakeholder engagement, and project delivery to move clients
from strategy to impact.
Who we are
IMEX Connect is a trade, investment, and market intelligence consultancy.
We help businesses, investors, and governments unlock growth across African markets.
We combine expertise in economic analysis,
risk management, marketing, events, stakeholder engagement, and project delivery to move clients
from strategy to impact.
Our advantages
Project management
frameworks
Our delivery is structured, efficient, transparent, built on PMI and PRINCE2 principles adapted for African realities.
Strategic intelligence
& sector expertise
We provide data-driven insights tailored to specific industries, enabling clients to make informed, context-specific decisions.
Operational
precision
Every project is executed with discipline, ensuring timelines, budgets, and outcomes are consistently met.
Evidence-based impact
measurement
We track performance through KPIs, dashboards, and evaluation reports, ensuring accountability and measurable success.
Africa–UK institutional
networks
We leverage strong relationships with governments, chambers, and DFIs to connect clients with credible partners and opportunities.
Our team
Esti Swart
Director | Trade and investment specialist
Esti Swart is a trade and investment specialist with eight years of experience advancing UK–Africa business relations. She has led flagship initiatives including NAMPO, Mining Indaba, African Energy Week showcases, and DBT Africa’s debut at the Marrakech Airshow. Recognised with multiple DBT Champion Awards, Esti combines strategic foresight and operational excellence with academic achievements in Economics and International Trade to make African markets accessible and investable.
Jennifer Carter
Director | International Trade & Global Market Engagement
Jennifer Carter brings over 14 years of expertise in international trade, investment promotion, and global market engagement. At the UK Department for Business & Trade, she spearheaded initiatives such as the African Investment Conference and developed tools to drive commercial success. At IMEX Connect, she leads international trade services, leveraging her strengths in stakeholder engagement and data-driven strategy. Passionate about technology-driven transformation, Jennifer ensures clients benefit from innovative, sustainable trade solutions.
Sandi Wasa
Director | International Trade & Global Market Engagement
Sandi Wasa is a marketing and stakeholder engagement leader with more than a decade of experience driving trade and investment initiatives across Africa. She has held roles at Massmart Holdings (powered by Walmart) and the UK’s Department for Business and Trade (Africa), delivering marketing campaigns, trade missions, and high-profile events. Recognised with His Majesty’s Trade Commissioner for Africa Award and the Permanent Secretary’s Award, Sandi is valued for her clarity of vision, operational discipline, and ability to build trusted relationships.
Heyn van Rooyen
Associate | Market Strategy
Heyn van Rooyen has over 35 years of leadership experience spanning diplomacy and healthcare funding. He served in the South African Diplomatic Corps with postings in the US, Canada, and Portugal, followed by nearly two decades in the private healthcare industry. Since 2021, he has advised UK exporters on market entry in Southern Africa, later becoming Senior Director for Healthcare and Life Sciences at DBT Africa. With degrees in Law, Political Science, and an MBA, Heyn is committed to building IMEX Connect into a trusted partner for ethical and sustainable growth in African markets.
Nozuko Sikiti
Associate | Risk, Research & Economic Advisory
Nozuko Sikiti has seven years of experience across financial services, risk management, and international trade in both the private and public sectors. Most recently, she served as an International Market Advisor at the UK Department for Business and Trade, focusing on bilateral trade, investment, and economic analysis across Southern Africa. Previously, she worked in financial services risk management, with expertise in enterprise risk, ESG, governance, and regulatory frameworks. She holds an M.Com in Applied Development Economics from the University of the Witwatersrand and brings analytical depth and strategic insight to IMEX Connect’s advisory work.