Emmanuel Amissah Sampson has been a key player in shaping Africa’s technological landscape, particularly through his work in geospatial innovation and business development.

With a career spanning over a decade, Emmanuel has played an integral role in transforming industries, leveraging technology, and driving sustainable development across the continent. His journey reflects not just personal success, but a larger narrative of Africa’s emerging presence in the global technology sphere.

One of the key areas where Emmanuel has made a significant impact is in the geospatial technology sector. His work focuses on harnessing the power of geospatial tools—such as GPS, SaaS platforms, mining and ESG softwares—to address complex challenges in industries like agriculture, mining, and infrastructure. Emmanuel's approach is not only technical but strategic, applying geospatial data to solve real-world problems, such as optimizing mining operations, improving agricultural productivity, and enhancing public health interventions.

In his role as Business Development Consultant-Africa for Vela Sustainability Technologies, Emmanuel is currently driving the adoption of mining digital solutions in large mining and industrial sectors across Africa. His responsibilities include identifying new business opportunities, building strategic partnerships, and developing tailored solutions to meet the unique needs of clients.

His deep understanding of market dynamics and regulatory trends has enabled him to expand the company’s footprint across Africa, ensuring the application of cutting-edge technology in industries vital to the continent’s economic growth.

Before joining Vela, Emmanuel played a critical role at Trimble Inc. as the Institutional Business Development Manager, Emerging Markets and Funded Projects-Africa, where he oversaw multi-million-dollar geospatial technology initiatives. His leadership contributed to the adoption of advanced geospatial tools, helping African businesses, governments, and organizations make more informed decisions and implement more efficient operations.

His expertise in product positioning, market sizing, and strategic partnerships led to over $85M in revenue during his tenure, solidifying his position as a leader in the field.

Beyond his technical contributions, Emmanuel is renowned for his ability to drive sustainable growth through strategic partnerships. His expertise in managing key accounts and forging long-term relationships with C-Suite executives has set him apart in the business development sphere. Whether it is negotiating high-value contracts, managing end-to-end tender processes, or securing donor-funded projects, Emmanuel has consistently demonstrated his ability to lead and deliver impactful results.

During his tenure at Trimble, Emmanuel led efforts that resulted in the successful launch of new geospatial products across Africa, generating millions in revenue and expanding the company’s market share. His role in managing proposals for multilateral and bilateral organizations like the World Bank and African Development Bank enabled Trimble to secure high-stakes projects aimed at driving development across Africa.

Through his expertise in business development and funded projects, Trimble secured a $3M land administration opportunity in Tanzania under the Tanzania Land Tenure Improvement Project, a project funded by the World Bank. These efforts highlight Emmanuel’s ability to align technological solutions with the broader goals of sustainability and development, positioning him as a key player in Africa’s economic transformation.

At De La Rue, as the Strategic Accounts Director-West and Central Africa, Emmanuel was instrumental in managing large-scale public sector projects, including Ghana’s Digital Tax Stamp solution worth $75M. His work in this space demonstrates his ability to integrate digital solutions into government frameworks, helping African nations embrace digital transformation in public finance and governance.

Emmanuel’s work extends beyond revenue growth and technology deployment—he is a visionary for Africa’s digital future. His focus on digital transformation is evident in his ability to blend traditional business development with cutting-edge technology, ensuring that African businesses remain competitive on a global scale. His work in emerging markets has not only introduced innovative products but has also created pathways for African businesses to participate in the global digital economy.

Emmanuel’s contribution to digital transformation is most notable in his approach to sustainability. His initiatives often align with Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles, ensuring that the technological solutions he implements are not only effective but also responsible. By incorporating sustainable practices into his business strategies, Emmanuel has been able to contribute to a more equitable and environmentally conscious approach to development in Africa.

His educational background—a Master of Business Administration from Lancaster University, UK; a Master of Science in Development Management from the London School of Economics and Political Science, UK and Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the Kwame Nkrumah University, Ghana —provides a strong foundation for his work. These academic achievements, combined with his extensive professional experience, enable him to address complex challenges with a strategic and forward-thinking perspective.

Impact Across Sectors

Emmanuel’s influence is felt across multiple sectors, from agriculture to mining, and from non-profits to public sector. His work in agriculture, for example, involves the use of geospatial data to map out production areas, monitor crop yields, and enhance the efficiency of farming operations. His work with organizations like Catholic Relief Services and CARE International highlights his ability to apply technological solutions to social challenges, such as improving farming practices and boosting household incomes in rural communities.

In the mining sector, Emmanuel’s contributions have helped streamline operations, optimize resource management, and improve industrial standards in terms of ESG. By implementing geospatial solutions, he has enabled mining companies to operate more efficiently while adhering to environmental regulations and enhancing worker safety.

His influence in the public sector is also evident through his work with De La Rue, where he spearheaded the implementation of the Ghana Digital Tax Stamp project. This $75M initiative was designed to improve tax collection, reduce counterfeiting, and bring greater transparency to the country’s taxation system. By aligning technological innovation with governmental policy, Emmanuel helped modernize Ghana’s public administration infrastructure, showcasing his ability to bring about large-scale digital transformation within the public sector.

His work in this space highlights his ability to create tailored solutions that meet both the technical and strategic needs of governments and public institutions.

Emmanuel’s involvement with donor-funded projects has further amplified his role as a catalyst for development across Africa. His experience managing multilateral and bilateral contracts for organizations like the World Bank, United Nations, African Development Bank (AfDB), EuropeanGIZ and USAID underscores his capability in navigating complex donor landscapes while delivering impactful results.

Whether it is managing RFP processes, designing proposals, or collaborating with international agencies, Emmanuel’s strategic insight has been integral to securing funding and ensuring the successful implementation of projects aimed at fostering economic growth and improving infrastructure across the continent.

A Legacy of Innovation and Development

Emmanuel Amissah Sampson’s career is a testament to the role that technology can play in shaping Africa’s future. His work not only highlights the potential for geospatial innovation to drive sustainable development but also underscores the importance of strategic partnerships and leadership in realizing that potential. As Africa continues to emerge as a hub for technological innovation, Emmanuel’s contributions will undoubtedly remain at the forefront of the continent’s growth and transformation.

Through his leadership in business development and his pioneering work in geospatial technology, Emmanuel has not only driven revenue growth for the organizations he has worked with but has also contributed to the broader goals of digital transformation and sustainable development across Africa. His vision for Africa’s future is clear: a continent where technology empowers industries, improves livelihoods, and fosters long-term growth.