Speaker Bio
Christopher Burns is the Chief Digital Development Officer (CDDO) for USAID and the Director for the Technology Division within the Innovation, Technology, and Research (ITR) Hub. Christopher coordinates and tracks the programmatic Digital Development investments across USAID; represents USAID's programmatic digital technology work across the interagency and with external stakeholders and partners; and guides the adaptation of the Agency's programs as the digital landscape evolves. In his more than twelve years with USAID, he has spearheaded and served as technical lead for a number of public-private partnerships, including the Digital Impact Alliance, the GSMA Connected Women Program and the Alliance for Affordable Internet. He also spearheaded USAID’s first-ever Digital Strategy released in April 2020. Christopher has over 25 years of international development experience, primarily in sub-Saharan Africa, including 6.5 years living on the continent.