Shanthi Annan

Shanthi Annan is a strategic visionary who develops organizations and mobilizes communities to drive lasting change. Described as a ‘global powerhouse with a captivating personality,’ she is passionate about cultivating the next generation of humanitarian leaders.. The Oxford-educated Systems Thinker, Entrepreneur, and Strategist is a dynamic business solutions leader who has worked with top charities to promote young people as agents of change. Beyond achieving tangible business success, her philanthropic work drives intergenerational and cross-border impact. Shanthi is dedicated to helping people recognize and unlock their full potential to improve their lives and communities. She maintains a diverse commercial portfolio and provides strategic direction for several foundations. As Co-Founder and Executive Director of Africa House, Shanthi leads a global platform advancing African leadership on the world stage. Africa House brings together visionary leaders across public, private, and philanthropic sectors to drive sustainable solutions and position Africa at the forefront of global progress. Under her leadership, Africa House has pioneered high-impact initiatives that connect African talent and ideas to global opportunities.

With a degree in Politics, Philosophy, and Economics (PPE) from Oxford University, Shanthi began her career managing construction projects at Chapman Black. She quickly rose to Head of Operations for the company’s recruitment arm, becoming the youngest member of the leadership team and joining the prestigious IoD99 network for emerging business leaders. She led strategy across Marketing, Communications, Human Resources, Process Improvement, and Technology, and spearheaded the development of Endorsed, an online recruitment platform connecting candidates directly with employers—showcasing her strengths in technology and innovation. After moving to Ghana in 2012, Shanthi led entrepreneurial ventures across industries including Tech, Media, Fashion, Human Capital Development, FMCG, and Agriculture.

In 2015, she launched Kin of Kush, a prototype multiverse empowering young people of African descent as change agents in their communities. In recognition of her impact, she was appointed in 2018 as a Founding Advisory Board Member of The Queen’s Commonwealth Trust, a charity supported by Prince Harry as President and established in honour of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II to champion young leaders across the Commonwealth.

In 2017, Shanthi became an Advisor to The Uncondemned, a powerful documentary about three courageous Rwandan women and young lawyers who achieved a historic breakthrough in global justice for women.

In 2018, she launched Mandela Mile with partners including UNA-Westminster, Youth Charter, Women Walk Together, the University of East London, and The Elders’ Walk Together Campaign, growing it into a global youth movement honouring International Mandela Day.

Shanthi is a dynamic leader known for galvanizing diverse stakeholders for the greater good. As a Global Strategist, Project Developer, and Visionary Leader, she delivers transformative solutions that make business and community spaces more effective and purpose-driven.

Shanthi Annan is married to Kojo Annan, son of the late UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan. They have three children.