Taavi Erkkola

I am Taavi Erkkola, a Senior Consultant specialising in innovation, development and entrepreneurship, with over 25 years of experience at the intersection of data and international development. I work with international governmental and non-governmental organisations and the private sector on digitalisation, the strategic use of data, project management, monitoring and evaluation, and capacity building, with a particular focus on business development and impact.

For almost two decades at UNAIDS, I led expert teams and coordinated global AIDS monitoring efforts, delivering the Global AIDS data reporting that tracks progress towards ending AIDS by 2030 and advancing the health-related Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Through innovative public–private partnerships and new data tools, I helped improve data collection from health information systems and strengthen countries’ capacities to analyse and use data for informed decision-making.

In my current work with HAUS, I lead the innovation and entrepreneurship activities in the EU’s Global Gateway Team Europe Initiative on Digital Transformation in Botswana. We focus on the SmartBots strategy, the development of a national digital innovation roadmap, and the SmartBots Lab. I absolutely enjoy supporting partners in building digital innovation ecosystems for women and youth, promoting open data, and creating scalable e-learning solutions that enhance access to education and skills development.

In my free time, I enjoy hiking and going to the gym, which helps me keep my head clear and focused on the challenges of innovation and keeping up with the fabulous startup crowd and their new ideas.