Annansi Chronicles

G. Kofi Annan grew up in Ghana, Liberia, and in the United States where he has spent 12+ years translating cultural trends to connect communities and brands. Working at the intersection of technology, design, and social innovation Kofi helps organizations craft online and offline experiences that drive global communities forward. Most recently, his expertise has been tapped by organizations such as Puma, Ogilvy, Pfizer, and Christian Dior.

In 2004 Kofi launched Annansi Clothing Co., an award-nominated apparel line recognized for re-branding Africa in popular culture and helping bridge the communications gap between Africa and the global community. Kofi’s success at designing and marketing Annansi Clothing Co. was featured extensively in the book Secrets of Social Media Marketing (2008). Since 2006 Kofi has published Annansi Chronicles, the popular syndicated African business and culture trends blog which was recently ranked as one of the top 50 social entrepreneur blogs to watch. A writer and editor, Kofi’s writings have also appeared in international news channels such as Reuters, The Global Post, and on AllAfrica.com.

Kofi’s production credits include segment coordinator for BET’s 2009 Rip The Runway television special, organizer and moderator for “Africa 2.0: Affecting Change Using Technology” an expert session at the South by Southwest (SXSW) Interactive Conference, and assistant supervisor for United Bamboo, Philosophy, and Oscar de la Renta’s NY Fashion Week showings. He has worked with Warner Bros. as an independent consultant and critic for the 2006 film Blood Diamond starring Leonardo DiCaprio and Djimon Hounsou and served as a consultant and board member to the African Film Commission for 2 years. In this role he worked with African ambassadors, the Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA), movie studios, and members of US Senate and Congress in efforts to grow and strengthen the African film industry.

A graduate of the Art Institute of Atlanta, Kofi currently does double duty as a senior technologist at Saatchi & Saatchi in New York and as head of Annansi LLC, a boutique brand strategy and creative consultancy with a focus on emerging markets. Kofi has been featured and cited in publications including The LA Times, Entrepreneur Magazine, Inc. Magazine, and The Africa Report. A regular speaker at conferences and events, he most recently shared his insights on design, technology, and social innovation at Harvard University, Smithsonian Museum of African Art, and Google.org. A natural explorer and tinkerer, Kofi is constantly pushing the boundaries and exploring the relationship between brands and global cross-cultural communities.

For consulting, speaking opportunities, or to buy me some coffee send email to info (AT) annansi (dot) com or use the convenient contact form. I’m always online sharing information and participating in discussions, so if you’re so inclined, connect with me online.