Fundi Ngundi works as the Regional Finance and Investment Expert for UNIDO in East Africa under the ACP Business Friendly Programme, funded by the EU and OACPS, activities in Kenya which includes offering technical assistance to SEZA Kenya. Fundi is a strategic development finance leader bringing over 15 years of experience in fostering inclusive economic growth, MSME financing, and digital innovation across the Global South, with a significant focus on East and Southern Africa.

His expertise in program design, blended finance structuring, and investment readiness is particularly pertinent to the session's exploration of next-generation Special Economic Zones (SEZs). Mr. Fundi has a proven track record in mobilizing resources and cultivating multi-stakeholder partnerships involving governments, Development Finance Institutions (DFIs), FinTech companies, and private investors — crucial elements for developing SEZs that can accommodate emerging industries, digital economies, and alternative governance models.

His academic credentials include an M.Sc. in Development Management from the London School of Economics & Political Science and advanced qualifications in Fintech from Oxford University's Saïd Business School. This background, combined with his practical experience, equips him to provide valuable insights into how SEZs can be reimagined to enhance their relevance and impact in the modern global economy. Mr. Fundi's work in shaping policy and scaling innovation within sustainable, gender-responsive economic ecosystems further underscores his contribution to this critical discussion.