Mark Summers is the AI Lead at BFA Global, where he leads the firm's AI practice, supporting internal teams and partner organizations to integrate AI into their work. His focus includes AI strategy, capacity building, and the development and implementation of practical AI tools and systems.
Mark has extensive experience building and leading technology organizations in Silicon Valley and emerging markets, having worked on projects in over 30 countries across Africa, Asia, and the Caribbean.
Before joining BFA Global, he served as Senior Advisor for Technology and Data for Development, Asia and Africa, at Save the Children International, where he led regional technology strategy and introduced AI-powered advisory and analytical systems. He previously advised Mercy Corps' AgriFin program on data strategy.
Mark also co-founded EveryLayer and its Kenyan subsidiary, Surf, which deployed 1,200 Wi-Fi hotspots across 22 Kenyan cities, reaching nearly one million users. Both companies were subsequently acquired. Earlier in his career, he co-founded Inveneo, a social enterprise delivering technology solutions to organizations in rural and remote communities.
His expertise includes AI strategy and implementation, product development, and technology partnerships in emerging markets.
Mark studied Computer Science at the University of Worms and Law and Economics at the University of Mainz, Germany. He is fluent in English and German.
