Carlijn co-founded CAP-A in 2021 and has been leading the organization's data and analytics work while also shaping its strategy and its various programmes.

Carlijn's work focuses on competitiveness, inclusive industrialization and inclusive business and investment in Africa. Prior to founding CAP-A, she spent nearly a decade as a senior partner with Dalberg Advisors in Africa, leading Dalberg's inclusive business work. In this role, she developed and pioneered Dalberg's toolkit on competitiveness assessment and investment prioritization, leading tens of projects in this space across sectors and countries for public, private and social sector clients.

Prior to Dalberg, Carlijn spent 7 years at McKinsey and Company in the Netherlands and worked for the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs. With a master’s degree in Industrial Engineering and Management Science (cum laude), she also leads CAP-A’s engagement on technical innovation in climate action.