Rajiv Babooram serves as the Adviser and Head of the Commonwealth Connectivity Agenda at the Commonwealth Secretariat, where he leads the strategic initiative to increase intra-Commonwealth trade to USD 2 trillion by 2030 — a target endorsed by the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in 2018.
With over 14 years of distinguished experience in international trade and investment, economic development, financial services, trade and investment promotion, and economic diplomacy, Rajiv has consistently demonstrated a commitment to inclusive growth, with a particular emphasis on sustainable development.
Prior to his current role, Rajiv dedicated 12 years to the trade, investment, and financial services promotion agency of the Government of the Republic of Mauritius. He also undertook a three-year diplomatic assignment as Economic Counsellor at the Mauritius High Commission in Canberra, Australia, where he spearheaded efforts to strengthen economic relations between Mauritius and Australia/New Zealand.
Rajiv acquires deep expertise in navigating the complexities of doing business in emerging markets, with a particular focus on Africa. He is acutely aware of the geopolitical dynamics that influence global trade and investment flows. His professional interests include the digital transformation of economies and the strategic implications of evolving geopolitics on the international economic landscape. He holds an MBA from Roehampton University, London, a first class degree in Banking with Economics and Law from London Metropolitan University and has numerous qualifications related to Blockchain and Artificial Intelligence from RMIT University, Australia.