Ms Marie Ottosson is the Head of Kenya Development Cooperation Section and represents the Swedish International Development Agency (Sida) as an observer

Ms Marie Ottosson is since February 3rd, 2025 the Head of Kenya Development Cooperation Section. She is currently responsible for the Kenya bilateral strategy leading efforts in three thematic areas: (a) Environment, climate and sustainable management of natural resources, including management of ecosystems and biodiversity; (b) Democracy, the rule of law, human rights and equality, including sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) (c) Inclusive economic development.

Prior to taking leadership in Kenya, Ms Ottosson was the Deputy Director-General for the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency(Sida) between June 2016-January 2025. In this position, she (together with the Director-General) was responsible for following-up on the government’s instructions and steering Sida by maintaining an effective control environment and internal control to achieve its core objective to contribute to sustainable results through the Swedish development cooperation. She was also responsible for Sida’s focus on innovation and digitalisation.

Ms Ottosson was also the Co-Chair of the Global Partnership for Effective Development Co-operation (GPEDC), representing bilateral and multilateral development partners in the Partnership.

She has over twenty-five years of experience in various positions with the Swedish government and holds a degree in Business Administration and Economics with advanced studies in auditing and accounting from Stockholm University, Sweden.