ITC Business Council – Gerald Carlton

Gerald Carlton MBCS AIED FRSA- Member of the Business Council for Digital Commerce


Gerald Carlton, a visionary leader in the non-profit sector, served as the CEO of Social Assistance Welfare, a distinguished member and fellow of the International Trade Council's Business Council in Digital Commerce. He is also a member of the Independent Continental Youth Advisory Council on the African Continental Free Trade Area, TechUK and the Institute of Economic Development., His organization operates within the health sector, forging strategic partnerships with various organizations to amplify impactful health interventions on a global scale. This innovative approach focuses on addressing critical needs in the health sector through scalable, meaningful interventions.

Carlton's journey into the health sector was spurred by a desire to effect change beyond the capacities of public health initiatives and government efforts. His academic background as a Rhodes alumnus, coupled with a Bachelor of Social Science and several qualifications in trade from the Indian Business School, laid a solid foundation for his career, equipping him with the necessary skills and knowledge to navigate and influence the social sphere of health significantly.

One of Carlton's notable achievements includes orchestrating a campaign that successfully distributed deworming pills to 10,000 children worldwide. This project stands as a testament to his ability to lead large-scale health initiatives with profound impacts. Carlton's efforts have not gone unnoticed, as evidenced by his nomination for the Commonwealth Youth Person of the Year, a professional milestone he holds in high esteem.

The health industry has evolved significantly since Carlton's early days, particularly with digitalization facilitating easier collaborations with organizations, including SMEs, that share similar visions and objectives. Despite initial challenges in forming partnerships, Carlton has witnessed a shift towards more inclusive and cooperative frameworks, allowing for broader and more effective health interventions.

Looking ahead, Carlton anticipates further innovations in the health sector, especially in the wake of the Covid pandemic. He is particularly excited about the prospects of telemedicine, which he sees as a revolutionary tool in providing quick, accessible medical diagnoses without the need for patients to travel long distances.

For those embarking on a career in the health sector, Carlton offers advice grounded in resilience and perseverance: keep pushing, fighting, and never give up. He approaches setbacks and challenges as part of the growth process, adopting a day-by-day mindset to overcome obstacles.

Carlton draws inspiration from influential figures such as Lina Khan, chair of the FTC, known for her regulatory strides against big tech monopolies, and Mark Cuban, who exemplifies how healthcare can be ethically run as a business to ensure medication is accessible to those in need. Outside of his professional commitments, Carlton enjoys reading, traveling, and investing, pursuits that provide him with a broadened perspective and enrich his life beyond his career.

Gerald Carlton's leadership in Social Assistance Welfare and his contributions to the International Trade Council's Business Council in Digital Commerce underscore his commitment to innovating within the health sector, fostering partnerships, and driving forward interventions that have a lasting impact on global health.