The Ford Foundation announced the promotion of Margaret Mliwa to Regional Director for East Africa. In this role, she will oversee the foundation’s grantmaking and programs in the region, focusing on social justice, inequality, and inclusive development. Mliwa, who has been with the Ford Foundation since 2016, previously served as Deputy Regional Director for East Africa. She brings extensive experience in governance, women’s rights, and civil society strengthening. The article highlights her leadership in advancing transformative change and her commitment to fostering partnerships with local organizations.
Margaret Mliwa:
- Background & Career:
- Margaret Mliwa has a strong background in development work, governance, and gender equality. Before joining Ford Foundation, she worked with organizations like UNDP Tanzania and HakiElimu, a Tanzanian education advocacy NGO.
- She has been recognized for her contributions to social justice, civic engagement, and women’s empowerment in East Africa.
- Ford Foundation Role:
- As Deputy Regional Director, she played a key role in funding grassroots initiatives and supporting movements for economic and gender justice.
- Her promotion aligns with Ford Foundation’s strategy to decentralize leadership and empower local voices in philanthropy.
- Public Mentions & Interviews:
- Mliwa has spoken at events on philanthropy, feminist leadership, and equitable development, emphasizing the need for systemic change in Africa.
- She advocates for shifting power and resources to marginalized communities to drive sustainable impact
1. Expanded Background & Career Highlights:
- Education & Early Work:
- Mliwa holds a Master’s degree in Development Studies and has over 15 years of experience in governance, gender, and social justice.
- She began her career in Tanzania, working with HakiElimu (an education rights NGO) and later joined UNDP Tanzania as a program officer focusing on democratic governance.
- Ford Foundation Contributions:
- Since joining Ford in 2016, she has overseen grants supporting feminist movements, land rights, and accountability in East Africa.
- She co-led the foundation’s $15 million COVID-19 response in Africa, prioritizing grassroots organizations.
- Public Advocacy:
- In a 2021 interview with AllAfrica, she emphasized “trust-based philanthropy”—giving local activists autonomy over funding.
- She’s a vocal proponent of African feminist leadership, speaking at events like the African Feminist Forum.
Read the statement by the Ford Foundation here
