UK headquartered children’s charity appoints first Africa-based CEO

UK headquartered children’s charity Chance for Childhood has appointed its first Africa based chief executive.

Ven Nyamondo takes charge of the Romford charity, which has supported children across Africa for more than three decades.

She has been with the charity for seven years, including more than two years as its chief operating officer and has been its interim CEO since May.

“I am honoured to step into this role at a pivotal moment in Chance for Childhood,” said Nyamondo, who is based in Kigali, Rwanda, and has 19 years’ experience in the charity sector.

“This is more than a leadership transition – it is a bold affirmation of our values and a transformative shift in how power is shared.

“I look forward to bringing our loyal supporters and donors along with us into this next phase to continue transforming children’s lives.”

Her appointment is part of a decision taken last year by the Romford headquartered charity’s CEO Anna-mai Andrews to step down after 13 years in the role to make way for Africa based leadership.

The charity points out that while it has been maintaining a UK based head office its operations are managed from regional hubs in Ghana and Rwanda.

“Our Africa-based CEO is best positioned to navigate the increasing complexities of the local environment, ensuring programmes are effective and managers and partners are held accountable,” said the charity’s chair Nicoletta Gopsill-Piccolrovazzi.

As trustees, we fully support this transformation and remain committed to exceeding our donors’ expectations by demonstrating bold leadership and maximising our impact. Other organisations are talking about shifting the power and we are amongst the first to appoint an African CEO on the continent.”

Other global charities to shift their leadership to countries they operate in, include The Mango Tree, which announced in October last year plans to close its UK offices to pass the “mantle to locally led organisations”.

Also last year, Fairtrade International appointed Kenya based Nyagoy Nyong’o as its chair.