Nabila Aguele Makes History as Malala Fund's First Africa-Based Global CEO
In a landmark appointment, Nabila Aguele has officially taken on the role of Chief Executive Officer at the Malala Fund, becoming the first global leader of the organization to be based in Africa. This significant move places her in Nigeria, a country that is not only a priority for the fund's grantmaking and advocacy initiatives but also faces one of the world's highest rates of out-of-school girls.
A Proven Leader with Deep Roots in Education Advocacy
Prior to this promotion, Aguele served as the CEO of Malala Fund Nigeria, where she managed nearly $3 million in grants directed toward local education advocates. Under her leadership, she supported a civil society coalition that advanced education as a strategic tool to combat child marriage, demonstrating her commitment to grassroots change. In the past year alone, Malala Fund has distributed over $9 million in grants to more than 40 organizations across 10 countries, all dedicated to promoting and protecting girls' education.
Statements from Key Figures Highlighting the Transition
Expressing her honor, Nabila Aguele stated, "I am honoured to step into this role at such an important moment for girls' education and for Malala Fund. Having grown within this organisation and led our work in Nigeria, I know the strength of this team, the ambition of our strategy and the power of our partnerships. Building on Lena's leadership, I am committed to deepening our impact and ensuring that every girl can claim the education she deserves."
Malala Yousafzai, co-founder and Executive Board Chair of Malala Fund, praised Aguele, saying, "Nabila is the leader this moment calls for. She brings deep policy and advocacy experience, trusted leadership within Malala Fund and a close understanding of what it takes to drive change for girls from the ground up." She also expressed gratitude to outgoing CEO Lena Alfi for her transformative leadership.
Ziauddin Yousafzai, co-founder and Board Member, added, "Lena's leadership has helped bring stability, focus and strength to Malala Fund at an important moment in our journey. We are deeply thankful for all she has contributed. I have seen Nabila's leadership up close, and she brings a rare combination of wisdom, integrity and deep understanding of the realities girls face. She is the right leader to carry this work forward."
Lena Alfi, the outgoing CEO, reflected on her tenure, noting, "It has been an honor to serve Malala Fund for nearly nine years, including the last three as CEO. I am deeply proud of the transformation this team has led together building a clear strategy, a strong leadership and a more solid foundation for the future. Nabila is an exceptional leader who has shown what it means to center girls' needs, drive policy change and build with vision and care. I am proud to hand over leadership knowing Malala Fund is in the strongest possible hands."
Strategic Succession and Future Directions
This leadership transition followed a carefully planned succession process initiated by Alfi and supported by Malala Fund's Board and leadership team. Last year, the organization unveiled its 2025–2030 strategy, which Aguele will now oversee as CEO, ensuring continuity and further advancement of its mission to empower girls through education worldwide.
