Nigeria’s Nabila Aguele takes over as Malala Fund CEO

Nabila Aguele has officially taken over as Chief Executive Officer of Malala Fund, becoming the first person to lead the global organisation from Africa.

Aguele, who previously served as CEO of Malala Fund Nigeria, assumed the role on April 1, 2026, following a planned leadership transition.

Her appointment marks a significant moment not only for the organisation but also for the growing role of African leadership in global development.

Based in Nigeria, one of the countries with the highest numbers of out-of-school girls, Aguele’s leadership places the organisation closer to the communities it seeks to serve.

The move reflects a broader shift toward locally rooted leadership and decision-making in international organisations.

In her previous role, Aguele oversaw nearly $3 million in grants supporting local education advocates and strengthening community-led efforts to keep girls in school.

She also supported initiatives aimed at addressing barriers such as child marriage, which continues to affect access to education for many girls across parts of Africa.

Speaking after taking office, Aguele emphasized the importance of building on existing progress while strengthening local partnerships.

“I am honored to step into this role at such an important moment for girls’ education. Having led our work in Nigeria, I have seen firsthand the challenges girls face and the power of locally driven solutions. I am committed to ensuring that every girl can access the education she deserves.”

Co-founder Malala Yousafzai welcomed the transition, describing Aguele as a leader well-suited to the current moment.

“Nabila is the leader this moment calls for. She understands what it takes to create change from the ground up, and I have every confidence in what she and the team will achieve.”

Malala Fund works to ensure that every girl has access to 12 years of free, safe, and quality education.

The organisation supports local activists and grassroots groups, funds education programmes, and advocates for policy changes to remove barriers that keep girls out of school especially in regions where poverty, conflict and cultural practices limit opportunities.

Over the past year, Malala Fund has awarded more than $9 million in grants to over 40 organisations working across 10 countries to advance girls’ education.

Many of these efforts focus on regions where access to schooling remains limited, including several African countries.

Aguele takes over from Lena Alfi, who led the organisation for three years and spent nearly a decade with Malala Fund.

During her tenure, the organisation strengthened its long-term strategy and expanded its support for grassroots partners.

“I am deeply proud of the transformation this team has led together,” Alfi said.

“Nabila is an exceptional leader who understands how to center girls’ needs and build lasting solutions.”

Aguele brings more than 20 years of experience in law, policy and international development across Nigeria and the United States.

Before joining Malala Fund, she served as a special adviser in Nigeria’s finance ministry, where she worked on policies aimed at expanding opportunities for women and girls.

Her appointment signals a broader shift toward African-led leadership in global organisations, particularly on issues that directly affect the continent.

Observers say leaders based in affected regions are often better positioned to understand local challenges and design practical, lasting solutions.

As Malala Fund continues to roll out its 2025–2030 strategy, Aguele is expected to deepen the organisation’s focus on community-driven approaches and partnerships with local groups.

With her now at the helm, the organisation is positioning itself to expand its impact and ensure that more girls especially across Africa are able to stay in school and shape their own futures.

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