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Africa

What We Do

Systems change work requires local depth and global reach, and our organizational structure matches that. We are a network of locally-run and independently-managed global partners with a shared vision and mission. The partners work together to build knowledge and capacity in our incubation services, and our team often collaborates across partners in their support of initiatives.

GDI Africa is a non-profit organization making a positive impact in Kenya and throughout Africa. Established in 2017 under the Kenyan NGO Board Act, GDI operates as an independent entity with a strong commitment to driving transformational change in the region.

At GDI Africa, we serve as an incubator for groundbreaking social impact initiatives, dedicated to nurturing and expanding the next wave of socially impactful solutions. We take the lead in addressing real-world challenges by fostering collaborations and partnerships because we believe that anyone can create an impact on their own, but those who want to drive systems-level change work in teams.

Collaborations and partnerships are nurtured across a diverse range of innovators, including government bodies, non-profit organizations, bilateral and multilateral funders, foundations, and commercial companies. Together with our partners, we focus on shifting systems, catalyzing scaled impact and ensuring sustainability. Our collaborative efforts are aimed at making a lasting difference in communities across Africa.

Our Focus Areas

GDI Africa focuses on the following sectors and cross-cutting intervention areas:

  • Jobs & Livelihoods
  • Youth Employment
  • Social Protection
  • Health
  • Governance & Leadership
  • Data
  • Capacity
  • Finance

Team

Alice Gugelev
Alice Gugelev
CEO - GDI Africa
Wendy Adisa
Wendy Adisa
Associate – GDI Africa
Daisy Chesang
Daisy Chesang
Senior Associate – GDI Africa
Emmanuel Fondo
Emmanuel Fondo
County Program Manager, Taita-Taveta - GDI Africa
Andrew Gathecha
Andrew Gathecha
CFO - GDI Africa
Stanley Gichobi
Stanley Gichobi
Manager - GDI Africa
Millicent Idaki
Millicent Idaki
Human Resources Lead - GDI Africa
Nyambura Kariuki
Nyambura Kariuki
Senior Manager - GDI Africa
Peter Kibe
Peter Kibe
Tourism & Hospitality Lead, GOYN - GDI Africa
Susan Kimani
Susan Kimani
Finance Officer - GDI Africa
Douglas Kiratu
Douglas Kiratu
County Program Manager, Murang'a - GDI Africa
Jeremiah Sarunye Lengure
Jeremiah Sarunye Lengure
County Programme Manager, Marsabit - GDI Africa
Kim Matu
Kim Matu
Associate Director & Shared Services Lead - GDI Africa
Ann Murage
Ann Murage
Associate Director, Operations and Programs - GDI Africa
Jackson Muraguri
Jackson Muraguri
County Project Manager, Makueni - GDI Africa
Julie Muriuki
Julie Muriuki
Manager - GDI Africa
Yvonne Mwende
Yvonne Mwende
Senior Associate - GDI Africa
George N’dungu
George N’dungu
Director - GDI Africa
Esther Ogol
Esther Ogol
Project Manager, Shared Services Platform - GDI Africa
Dan Ouko
Dan Ouko
Manager, GDI Africa
Peter Ouma
Peter Ouma
Human Resources Lead, Shared Services Platform - GDI Africa

Board

Sewit Ahderom
Sewit Ahderom
Board Member - GDI Africa
Dr. Bernard Olayo
Dr. Bernard Olayo
Board Member - GDI Africa
Jane Mwangi
Jane Mwangi
Board Member - GDI Africa
Kate Montgomery
Kate Montgomery
Board Member - GDI Africa
Bilha Ndirangu
Bilha Ndirangu
Board Chair - GDI Africa

Featured initiatives

  • Active  /  Global  /  Inclusive Societies

    The Shared Services Platform aims to create in-country business hubs, starting in East Africa, to provide shared services to locally-led NGOs.

    More on Shared Services Platform
    Shared Services Platform
  • Active  /  Africa  /  Agriculture

    A market-based platform to bridge the mismatch between the supply and demand for capital among agricultural small and medium enterprises (SMEs) through financial incentives and technical assistance.

    More on Aceli Africa
    Aceli Africa
  • Exited  /  Global  /  Health

    A multi-stakeholder initiative addressing the rising tide of mental health issues among young people.

    More on citiesRISE
    citiesRISE
  • Active  /  Africa  /  Jobs & Livelihoods

    KSEIP is a government-led initiative aimed at enhancing access of extremely poor households in Kenya to social and economic inclusion services through the poverty graduation approach.

    More on Kenya Social Economic Inclusion Project (KSEIP)
    Kenya Social Economic Inclusion Project (KSEIP)
  • Active  /  Africa  /  Education

    Nurture First is a global systems-strengthening funder collaborative designed to scale effective home-based childcare programmes worldwide.

    More on Nurture First
    Nurture First

Global partners

Systems change work requires local depth and global reach, and our organizational structure matches that. We are a network of locally-run and independently-managed global partners with a shared vision and mission. The partners work together to build knowledge and capacity in our incubation services, and our team often collaborates across partners in their support of initiatives.