Governance
Three layers, clear responsibilities
Since September 2026 the Initiative is governed in three distinct layers. The Members own the organisation’s purpose, the Board of Directors supervises it and employs the Management, and the Management runs the work day to day.
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Members
The general meeting: guardians of the constitution and mission. They elect the office bearers and issue the organisation’s formal instruments.
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Board of Directors
Supervises the Initiative, approves plans, budgets and agreements (including memoranda of understanding), and employs and oversees the Management.
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Management
Runs programmes, partnerships, finance and communications, and reports to the Board.
Separation of powers: no person may sit in more than one layer, except the Chairperson, Secretary and Treasurer, who connect the Members and the Board. Interests are declared and recorded in a register of interests.
Members
Office bearers and members of the Initiative.
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HL
Herbert M. Lyimo
Chairperson
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SA
Sania AbdulWahab
Secretary
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RJ
Rajabu K. Juma
Treasurer
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JN
Joyce Ngagani
Member
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AM
Alfred Mswaga
Member
Board of Directors
Nine seats. The Board chair is independent of the Members’ office bearers.
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FP
Faith Patrick
Chairperson of the Board
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Vacant
Director (seat to be filled)
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DM
Dr. Anthony Mwendamaka
Director
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JE
Jacob Elia
Director
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ER
Elizabeth J. Riziki
Director
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HL
Herbert M. Lyimo
Secretary to the Board
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SA
Sania AbdulWahab
Director
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RJ
Rajabu K. Juma
Director
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RP
Ruth C. Pastory
Director
Management
Employed by, and reporting to, the Board. Vacant divisions are overseen by the Chairperson and the Chief Executive Officer.
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DN
Denis Nyumayo
Chief Executive Officer
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RO
Rosemary Obadiah
Public Relations & Communication Desk
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PM
Patrick Mkai
Head, Assisting Poverty Alleviation Division (APAI–UDI)
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Vacant
Head, UDI Comprehensive Programme
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Vacant
Head, Social Impact, Partnership, Lending, Investment & Funding
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Vacant
Head, Online Skills & Mentorship
How decisions are made
- Formal letters and instruments are issued by the Members’ Chairperson and Secretary.
- Agreements that bind the Initiative, including memoranda of understanding, are approved by the Board.
- Bank mandates require two signatories from the office bearers.
- Conflicts of interest are declared and recorded before a decision is taken.
Accountability
Our registration details, policies, open ledger and published reports are on the transparency page. Anyone can raise a concern confidentially.