Ford Foundation Appoints Kenyan As East African Regional Director
The Ford Foundation has named Kenyan Margaret Mliwa as its new Regional Director for East Africa.
The foundation’s regional office is located in Nairobi.
The Ford Foundation is an independent organization dedicated to alleviating poverty and injustice, promoting democratic ideals, fostering international collaboration, and advancing human achievement.
Martin Abregu, the foundation’s Vice President for International Programs, welcomed Mliwa’s appointment and recognized her remarkable skills and leadership.
Ford Foundation promotes Margaret Mliwa as East Africa Regional Director! Based in Nairobi, she’ll lead efforts to advance positive change. Congrats Margaret! #Leadership #EastAfrica
— Mitchell Hernandez (@MitchellHe69133) May 8, 2025
“We are thrilled to recognize and celebrate Margaret Mliwa’s leadership as the regional director for the Ford Foundation’s East Africa office,” Abregu said.
He stated that her experience in storytelling, mentoring, and relationship-building would benefit the foundation’s work in East Africa.
Ms Mliwa stated her excitement about the new position, calling it an honor to manage the Ford Foundation’s East Africa regional office and carry on the organization’s heritage of impact in Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda.
“Since 1963, our work has been exemplified by collaboration with East Africa’s changemakers and institutions,” she said.
“I look forward to advancing this history in partnership with grantees and partners we serve and the values of dignity, justice, and equity that we hold dear.”
Mliwa has over 20 years of expertise in social justice, having collaborated with the government, civil society, and philanthropy to support community-driven youth initiatives.
This morning, the Office of the Chief Justice welcomed the Ford Global Fellows, among them Regional Director Margaret Mliwa and Program Director Adria Goodson for a high‑level dialogue centred on “Challenging Giants: Three Smooth Stones: The Judiciary, the Rule of Law,… pic.twitter.com/PX8POcAXO7
— The Judiciary Kenya (@Kenyajudiciary) May 7, 2025
These programs aim to amplify youth perspectives, promote rights-based approaches, and develop leadership abilities in youth-led groups.
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Before joining the Ford Foundation in 2017, Mliwa was the Country Director of Restless Development Tanzania, a worldwide youth-led development organization.
She also served as the chief of the Youth Social Mobilization Unit at Kenya’s Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports.
Here is a brief Bio of Margaret Mliwa – Program Officer at Ford Foundation East Africa. pic.twitter.com/Ey37TfYbyt
— YALI RLC EA (@YALIRLCEA) November 23, 2023
As the chief consultant, she also oversaw the development of the Sierra Leone government’s National Youth Service framework.
Mliwa received a Commonwealth Scholarship and has a bachelor’s degree in education.
Ford Foundation Appoints Kenyan As East African Regional Director
