ForAfrika Executive and Leadership Team

Abeba Amene, the Chief Executive Officer, Humanitarian & Development at ForAfrika, directs all relief and development initiatives across the African continent. Amene oversees the implementation of complex programs spanning food security, nutrition, and WASH sectors to ensure maximum impact for vulnerable populations. By aligning field operations with the broader organizational mission, the Chief Executive Officer, Humanitarian & Development optimizes resource allocation to save lives and promote community resilience. Abeba Amene maintains rigorous standards for program quality while navigating the unique challenges of operating in diverse regional environments. This leadership role involves constant coordination with international partners to scale effective interventions. Through strategic oversight of humanitarian efforts, the Chief Executive Officer, Humanitarian & Development secures long-term stability for communities. Amene ensures that every project contributes directly to the overarching goal of overcoming poverty and fostering sustainable living conditions throughout the region.

Isak Pretorius, the Group Chief Executive Officer at ForAfrika, architects the overarching vision and strategic direction for the entire international relief organization. Pretorius manages the expansion of programs across seven countries, ensuring that the mission to save lives remains the primary focus of all operations. As the Group Chief Executive Officer, Pretorius drives high-level engagement with global stakeholders to secure the necessary support for large-scale development projects. Isak Pretorius monitors the effectiveness of integrated programming, including food security and economic recovery, to guarantee alignment with the organization's long-term goals. By fostering a culture of innovation and accountability, the Group Chief Executive Officer strengthens the operational capacity of the entire network. This leadership position requires constant evaluation of market trends and humanitarian needs to maintain a competitive edge in the non-profit sector. Pretorius ensures that the organization remains a leader in creating sustainable living solutions across Africa.

Simon McGregor, the Group Chief Operating Officer & Chief Financial Officer at ForAfrika, manages the intersection of operational efficiency and fiscal health for the organization. McGregor oversees the financial architecture and internal processes that support relief programs across multiple countries. As the Group Chief Operating Officer & Chief Financial Officer, McGregor ensures that every dollar allocated to food security and nutrition initiatives delivers measurable results. Simon McGregor directs the financial planning and analysis teams to maintain transparency and compliance with international donor requirements. By streamlining administrative workflows, the Group Chief Operating Officer & Chief Financial Officer enables field teams to focus entirely on saving lives and promoting community resilience. This dual-function role requires precise management of capital resources to support the organization's growth. McGregor secures the financial foundation necessary for the successful execution of the strategic plan, ultimately driving the long-term sustainability of all humanitarian efforts.

James Lutzweiler, the Group Chief Operating Officer at ForAfrika, directs the logistical and technical execution of relief programs across the organization's seven-country footprint. Lutzweiler focuses on the operational scaling of food security and WASH initiatives, ensuring that resources reach the communities in need with maximum efficiency. As the Group Chief Operating Officer, Lutzweiler optimizes supply chain processes and field-level workflows to support the organization's three pillars of saving lives, early recovery, and resilience. James Lutzweiler collaborates with regional directors to implement standardized operating procedures that enhance program quality. By identifying bottlenecks in service delivery, the Group Chief Operating Officer improves the speed and effectiveness of humanitarian responses. This leadership role requires a deep understanding of the operational challenges inherent in development work. Lutzweiler ensures that the organization maintains a robust infrastructure capable of supporting large-scale interventions, thereby fostering sustainable living conditions for populations across the continent.

Sharmala Ishwarlall, the Chief Revenue Officer, Acting at ForAfrika, leads the diversification of the donor base to ensure the financial viability of humanitarian programs. Ishwarlall designs and executes strategies to increase the grant portfolio, focusing on both solicited and unsolicited funding opportunities. As the Chief Revenue Officer, Acting, Ishwarlall conducts intelligent research on donor strategies and sectoral forecasts to position the organization for success. Sharmala Ishwarlall coordinates with regional teams to align funding efforts with the specific needs of programs in food security, health, and WASH. By building strong relationships with external partners, the Chief Revenue Officer, Acting secures the resources required to meet annual income targets. This leadership role involves designing winning proposals that reflect the organization's commitment to saving lives. Ishwarlall ensures that revenue generation remains consistent with the country strategic plans, providing the necessary capital to sustain long-term development initiatives across the continent.

Susannah Hastings, the Group Chief of Staff at ForAfrika, coordinates the executive functions and internal communications that keep the organization aligned with its mission. Hastings manages the flow of information between the leadership team and the various departments responsible for food security, nutrition, and economic recovery. As the Group Chief of Staff, Hastings facilitates strategic decision-making processes and ensures that organizational priorities receive the necessary attention. Susannah Hastings oversees the execution of key projects that span across the seven countries of operation, maintaining high standards of efficiency and accountability. By streamlining internal operations, the Group Chief of Staff enables the leadership team to focus on high-impact humanitarian goals. This role involves managing complex cross-functional initiatives that support the overall strategy of saving lives and promoting community resilience. Hastings ensures that the organization operates with cohesion and clarity, ultimately driving the success of all development programs.

Mercy Kanyi, the Chief Finance Officer at ForAfrika, manages the fiscal integrity and budgetary oversight of the organization's diverse relief and development programs. Kanyi directs the financial reporting and auditing processes that ensure transparency for all donors and stakeholders. As the Chief Finance Officer, Kanyi monitors the allocation of funds across food security, nutrition, and health sectors to guarantee that resources support the strategic plan effectively. Mercy Kanyi implements rigorous financial controls to mitigate risk and ensure the long-term sustainability of the organization's operations. By providing accurate financial insights, the Chief Finance Officer enables the leadership team to make informed decisions regarding program expansion and resource distribution. This role involves maintaining compliance with international accounting standards while supporting the financial needs of field offices. Kanyi ensures that the organization remains fiscally responsible, providing the stability required to continue saving lives and promoting community resilience throughout Africa.