Sazini Mojapelo to Lead Village Enterprise as Its First Africa-Based CEO

Sazini Mojapelo Appointed as Village Enterprise's First CEO from Africa

In a groundbreaking move, Village Enterprise has appointed Sazini Mojapelo as its new Chief Executive Officer—the first to hold this position while based in Africa. This strategic choice signifies not only a shift in leadership but also a commitment to embracing local solutions for combating extreme poverty across the continent.

Scheduled to take office on February 17, 2026, Sazini comes from the International Finance Corporation (IFC) and possesses a rich background blending global development with extensive nonprofit leadership. Her experience will be critical in driving Village Enterprise’s mission to uplift families out of poverty through innovative entrepreneurial initiatives.

Village Enterprise, known for its focus on economic empowerment within rural communities, aims to directly address the needs of vulnerable populations, including women, youth, and displaced individuals. Sazini's leadership will steer these efforts, ensuring the organization maintains its relevance amidst a changing global aid framework while fostering essential partnerships with governments and funding bodies.

The Board's decision to appoint an Africa-based leader underscores the organization’s belief in the transformative power of local expertise. Currently, 94% of Village Enterprise’s team operates within Africa, and with Sazini at the helm from Nairobi, the organization will enhance its responsiveness to the communities it serves.

Sazini Mojapelo is no stranger to the nonprofit landscape. Previously, she founded and led Hand in Hand Southern Africa, a regional NGO dedicated to poverty alleviation through job creation. At IFC, she focused on gender-based violence issues in development finance, showing her capacity to tackle complex challenges. Her blend of corporate know-how and nonprofit commitment will be an asset as Village Enterprise continues to expand its reach across 10 countries, focusing on sustainable poverty alleviation.

As Sazini steps into her role, she will succeed Dianne Calvi, who has been a pivotal figure at Village Enterprise for 15 years. Dianne’s leadership has seen tremendous growth and impact, and her departure, planned well in advance, aligns with a vision to enhance African leadership within the organization.

In her statement, Sazini expressed her excitement to join such a mission-driven organization, stating, "It is an honor to build on Dianne's remarkable legacy and to collaborate closely with our partners and dedicated team to advance our work in empowering families across rural Africa." Her commitment to social impact and local leadership resonates deeply with Village Enterprise's core values.

Board Chair Bruce Sewell praised Sazini’s appointment, stating, "Her authentic, purpose-driven approach and servant leadership values are exactly what we need during this transition. We are excited about her energy and ambition as she leads Village Enterprise into its next impactful phase."

Village Enterprise has a proven model for poverty graduation, equipping individuals with the skills and resources necessary to establish their businesses, save money, and create sustainable livelihoods. With over 118,000 businesses launched and 2.3 million lives positively impacted in various African countries, Sazini's leadership is poised to further amplify the organization's reach and effectiveness.

As the global landscape evolves, Village Enterprise’s strategic approach to leveraging local talent like Sazini Mojapelo will undoubtedly strengthen its ability to drive meaningful changes in rural communities, ultimately working towards a world where extreme poverty is eliminated. As they embark on this new chapter, the commitment remains clear: fostering entrepreneurship and collective action is essential for ensuring sustainable development and empowering families across Africa.