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Sazini Mojapelo: Leading Village Enterprise into a New Era

Village Enterprise, an organization dedicated to alleviating extreme poverty in rural Africa, has made a significant leadership decision by appointing Sazini Mojapelo as its first Africa-based Chief Executive Officer. This pivotal transition reflects the organization’s commitment to leveraging local leadership to make a meaningful impact in the communities it serves. Sazini will officially assume her role on February 17, 2026, succeeding Dianne Calvi, who has been at the helm for the past 15 years.

A New Leadership Vision

This change in leadership signifies Village Enterprise’s recognition of the power of locally driven solutions in tackling poverty. With 94% of its workforce situated in Africa, Sazini’s leadership will place the organization closer to its beneficiaries, allowing for a more responsive and impactful strategy.

Having previously served at the International Finance Corporation (IFC), Sazini brings a wealth of experience in global development and nonprofit sectors, which will be invaluable in guiding Village Enterprise as it confronts an evolving global aid landscape. During her time at IFC, she held the position of Global Gender Lead, enhancing her expertise in gender-focused initiatives which is increasingly critical in fostering sustainable development.

Experience That Matters

Sazini’s career is marked by a dedicated commitment to poverty alleviation through job creation and entrepreneurial empowerment. Prior to her time at IFC, she founded Hand in Hand Southern Africa, a nonprofit organization focused on creating jobs and promoting economic stability in the region. Her background in both the nonprofit and corporate sectors equips her with unique insights into how Village Enterprise can better engage with funding sources to expand its reach and effectiveness.

As Village Enterprise has extended its operations to ten African countries, Sazini’s leadership comes at a time when bold partnerships with local governments and global organizations are essential for scaling impact. Bruce Sewell, the Board Chair at Village Enterprise, expressed confidence in Sazini’s abilities, stating, "Her authentic, purpose-driven approach and commitment to servant leadership embody the values at the heart of our organization." This endorsement underlines Sazini’s potential to steer Village Enterprise into its next phase, marked by greater impact and scale.

A Vision for the Future

In her own words, Sazini stated, "It is an honor to join Village Enterprise and to build on Dianne's remarkable legacy. I look forward to working alongside our dedicated team and partners to lead the organization into our next chapter—deepening collaboration, strengthening impact, and expanding opportunity for the families we serve across rural Africa." Her vision entails working closely with various stakeholders, including nonprofits, governments, and local communities, to ensure that the strategies employed are not only effective but also sustainable.

Dianne Calvi, the outgoing CEO, expressed her enthusiasm for the leadership change, noting that this transition has been a long-term vision for the organization. "I am thrilled that Sazini Mojapelo will lead Village Enterprise into the future," she commented. This sentiment emphasizes a collective belief in local leadership as a path toward fostering resilience and economic empowerment among those affected by extreme poverty.

About Village Enterprise

Village Enterprise operates on the premise that entrepreneurship, innovation, and collective action are key drivers in the fight against extreme poverty. The organization focuses on equipping vulnerable groups, including women, youth, and refugees, with the necessary skills and resources to start climate-smart businesses, ultimately enhancing their livelihoods.

Since its inception, Village Enterprise has successfully launched over 118,000 businesses, positively impacting more than 2.3 million lives across various African countries, including Ethiopia, Kenya, and Uganda. This substantial reach illustrates the organization’s effectiveness in pioneering solutions that address the unique challenges faced by rural families in Africa.

Through Sazini's visionary leadership, Village Enterprise is poised to further its mission and cement its role as a catalyst for change in the ongoing struggle against poverty. With an insightful understanding of local needs and the mechanisms to address them effectively, Sazini Mojapelo stands ready to guide Village Enterprise into a bold new chapter.