Nabila Aguele Takes the Helm as New CEO of Malala Fund
On March 30, 2026, Malala Fund announced the appointment of Nabila Aguele as its new Chief Executive Officer, marking a pivotal moment in the organization’s leadership. The transition, planned over the past year, positions Aguele as the first global CEO of Malala Fund to be based in Nigeria, one of the organization's key focus countries for advocacy and grantmaking.
Aguele has been instrumental in her role as Chief Executive of Malala Fund Nigeria, where she has successfully overseen nearly $3 million in grants aimed at empowering local education advocates. Her leadership has also been vital in supporting a coalition that promotes education as a means to end child marriage, addressing significant issues faced by young girls in Nigeria. As she steps into her new role effective April 1, 2026, she brings a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to championing girls' right to education.
In a statement about her new position, Aguele expressed her honor at taking on this role at such a crucial juncture for girls' education worldwide. Having grown within the organization and led significant initiatives in Nigeria, she emphasized the strength of the Malala Fund team and the ambition of its strategies. Aguele is determined to build upon the foundation laid by her predecessor, Lena Alfi, to enhance the impact of their work and ensure that every girl has the opportunity to receive the education she deserves.
Malala Yousafzai, co-founder of Malala Fund, praised Aguele's appointment, indicating that she embodies the leadership qualities necessary at this transformative moment. Yousafzai highlighted Aguele's extensive policy and advocacy experience, noting her trusted leadership within the organization. "Nabila knows what it takes to drive real change for girls at the grassroot level," Yousafzai stated. She also expressed gratitude to Lena Alfi for her invaluable contributions during her tenure as CEO.
Ziauddin Yousafzai, co-founder and board member, reflected on the leadership transition, lauding Aguele’s wisdom and her understanding of the challenges that girls face today. His appreciation for Alfi’s leadership further reinforced the stability and focus she brought to Malala Fund during her tenure.
Lena Alfi, who has led the organization for nearly nine years and held the CEO position for the last three, articulated her pride in the progress made under her leadership. The upcoming transition signifies a new chapter for Malala Fund, as Aguele steps in to continue the organization’s strategic vision through 2025 to 2030, which includes significant advocacy initiatives to promote girls' education and rights globally.
In the last year alone, the Malala Fund allocated over $9 million in grants to more than 40 organizations dedicated to advancing and protecting girls' right to education across ten countries. As the new CEO, Aguele is expected to maintain this momentum and foster partnerships that will drive further advancements in girls' education.
Aguele's background encompasses over 20 years in law, policy, and international development, with significant roles including serving as a Special Adviser to Nigeria’s Minister of Finance, where she advocated for gender-responsive fiscal policies. Her extensive experience in various sectors will play a crucial role in guiding Malala Fund’s efforts to support educational initiatives and policies that serve the needs of girls.
As Nabila Aguele steps into this leadership role, the global community watches with hopeful anticipation, eager to see how her vision and commitment will shape the future of girls' education around the world, ensuring that every girl has access to the education she deserves.
Aguele has been instrumental in her role as Chief Executive of Malala Fund Nigeria, where she has successfully overseen nearly $3 million in grants aimed at empowering local education advocates. Her leadership has also been vital in supporting a coalition that promotes education as a means to end child marriage, addressing significant issues faced by young girls in Nigeria. As she steps into her new role effective April 1, 2026, she brings a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to championing girls' right to education.
In a statement about her new position, Aguele expressed her honor at taking on this role at such a crucial juncture for girls' education worldwide. Having grown within the organization and led significant initiatives in Nigeria, she emphasized the strength of the Malala Fund team and the ambition of its strategies. Aguele is determined to build upon the foundation laid by her predecessor, Lena Alfi, to enhance the impact of their work and ensure that every girl has the opportunity to receive the education she deserves.
Malala Yousafzai, co-founder of Malala Fund, praised Aguele's appointment, indicating that she embodies the leadership qualities necessary at this transformative moment. Yousafzai highlighted Aguele's extensive policy and advocacy experience, noting her trusted leadership within the organization. "Nabila knows what it takes to drive real change for girls at the grassroot level," Yousafzai stated. She also expressed gratitude to Lena Alfi for her invaluable contributions during her tenure as CEO.
Ziauddin Yousafzai, co-founder and board member, reflected on the leadership transition, lauding Aguele’s wisdom and her understanding of the challenges that girls face today. His appreciation for Alfi’s leadership further reinforced the stability and focus she brought to Malala Fund during her tenure.
Lena Alfi, who has led the organization for nearly nine years and held the CEO position for the last three, articulated her pride in the progress made under her leadership. The upcoming transition signifies a new chapter for Malala Fund, as Aguele steps in to continue the organization’s strategic vision through 2025 to 2030, which includes significant advocacy initiatives to promote girls' education and rights globally.
In the last year alone, the Malala Fund allocated over $9 million in grants to more than 40 organizations dedicated to advancing and protecting girls' right to education across ten countries. As the new CEO, Aguele is expected to maintain this momentum and foster partnerships that will drive further advancements in girls' education.
Aguele's background encompasses over 20 years in law, policy, and international development, with significant roles including serving as a Special Adviser to Nigeria’s Minister of Finance, where she advocated for gender-responsive fiscal policies. Her extensive experience in various sectors will play a crucial role in guiding Malala Fund’s efforts to support educational initiatives and policies that serve the needs of girls.
As Nabila Aguele steps into this leadership role, the global community watches with hopeful anticipation, eager to see how her vision and commitment will shape the future of girls' education around the world, ensuring that every girl has access to the education she deserves.
Topics Policy & Public Interest）
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