Nabila Aguele has been appointed as the Chief Executive Officer of the Malala Fund, making her the organisation's first global CEO based in Nigeria. The appointment takes effect on April 1, 2026, and follows a long-planned leadership transition. Aguele, who currently serves as Chief Executive of Malala Fund Nigeria, will oversee the implementation of the organisation's 2025-2030 strategy in her new role.
Aguele's appointment underscores the Malala Fund's commitment to advancing girls' education through locally-led solutions, particularly in countries with high numbers of out-of-school girls. The organisation has awarded over $9 million in grants to more than 40 organisations across 10 countries working to advance and protect girls' education in the past year. Aguele has led the Malala Fund's work in Nigeria, overseeing nearly $3 million in grants to local education advocates and supporting a civil society coalition advancing education as a strategy to end child marriage.
Malala Yousafzai, co-founder of the Malala Fund, described Aguele as the right leader for the next phase of the fund's work, citing her policy and advocacy experience and understanding of grassroots change for girls' education. Outgoing CEO Lena Alfi, who has served the organisation for nearly nine years, including three as CEO, has expressed her confidence in Aguele's ability to advance the organisation's mission.
Nabila Aguele's appointment as the first Africa-based CEO of the Malala Fund is a significant step towards advancing girls' education in the continent. With her extensive experience in law, policy, and international development, Aguele is well-equipped to drive the organisation's mission forward. Her commitment to policy change and centring girls' needs is a welcome development, particularly in countries with high numbers of out-of-school girls. As Aguele takes the reins, she will be expected to deepen the Malala Fund's impact and ensure that every girl can claim the education she deserves. With Aguele at the helm, the organisation is poised to make a meaningful difference in the lives of girls across Africa.
