Mudzi Connect
Fostering sustainable development in Malawi by co-investing in the ideas and aspirations of local communities.
Mudzi Connect
Overview
Mudzi Connect is a national grant-making organization that co-invests directly in the ideas of local Malawian communities to create thriving and sustainable living spaces where everyone can prosper.
By placing our communities at the core of our initiatives, valuing their perspectives, needs, and aspirations, Mudzi Connect contributes to poverty reduction in Malawi and aligns with the Government of Malawi’s vision for 2063.
Our approach is centered on three key strategies:
- Grant Making: We co-invest directly in the ideas of local leaders and communities, scaling our efforts through approved, local decentralized structures such as Village Development Committees and community-based organizations.
- Community Foundations: We support communities by unlocking the capacity for people to contribute toward their own development initiatives.
- Capacity Strengthening: We strengthen capacities in community-led development principles, participatory development, proposal writing, project management, and monitoring and evaluation.
By The Numbers
We work with our community partners to track 400+ indicators across our 2,100+ investments using a custom built database.
620
By The Numbers
We work with our community partners to track 400+ indicators across our 2,100+ investments using a custom built database.
620
Project Co-Investments
Mudzi Connect's co-investments in community projects reduce poverty through improved access to social services and enable communities to use their own resources and assets to address priorities-while increasing local leadership capacity to champion community-based development.
Chitipi COMSIP, a community organization, will use this World Connect grant to start a mushroom farming project. Managed by ten cooperative members (7 women, 3 men), the project will directly benefit...
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With this World Connect grant, the Kasemba Farmers Club will train 20 women and 10 youths in horticultural techniques and agribusiness. A demonstration plot will be established for the training...
MicroMek Community Group will train 20 local youths in digital fabrication of low-cost, reusable COVID-19 Face Masks and Face Shields using 3D printed parts and laser cut material. The six months...
Justin Water Users Association together with the Naminga community will renovate a classroom block at Naminga Primary School in Machinga District. The existing structure was damaged by Tropical...
With this World Connect grant, Mphunda Club will build a bakery composed of an oven room and bakery shop in Mphunda village, rural Lilongwe. The grant funds will also be used to train 20 club members...
Mudzi Connect Board
The Board of Mudzi Connect is composed of six highly qualified individuals with expertise in areas of management, programming, monitoring, evaluation, learning, law, and financial management. Our board is robust and full of energy that drives the organization forward.
T. Arthur Chibwana is an experienced economist and impact-focused development leader with a strong background in multi-sectoral international partnerships for social change. Recently, he served as Associate Director and Global Strategic Partnerships Lead at IDinsight. Arthur has a proven track record of improving the quality of delivery, measurement, and designing fundable programs across various sectors such as social protection, agriculture, and public governance. He is skilled in strategic partnerships, leadership, resource mobilization, and data-driven research. Arthur is a 2023 Africa Evidence Leadership Awards finalist and serves on the boards of Mudzi Connect and Global Health Corps.
Elwin Chiwembu Sichiola is a highly-qualified and experienced professional with over 15 years of experience in senior management, finance, internal audits, external audits, risk management, and executive management. He has worked with organizations from both the public and private sectors, showcasing his flexibility and ability to thrive in complex and dynamic environments. As a seasoned executive, Elwin has held various leadership positions, including Executive Director (CEO) of the TEVET Authority, Director of Finance, and Head of Internal Audit Services. He holds a Master of Business Administration and is a Chartered Accountant (FCCA).
Dr. Fatimoh Harris, President of Excel Professional Grant Writing & Nonprofit Services, LLC, brings nearly 20 years of experience helping nonprofits and small businesses secure millions in funding, with a 98% IRS approval rate for 501(c)(3) organizations. She is a certified grant writer, trainer, and author of the Navigating the Grant Industry Handbook. A proud Chicago native, Dr. Harris is passionate about empowering communities and fostering sustainable growth both nationally and internationally.
Millie Kasunda is a certified coach and proud member of the International Coaching Federation, specializing in career coaching with a focus on gender equality and women’s empowerment. She currently serves as the Malawi Coach for the World Association of News Publishers’ (WAN-FRA) Leadership Accelerator Programme, advocating for women’s voices in the media industry worldwide. Beyond coaching, Millie volunteers with Refugee Jumpstart, supporting refugees in rebuilding their lives, and is the Communications Manager at the Higher Education Students' Loans and Grants Board. Her extensive background includes roles in public policy, media, and business communications at organizations such as Malawi Confederation of Chambers of Commerce, Times Group, and Malawi Broadcasting Corporation.
Dr. Anna Msowoya Keys is the founder and President of Maloto, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting women and children in Malawi through feeding, education, and empowerment. With 20 years of experience, she has worked with organizations like Action Aid, the Norwegian Refugee Council, and the International Rescue Committee across Mozambique, Burundi, DRC, Kenya, Rwanda, and Malawi. Her work focuses on refugees, those affected by conflict, extreme poverty, and HIV/AIDS. In 2007, Anna received the Whole Women Healing Award for her empowering efforts. She divides her time between Mzuzu, Malawi, and Valley Cottage, New York.
Tokha Manyungwa qualified as a chartered accountant in 2004 and co-founded David Hastings Associates (DHA) in Malawi. DHA provides tax, accounting, financial management consulting, advisory, grant management, and procurement services to governments, NGOs, corporations, and private equity firms. It also offers structured and custom in-house training programs. Tokha is a fellow of ACCA, the UK Higher Education Academy, and a doctoral scholar at the University of Durham, focusing on implementing international public sector accounting standards in developing countries. He holds an MBA from Aberystwyth University and has worked as a university lecturer and consultant for the World Bank and CIDA. Tokha has held senior roles in Malawi’s public sector, including Director of Finance at the Malawi Anti-Corruption Bureau and Head of Finance at the Global Fund. Currently, Tokha is a panel member for ACCA Malawi, and a trustee of MACRO and Mudzi Connect, actively contributing to professional development and community initiatives.
Peter Yakobe is an accomplished international development practitioner with over ten years of experience managing community development and donor-funded projects across Africa and other least developed countries. Currently a Technical Advisor at the World Bank, he specializes in resource mobilization, policy analysis, and project management, working closely with governments and stakeholders to improve economic stability and development outcomes. Peter holds advanced degrees in international development, agricultural economics, and innovation in global development. Known for his leadership, strategic thinking, and strong networks, he has successfully facilitated multi-million dollar funding agreements and contributed to sustainable development initiatives across the continent.
