The leadership transition signals a new chapter for global girls’ education advocacy and impact.
Nabila Aguele has been appointed Global CEO of Malala Fund, becoming the first Nigeria-based leader to hold the role. She succeeds Lena Alfi, whose nearly nine-year tenure helped shape the organisation’s growth and long-term strategy.
The appointment marks both a cultural and strategic milestone for the organisation, which continues to expand its global footprint while remaining deeply connected to the communities it serves. Based in Nigeria , one of the fund’s key focus countries, Aguele is set to lead the implementation of Malala Fund’s 2025–2030 strategy, with a focus on strengthening advocacy and scaling grantmaking efforts to ensure girls everywhere can access 12 years of quality education.
Aguele’s journey to the role reflects years of impact within the organisation. Since 2024, she has served as CEO of Malala Fund Nigeria, where she led advocacy initiatives and directed nearly $3 million in grants to local education partners. Her work has also supported coalitions addressing child marriage through education, reinforcing the organisation’s broader mission. Globally, Malala Fund has awarded over $9 million in grants in the past year across 10 countries.
“I am honoured to step into this role at such an important moment for girls’ education,” Aguele shared. “Having grown within this organisation, I understand the strength of our team and the ambition of our strategy. I am committed to deepening our impact and ensuring every girl can claim the education she deserves.”
Her appointment has been strongly endorsed by co-founder Malala Yousafzai, who described her as “the leader this moment calls for,” citing her deep policy expertise and on-the-ground understanding of the challenges girls face. Ziauddin Yousafzai also praised Aguele’s leadership, highlighting her integrity and ability to drive meaningful change.
As Aguele steps into the role, Alfi prepares to conclude her tenure, which has included the rollout of the organisation’s long-term strategy and the distribution of over $32.5 million in global grants. Her leadership has been credited with strengthening Malala Fund’s operational foundation and positioning it for sustained impact.
With more than two decades of experience across law, policy and international development in Nigeria and the United States, Aguele brings a cross-sector perspective to the position. Prior to joining Malala Fund, she served as Special Adviser to Nigeria’s Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, contributing to gender-responsive fiscal policies and national financing frameworks.
As this transition unfolds, Malala Fund remains focused on its core mission: advancing access to education for girls worldwide. Under Aguele’s leadership, the organisation enters its next phase with renewed momentum and a clear vision for global impact.
