Samwel Mfanga/Executive Director

Along with his strong conviction in the power of disability inclusive education for transformation of children with disabilities, Mr. Mfanga brings more than 25 years-experience of working and living in Africa to his role as the Executive Director of  the Foundation for African Empowerment (FAE).

Born in Tanzania, his passion for sustainable human development started before completing secondary school education. His passion for making a meaningful difference in the lives of underprivileged communities was amplified by his studies and experience at the Harvard Kennedy School.

Mfanga has a remarkable experience of working in public policy-oriented studies at the Economic and Social Research Foundation in Dar Es Salaam. The most notable study was the nationwide Participatory Poverty Assessment which exposed him to the poverty and vulnerability facing families and children and young people. He has also served as Project Director for the Young Citizens Project under the Harvard’s international research program, Child Health and Social Ecology in Tanzania, Costa Rica and Tanzania. He also served at a diplomatic regional intergovernmental organization, the ECSA Health Community. 

Through the years of professional and academic experiences, Mr. Mfanga has built strong management and leadership competencies. He holds a Master’s in Public Administration from the Harvard Kennedy School. Also, he graduated with honors from the University of Dar Es Salaam, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in Sociology. He proficiently speaks and writes in English and Swahili.

Through the empowerment he gained from his academic and professional experiences, Mr. Mfanga joined FAE in March 2016 to bring real change in the lives of the most vulnerable children and families in Africa. As the Executive Director, he has been devoting great passion and energy, and working alongside FAE’s leadership  towards a shared goal of making FAE one of the most effective and efficient organizations employing international best practices. 

Mr. Mfanga resides in Arusha with his wife and  four children- two daughters and two sons and their pet rabbits. He can be contacted on +255 767 187299 or [email protected].

Service to humanity is worship to GOD, this I believe!

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