Chance for Childhood has appointed an Africa-based CEO for the first time, to help us shift more power to the countries where we work. 

Ven Nyamondo, who is based in Kigali, Rwanda, will assume the role from 1 September 2025. She previously served as the organisation’s Chief Operating Officer and has acted as Interim CEO for the past few months.   

Back in February 2025, our previous UK-based CEO Anna-mai Andrews, who had led the organisation for 13 years, chose to step back to allow an Africa-based CEO to come in. 

The move is part of our strategy on shifting more power into the places where we work and putting decision-making closer to the communities that we serve.  

We have already taken significant steps to decentralise power from the UK. Having been headquartered in the UK since 1992, our operations are now run from hubs in Rwanda and Ghana, and all programme staff are nationals living and working in the countries where they operate.  

Appointing a CEO based in Africa is the natural next step to ensure leadership is rooted in proximity to the children and communities served. 

“Our Africa-based CEO is best positioned to navigate the increasing complexities of the local environment, ensuring programmes are effective and managers and partners are held accountable. As trustees, we fully support this transformation and remain committed to exceeding our donors’ expectations by demonstrating bold leadership and maximising our impact. Other organisations are talking about shifting the power and we are amongst the first to appoint an African CEO on the continent.” 

— Nicoletta Gopsill-Piccolrovazzi, Chair of Trustees 

Along with our new CEO, we are also entering a new strategy phase for 2025 – 2030. Ven has led the process of crafting the new plan – a bold and ambitious vision for the next five years where we plan to double our income and transform the lives of up to 200,000 children. 

“This is more than a leadership transition – it is a redefinition of how we lead, where we lead from, and who gets to shape the future of our organisation. It is a courageous move that embodies our values and sets a precedent for what it means to decentralise power and elevate local leadership.” 
— Ven Nyamondo, CEO 

We are excited to bring our loyal supporters, partners and generous donors along on this journey with us.