Madeline is a highly accomplished and results-driven leader with over two decades of experience in strategy, impact, and organizational development. She has consistently demonstrated a strong ability to lead complex projects and drive significant organizational growth across various sectors in local and international not for profit settings.

In her role as Strategy and Impact Director at Fairtrade Africa, Madeline has achieved remarkable results in strategic and corporate planning by leading the development of organizational strategies and ensuring their seamless execution. Her expertise in resource mobilization, donor relations, and fundraising has enabled Fairtrade to secure critical funding that aligned with long-term objectives. Through her leadership, she has successfully influenced international and regional policies by developing and implementing advocacy, policy, and research strategies, making her a key player in driving impact at the global level.

In her previous leadership roles within the international development and NGO sectors, Madeline demonstrated her skills in monitoring and evaluation (M&E), project management, and stakeholder engagement. She conducted organizational reviews and facilitated evaluations across several countries, enhancing program efficiency and effectiveness. Her work in local and regional and international NGOs development organizations has been instrumental in refining operational processes and improving program outcomes.

Earlier in her career, within sectors focused on humanitarian and development efforts, Madeline played a pivotal role in securing significant funding from global donors. She led the coordination of project reviews and evaluations, trained teams on PM&E processes, and supported initiatives that improved project delivery across multiple countries in East Africa and the Horn of Africa.

Madeline’s ability to blend strategic thinking with operational execution has made her a trusted leader in managing complex programs. Her hands-on experience in resource mobilization, advocacy, and M&E has established her as a forward-thinking leader dedicated to creating a sustainable impact in the communities she serves.

Madeline Muga is a seasoned leader with over 30 years of experience in senior project management, spanning various sectors including education, WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene), child rights, food security, and women’s empowerment across Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Ethiopia, South Sudan, and Somaliland. Currently serving as the Strategy and Impact Director for Fairtrade Africa, Madeline brings extensive expertise in strategy development, monitoring and evaluation (M&E), and resource mobilization. Her leadership in developing impactful strategic plans and managing large-scale programs has positively influenced millions of smallholder farmers across Africa. Madeline’s deep commitment to sustainable development and her hands-on approach have enabled her to guide teams through complex challenges, ensuring that projects deliver meaningful results that improve livelihoods and advance social justice.

Madeline’s vast experience extends beyond program management to include consultancy roles where she has led high-stakes evaluations and developed M&E frameworks for multilateral donor-funded projects. She has played pivotal roles in organizations like Caritas Switzerland and Terre des Hommes, where she shaped programs addressing child exploitation, humanitarian aid, and community resilience. Her focus on results-driven leadership, combined with her expertise in policy advocacy, has earned her recognition as a driving force in the development sector. Her ability to bridge strategy with on-the-ground realities makes her an influential voice in advancing equitable development in Africa.