Meet the Steering Committee

The Africa Childcare Forum 2026 Steering Committee comprises a diverse group of leaders, practitioners, researchers, policymakers, and advocates committed to advancing childcare and early childhood development across Africa.

Together, they are working to create a dynamic platform that brings together governments, development partners, practitioners, academics, funders, and communities to strengthen childcare systems and improve outcomes for children and families across the continent.

Leadership

Deman Yusuf

Chair, Steering Committee

Lecturer, Institute of Social Work

🇹🇿 Tanzania

Deman Yusuf is a medical sociologist and educator with over 15 years of experience in early childhood development, gender equality, and social policy. She is passionate about translating research into practical solutions that strengthen childcare systems, support caregivers, and improve outcomes for children and families. As Chair of the Steering Committee, she provides strategic leadership, promotes evidence-informed decision-making, and fosters collaboration across sectors to advance inclusive childcare systems throughout Africa.

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Leadership

Janeffer Muteti

Steering Committee Secretariat

Coordinator, Collaborative Action for Childcare

🇰🇪 Kenya

Janeffer Muteti is a strategic leader with expertise in advocacy, policy engagement, programme management, stakeholder coordination, fundraising, and research. Her work focuses on strengthening childcare systems, responsive caregiving, women’s economic empowerment, and community development. As Secretariat, she oversees coordination, partnership development, resource mobilization, and knowledge management to support the successful delivery of Africa Childcare Forum 2026.

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Steering Committee Members

Bill Odindo Otieno

🇰🇪 Kenya

Policy & Child Protection

Program and Policy Specialist

Bill Odindo Otieno has more than 20 years of experience in public health, child protection, policy advocacy, and community development. He works to strengthen systems that safeguard children, promote accountability, and support child and adolescent wellbeing.

James Githui K

🇰🇪 Kenya

Program Design & Speakers Lead

Head of Programming, Artemis Health Network

James Githui K is a public health and child protection specialist with more than 18 years of experience managing large-scale donor-funded programmes. His expertise spans child protection, safeguarding, programme leadership, policy advocacy, and resource mobilization.

Fayudatu Yakubu

🇬🇭 Ghana

Fundraising & Sponsorship Lead

Head of Global Partnerships, Lively Minds

Fayudatu Yakubu is a partnerships and resource mobilization specialist with extensive experience working with governments, bilateral agencies, foundations, and development partners. She leads efforts to secure strategic investments and partnerships.

Zibiso Malejane

🇧🇼 Botswana

Partnerships & Government Engagement

Executive & Stakeholder Relations Officer, Learn To Play

Zibiso Malejane is a child welfare and youth development professional with expertise in stakeholder engagement, policy advocacy, and community-centered programming.

Maggie Kuchonde

🇲🇼 Malawi

Practitioner Participation Lead

Lecturer, University of Malawi

Maggie Kuchonde is an Early Childhood Development specialist with over 15 years of experience in child protection, parenting support, literacy development, and ECD in emergency settings.

Bijal Lal

🇹🇿 Tanzania

Research & Policy Outputs

Deputy Principal, Almuntazir Special Education Needs (AMSEN)

Bijal Lal is a special education practitioner and advocate for inclusive education and disability rights. Her work focuses on ensuring that every child, including children with disabilities, has access to quality learning opportunities.

Gelito Inácio Franco Sululu

🇲🇿 Mozambique

Partnerships & Government Engagement – Lusophone Africa

Founder & CEO, Associação Galito Preto

Gelito Sululu is a sustainable development and conservation specialist with experience in climate action, food security, community empowerment, and youth leadership.

Wawire Issa Efumbi

🇰🇪 Kenya

Community Engagement & Youth Development

Development and Humanitarian Programmes Specialist

Wawire Issa Efumbi is a social development practitioner with over a decade of experience in child protection, youth empowerment, psychosocial support, and community resilience.