With over two decades of cross-sectoral leadership, Osayi Alile has become one of Africa’s most influential voices advancing sustainable development through entrepreneurship, philanthropy, and inclusive leadership. Her work spans the SME sector, international development, and nonprofit innovation—positioning her as a driving force for systems-level change.

Currently serving as CEO of ACT Foundation, Ms. Alile leads one of Africa’s most impactful grant-making institutions. Under her leadership, the Foundation has supported 85 nonprofit organizations working at the intersection of health, entrepreneurship, environment, and leadership across the continent. ACT Foundation’s consistent recognition—including multiple “Not-for-Profit of the Year” awards at the SERAS CSR Awards (2018, 2019, 2020, 2022)—underscores her effectiveness in scaling purpose-driven impact.

An advocate for ethical leadership and capacity-building, she brings extensive governance experience as a board member and advisor to institutions such as House of Tara, IDEA Hub, Zapphaire Events, Future Projects, and Global Dignity. She has also held executive roles at FATE Foundation, Junior Achievement Nigeria, and served as a CSR Consultant at Access Bank Plc.

Ms. Alile’s academic grounding in Sociology and Public Administration from Rutgers University is complemented by executive education from Harvard, Yale, IMD, Cranfield, and LBS Nigeria. She is a Fellow of Lagos Business School’s Nonprofit Senior Management Program, and actively contributes to policy-shaping platforms, including ANDE’s Executive Committee, the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and Women in Management, Business and Public Policy (WIMBIZ).

Through her strategic insight, fundraising acumen, and commitment to youth and gender equity, Osayi Alile embodies the inclusive leadership ANDE strives to amplify across the entrepreneurial ecosystem.