Work / Africa
The Judith Neilson Foundation backs work that strengthens public health systems, supports inclusive and climate-smart economic growth, and amplifies regional voice and leadership across Africa.
We take a pan-African approach, shaped by regional diversity and grounded in trusted partnerships. We prioritise women, girls and young people, particularly in marginalised communities, while recognising that inclusive development benefits everyone.
Our partners include organisations embedded in the communities and systems they serve, as well as initiatives that enable cross country coordination and lasting change.
Our priorities in Africa /
Strengthening public health systems and delivery
We support access to healthcare and stronger systems behind it. This includes maternal, adolescent and reproductive health, water and sanitation, climate related disease, and digital delivery. We also invest in health workforce training, local manufacturing, and improved supply chains, infrastructure and policy.
Advancing inclusive green and digital economic growth
We fund partnerships that expand access to training, finance and markets, especially in agriculture, energy, IT, manufacturing and critical minerals. We also support food systems, regenerative farming, and digital tools that enable sustainable, inclusive growth.
Investing in leadership, voice and regional influence
We back African leadership and agency through advocacy, regional collaboration and participation in shaping global and regional systems. Our partners strengthen institutions, drive policy and culture, and support the next generation of leaders.
In Zimbabwe, a generation learns to code
When Charity returned to Zimbabwe from South Africa, she found herself stuck. Her family couldn’t afford university, job prospects were scarce, and for a year she sat impatiently at home, waiting for something to shift. She never imagined the thing that would open up her future would be coding.
At first, she wasn’t convinced. “I’m not a computer person,” she told them. “I’m a science person.” But she gave it a chance. When a Microsoft speaker visited the hub in Victoria Falls, something clicked. “That’s when I realised this really takes people places.”
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Partner spotlight /
Africa
Clinton Health Access Initiative
The Clinton Health Access Initiative is a global health organisation committed to saving lives and reducing the burden of disease in low-and middle-income countries, while strengthening governments and the private sector to create sustainable high-quality health systems. In Zimbabwe, a nation with one of the highest rates of cervical cancer in the world, the Clinton Health Access Initiative is making cervical cancer preventative care and treatment more accessible and affordable for women.
Our partnership with the Clinton Health Access Initiative will ensure vital prevention and treatment services are more accessible for women, particularly in rural and underserved communities, with the goal of reducing the burden of disease and allowing future generations of women to live free from cervical cancer. If you would like to learn more, please visit their website.
The Clinton Health Access Initiative is a global health organisation
Community Health Workers, Hunrungwe Rural Hospital, Zimbabwe. © Clinton Health Access Initiative.
