Dr. Nancy Mwali is a finance expert, researcher and academic with over 21 years of experience in financial leadership, institutional development and donor-funded programmes across Africa. She has extensive experience managing multi-donor, multi-currency portfolios, strengthening financial systems and promoting accountability.
Prior to joining the CODESRIA Secretariat, Dr. Mwali served as Finance Manager at Mizizi Elimu Afrika (formerly Zizi Afrique Foundation), providing strategic financial oversight for donor-funded programmes. She previously held senior finance leadership roles at Kilimanjaro Blind Trust Africa and SOS Children’s Villages Kenya and was Head of Finance and Administration at the African Leadership Centre, where she supported research programmes, managed donor-funded initiatives and worked closely with academic and research partners across the continent. Her experience at the Centre provided valuable exposure to the financial and administrative dimensions of research management, institutional development and academic collaboration. She has also served as an Adjunct Lecturer at St. Paul’s University.
Dr. Mwali holds a Ph.D. in Finance from St. Paul’s University, Kenya, an MBA in Financial Management, Kenya and a bachelor’s degree in accounting, Kenya. Her doctoral research investigated bank-specific characteristics and the profitability of commercial banks in Kenya. Her research interests and consulting work span the financial resilience and sustainability of donor-funded organizations, institutional governance and research financing. She also serves in board and advisory roles, mentors others and shares knowledge, all in support of stronger African institutions built on sound financial management and accountable leadership.
