Accra, Ghana, 28 June 2021 – Junior Achievement (JA) Africa today announced the appointment of Phil Mlambo as its new Chief Operations Officer with effect from July 1, 2021. He joins the executive management team at JA Africa from his previous role as Executive Director of JA Zimbabwe, a post he has held since 2005.
A citizen of Zimbabwe, Mlambo is an experienced youth development specialist with a Master of Management in Public and Development Management from the University of Witwatersrand, South Africa. His expertise spans street youth rehabilitation, youth, sexual and reproductive health education and youth entrepreneurship and business education. He recently led JA Zimbabwe in mainstreaming digital programing as a response to the COVID-19 pandemic and ensuring business continuity in the new normal.
“Phil’s proven capacity as an administrator, mobiliser and excellent team player will serve him well in his new role as Chief Operations Officer of JA Africa,” said Charles Olumuyiwa Moyela, Board Chair of JA Africa, “His appointment has been hailed by his colleagues and partners of the JA organization across Africa. I trust that he will provide the much-needed operational acumen required for JA’s transformational journey in the years ahead.”
Mlambo’s organizational development expertise and passion for youth development anchored on personnel development planning, capacity building and assessment, staff coaching and mentorship have been the hallmark of his career.
Speaking on Mlambo’s appointment, Simi Nwogugu, Chief Executive Officer of JA Africa said: “I congratulate Phil on his appointment as COO of JA Africa. He has been in the JA family for 16 years and is a leading figure in the digitization of programs in the Africa region. His expertise will be valuable to building the capacity of our member nations and ensuring operational excellence.”
On his appointment, Mr. Mlambo remarked, “I am truly humbled and excited to join Simi, the CEO, and the team at the ROC. I look forward to continue learning and growing together with all colleagues in the JA Africa Member Nations to get our capacities strengthened for us to reach the targets and goals set for us by both JA Worldwide and JA Africa Board. I know that Simi is a very passionate leader and I look forward to complimenting her efforts and operationalize her vision, and I hope together as a region we will be successful in preparing and inspiring Africa’s youth to succeed in a global economy.”
JA Africa, a leading international nonprofit organization, currently operates in 12 African countries with a mission to prepare young Africans for the future of work through entrepreneurship, work readiness and financial literacy programs.