A Birthday Note: Investing in the Future Together

Investing in the Future: A Personal Note and a Birthday Ask

Over the past few weeks, a number of people have asked how I am celebrating my birthday this year, March 6th, and what I would like. I have been thinking about that question carefully.

If you know me, you know that my work and interests sit at the intersection of culture, capital, and the African continent. You also know that I tend to invest my time and energy in places where I believe long-term change is possible. This year, the most meaningful way to celebrate with me is by supporting a cause I care deeply about. I am inviting you to join me in supporting the Kefeta Youth Empowerment Fund through Amref Health Africa.

A Legacy of Local Capacity

My relationship with Amref began in 2017 when I joined the hosting committee for their annual ArtBall. At the time, I was familiar with global health organizations, but I had not yet felt a deep connection to any one in particular. That changed when I saw how intentionally they use culture, storytelling, and community trust to open pathways to care.

Before my career moved into venture capital, creative endeavours, and platform building, I started in public health. That lens has never left me. I have always believed that sustainable change happens when local professionals are resourced and trusted to lead, especially through a localised lens. Joining the Associate Board of Amref felt like a natural extension of that belief and a way to contribute not only time but also network, narrative, and capital.

A Track Record of Impact

Amref Health Africa has been at this work for nearly 70 years, but their recent results demonstrate a remarkable ability to scale and innovate even in the face of immense global headwinds.

In 2024 alone:

• 19 Million+ Reached: More than 19 million people received essential healthcare services across 37 countries.

• 54,000+ Health Workers Trained: Amref successfully trained 54,000+ health workers to serve on the front lines of their communities.

• Disease Prevention and Testing: The organization tested over 1.2 million people for malaria and 1.6 million people for HIV.

• Maternal and Child Health: Over 2.3 million mothers and babies were reached with vital pre- and post-natal support and care.

• Immunization Success: More than 340,000 children were fully immunized against preventable diseases.

• Financial Empowerment: Amref launched a youth-led financial cooperative (SACCO) in Ethiopia, providing financial literacy and credit to over 7,800 young entrepreneurs.

A Trusted and Efficient Investment:

• Program Efficiency: Amref maintains high standards of integrity, with 79% of total expenses going directly toward program delivery, including health training and primary healthcare.

• Academic Excellence: Amref International University (AMIU) was ranked as the 3rd-best university in Kenya in the 2025 rankings, proving its leadership in healthcare education.

• Resilience Amidst Crisis: Despite a projected loss of $86 million over three years due to shifts in foreign aid, Amref has successfully utilized flexible donor funding to protect maternal health and youth empowerment projects.

  

Why Kefeta Matters Now

We are living through a period of real global uncertainty. In 2025, the abrupt withdrawal of U.S. foreign aid created one of the most difficult moments in Amref's history, with countries across Sub-Saharan Africa losing more than 40% of their health budgets. Private sector partnerships and diaspora-driven funding are becoming increasingly important in building resilient systems that do not depend on a single source of funding.

The Kefeta Youth Empowerment Fund is a powerful example of this forward-looking approach. Kefeta means "to lift up" in Amharic. The fund focuses on young people because Africa’s future is overwhelmingly young and because strengthening health systems begins with investing in the next generation of trained professionals, community leaders, and entrepreneurs.

Celebrate With Me

This year, if you have been wondering how to celebrate my birthday, this is what would mean the most to me. Instead of a gift, drinks, brunch or a dinner, or the many back and forth to schedule something, I would be grateful if you considered making a contribution of any size to the Kefeta Youth Empowerment Fund. Your support helps train health workers, empower youth, and build long-term stability through diversified funding and diaspora engagement.

Donate Now.

Thank you for being part of my life and for celebrating this moment with intention.

With gratitude,

Aina