Osayi Alile

Osayi Alile is a distinguished leader in non-profit governance, philanthropy and social impact, with more than two decades of experience advancing economic and social development across Africa and globally. She is widely recognised for her strategic leadership, her ability to build cross-sector partnerships, and her commitment to designing sustainable solutions to complex societal challenges.

She currently serves as Chief Executive Officer of ACT Foundation, a leading grant-making non-profit supporting organisations addressing critical issues across Africa, including health, entrepreneurship, leadership, and environmental sustainability. Under her leadership, the Foundation has achieved a 695% expansion in program reach, significantly deepening its impact across the continent. She oversees a network of employees, volunteers, and partner organisations, and manages philanthropic initiatives.

In this role, Osayi provides visionary leadership for the Foundation’s strategy and partnerships, working closely with governments, corporate institutions, and community organisations to deliver high-impact programs. Her work has supported initiatives that address gender-based violence, empower vulnerable farming households in Northern Nigeria, and improve climate resilience and access to clean water in underserved communities across Africa.

She also served as Co-Administrator of CACOVID, Nigeria’s private sector coalition established to combat the COVID-19 pandemic. In this capacity, she helped mobilise resources and coordinate large-scale national interventions, including distributing protective equipment to frontline healthcare workers and establishing emergency response centres across the country. Earlier in her career, she served as Executive Director of FATE Foundation, one of Nigeria’s leading entrepreneurship development organisations. There, she led strategic transformation efforts, expanded stakeholder partnerships, and strengthened program evaluation and impact assessment systems, contributing to the growth of entrepreneurial training programs designed to reduce unemployment and support small business development.

Beyond her executive roles, Osayi is a respected voice in governance and development. She serves on multiple boards and advisory bodies, including Women in Management, Business and Public Policy (WIMBIZ), Presco Plc, Saro Oil Palm Limited, and Zapphaire Events, among others. She has also contributed to global policy and development conversations through roles with the World Economic Forum, Aspen Network of Development Entrepreneurs (ANDE), and the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

Her leadership and impact have been recognised through numerous awards and fellowships, including recognition among the Top Women in Management in Africa, the Business Day Inspiring Women Series, and the Eko 100 Women Award. She has also been recognised globally as a Young Global Leader by the World Economic Forum. Osayi holds a master's degree in public administration from Rutgers University and a bachelor's degree in Sociology from the University of Lagos. She has completed executive education programs at leading institutions, including Harvard Business School, Harvard Kennedy School, Yale University, IMD Switzerland, and Lagos Business School, with a focus on nonprofit leadership, public policy, and strategic governance.

A strategic thinker with an entrepreneurial mindset, Osayi Alile remains deeply committed to strengthening institutions, advancing inclusive economic growth, and building sustainable development ecosystems that empower individuals and communities across Africa.