Twaweza East Africa appoints new Executive Director

Dar es Salaam. Twaweza East Africa has announced the appointment of Anna Bwana as its new Executive Director, effective May 15, 2025. 

The seasoned governance expert will succeed Aidan Eyakuze, who is moving on to lead the Open Government Partnership.

Also read: Aidan Eyakuze to leave Twaweza after 10 years

Ms Bwana’s appointment follows a comprehensive selection process aimed at finding a leader equipped to advance the organisation’s mission. 

With over 15 years of experience in designing and implementing adaptive governance programmes, she brings a wealth of expertise in strategic visioning, organisational development, and team leadership.

Currently serving as the Country Director for BBC Media Action in Tanzania, Ms Bwana has held significant leadership positions across East Africa, including in Ethiopia. 

Her previous roles include Deputy Team Leader at the Institutions for Inclusive Development Project, Governance Advisor at the Embassy of Ireland and Governance Programme Manager at Oxfam Tanzania.

She holds degrees in Development and Economics, as well as Public Policy and Management, from the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) and the School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS).

Twaweza East Africa’s Board Chair, Bahame Tom Nyanduga, expressed confidence in Ms Bwana’s leadership, saying, “Anna is just the independent leader we need at this time. She brings powerful skills in political economy analysis, state-citizen governance, and programme design and management. Her broad experience in the civic space, both nationally and internationally, positions her well to steer Twaweza’s engagement in the region, especially as we work closely with governments.”

Outgoing Executive Director Aidan Eyakuze also expressed his enthusiasm for Ms Bwana’s appointment. “I am overjoyed with Anna’s selection. Having worked with her in the past, I can attest to her integrity, strategic thinking, creativity, and ability to get things done. I have no doubt that she will lead Twaweza to new heights.”

Ms Bwana herself expressed her excitement upon accepting the role. “I have engaged with Twaweza East Africa over many years and have always been inspired by its commitment to thinking, learning, and delivering impact. I am honoured to join the team and be part of its journey supporting citizen action and responsive government. Twaweza’s thoughtful, rigorous, and collaborative work is needed now more than ever, and I look forward to shaping its future as the next Executive Director.”

Founded in 2009, Twaweza East Africa works across Tanzania, Uganda, and Kenya with a vision of an open society where citizens engage actively, information flows freely, and governments work better for the people.

The organisation is renowned for its commitment to gender equality, citizen engagement, government accountability, and civic space protection. Its flagship initiatives include Sauti za Wananchi, Africa’s first nationally representative mobile phone survey, as well as leading efforts in transparency, evaluation, and learning practices.