The Thembekile Mandela Foundation and the Jane Acilo Foundation have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) aimed at advancing sustainable development, social justice, and community empowerment across Africa and globally.
The agreement was signed on April 23, 2026, in Kampala during a high-level press conference attended by members of the diplomatic corps, development partners, and the media, highlighting the growing emphasis on cross-sector collaboration to address pressing challenges on the continent.
The partnership follows the recent recognition of Jane Frances Acilo Nkya by the Mandela Awards Commission, where she received the Legacy Award for Philanthropic Excellence and Transformational Leadership.
According to the two organizations, the MOU provides a framework for joint initiatives focused on expanding community impact, strengthening leadership capacity, and improving access to essential services such as education, healthcare, and social protection.
Speaking at the event, Ndileka Mandela, co-founder of the Thembekile Mandela Foundation and chairperson of the Mandela Awards Commission, said the agreement signals a shift from symbolic partnerships to action-driven collaboration.
“This Memorandum of Understanding represents more than a formal agreement — it is a commitment to action," she said.
"It reflects our shared belief that meaningful change is achieved through collaboration, where leadership is grounded in service and impact."
She added that the partnership would focus on delivering tangible outcomes that uplift communities and promote dignity, opportunity, and hope across Africa.
The Mandela Awards Commission, inspired by the legacy of Nelson Mandela, recognises individuals whose work advances peace, human dignity, diplomacy, innovation, and sustainable development globally.
Officials say the collaboration is expected to deepen Pan-African cooperation while positioning both institutions to scale their impact through joint programming and global engagement.