The Skoll Foundation is proud to announce James Mwangi, Executive Director of the Dalberg Group, as its newest Board member.
The Dalberg Group comprises a collection of impact-driven businesses that work collaboratively across the public, private, and philanthropic sectors to fuel inclusive growth around the world. James was part of the founding team that built Dalberg’s first business in New York. He subsequently founded and helped build Dalberg’s presence across Africa, beginning with the Johannesburg office in 2007, Nairobi in 2008, and Dakar in 2009, and served as Global Managing Partner at Dalberg Advisors from 2010 to 2014.
“Having spent the past two decades helping build Dalberg, I have often looked to the work of the Skoll Foundation and its Awardees for inspiration in thinking about innovative approaches to tackling the world’s most stubborn challenges and untapped opportunities,” said Mwangi. “I am deeply honored to join the Skoll Foundation Board in light of the unique role the Foundation has played in recognizing, celebrating, and supporting an entire generation of social entrepreneurs around the world.”
“James brings wisdom, business insight, entrepreneurial spirit, and positive energy to our Board,” said Jeff Skoll, founder and chairman of the Skoll Foundation. “We will put all of these qualities to good use as we push into our third decade of work.”
James’ work has ranged from advising heads of state to senior leaders of multilateral organizations and foundations. He has also advised chief executives and investors on the intersection of commercially attractive and socially impactful business in frontier markets, particularly in Africa. His work is increasingly focused on helping structure and implement large-scale multi-sectoral partnerships to tackle complex development challenges.
“The breadth and depth of James’ knowledge of the global social impact landscape is remarkable,” said Don Gips, CEO of the Skoll Foundation. “He brings great new perspective to our Board and will be a wonderful thought partner for me. We are privileged to have him join us in our collective efforts to elevate the most promising solutions to drive large-scale change.”
Since 2014, Mwangi has focused on expanding Dalberg’s work by acquiring new capabilities and deploying new business models and partnerships for impact. In that time, Dalberg has broadened its offerings to encompass Human-Centered Design, Research, Data Analytics, Program Implementation, and Venture Investments.
“Having grown up in and having spent most of my professional career based in Africa and working across a range of developing country contexts, I am keen to bring to bear that different perspective on the Foundation’s work and future potential opportunities,” said Mwangi. “As global challenges like climate change and social inequality approach critical tipping points, I am excited to be part of thinking about how we position innovators and changemakers to have even more systemic and scalable impact.”
Prior to Dalberg, Mwangi worked at McKinsey & Company. He is a 2009 Archbishop Tutu Leadership Fellow of the African Leadership Institute, a 2013 Young Global Leader of the World Economic Forum, and a member of the Young Presidents Organization. He also serves on several boards, including the One Acre Fund. Mwangi holds an AB Honors Degree in Economics from Harvard University.
