Impact Action Foundation Ltd/GteImpacting today, sustaining tomorrow

Building a foundation for sustainable change.

Impact Action Foundation is a non-profit company limited by guarantee, formed to turn goodwill into structured, measurable and community-led action across Africa. We are a young organization, and we have chosen to be an unusually transparent one.

Registered in ABUJA & Lagos, Nigeria

Programme team members reviewing documents together around a table during a planning session
Fig. 01 — Programme planning session, Lagos

01Who We Are

We believe sustainable change starts with action.

The foundation exists because opportunity in too many African communities is decided by geography rather than potential. We work where that gap is widest.

Purpose

Impact Action Foundation was formed to deliver sustainable social impact through education, economic empowerment, environmental resilience, health and community development — designed with communities rather than for them.

Transforming lives through sustainable action.

The foundation’s guiding statement

As a company limited by guarantee, no member holds shares and no surplus is distributed. Everything raised is directed to programme delivery, measurement and the governance that keeps both honest. Because the organisation is new, this site presents commitments and targets — never results we have not yet earned.

02What Guides Us

Vision

We see a world where every person and community has the opportunity to thrive, where dignity is upheld, potential is realised, and societies are inclusive, sustainable and resilient.

Mission

To deliver sustainable, measurable programmes in partnership with the communities we serve.

  • We do what we said we would do, and we say what actually happened.

  • Governance documents, budgets and results are published, not requested.

  • We test, measure and adapt rather than repeat what is familiar.

  • Communities help design the programmes that are meant to serve them.

  • Every intervention is designed to keep working after we step back.

  • We achieve lasting development through collaboration, partnering with communities, governments, civil society, academia, and the private sector to pool resources, knowledge, and capabilities.

03Our Commitment

Driven by real resilience

Development should not be defined by the resources a community possesses today, but by its ability to build a better future for generations to come. That is why our work directly connects people, planet, opportunity, and resilience.

Rather than working in silos, we treat education, environment, empowerment, enterprise, and humanitarian action not as separate causes, but as five essential pathways toward a single ambition.

We are building toward a world where communities and economies are empowered to sustain their own progress and create a truly equitable future.

Portrait of Grace Abba, Founder & Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer

04The People Behind The Mission

Grace Abba

Founder & Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer

Profile

Grace Abba is an award-winning development professional and humanitarian with over 15 years of experience in social impact. As the Founder and CEO of Impact Action Foundation, she drives initiatives in climate action and community growth. She holds an MSc in Sustainable Development (UNICAF) and a BSc in Agricultural Extension (University of Ilorin).

Expertise

  • Climate Action
  • Sustainable Development
  • Circular Economy
  • Youth Empowerment

Previous Experience

Grace’s background spans the humanitarian, agricultural, and environmental sectors. Her prior work focuses on grassroots community development, stakeholder engagement, and integrated approaches to protecting vulnerable populations, with a specialized focus on children's wellbeing and climate resilience.

Motivation for Founding Impact Action Foundation

Driven by her belief that “impact begins when people are empowered,” Grace founded the organization to turn awareness into tangible action. Her goal is to equip communities to design their own solutions, transforming them from aid beneficiaries into active agents of sustainable change.

Leadership Profile

01Profile Summary

Grace Abba

Founder & Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer

Based in Abuja, Nigeria.

Grace Abba is an award-winning development professional and humanitarian with over 15 years of experience in social impact. As the Founder and CEO of Impact Action Foundation, she drives initiatives in climate action and community growth. She holds an MSc in Sustainable Development (UNICAF) and a BSc in Agricultural Extension (University of Ilorin).

Portrait of Grace Abba

02About Grace Abba

Background

Grace Abba is a seasoned development professional, humanitarian, sustainability advocate and social-impact leader with over 15 years of experience working to advance positive change in communities and improve the lives of vulnerable populations.

She is the Founder and Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Impact Action Foundation Ltd/Gte, where she provides strategic leadership in the organisation's efforts to promote sustainable development, climate action, environmental responsibility and inclusive community development.

Grace holds a Bachelor's degree in Agricultural Extension from the University of Ilorin, Nigeria, and a Master of Science (MSc) in Sustainable Development from UNICAF University, Zambia. Her academic and professional journey reflects her deep interest in the relationship between sustainable livelihoods, community development, environmental protection and human wellbeing.

Over the course of her career, Grace has demonstrated a strong commitment to humanitarian service and community transformation, with particular passion for initiatives that improve the wellbeing, protection and opportunities of children and other vulnerable members of society. Her work has earned her recognitions and awards for her humanitarian contributions, particularly in the areas of working with children and promoting climate action.

Grace is a passionate advocate for climate action, recycling, environmental sustainability, waste management and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). She believes that addressing environmental challenges requires more than awareness—it requires sustained action, community participation, innovation and partnerships that translate ideas into tangible results.

Through Impact Action Foundation, she champions initiatives that encourage individuals and communities to take ownership of environmental challenges and become active participants in creating sustainable solutions. Her interests include climate education and advocacy, recycling and responsible waste management, environmental awareness, sustainable development, sustainable agriculture, youth engagement, children's wellbeing, women and community empowerment, and SDG implementation.

As a leader, Grace is passionate about people-centred development and collaborative action. She believes that sustainable impact is achieved when communities are empowered to identify their challenges, participate in developing solutions and have the knowledge and resources necessary to create lasting change.

Her leadership of Impact Action Foundation is guided by the belief that every individual has the capacity to make a difference and that collective action can create meaningful solutions to some of the world's most pressing social and environmental challenges. She is particularly passionate about inspiring young people and communities to see themselves not merely as beneficiaries of development initiatives, but as agents of change.

Grace brings together her experience in humanitarian service, agricultural development, sustainability and environmental advocacy to advance an integrated approach to social impact. Her work reflects a commitment to building resilient communities, protecting the environment and creating a more sustainable and inclusive future for present and future generations.

With more than 15 years of experience and a growing portfolio of humanitarian and environmental initiatives, Grace continues to provide visionary leadership to Impact Action Foundation and to contribute to conversations and actions around climate resilience, sustainable development, environmental responsibility and human dignity.

Areas of Expertise & Passion

  • Climate action and climate-change advocacy
  • Sustainable development and SDG implementation
  • Recycling, waste management and circular-economy initiatives
  • Humanitarian services and community development
  • Child-focused development and wellbeing
  • Environmental education and awareness
  • Sustainable agriculture and livelihoods
  • Youth empowerment and engagement
  • Women and community empowerment
  • Stakeholder engagement and partnership development
  • Social-impact leadership and advocacy

Leadership Philosophy

Grace Abba's leadership is anchored in service, compassion, collaboration and sustainability. Through Impact Action Foundation, she continues to inspire people and communities to turn awareness into action, build sustainable solutions and contribute to a better future.

Impact begins when people are empowered to take action.”
Founder & Managing Director, Impact Action Foundation Ltd/Gte

05Board & Advisory

Oversight before ambition.

Our Board & Advisory team ensures rigorous governance, compliance, and accountability always guide our strategic growth.

  • Portrait of board chairman

    Mr. Samuel Adeyemi

    board chairman

    Leadership Profile

    01Profile Summary

    Mr. Samuel Adeyemi

    Board Chairman

    Based in Abuja, Nigeria.

    Samuel Adeyemi is a leading management consultant in Nigeria, specializing in strategy and fintech. He is a C-Level executive at Credlanche Group and Managing Director of Corvendra Advisory Solutions, focusing on financial advisory. He also founded a fintech microfinance bank and holds an MBA from Ahmadu Bello University.

    Portrait of Mr. Samuel Adeyemi

    02About Samuel Adeyemi

    Samuel Oluwatimilehin Adeyemi is a Monitoring, Evaluation, Research and Learning (MERL) and Digital Transformation specialist with over 19 years of professional experience spanning public health, governance, technology, institutional strengthening, data systems, and performance management in Nigeria.

    He has built a career at the intersection of data, technology, governance and organisational performance, working with government institutions, international development organisations, donor-funded programmes and private sector organisations. His experience includes designing and implementing monitoring and evaluation systems, leading large-scale research and data quality assessments, developing performance dashboards, coordinating donor reporting, strengthening institutional systems, and supporting evidence-based decision-making.

    Samuel currently serves as Managing Partner at Corvendra Advisory Solutions Ltd, where he provides strategic leadership across governance technology, procurement intelligence, compliance monitoring, monitoring and evaluation, and digital transformation initiatives. In this capacity, he has led the development and presentation of ProcAudit AI, an AI-powered procurement auditing and compliance monitoring solution developed for public sector accountability, including engagement with the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP), Nigeria. He has also overseen the development of digital solutions such as TaxPadi, an AI-enabled tax compliance and filing management platform, alongside digital financial systems integration initiatives.

    Prior to his current role, Samuel served as Managing Director of Sixth Element Analytics & Research Ltd, where he led consulting engagements in business intelligence, institutional research, monitoring and evaluation, data analytics and digital transformation.

    He previously held senior monitoring, research and ICT4D roles with MSI Nigeria Reproductive Choices and the Society for Family Health (SFH), supporting major donor-funded programmes and public health initiatives across Nigeria. His work has involved national and regional monitoring activities, baseline and endline evaluations, Data Quality Assessments, continuous surveys, Client Exit Interviews, Mystery Client Surveys, Focus Group Discussions, Key Informant Interviews, Randomized Control Trial implementation support, and the development of electronic data collection and reporting systems.

    Samuel has also worked closely with government institutions and development partners on strengthening health information systems, reviewing reporting tools and indicators, improving data quality, and building institutional capacity for data-driven programme management.

    His technical expertise covers Power BI, DHIS2, Kobo Toolbox, ODK, Survey Solutions, SPSS, Stata, QGIS, Epi Info and advanced Microsoft Excel, alongside emerging applications of artificial intelligence and digital technologies for governance, compliance and analytics.

    Samuel holds an MBA from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, a B.Tech in Computer Science from Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi, and has completed the Senior Management Programme at Lagos Business School, Pan-Atlantic University. He is also a certified PMD Pro professional and Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA).

    With a career spanning technology, research, public health, governance and organisational performance, Samuel brings a multidisciplinary approach to solving complex institutional challenges through data, technology, research and strategic management.

  • Portrait of board member

    Mr. John Kayode

    board member

    Leadership Profile

    01Profile Summary

    Mr. John Kayode

    Board Member

    Based in Lagos, Nigeria.

    Mr John Kayode is a seasoned financial services executive and business leader with extensive experience across consumer finance, lending, fintech, digital financial services and organisational leadership. He brings a strong combination of strategic, technology-driven and operational expertise, with a focus on business growth, financial inclusion and developing accessible digital financial solutions.

    Portrait of Mr. John Kayode

    02About John Kayode

    Mr John Kayode is a seasoned financial services executive and business leader with extensive experience spanning consumer finance, lending, fintech, digital financial services, business strategy, and organisational leadership.

    He is the Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Credlanche Limited, where he provides executive leadership in driving the organisation's strategic direction, business growth, and operations within Nigeria's evolving financial services ecosystem.

    Mr John Kayode also serves as the Chairman of the Board of Directors of Digitvant Microfinance Bank (Digitvant MFB), providing board-level leadership and strategic oversight as the institution advances its focus on financial inclusion, digital innovation, accessible financial services, and support for underserved individuals and businesses. Public reports from Digitvant's 2025 launch identified him in this capacity and highlighted his emphasis on building a financial institution that responds to the needs of informal-market businesses, entrepreneurs, and communities underserved by conventional financial institutions.

    Prior to and alongside his current leadership responsibilities, Mr John Kayode has built significant experience across Nigeria's consumer finance and lending industry. His career includes senior leadership roles at Credit Express Limited, where he served as Executive Director and Chief Operating Officer, and Zedvance Finance Limited, where he served as Chief Operating Officer. These experiences have contributed to his expertise in financial operations, consumer lending, business development, strategic planning, product execution, and organisational growth.

    His professional background also reflects a strong intersection between technology and financial services. With a background in Computer Science and professional training in Lean Six Sigma, Mr John Kayode brings a structured and technology-oriented approach to business leadership, with an understanding of how innovation, operational efficiency, and customer-focused solutions can contribute to sustainable growth.

    Through his leadership at Credlanche and his board role at Digitvant MFB, Mr John Kayode has remained engaged in the development of financial solutions that address changing consumer and business needs. His work at Digitvant has particularly emphasised financial inclusion and the use of digital platforms to expand access to financial services. In 2025, Digitvant reported that its Market Monie product had supported more than 50,000 businesses, while its Digitvant Pay platform had onboarded more than 25,000 previously unbanked Nigerians.

    Mr John Kayode's career reflects a combination of executive leadership, financial-sector expertise, technology-driven thinking, and strategic business development. His experience across lending, consumer finance, fintech, and microfinance positions him within a generation of Nigerian financial-services leaders contributing to the evolution of more accessible and digitally enabled financial solutions.

  • Portrait of board member

    Mr. Gabriel Abba

    board member

    Leadership Profile

    01Profile Summary

    Mr. Gabriel Abba

    Board Member

    Based in Abuja, Nigeria.

    Gabriel Abba is a seasoned educationist, chartered accountant, finance and technology leader, and sustainability advocate with over 18 years of experience across accounting, finance, academia, governance, technology and organisational leadership. He brings multidisciplinary expertise and a strong commitment to sustainable development, environmental responsibility, community empowerment and meaningful social impact.

    Portrait of Mr. Gabriel Abba

    02About Gabriel Abba

    Background

    Gabriel Abba is a seasoned educationist, chartered accountant, finance and technology leader, and sustainability advocate with over 18 years of professional experience spanning academia, accounting, financial management, audit, taxation, technology, governance and organisational leadership.

    He holds a Bachelor's degree in Accounting from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, a National Diploma in Accounting and Finance from Kaduna Polytechnic, and a Master of Science (MSc) in Accounting and Finance from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria. He is also a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN).

    Gabriel has built a diverse professional career that combines academic excellence with extensive experience in the corporate and professional services environment. He has worked with PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), one of the world's leading professional services and accounting firms, where he gained valuable experience within a globally recognised professional environment.

    He has also served as a lecturer at the Federal University Wukari, Nigeria, contributing to teaching, academic development and knowledge transfer. His experience in academia has reinforced his passion for education, professional development, knowledge sharing and building the capacity of individuals and institutions.

    As a finance and accounting professional, Gabriel has developed significant expertise across financial reporting, audit, taxation, financial management, governance, risk and compliance. His professional development includes certifications and training in International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) and International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS), among other national and international professional qualifications.

    In addition to his traditional finance and accounting expertise, Gabriel has a strong interest in the evolving field of Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) and the role of sustainability in corporate and institutional decision-making. His professional and leadership interests include IFRS Sustainability Disclosure Standards (IFRS S1 and IFRS S2), integrated reporting, sustainability reporting, ESG strategy and disclosure, climate-related financial information and sustainable value creation.

    He is passionate about helping organisations understand the growing connection between financial performance, sustainability performance, responsible governance and long-term value creation. His multidisciplinary background enables him to appreciate sustainability not only as an environmental issue, but also as an important consideration for governance, risk management, financial reporting, strategy and organisational resilience.

    Beyond his professional career, Gabriel is deeply committed to humanitarian service and environmental protection. His passion for environmental sustainability is demonstrated through his involvement in tree-planting initiatives, waste recycling projects and other environmental activities aimed at promoting responsible stewardship of the natural environment.

    He believes that sustainable development requires a holistic approach that brings together people, responsible institutions, sound financial management, technology and environmental stewardship. This philosophy informs his interest in initiatives that empower communities, protect vulnerable populations and promote practical solutions to social and environmental challenges.

    As part of the leadership of Impact Action Foundation Ltd/Gte, Gabriel brings a distinctive combination of professional expertise, academic experience, strategic thinking and passion for humanitarian and environmental causes. He contributes to the Foundation's broader mission of promoting sustainable development, environmental responsibility, community empowerment and meaningful social impact.

    Professional & Leadership Interests

    • Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG)
    • IFRS Sustainability Disclosure Standards
    • Audit, Assurance and Taxation
    • Sustainability and Climate-related Reporting
    • Integrated Reporting and Corporate Reporting
    • Financial Reporting and Accounting
    • International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS)
    • Finance and Strategic Financial Management
    • International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS)
    • Education and Professional Capacity Development
    • Governance, Risk and Compliance
    • Technology and Digital Transformation
    • Sustainable Development and SDG Implementation
    • Climate Action and Environmental Protection
    • Tree Planting and Ecosystem Restoration
    • Humanitarian and Community Development
    • Recycling and Responsible Waste Management

    Leadership Philosophy

    Gabriel believes that professional excellence must be matched by integrity, accountability and service to society. He is committed to using his expertise in accounting, finance, technology, education and sustainability to support organisations and communities in creating long-term value and meaningful impact.

    His leadership philosophy is grounded in the belief that sound governance, responsible financial management, innovation and environmental stewardship are fundamental to building resilient institutions and sustainable communities.

    Through his professional career, academic engagements and humanitarian activities, Gabriel continues to champion a future where people, institutions and the environment can thrive together.

    Professional excellence must be matched by integrity, accountability and service to society”
    Board Member, Impact Action Foundation Ltd/Gte
  • Portrait of board member

    Mrs. Cecilia Oluwagboye

    board member

    Leadership Profile

    01Profile Summary

    Mrs. Cecilia Oluwagboye

    Board Member

    Based in Abuja, Nigeria.

    Mrs. Cecilia Oluwagboye is an accomplished educationist with over 35 years of experience in education, with a strong focus on girl-child education, early childhood development, character formation and community development. She is passionate about empowering young people, promoting quality education and advancing sustainable social development.

    Portrait of Mrs. Cecilia Oluwagboye

    02About Cecilia Oluwagboye

    Mrs. Cecilia Oluwagboye is an accomplished educationist with over 35 years of experience dedicated to advancing education, nurturing young minds, and contributing to the development of responsible and empowered communities.

    Throughout her distinguished career, Mrs. Oluwagboye has built an excellent track record in girl-child education, early childhood education, character formation, and the development of moral and ethical values. Her work reflects a deep conviction that education extends beyond academic achievement; it is a powerful instrument for shaping character, building confidence, unlocking potential, and creating opportunities for individuals and communities to thrive.

    She has served within the education sector in Oyo State and the Federal Capital Territory, gaining extensive experience across different dimensions of educational development and administration. Her career has given her a practical understanding of the opportunities and challenges confronting learners, families, educators, and communities, particularly in creating inclusive and meaningful educational opportunities for children.

    Mrs. Oluwagboye is particularly passionate about girl-child education and early education, recognising the critical role that quality education plays in establishing a strong foundation for lifelong learning, personal development, and social participation. She is equally committed to promoting character, integrity, ethical values, and responsible citizenship among young people.

    Her interests extend beyond education to the broader sustainable development agenda. She is passionate about advancing initiatives aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those relating to quality education, zero hunger, gender equality, and social development. She believes that sustainable development requires an integrated approach that addresses not only access to education but also the social and economic conditions that enable children and families to reach their full potential.

    As a Board Member of Impact Action Foundation, Mrs. Oluwagboye brings decades of educational experience, a strong commitment to human development, and a passion for creating lasting positive change. She contributes a valuable perspective to the Foundation's efforts to develop and support initiatives that empower individuals, strengthen communities, and deliver sustainable social impact.

    Her enduring commitment is rooted in a simple but powerful belief: investing in people, particularly children and young people, is one of the most effective ways to build a more equitable, resilient, and sustainable society.

06Organisational Structure

Clear lines of responsibility.

  1. 01

    Board of Trustees

    Holds legal responsibility, approves strategy and budgets, oversees risk and compliance.

  2. 02

    Executive Director

    Leads execution of the approved strategy and reports to the board each quarter.

  3. 03

    Programme Managers

    Own delivery, budgets and measurement for each of the five programme mandates.

  4. 04

    Staff & Field Volunteers

    Deliver day-to-day activity alongside community partners and local institutions.

07Get Involved

Good intentions need action.

See what we have committed to achieving, and how we intend to measure it, on our impact page.