News Hub
Latest news, media releases, and updates from IEDF Global
IEDF Leadership Masterclass Enters a New Global Chapter: From Developing Leaders to Developing Leaders Who Transform the World
The Informal Economy Development Forum (IEDF) will officially launch the Leadership Masterclass – Global Edition on Wednesday, 16 September 2026, marking the beginning of a new phase in its international leadership-development movement.
TO THE GLOBAL IEDF CONSTITUENCY, ENTREPRENEURS, BUSINESS OWNERS AND MEMBERS OF THE IEDF GLOBAL IMPACT HUB
When we launched the IEDF Global Impact Hub, we did so with a clear purpose: to build a platform capable of connecting, developing and creating opportunities for the informal economy.
IEDF LAUNCHES MET by IEDF
TURNING DIGITAL CONNECTION INTO TRADE, BUSINESS GROWTH AND COMMUNITY PROSPERITY “We cannot eradicate poverty by simply talking about development. We must create an economy in which ordinary people can participate, trade, grow and prosper.” Lady Maxim IEDF Deputy Global President
IEDF Africa Appoints Digital Marketing Strategist Moses Jacobus as MIEA Africa Head of Marketing
The Informal Economy Development Forum (IEDF) Africa is proud to announce the appointment of Leader Moses Jacobus as the MIEA Africa Head of Marketing, a strategic appointment that brings world-class digital marketing expertise to one of Africa’s most ambitious entrepreneurial empowerment initiatives.
IEDF Africa Appoints Continental Tourism Leadership to Drive Vision 2030 and Unlock Africa’s Tourism Economy
The Informal Economy Development Forum (IEDF) Africa is proud to announce the appointment of its new Continental Tourism Sector Leadership, a strategic milestone in advancing the IEDF Vision 2030 agenda of building a more prosperous, connected, and economically empowered Africa through tourism.
Nigeria: How this snack food company won over informal shopkeepers
In Nigeria, informal retail channels account for 90% of consumer goods sales. Discover how cookie company Fastizers persuaded these vendors to stock its products.
IEDF Appoints Leader Othusitse Jackals as Africa Chairperson for Informal Street Traders
The Informal Economy Development Forum (IEDF) is proud to announce the appointment of Leader Othusitse Patrick “Thusi” Jackals as the IEDF Africa Chairperson for Informal Street Traders.
Africa Young Women Leaders Fellowship Unites the Continent to Launch a New Era of Women-Led Economic Transformation
The Informal Economy Development Forum (IEDF) proudly celebrates the successful hosting of the Africa Young Women Leaders Fellowship (AYWLF) Continental Leadership Conference, held on 16 July 2026, bringing together emerging women leaders from across Africa for an evening of inspiration, leadership and continental collaboration.
IEDF Appoints Leader Ruth Munaka Mutsila as Africa Head for Leadership Training
South Africa – The Informal Economy Development Forum (IEDF) is pleased to announce the promotion of Leader Ruth Munaka Mutsila to the position of IEDF Africa Head for Leadership Training, a strategic continental leadership role that will drive the development of transformational leaders across Africa in support of the organisation’s ambitious Vision 2030.
Informal Economy Development Forum (IEDF) Champions Entrepreneurship Through Mandela Day Community Business Outreach
The Informal Economy Development Forum (IEDF), in partnership with SEDA and Ntsu E Ntsho Creations, is proud to host the Mandela Day Community Business Outreach Programme on Friday, 17 July 2026, at 10:00 at the Evaton North Library.
A Historic Movement Begins: IEDF Launches Africa-Wide Facilitator Programme to Bring Education to Every Community
Africa – The Informal Economy Development Forum (IEDF) has announced one of the most significant education and community empowerment initiatives in its history: the launch of the IEDF Certified Facilitator Programme, a continent-wide movement that will train and certify community leaders to take practical education, leadership development, entrepreneurship, and life skills directly into communities across Africa.
From Prisoner To Purpose: IEDF Leadership Masterclass Ignites Hope and Transformation Behind Prison Walls
The Informal Economy Development Forum is celebrating a remarkable milestone in its Vision 2030 journey after receiving an inspiring testimony from its work within correctional services—proof that leadership has the power to transform lives, restore dignity, and rebuild communities.
From SA’s Got Talent To Changing Communities: IEDF Community Leader Violet Ndlovu Is Healing Lives Through The Power Of The Arts
The Informal Economy Development Forum (IEDF) proudly celebrates the remarkable journey of Leader Violet Ndlovu, an IEDF Community Leader in the North West Province of South Africa, Founder of Basadi ba Bokone Community Development Committee (CDC) and CEO of Talent Aweehness Agency (Pty) Ltd, whose inspiring leadership is proving that creativity can become one of Africa’s greatest tools for social and economic transformation.
Africa’s Largest Digital Economic Transformation Begins: IEDF to Launch One Million Business Websites and Build the World’s Largest Circular Economy for the Informal Sector
The Informal Economy Development Forum (IEDF) has officially announced one of the most ambitious economic transformation programmes ever conceived on the African continent: the rollout of one million business websites across Africa as part of Vision 2030, creating the world’s largest interconnected digital ecosystem for micro, informal and small enterprises.
IEDF Strengthens Africa’s Vision 2030 Leadership with the Appointment of Tariro Karira as Continental Head of Civil Society Africa
Leader Tariro Karira brings a passion for community empowerment, partnership building, and transformational leadership. In her new role, she will lead efforts to unite civil society organisations, community-based organisations, faith-based organisations, and development partners in working together to create sustainable change and improve the lives of millions of Africans.
Africa’s Largest Young Women Leadership Movement Rises To Shape The Continent’s Future
The Informal Economy Development Forum (IEDF), through the Africa Young Women Leaders Fellowship (AYWLF), has officially launched what is set to become the largest structured young women leadership movement on the African continent, bringing together emerging women leaders who will embark on an intensive four-month leadership and mentorship development programme before being deployed across Africa to help transform communities and accelerate the achievement of the Vision 2030 goals.
IEDF Africa Creative Economy Leader Reflects on the Transformative Power of Leadership Development
The Informal Economy Development Forum (IEDF) Africa has reaffirmed its commitment to developing ethical, visionary, and impact-driven leaders across the continent following an inspiring reflection shared by Leader Rachael Wainaina, IEDF Africa Head for the Creative Economy.
IEDF South Africa Appoints Leader Salome Ngwana as Chairperson of the South Africa Civil Society Chapter
The IEDF is proud to announce the appointment of Leader Salome Ngwana as the new Chairperson of the IEDF South Africa Civil Society Chapter, ushering in a renewed era of servant leadership, unity, strategic collaboration, and national mobilisation as the organisation accelerates its commitment to achieving Vision 2030.
Africa Head of Technology Appointed to Drive Digital Transformation Across the Informal Economy
The Informal Economy Development Forum (IEDF) announces the appointment of John Wambugu as Africa Head of Technology, marking a strategic step toward accelerating digital transformation, innovation access, and technology-driven growth across Africa’s informal economy.
IEDF Africa Appoints Her Royal Highness Rakgadi Daisy Sedumedi as Royal Envoy for Sovereignty and Women’s Advancement
The Informal Economy Development Forum (IEDF) Africa is pleased to announce the appointment of Her Royal Highness Rakgadi Daisy Sedumedi as Royal Envoy for Sovereignty and Women’s Advancement within the Africa Traditional Leadership and Royal Affairs Sector.
IEDF Africa Appoints Professor Donatus Fai Tangem as Deputy Africa Sector Head for the Creative Economy
The Informal Economy Development Forum (IEDF) Africa is pleased to announce the appointment of Professor Donatus Fai Tangem (PhD) of Cameroon as the Deputy Africa Sector Head for the Creative Economy.
IEDF Appoints Jerome Walters as Africa Continent Head: Sports
The Informal Economy Development Forum (IEDF) is pleased to announce the appointment of Leader Jerome Walters as the IEDF Africa Continent Head: Sports, a strategic leadership role that will support the advancement of sport as a catalyst for youth development, social cohesion, health, economic participation, and community empowerment across Africa.
Côte d'Ivoire Trade Mission Attracts Participation from Across the Continent
From Southern Africa to West Africa, business leaders are coming together under one vision: Africa doing business with Africa. The Côte d'Ivoire Trade Mission is bringing this vision to life by creating a platform for cross-border trade, investment, collaboration, and sustainable economic growth across the continent.
Africa Young Women Leaders Fellowship 2026 Launched
The Informal Economy Development Forum is proud to announce the official launch of the Africa Young Women Leadership Fellowship 2026, a continental initiative designed to identify, mentor, and elevate exceptional young women from all 54 African countries.
IEDF announces new African leadership appointments as Vision 2030 movement continues to expand across the continent
The Informal Economy Development Forum (IEDF) continues to strengthen its leadership structures across Africa with the appointment of five additional leaders who will play a critical role in advancing the Vision 2030 agenda and accelerating the mission of eradicating poverty and social ills throughout the continent.
IEDF expands women and creative economy leadership as Vision 2030 movement continues to grow across Africa
The appointments reflect the increasing momentum of the IEDF Vision 2030 movement, which seeks to mobilise leaders, entrepreneurs, community builders, creatives, and changemakers to work collectively towards the eradication of poverty and the creation of sustainable economic opportunities throughout Africa and beyond.
