Program Officer, West AfricaFord Foundation
Dabesaki Mac-Ikemenjima is the Acting Regional Director of the Ford Foundation's office for West Africa, where he oversees the Foundation's work on natural resources governance, gender equality and intersectional programs. He previously led the Foundation's youth transitions and gender portfolios in the region. Dabesaki's work involved programming for youth leadership development and the design of programs to support youth transition from vocational education and training to decent employment and preventing violence against women and girls. Prior to joining the Foundation, he worked as an independent consultant, supporting and leading the formulation of policies, strategies and research on youth development for such organizations as the United Nations Population Fund, UNESCO, The Commonwealth Secretariat, African Union, Open Society Foundation and national government institutions. He also served as Executive Director, Development Partnership International, Nigeria, with a strong emphasis on documenting innovative youth programs. Dabesaki has more than fifteen years’ experience in youth development programming at national and international levels. His research interests include youth quality of life, aspirations and political participation. He also has significant field experience and research in/on many countries including Sierra Leone, Swaziland, South Africa, Algeria, Ethiopia, Liberia, the United Kingdom and Zambia.