Shiphra Chisha has been appointed as the new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Graça Machel Trust, marking a significant moment for women’s leadership and economic development in Africa.
A seasoned development expert, business executive, entrepreneur, and advocate for women’s economic empowerment, Chisha steps into the role with more than two decades of experience leading transformational initiatives across the continent. Her appointment reflects not only her exceptional leadership credentials but also her unwavering commitment to advancing the rights, leadership, and economic prosperity of African women and girls.
Accepting the role, Chisha described it as both “a deep honour and a profound responsibility,” pledging to advance the vision of Graça Machel through economic justice, inclusive development, and leadership that creates lasting opportunities for women and young people across Africa.
As she assumes leadership of one of Africa’s most influential development organisations, her career tells the story of a woman who has consistently turned vision into impact.
Who Is Shiphra Chisha?
Shiphra Chisha is widely recognised as one of Africa’s leading voices in sustainable development, women’s entrepreneurship, corporate governance, and inclusive economic growth.
Throughout her career, she has worked across more than 20 African countries, bringing together governments, development agencies, financial institutions, private companies, and civil society organisations to create practical solutions for economic transformation.
Her work has focused on removing structural barriers that prevent women and girls from participating fully in business, leadership, and economic development.
Leading the Graça Machel Trust Into Its Next Chapter
As CEO of the Graça Machel Trust, Chisha will oversee programmes dedicated to advancing women’s rights, children’s rights, ethical leadership, and inclusive governance across Africa.
The Trust has long served as a catalyst for change by connecting governments, businesses, philanthropists, civil society organisations, and community leaders to address some of Africa’s most pressing social and economic challenges.
Under Chisha’s leadership, the organisation is expected to strengthen its work in:
- Women’s economic empowerment
- Leadership development
- Gender equality
- Youth and adolescent girls’ empowerment
- Policy advocacy
- Strategic partnerships
- Inclusive investment and entrepreneurship
Her extensive experience in both corporate leadership and development positions her well to expand the Trust’s continental impact.
Building African Women in Business
One of Chisha’s most significant achievements has been co-founding African Women in Business (AWIB), where she serves as President.
AWIB has become a powerful Pan-African network supporting women entrepreneurs by providing access to investment opportunities, business partnerships, regional markets, and trade networks.
Recognising the opportunities created by the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), Chisha has championed programmes that help women-owned businesses participate in cross-border trade and regional value chains.
Her work has empowered countless women entrepreneurs to move beyond local markets and compete across Africa.
A Career Built on Sustainable Development
Before joining the Graça Machel Trust, Chisha established herself as a respected expert in sustainable socio-economic development.
She founded MKT Investments, a consultancy focused on sustainable development, stakeholder engagement, community development, and economic transformation.
For more than 20 years, the company has partnered with governments, mining companies, development organisations, and small businesses to improve livelihoods and build resilient communities across Africa.
Her work has particularly focused on ensuring that communities benefit from responsible mining through long-term economic opportunities rather than short-term interventions.
Leading Community Transformation in the Mining Sector
Among her most influential leadership roles was serving as Chief Executive Officer of the Anglo American Sishen Iron Ore Community Development Trust.
There, she led programmes that improved education, entrepreneurship, infrastructure, and local economic development within mining communities.
Her leadership demonstrated that mining investments can become catalysts for sustainable community development when governments, businesses, and local communities work together.
Influencing Trade, Policy and Regional Development
Chisha’s influence extends well beyond programme implementation.
She has contributed to shaping regional trade and economic policy through service on several influential organisations, including:
- SADC Non-Tariff Barriers to Trade Steering Committee
- Trade Forward Southern Africa (TFSA)
- AfCFTA Advisory Board
- University of South Africa Graduate School of Business Leadership Advisory Board
- African Women in Power and Energy Advisory Board
- South African BRICS Future Skills, Manufacturing and Mining Working Groups
- International Women’s Forum
- Women in Mining South Africa
- Institute of Directors Southern Africa
These appointments reflect the trust placed in her expertise on trade, governance, investment, and inclusive development.
Corporate Leadership Experience
Chisha has also held several high-profile corporate governance positions, including:
- Chief Executive Officer – Sishen Iron Ore Community Trust
- Global Executive – BRICS Institute
- Non-Executive Director – Anglo American Coal
- Chairperson – Anglo American Inyosi Coal Trust
- Non-Executive Director – Continental Coal Limited
- Non-Executive Director – Anglo American Platinum Zenzele Itereng Trust
Her ability to navigate both boardrooms and community development initiatives has made her one of Africa’s most respected development leaders.
Academic Excellence
Chisha’s leadership is supported by strong academic credentials, including:
- Master of Business Administration (MBA)
- Bachelor of Commerce in Economics – University of Johannesburg
- Strategic Leadership Programme – Gordon Institute of Business Science
- BRICS China Executive Leadership Development Programme
Her education reflects a commitment to continuous learning and strategic leadership.
What Makes Shiphra Chisha Stand Out?
While many leaders excel in either business or development, Shiphra Chisha has successfully bridged both worlds.
What distinguishes her is her ability to translate strategy into measurable impact. Rather than focusing solely on advocacy, she builds partnerships that deliver tangible results for women, entrepreneurs, and communities.
Her leadership stands out because she:
- Thinks continentally while delivering locally.
- Connects business, government, and civil society to solve complex challenges.
- Champions women’s economic empowerment through practical solutions, not just policy discussions.
- Combines corporate governance expertise with grassroots development experience.
- Builds institutions and networks that continue creating impact long after individual projects end.
These qualities have earned her recognition as one of Africa’s leading champions of inclusive development.
Leadership Lessons from Shiphra Chisha
Her journey offers valuable lessons for current and aspiring leaders:
1. Leadership is about creating opportunities for others.
Great leaders focus on empowering people and building systems that enable long-term success.
2. Collaboration drives sustainable development.
Transformational change happens when governments, businesses, civil society, and communities work together.
3. Women’s economic empowerment is Africa’s economic future.
Investing in women entrepreneurs strengthens families, communities, and national economies.
4. Build influence through service.
Chisha’s leadership has been shaped by years of serving on boards, committees, and development initiatives before taking on top executive roles.
5. Never stop learning.
Her academic achievements and executive leadership programmes demonstrate that continuous learning strengthens effective leadership.
A New Era for the Graça Machel Trust
As Shiphra Chisha begins her tenure as CEO, she inherits the legacy of an organisation that has championed women, children, and ethical leadership across Africa for decades.
Her appointment signals continuity in that mission while bringing fresh energy, strategic vision, and extensive continental experience.
With her proven track record in sustainable development, corporate governance, regional trade, and women’s economic empowerment, Chisha is well positioned to lead the Graça Machel Trust into its next chapter—one where more African women and girls have the opportunity to lead, innovate, and shape the continent’s future
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