The Wood Foundation Africa

The Wood Foundation Africa is a venture philanthropic organization dedicated to fostering sustainable development across Sub-Saharan Africa. Operating as a proactive investor, project manager, and partner, the foundation addresses societal, educational, and economic challenges in the region. Its management and operational teams are based in Nairobi, Kenya, with additional teams in Rwanda and Tanzania. The foundation was established in 2007 by Sir Ian Wood KT GBE and his immediate family to address societal and economic inequities both locally and internationally. Garreth Wood MBE serves as the Chairman of the organization.

The foundation's venture philanthropy approach focuses on transforming livelihoods in Sub-Saharan Africa by empowering smallholder farmers through financing, training, support models, infrastructure, and market access. This model has been applied in the tea sectors of Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda, impacting tens of thousands of lives. In addition to agriculture, the foundation invests in education, healthcare, and infrastructure projects to promote holistic development.

The Wood Foundation Africa collaborates with a range of like-minded partners and has a proven track record in scalability and replicability in high-risk, large-scale projects that create transformational impact. Its commitment to sustainable development is evident in its diverse portfolio, which includes initiatives in renewable energy, technology, and financial services, all aimed at fostering long-term economic growth and societal well-being in the region.