International Development: 10 years on the ground in 17 African countries

My work in Africa began when I covered the release of Nelson Mandela for National Public Radio (NPR). How in the world will democracy transform the lives of South Africans I wondered? One of my first missions to the country, as a Freedom Forum Journalism Fellow, revealed how important the role of the media had been to advancing the goals of the apartheid government–and how important it could be to advancing the ideals of democracy. I wanted to be a part of that transformation.

I relocated to South Africa and began as a freelance journalist, covering the story of South Africa’s historic turnaround for NPR, the BBC, Public Radio International (PRI’s Marketplace program), and other media outlets. I also launched my first website and eNewsletter. After the country stabilized and the story all but disappeared from American news media, I transformed myself into a development communications professional. As a consultant to organizations such as the National Democratic Institute (NDI), the Joint Center for Political Studies, and others, I became known as an effective communications strategist and media trainer.

I was hired directly by President Nelson Mandela’s administration to work with the Ministry of Health on HIV/Aids communications issues, and by the ruling party, the African National Congress (ANC) to develop and implement numerous communication strategies. I also worked with the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC, which has a daily audience of 20 million), community radio stations, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and faith-based organizations (FBOs). My work spread throughout the SADC (Southern Africa Development Community) sub-region and into east, west and central Africa.

If you need a professional who knows what it takes to deliver results in challenging environments in the developing world, as well as Washington, DC, give me a call. Check my resumes for details and portfolio for proof of results.

As a trained professional with a Master’s Degree in Journalism, I have more than 10 years of experience designing, implementing, leading and advising senior leaders in governments and nonprofit organizations about effective communications strategies that help deliver results in international development. To learn more about my experience including online products, outreach, media relations, stakeholder engagement, crisis communications, and media training, read my bio, check out my portfolio or contact me today.

To greater success,
Nolu