Who We Are
IMC Africa Forward Foundation is a U.S.-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit working to advance sustainable economic growth, trade, and opportunity across Africa.
We believe communities should not be passive recipients of development assistance. Lasting development happens when local leaders, businesses, farmers, youth, women, communities, governments, and institutions have the tools, knowledge, networks, and market access to shape priorities and lead their own future.
Founded by international development and trade expert Zufan “Zufi” Mulugeta, the Foundation draws on decades of experience in economic development, trade, agriculture, workforce development, and institutional strengthening.
We operate as a catalyst and partnership platform, working with African organizations, institutions, businesses, and communities to strengthen locally led systems that can sustain results beyond a single project or grant.
Our Vision
An Africa where communities, businesses, and institutions lead their own development and thrive through trade, innovation, enterprise, and economic opportunity.
Our Mission
To expand economic opportunity across Africa by strengthening workforce skills, advancing agricultural transformation, supporting entrepreneurship, and connecting local enterprises to regional and global markets.
Our Approach
Development That Lasts Begins With Local Leadership
We believe lasting change happens when local leaders, institutions, and communities have the means to shape their own future. Too often, development delivers activities without strengthening the systems and relationships that make change endure. We work differently.
We combine extensive experience in economic development, trade, and agriculture with genuine respect for local knowledge. We stay through implementation rather than leaving at design, we measure what actually matters, and we build a clear path to local ownership into every engagement from the start.
Our role is not to replace local actors. It is to strengthen their ability to lead, and to leave behind systems, skills, and institutions that outlast our involvement.
We co-design with local partners.
We strengthen institutions, systems, and market connections.
We build toward local ownership from the beginning.