Who We Are

Theophilus Elifuraha Mlaki holds a master’s degree in Library and Information Science from Loughborough University in the UK. Worked for 20 years as the Director of Information at the Tanzania Commission for Science and Technology (COSTECH). He dealt mainly with the development of scientific information systems and the promotion and popularization of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) as a tool for knowledge accessibility. He represented Tanzania and COSTECH internationally, engaging with organizations like UNESCO, the International Telecommunication Union, and others. With extensive experience in library management, he served in senior roles at the National Library of Dar es Salaam. Currently, Theophilus is a consultant for ICT development projects, a senior advisor for the Digital Opportunity Trust (DOT) of Canada, and the national coordinator for the Swedish Program for ICT for Developing Countries (SPIDER). He is a chairman of the Board of the Dar Es Salaam ICT Incubator under the World Bank’s InfoDev Programme. Theophilus Elifuraha Mlaki holds a master’s degree in Library and Information Science from Loughborough University in the UK. Worked for 20 years as the Director of Information at the Tanzania Commission for Science and Technology (COSTECH). He dealt mainly with the development of scientific information systems and the promotion and popularization of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) as a tool for knowledge accessibility. He represented Tanzania and COSTECH internationally, engaging with organizations like UNESCO, the International Telecommunication Union, and others. With extensive experience in library management, he served in senior roles at the National Library of Dar es Salaam. Currently, Theophilus is a consultant for ICT development projects, a senior advisor for the Digital Opportunity Trust (DOT) of Canada, and the national coordinator for the Swedish Program for ICT for Developing Countries (SPIDER). He is a chairman of the Board of the Dar Es Salaam ICT Incubator under the World Bank’s InfoDev Programme.

Naemy Sillayo, a senior lawyer and advocate of the High Court of Tanzania and subordinate Courts, holds an LLB from the University of Dar es Salaam and a Master of Arts in Human Resource Management from Coventry University. As the Executive Director of Realising Education for Development (READ TANZANIA), Naemy demonstrates visionary leadership, driving the organization towards its goal of promoting literacy and education throughout Tanzania. She steers the organization with strategic direction, ensuring that every program is designed to have a tangible impact on the communities it serves. Naemy’s leadership style emphasizes innovation and collaboration; she actively seeks partnerships with other stakeholders and organizations to implement programs effectively.

In line with her commitment to advancing education, Naemy champions the integration of digital learning methods into schools, advocating for the incorporation of e-learning tools and resources into school libraries. This ensures that students can access modern educational technologies, preparing them for success in the digital era. Naemy instills a love for reading among students and the wider community by continuously innovating and expanding READ TANZANIA’s programs, thus impacting literacy and education in Tanzania.

Before her role at READ TANZANIA, Naemy served as the Gender Focal Person at the Legal and Human Rights Center. In this capacity, she designed, fundraised, and managed programs aimed at ending Gender-Based Violence (GBV), child marriage, harmful traditional practices, and promoting women’s legal empowerment. Additionally, Naemy actively engages in policy and law review processes, strategic litigation, advocacy, public legal literacy, community outreach, and media engagement, focusing on gender, women, and children’s rights issues. She is also an active member of the Tanganyika Law Society and the Tanzania Women Lawyers Association.

Magdalena is a performance-driven socio-economic professional, deeply passionate and committed to making meaningful changes in people’s lives. With extensive experience spanning over 18 years in the NGO sector, she has demonstrated exceptional leadership in executive roles, focusing on strategic institutional partnerships, people performance management, and project planning management. Holding a Master of Science in Development Policy and Practice for Civil Society from the University of Bradford and a Bachelor’s Degree of Arts in Sociology with honors from The University of Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania, Magdalena possesses a solid academic background.

She excels in overseeing and directing non-profit organization programs, enhancing staff capacity development, and negotiating with various sectors to implement policies that increase organizational outreach and impact. As a dedicated Board Member of READ TANZANIA, she strives to create sustainable and holistic changes in individuals, organizations, and society at large.

Lawrence Masha is the Chairman and a full-time partner of the Lyson Law Group, a practice he joined in February of 2021. With over twenty five years of experience in legal practice, government service, and corporate leadership, Lawrence is a founding and Managing Partner of two of Tanzania’s leading law firms, IMMMA Advocates (A member of the DLA Piper Africa) and Gabriel & Co. Attorneys at law. His areas of practice focus on legislative drafting, establishment of legal regulatory frameworks, privatization, Public Sector Reform, sophisticated negotiations, project finance, syndicated loan transactions, mining, and Government relations.

He holds a Bachelor of Laws Degree with Honors from the University of Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, and pursued his Masters in International and Comparative Law with a Focus on International Trade and Finance Law at Georgetown University Law Centre, Washington D.C in the United States of America. Lawrence has provided advisory services to various mining operations in Tanzania, covering project finance, mergers, acquisitions, and tax matters. Lawrence served as an elected Member of Parliament for the Nyamagana (Mwanza Urban) Constituency in Tanzania from December 2005 to November 2010. During his leadreship, he held several key ministerial positions, including Deputy Minister for Energy and Minerals from January 2006 to October 2006 and Deputy Minister for Home Affairs from October 2006 to February 2008. Lawrence was subsequently appointed Minister for Home Affairs from February 2008 to November 2010, where he spearheaded the consolidation of the Ministry for Public Safety & Security and the Ministry for Home Affairs into a single entity, streamlining administrative processes and enhancing efficiency. As a board member of READ TANZANIA, Lawrence contributes his leadership experience to the organization’s efforts in promoting literacy and education across Tanzania

Cathleen Machisabi Sekwao is an accomplished professional with extensive experience in education, entrepreneurship, gender mainstreaming, and HIV/AIDS prevention education. Holding a Master of Science in Botany, a Bachelor of Science in Education, and a Post Graduate Diploma in Microbiology, Cathleen has made significant contributions to various sectors. During her tenure at the Dar es Salaam Institute of Technology, she spearheaded innovative programs to promote entrepreneurship education and enhance female representation in technical trades. Transitioning to the UNESCO Cluster Office, Cathleen served as a Programme Officer for Education across five countries, collaborating closely with Ministries of Education. She played a pivotal role in advancing gender mainstreaming and HIV/AIDS prevention education within the UN system and represented UNESCO in national and international forums. As a Board Member of the Realizing Education for Development (READ TANZANIA), Cathleen offers thoughtful perspectives to enhance the organization’s impact in promoting literacy and education across Tanzania

George is the Chief Executive Officer of Tanzania Securities Limited (TSL), a role he has held since May 2023. He holds a Master’s degree in Business Administration from the Maastricht School of Management and the Eastern & Southern Africa Management Institute (MsM / ESAMI – 2009), a Post-graduate Diploma in Financial Management from the Institute of Finance Management (IFM) in 2001, and an Advanced Diploma in Information Technology from IFM (2000).

With over 22 years of diverse experience across banking, capital markets, consulting, and leadership, George has consistently demonstrated his ability to drive results. He brings a proven track record of successfully leading organizations, turning businesses around, integrating teams, and achieving outstanding outcomes. His expertise includes strategic development, cross-functional team leadership, and fostering a high-performance culture under varied and challenging circumstances.

George is a certified professional, holding qualifications from the Institute of Directors Tanzania (IoDT – Certificate and Mastery), the International Financial Markets Association (ACI – 2003), and the Gordon Institute of Business Science (GIBS) at the University of Pretoria, South Africa (Senior Leadership – 2008).

In addition to his executive role, George serves as a forward-thinking Board member of READ Tanzania, where he focuses on enhancing governance, inclusion, and sustainability—key principles for personal and organizational growth.

Nixon Michael is a seasoned Finance and Accounts professional with over 7 years of experience in the field. Currently employed at Realizing Education for Development, he is dedicated to making a tangible impact through his work. Nixon is passionate about promoting a reading culture in Tanzania, actively engaging in philanthropic activities to support education initiatives. Nixon holds a Bachelor of Commerce in Finance from the University of Dar es Salaam and is currently pursuing the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) Level 1 certification. he oversees financial planning, budgeting, accounting, and other financial operations to ensure the organization’s fiscal health and sustainability. He believes in the importance of continuous learning and growth, seizing each day as an opportunity to expand his knowledge and skills. Outside of his professional endeavors, Nixon enjoys traveling and exploring new experiences. With a commitment to making a difference in both his career and community, Nixon exemplifies dedication, passion, and a thirst for knowledge

Anthony is a dedicated professional with a Bachelor of Education in Psychology from The University of Dar Es Salaam and is currently pursuing a Master of Arts in Development Management. With over 8 years of experience working with various organizations, expertise in program management, policy analysis, governance, and monitoring and evaluation. He has contributed his skills and knowledge to Voluntary Services Overseas (VSO) as a volunteer, to the WASO organization as a Case Management Officer, and Tanzania Autism Resources Centers as a Program and Development Officer. Antony has demonstrated his commitment to driving impactful initiatives and fostering positive change within the organization. He manages the implementation of READ Tanzania’s programs, coordinating with various stakeholders, managing resources, and ensuring that the organization’s objectives are met effectively.

Elizabeth is a professional with a diverse background in graphics design, digital marketing, and community development. Holding a Bachelor’s Degree in Project Planning Management and Community Development from the University of Dodoma, she has also completed training courses in Graphics Design and Digital Marketing provided by DOT Tanzania and Launchpad Digital respectively. With over 4 years of experience, Elizabeth has held various roles including Sales Officer at Govu Real Estate and Apotek Systems, Club Mentor Volunteer at Msichana Initiative, and Secretary at Empower The Community Organization. Additionally, she has been actively involved in entrepreneurship activities. As a Public relations and Social Media Engagement officer at Realizing Education for Development, she is dedicated to shaping the organization’s public image and spreading awareness of reading culture initiatives in Tanzania through compelling content across social platforms.