Our philosophy on governance

People at the
heart of it.

People are at the heart of CAF Foundation. Our board's diverse talents and deep commitment reflect the very communities we serve — each person contributing to a shared vision of progress, pride, and possibility for Congo's future.

We chose our trustees carefully — not to fill seats, but because each one makes us stronger. Together we bring together expertise in healthcare, political strategy, community justice, and cultural intelligence. We hold ourselves to institutional standards because we are building something that will last.

Strong governance is an act of respect — for the communities we serve, the partners we work with, and the future we are building together.

MANDOMBE · DRC 1978 DIKENGA DIA KONGO

How we are structured

UK Registered Charity Board of Trustees Charity Commission Standards Charity Governance Code
01
Board of Trustees
Our board provides independent strategic oversight, fiduciary accountability, and mission integrity. Trustees operate independently from day-to-day management. All serve voluntarily. Appointments are made for their expertise, not convenience.
02
Executive Leadership
Day-to-day operations are led by the Co-Founders, who are also trustees, ensuring alignment between strategic intent and operational delivery. All executive decisions are subject to board oversight and approval frameworks.
03
Accountability & Transparency
We publish annual reports, maintain audited accounts, and adhere to Charity Commission filing requirements. Governance documents are available on request. We welcome scrutiny — it is how trust is built.
Board of Trustees 4 Members · Voluntary
Madeleine Laini
Co-Founder · Director · Trustee
Madeleine Laini
Cultural Strategist & Social Impact Leader
CAF Advisory · Kiyana Wraps
Read full bio →
Christelle Tulia
Co-Founder · Director · Chair of Trustees
Christelle Tulia
Political Strategist & Community Leader
Kiyana Wraps · Young Congo Economic Zone
Read full bio →
Abraham Leno
Trustee
Abraham Leno
International Development Leader
DRC · Asili Model · 20+ Years
Read full bio →
Somboli Lubwika
Trustee
Somboli Lubwika
Head & Neck Clinical Nurse Specialist
The Royal Marsden NHS Trust
Read full bio →
Our commitments

Governance policies

Governance documents available on request. Contact us for copies of our policies, annual report, or accounts.

The gap we are filling

Why DRC. Why now.

The Democratic Republic of Congo is the most biodiverse nation on the African continent, the source of some of the world's most important mineral resources, and home to one of its most vibrant cultural traditions. It is also systemically underfunded, underrepresented in global philanthropy, and overlooked by diaspora institutions that lack the formal structures to act.

CAF Foundation exists to close that gap — connecting the knowledge, networks and resources of the diaspora to the grassroots organisations already doing extraordinary work inside the country, while building the institutions that give both sides a home.

Identity · Culture · Heritage · Environmental Preservation · Human Flourishing.

Interested in supporting
the Foundation?

Whether you want to give, partner, or join us as a future trustee or volunteer — we want to hear from accomplished individuals who share our commitment to Congolese communities and rigorous, values-led action.

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