Railway Children Africa (RCA) is pleased to announce the appointment of Mary Wambui Gatama as its new Executive Director, effective August 2025.
Ms. Gatama succeeds the late Mussa Mgata, who passed away in February 2025. Her appointment follows a comprehensive selection process designed to identify a leader with the expertise and vision to further RCA’s mission of protecting and empowering children at risk across Tanzania.
With over 12 years of experience at Railway Children Africa, Ms. Gatama has played a central role in programme design and delivery, strategic visioning, and organisational development. She has held key leadership positions, including Programme and Partnership Officer, Technical Advisor for Child Labour and Working Street Children (CLWS), Senior Programme Manager, and, most recently, Interim Executive Director.
Ms. Gatama holds a Bachelor of Arts in Community Development, a Postgraduate Diploma in Leadership and Development, and a Master’s in Lifelong Learning–Adult Education from Mount Saint Vincent University, Canada, and the Coady International Institute.
Commenting on the appointment, Lulu Ngwanakilala, RCA Board Chair, and Rob Capener, Group Chief Executive of Railway Children UK, said:
“Mary is the independent and visionary leader we need at this time. She has demonstrated remarkable resilience and commitment while leading in an interim capacity, and we are confident she is the right person to guide RCA into its next chapter.”
Railway Children Africa looks forward to strengthening its impact and partnerships under Ms. Gatama’s leadership.