OI Africa CEO Conference in Lilongwe, Malawi

On February 10th and 11th, I attended the OI Africa CEO Conference held in Lilongwe, Malawi. OI Africa has operations in nine countries: South Africa, Malawi, Mozambique, Tanzania, Uganda, Kenya, Rwanda, Ghana and DR Congo. DR Congo began its operations in January this year.

The purpose of the conference was to meet the new Chairman of the OI Network Board, David Simms. He is the top executive of OI Network. He chairs the network board that consists of the CEOs of the five support partners, 3-5 representatives of all implementing partners and 2 independent directors. The CEO of NSO (Network Service Organization), identified by the search committee but pending the board approval, also reports to David. He has been involved with OI for the past 25 years, on and off, as a donor, a board member, the chair of the network board and the OI US board. Over a dinner, I was sitting next to him and had a great fellowship with him. I found him to be a godly man as well as a wise leader and an effective executive.

We all shared how God is working through all implementing partners in serving the poor in our respective countries. All of us were able to report significant improvements except a couple of countries. But even they have now management put in place, thus making progress. We all praised the Lord for His grace and faithfulness.

We also discussed how governance should be changing based on the extensive work for the past 9 months. Lord's willing, they should add much clarity to the current governance system.

We also learned that an extensive amount of work is being made to implement the "Hire, Treat and Train Right (HTTR)" program globally with local contextualization. I found it remarkably resourceful and useful.

Whenever we get together, the meetings involve active discussion and brainstorming. It is a great learning opportunity. Moreover, we pray and share the Word together. It is a wonderful opportunity to be blessed and encouraged. Praise the Lord! - Jeffrey