The challenge
Amref Malawi plays a critical role in advancing health and development in the region. With bold ambitions and urgent needs, we focused on three strategic challenges:
- Scaling with Purpose: How can Amref Malawi grow into a $30 million organization by 2030 — with a clear, achievable roadmap?
- Efficiency with Integrity: How can operations and programs become more efficient and impactful — while honoring values like Ubuntu and showing donors real value for money?
- Teamwork That Transforms: How can the Amref Malawi team live its motto “Together we can!” and embody it in everything they do?
Our approach
We don’t believe in quick fixes. We believe in connection, inspiration, and activation. Over the course of the expedition:
- We brought together 18 changemakers: 10 emerging leaders from Univé and 8 decision-makers from Amref Malawi.
- We formed diverse cross-organizational teams to dive into strategic challenges and co-create solutions — from stakeholder engagement to system redesign.
- We facilitated cross-cultural leadership labs, strategy workshops, field immersions, and prototyping sessions.
- Participants received personal coaching and group reflection to strengthen individual growth and team collaboration.
- We created space for deep listening, bold dreaming, and courageous action — grounded in purpose and partnership.
The result
Amref Malawi left the journey with:
- Concrete, co-created action plan to accelerate strategic growth.
- Stronger, more connected leadership team — ready to lead with heart and clarity.
- Broader perspectives, practical tools, and renewed energy to drive systemic change.
- Deepened relationship with Univé, their key donor, and access to Better Future’s global network of changemakers.
The Univé team returned home with transformative insights and renewed purpose:
- New and out-of-comfort perspective on healthcare
- Learning to navigate cultural differences
- Breakthroughs in personal leadership
- Innovative views and tools on tackling problems
And most importantly:
A sense of shared ownership and hope for what’s possible when we truly walk the journey together.
What’s the bigger impact?
Systemic change in healthcare doesn’t start with a plan — it starts with people who know what they stand for and dare to trust one another. By bringing together leaders from two worlds and having them work on real challenges, this journey contributes to something bigger than any single organization. It strengthens Amref Malawi’s capacity to grow with purpose, deepens the human side of Univé’s impact as a donor, and shows what becomes possible when North and South don’t stand across from each other — but walk the road side by side. That’s not a project outcome. That’s a movement.
More on this project:
