Tseguereda Abraham

Tseguereda Abraham is a Partnership Strategy & Development Director at MSI Ethiopia Reproductive Choices. A governance and policy advocacy expert with long-standing experience on WASH governance, she has more than 12 years of experience in different International NGOs, including WaterAid, OXFAM, and CARE.

Can you tell us about your career, what brought you to LSE, and what attracted you to PfAL?

I attended the PfAL program early in my career while serving as an advocacy coordinator at an international NGO. The program for African leadership was a transformative experience, enhancing my understanding of regional connections, key development theoretical frameworks, and my personal commitment to advocacy and policy change in Africa.

Since participating in PfAL, I have taken on various roles and built a robust expertise in campaigns, policy advocacy, governance, and program management. I bring over 15 years of senior management experience, leading country and regional development programs as part of a global team. My significant leadership experience spans across Africa, particularly in East Africa (Ethiopia and Rwanda) and West Africa (Sierra Leone). I possess practical knowledge in gender and social inclusion, governance, advocacy, and donor management.

I was introduced to PfAL by a colleague who shared the application link with me. Initially, my knowledge of the program was limited, but it turned out to be far more inspiring and exciting than I had anticipated. It became one of the most rewarding experiences of my career.

What were the big things you learnt from PfAL?

I vividly remember the lively debates we had about what would benefit Africa the most: What are the barriers to meaningful development? How can we take ownership of our future, redirect economies, and address inequalities to promote political and economic empowerment? The diversity within our team, composed of NGO workers, human rights activists, young politicians, and journalists, was refreshing.

I learned not to take anything for granted and to question established development theories. This experience encouraged me to seek localised, African-based solutions and to deepen my understanding of both common and country-specific challenges. While we didn't agree on everything, we valued each other's contributions. Even today, we continue to argue and debate political and economic trends. Through these debates, we dig deeper into our common challenges that help to illuminate the nuances of country-specific issues, allowing for a more comprehensive understanding of our environment.

What did you most enjoy about the programme?

I loved the diversity of our group and the variety of perspectives we brought to the table. As an NGO worker, I was particularly intrigued by my colleagues from political parties, especially those representing opposition groups. Their revolutionary and sometimes liberal approaches provided fresh insights and challenged my thinking.

I take great pride in my cohort; many members have gone on to become successful politicians, business owners, and international development professionals. Their achievements reflect the potential and impact of our collective experiences in the program, and I am inspired by the continued commitment they show toward driving positive change in our communities.

How has being a PfALer influenced you since you left LSE?

PfAL has encouraged me to look beyond my country and aspire to pursue careers across the continent. Since participating in the program, I have had the opportunity to work in Sierra Leone and Rwanda, enriching my understanding of different contexts and cultures. I’ve also worked as part of teams in East Africa and the UK, allowing me to broaden my professional network and enhance my skills in diverse environments.

This experience has fostered a sense of boldness in me when interacting with people from various cultural backgrounds. I’ve learned to appreciate the richness of multicultural settings, adapting my communication and collaboration styles to connect effectively with others. Engaging with different perspectives has not only deepened my understanding of global issues but has also empowered me to contribute meaningfully to diverse work environments. My time in PfAL laid the foundational belief that collaboration across borders can lead to transformative change, both personally and professionally.

What advice would you give to future PfALers?

I will say to future PfALers: “I encourage you to remain open to listening and to actively share your contributions. Each of you has unique experiences and perspectives that can provide fresh and intriguing insights for others. Embrace the opportunity to engage in discussions and to challenge prevailing ideas; your voice matters. Use this experience to shape and solidify your understanding of how to effectively contribute to change in Africa. Take the time to identify and analyse the complex challenges we face, whether they stem from economic, social, or political factors. By doing so, you’ll equip yourself with the knowledge and tools needed to advocate for meaningful solutions.

Remember, being a voice for change requires courage and commitment. Don’t hesitate to share your ideas and suggestions, as they can inspire others and spark important conversations”