Yvonne Okwara has joined Shuga Global as Head of Investments and Partnerships, moving into a leadership role focused on fundraising, strategic partnerships and expanding the organisation’s reach following her departure from Citizen TV.

Okwara left Citizen TV after more than eight years at the broadcaster, marking a shift from television journalism to a role combining corporate communications, resource mobilisation and social impact.

Shuga Global, formerly known as the MTV Staying Alive Foundation, is an international youth-focused organisation that uses storytelling and media to address health and social challenges affecting young people.

The organisation described Okwara as a corporate communications expert with experience in fundraising and government relations, skills it hopes to leverage to strengthen partnerships and mobilise resources for its programmes.

Her appointment comes as Shuga Global seeks to expand its reach beyond reliance on grant funding. Building a broader funding base and stronger institutional partnerships could help the organisation sustain its programmes and extend its impact across markets.

Okwara’s experience in journalism and communications also gives the organisation a high-profile addition as it seeks to engage potential funders, partners and other stakeholders.