Goodwell Thunga

Background

About Goodwell Thunga

Passionate Policy Advocacy Specialist with over 11 years of experience driving inclusive governance, social protection, and sustainable development. I specialize in translating grassroots challenges into high-impact policy reforms, fostering strategic partnerships, and advocating for marginalized communities. A key achievement in my career is leading the multi-stakeholder initiative that resulted in Malawi’s first-ever Older Persons’ Act, a milestone in advancing social protection and inclusion. I have successfully engaged government ministries, civil society organizations (CSOs), and donors to influence national policies, strengthen social protection systems, and promote community resilience. At MANEPO, I spearhead high-level policy dialogues, design advocacy materials, and coordinate humanitarian responses, including Rapid Needs Assessments for Cyclone Freddy survivors. My work has also focused on digital inclusion, developing a digital literacy manual to ensure older persons and marginalized groups can access social protection benefits electronically. Previously, at CISER, I played a pivotal role in natural resource governance, leading the development of fisheries bylaws for Lake Malawi, establishing nine community-managed fish sanctuaries, and promoting climate-smart agriculture benefiting over farmers. I also managed multinational projects on the right to food and led social accountability efforts in artisanal mining and environmental conservation. I am driven by a commitment to equity, sustainability, and inclusive development. Let’s connect to explore opportunities to advance policy change, social protection, and sustainable livelihoods.