Empowering Behavioral Change Across Africa, And Globally
AFRICA BEHAVIORAL SCIENCE NETWORK INC.
Using behavioral science to enhance program outcomes across Africa, and globally.
The Africa Behavioral Science Network is building a growing community of changemakers equipped to apply behavioral insights to real-world challenges. To date, 151 Behavioral Science Champions have been trained across 25 countries globally, including 94 champions from 16 African countries. This expanding network reflects both the global relevance of behavioral science and Africa’s central role in shaping its application for development, with participation also spanning North America, the United Kingdom, and parts of Asia, including countries such as the United States, India, Pakistan, and the Philippines.
Across Africa, participation has been particularly strong in Nigeria, Uganda, Zambia, Kenya, and South Africa, with Nigeria alone accounting for over a third of all trained champions on the continent. At the same time, the network continues to broaden its footprint, with representation from countries such as Ethiopia, Ghana, Tanzania, Morocco, Rwanda, and others, demonstrating both depth and geographic diversity.
A defining feature of the network is its strong representation of women. Globally, over 70 percent of trained champions are female, a trend that is equally reflected across Africa. This underscores the network’s role in advancing gender inclusion and strengthening female leadership in behavioral science.
Together, these champions form a vibrant, cross-country community committed to applying behavioral science to improve health, development outcomes, and social impact across Africa and around the world.
Meet Our Board Members
The Board of the Africa Behavioral Science Network comprises visionary leaders with decades of experience in public health, behavioral science, philanthropy, and global development. Their collective expertise and strategic guidance drive ABSN’s mission to embed behavioral insights in programs that improve health and wellbeing across Africa and beyond.
Dr. Sohail Agha, PhD
President
Dr. Sohail Agha is a public health expert and behavioral scientist with over 20 years of experience designing and evaluating evidence-based interventions across sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia. A recognized leader in applying behavioral science to health programs. Dr. Agha holds a PhD in Population Dynamics from Johns Hopkins University and a BA in Anthropology from Yale University. He also serves as an Affiliate Professor at the University of Washington. He enjoys mentoring practitioners in behavioral science approaches to global health.
Dr. Ifeanyi Nsofor, MD
Treasurer
Ifeanyi is a public health physician and Director of the VITAL project, which uses behavioral insights, social media, and community pharmacists to increase vaccine uptake in Nigeria. With over 25 years of experience across Africa and the U.S., he is Senior Atlantic Fellow for Health Equity at George Washington University, Senior New Voices Fellow at the Aspen Institute, and serves on the Global Fellows Advisory Board at the Atlantic Institute, Rhodes Trust. He is widely published & was named one of the Top 100 Most Influential Africans by NewAfrican magazine in 2020.
Dr. Rebecka Lundgren, PhD
Secretary
Rebecka Lundgren, PhD is Associate Professor of Medicine and Co-Executive Director of the Center on Gender Equity and Health at UC San Diego. An applied anthropologist with over 35 years of global experience, she works at the intersection of research, policy, and practice to improve sexual and reproductive health (SRH) outcomes. Rebecka specializes in designing, implementing, and scaling evidence-based behavior change programs, with a focus on social norms, adolescents, male engagement, and violence prevention.
Gima Forje
Head of Fundraising
Gima H. Forje is the Chief Executive Officer of the TY Danjuma Foundation, a philanthropic organization dedicated to health, education, and humanitarian initiatives in Nigeria. With a robust background in grantmaking and strategic philanthropy, Gima brings invaluable expertise to the Africa Behavioral Science Network (ABSN) as a Board Member and Head of Fundraising. His leadership is instrumental in mobilizing resources and forging partnerships that advance ABSN’s mission to embed behavioral science into public health and development programs across Africa. Gima’s commitment to social justice and inclusive development aligns seamlessly with ABSN’s vision for transformative impact.
Daudi Ochieng
Head of Partnerships
Daudi Ochieng is a strategic communications expert with over 26 years of experience advancing health and development across Africa. He has led impactful campaigns supported by WHO, USAID, UNICEF, and the World Bank, and advised governments on using behavioral science to improve public health. As a board member of the Africa Behavioral Science Network (ABSN), Daudi promotes the integration of behavioral insights into policy and practice. He is known for innovative strategies, including helping drive a 60% increase in condom use in Uganda, and for scaling evidence-based solutions that have transformed systems in over 30 African countries.
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Discover the passion and expertise driving our mission at Africa Behavioral Science Network Inc. Reach out to learn more about our dedicated team and how we can collaborate to make a difference.