The Mary Dinah Foundation (MDF) has garnered significant recognition, featuring prominently in the October–November 2025 Forbes Africa Philanthropy Edition. This esteemed publication shines a spotlight on MDF's impactful work, particularly its community-centred development initiatives that have become a powerful force for change across Africa.

Founded in 2005 by Lady Mary Dinah, the Foundation has steadily risen to become a leading advocate for maternal health and a pioneer in preventing malnutrition in some of the continent’s most vulnerable regions. Its long-standing commitment to these critical areas has made a tangible difference in countless lives.

A cornerstone of MDF's efforts is its transformative Zero Hunger Program. Initially launched in partnership with USAID and now receiving ongoing support from the U.S. Government, this program has successfully delivered an astounding more than 55 million nutritious meals. These vital provisions have reached communities across Northeast Nigeria, Cameroon, Chad, and Sudan, directly addressing food insecurity at a large scale.

Beyond providing essential food assistance, the Mary Dinah Foundation maintains a profound dedication to the overall well-being of women. Through its various programmes, MDF has extended crucial support to over 351,000 women residing in 83 rural communities. This support is multifaceted, aiming to facilitate safer pregnancies, promote healthier outcomes for newborns, and foster stronger, more resilient families.

MDF's commitment to innovation and future impact is further exemplified by its newest initiative, the Maternal and Newborn Fund (MNF). This ambitious fund sets a clear goal: to equip five million women with life-saving micronutrient supplements by the year 2030. This forward-looking approach underscores the Foundation's dedication to long-term health solutions.

Forbes Africa specifically highlights what it terms the "Mary Dinah Model." This model is lauded as a compelling example of how home-grown innovation, coupled with diligent trust-building within communities and data-driven action, can profoundly reshape the landscape of philanthropy across the African continent. Lady Mary Dinah herself continues to be a fervent champion of a new paradigm for giving—one deeply rooted in principles of dignity, resilience, and the unwavering belief that every woman deserves the opportunity to not just survive, but to truly thrive.

The Philanthropy Edition also acknowledges the contributions of several major global partners who are similarly driving innovation in nutrition and sustainable development throughout Africa. These esteemed organizations include UNICEF’s Child Nutrition Fund, the World Food Programme (WFP), the African Development Bank (AfDB), Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), the Association Mondiale des Amis de l’Enfance (AMAE)—an organization founded by Princess Grace of Monaco and operating under the patronage of the Prince’s Palace of Monaco—and Edesia Nutrition.

Collectively, the stories presented in this edition, including that of the Mary Dinah Foundation, reflect a significant, broader movement within philanthropy. This movement seeks to transition from solely emergency response efforts to a focus on long-term sustainability. It is firmly grounded in prevention, dignity, and opportunity, ultimately aiming to shape a more resilient and healthy future for the entire continent.