Biography

Thabani Maphosa joined Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance in September 2019, currently serving as Gavi’s Chief Country Deliver Officer. In this role, he plays a vital part in ensuring equitable access to live-saving vaccines across the globe. Thabani leads the Country Delivery Department (CDD), which manages relationships with more than 90 implementing countries and hundreds of partners. The CDD supports countries in designing, implementing and monitoring immunisation grants, while working comprehensively to address barriers to coverage and equity – including geographic, socioeconomic and gender-related challenges.

Before joining Gavi, Thabani spent more than 16 years with World Vision International, where he built a disaster-ready team that responded to multiple emergencies worldwide. He is recognised for introducing technology to enhance aid delivery in the last mile; and for scaling cash transfer initiatives in the humanitarian sector, having served as a Board member for the Cash Learning Partnership (CaLP).

Thabani holds a Master of Philosophy degree in Science and has academic experience as a lecturer in physiology, focusing on endocrinology and microbiology. Earlier in his career, Thabani worked as an analyst for consulting firms Linds Agricultural Services and PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), which paved the way for his debut role in the development sector as a monitoring and evaluation manager.

A strong advocate for partnerships, Thabani views his position at Gavi as a significant opportunity to serve countries and vulnerable populations through collaborative efforts. He is dedicated to driving meaningful change in global health through strategic partnerships and innovative solutions.