Leila Davids provides strategic philanthropy and international development advisory services through Philanthropy Africa. Her focus is on supporting bold ideas and smart investments to tackle deep challenges, particularly those that relate to children. Leila is currently the Strategic Philanthropy Advisor for Africa to the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, and has played a role in the fight against COVID 19 in South Africa through her work with the Solidarity Fund and on the Sisonke Study’s early access vaccine rollout for healthcare workers. Previous clients include LEGO Foundation, various private foundations and individuals in sub Saharan Africa, Europe and South Asia. Past positions include leading on Health Investments for Southern Africa at ELMA Philanthropies, heading up Impact Assurance at Allan Gray Orbis Foundation, leading Evidence, Measurement and Evaluation for Global Health and Climate Change portfolios at the Children’s Investment Fund Foundation (CIFF) in London. Leila holds an MSocSci (Research Psychology) cum laude from the University of Cape Town.