Mercedes Alfa is a development strategist, policy advocate, and capacity-building expert with a track record of designing and leading impactful programmes across Nigeria. With a career spanning national government institutions, international development organisations, and civil society, Mercedes has contributed to initiatives focused on youth empowerment, gender equality, access to justice, education, and sustainable livelihoods. She has worked with organisations such as the United Nations, and the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development, where she supported programme design, stakeholder engagement, and policy implementation at various levels.

Mercedes is recognised for her systems-thinking approach to development and her commitment to building equitable structures that create long-term impact. Prior to joining TBSDF, she served as an Associate Development Coordination Officer at the Office of the Special Assistant to the President on Sustainable Development Goals, where she played a key role in driving advocacy and coordinating sub-national ownership of the SDGs.

A certified Project Management Professional (PMP), Mercedes holds a first degree in Psychology and a Master’s in Criminal Law and Criminal Justice. She is a strong advocate for the Sustainable Development Goals and is passionate about building equitable systems that uplift vulnerable and marginalised communities.