#WeLeadComms: Medika Medi

Today’s #WeLeadComms honoree is Kenya-based strategic communications leader Medika Medi, whose over-decade-long career demonstrates how communications functions as infrastructure for systems change, capital mobilization, and public legitimacy, from global policy arenas to African institutions and local communities.

Medika serves as Communications Manager for the Africa region at Evidence Action, translating cost-effective, evidence-based programs reaching millions into narratives that influence policy, mobilize capital, and build institutional trust across Africa. Working closely with senior leadership, he positions the organization as a credible development partner with governments, donors, and multilaterals. For Medika, communications isn’t corporate polish, it’s decision-making infrastructure that determines whether impact remains marginal or achieves transformative scale.

Globally, his work has shaped discourse where language directly influences power. His Unhealed Wounds multimedia campaign, exhibited at the UN Human Rights Office in Geneva, reframed international conversations on protest violence and civic space. Through initiatives like the #IBELONG campaign, his storytelling reached 19 million people worldwide, influencing global advocacy on legal identity and refugee protection.

Across Africa, Medika has shown how strategic narrative unlocks capital and credibility. At ACDI/VOCA’s $52M investment program, he led communications that helped mobilize $6M in climate finance, strengthening partnerships serving 25,000+ SMEs across the Horn of Africa. Under HIVOS’ €11M R.O.O.M program in seven countries, his capacity-building enabled creatives to secure over €3M in follow-on funding. Through the Coalition for Sustainable Development, his climate storytelling attracted $800K, ensuring regional voices shaped COP26, COP27, HLPF, and UNGA.

In Kenya, his work helped position the Lamu County Emergency Operations Center as a global model for disaster preparedness, contributing to its 2024 UNDRR Averted Disaster Award and catalyzing EU funding.

His philosophy remains constant: build ladders where others see walls.

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