As the global development landscape continues to shift, many organisations face growing uncertainty and the need to reconsider how best to deliver services. For mothers2mothers (m2m), this moment has prompted both deep reflection and strategic action, ensuring that we remain strong, focused, and positioned to make the greatest impact where we are needed most. 

After an extensive review process, m2m is changing how we select, fund, and manage our countries of operation. We are moving towards a new framework of focus, project, and prospect countries. When completed, this reorganisation will mean a change in m2m’s operational footprint from 12 countries to seven over the past 12 months—a 42% reduction.

While this is a significant and emotional shift, it is also a courageous and forward-looking one. By focusing on stability, sustainability, and strategic growth, m2m is reorienting for the new reality:

• Our focus countries will drive innovation and scale;
• Our project countries will deliver targeted, high-impact interventions;
• And our prospect countries will remain part of our future vision—ready for entry or reactivation when opportunity allows.

In each country, we will deliver a blend of both direct service delivery and health system strengthening services, and we will review country categorisations at least every 12 months.  

Here are some further details:  

Focus Countries: Lesotho, Nigeria, and South Africa

These countries will serve as m2m’s strategic anchors, demonstrating the full strength of our peer-led, integrated primary health care model. Each will act as a centre for innovation, scale, and organisational growth, paving the way for sustainable health system transformation.

• Led by a Country Director and senior leadership team responsible for country strategy and sustainability.
• Guided by a multi-year strategy and resource development plan, focusing on government partnerships and long-term impact.
• Unrestricted assets will be strategically invested to advance their work, complemented by restricted funding.

This structure will take shape over time, with new systems, staffing, and key performance indicators (KPIs) developed to support each country’s journey toward greater autonomy and sustainability.

Project Countries: Democratic Republic of Congo, Mozambique, Uganda, and Zambia

In these countries, m2m will continue to deliver time-bound, impact-driven projects using restricted funding. They will focus on delivering high-quality programme outcomes (whether through direct services or technical assistance) and strengthening local partnerships.

• Led by a Country Representative or senior programme staff, supported closely by Head Office.
• Guided by an annual business plan that aligns operations to the available project budget.
• No unrestricted assets will be used to fund operations; if restricted funding ends, the country closes.

These project countries will continue to embody m2m’s peer-led excellence, while operating within defined financial frameworks that ensure sustainability.

Prospect Countries: Angola, Kenya, Ghana, Malawi, and Tanzania

Prospect countries are those where m2m has recently closed or will soon close operations as project funding comes to an end. While these transitions are challenging, m2m will maintain local relationships and legal presence (where practical) to ensure readiness to re-engage should new opportunities arise.

• Tanzania closed at the end of 2024.
• Angola and Kenya are nearing final close-out.
• Ghana and Malawi will close by 31 December 2025, or as soon as possible thereafter.

These closures reflect a difficult but necessary choice made after careful review of need, opportunity, and sustainability.

In conclusion, while these have been challenging decisions to make, we are confident that they are both right and necessary. m2m’s priority remains clear: to use our resources wisely and deliver maximum impact for women, children, and families across Africa in service of our vision of a world where health for all brings opportunity for all.

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