IMBE is pleased to welcome Samantha Maasdorp as our new Managing Director. She brings over a decade of experience working at the intersection of early childhood development (ECD), women’s enterprise support and sustainable economic development across Africa. Her background aligns closely with IMBE’s mission to strengthen women-led ECD businesses and develop these entrepreneurs into business leaders in their communities.
Samantha’s career has been shaped by a consistent focus on how systems can better enable those closest to delivery. She began her journey at Dalberg Advisors, where she spent seven years working on issues ranging from employment and education to inclusive business. It was here that she developed the strategic and systems-thinking approach that continues to define her work, building on her academic background in Politics, Public Policy and Sociology at the University of Cape Town.
She later joined SmartStart as Network Strategist, where she helped grow a national network of women delivering early learning in low-income communities. The work closely mirrors IMBE’s own model, positioning practitioners not only as educators but as business owners. During the COVID-19 pandemic, when ECD businesses were under severe strain, Samantha played a key role in unlocking financial relief for practitioners in partnership with government and funders. The experience reinforced the importance of resilience, collaboration and practical support in sustaining women-led enterprises.
Most recently, Samantha served as CEO of Climate Action Platform for Africa (CAP-A), where she led the organisation’s strategic direction and partnerships. In this role, she became a strong advocate for more inclusive, climate-smart economic growth, contributing to global platforms such as The Earthshot Prize.
Her return to the ECD sector marks a natural continuation of her work. “I have long believed that the most powerful change happens at the grassroots level when the women running these centres are supported not just as caregivers but as entrepreneurs and community leaders,” reflects Samantha. “IMBE’s model does exactly that and I am excited to be part of the team shaping what comes next.”
At IMBE, Samantha will lead the organisation’s next phase of growth, supporting a talented team that has already reached close to 6,000 practitioners across seven provinces, strengthening the sustainability of their businesses, supporting increased enrolment and income growth.
Her appointment comes at a time when the role of early childhood development in shaping long-term economic and social outcomes is receiving growing national attention. “IMBE’s work sits at the centre of this conversation and Samantha’s leadership will be key to scaling both its impact and influence,” notes Lerato Lehoko, former MD and IMBE Board Member. “We look forward to this next chapter and everything it holds for IMBE and the communities we serve.”
