Entertainment

Yvonne Okwara Named Head of Investments and Partnerships at Shuga Global

By Daisy Moraa

A television drama that began in Nairobi in 2009, Shuga Global has since grown into an international campaign tackling health and social issues affecting young people. The UK‑based organisation behind the franchise announced on 28 October 2026 that it had appointed Kenyan journalist Yvonne Okwara as its Head of Investments and Partnerships. Shuga Global said the appointment would help it build strategic relationships, mobilise resources and reduce reliance on traditional grants. In the announcement, the organisation described Okwara as experienced in corporate communications, fundraising and government relations and said, “This is why we are beyond excited to introduce our new Head of Investments and Partnerships, Yvonne Okwara. Yvonne joins Shuga as a celebrated corporate communications expert, a fundraising maverick and an authority on government relations.”

The appointment comes as Shuga Global seeks to strengthen its financial sustainability and broaden the resources available for its work. The organisation said Okwara would focus on building strategic relationships, unlocking funding opportunities and mobilising resources to support its operations and long‑term objectives. “As Shuga Global rebrands and expands its worldwide reach, Yvonne will leverage her expertise in business, policy, and social impact to build strategic relationships, unlock funding, and mobilise resources,” the statement added.

Shuga began as a television series launched in 2009 by the MTV Staying Alive Foundation. The first season was set and filmed in Nairobi and used the experiences of young characters to explore HIV, relationships and sexual health. The series starred Lupita Nyong’o and followed a young woman as she navigated her ambitions and relationships. Researchers later evaluated the programme’s third season, filmed in Nigeria in 2013, and found that viewers had greater knowledge of HIV, were more likely to report getting tested and had more positive attitudes towards people living with HIV. Women who watched the series were also less likely to test positive for chlamydia than those who did not.

After its Kenyan beginnings, the franchise expanded into other countries, including Nigeria, South Africa and Côte d’Ivoire, with its adaptations reflecting local experiences while retaining a focus on health and social issues affecting young people. The franchise also expanded beyond television into other formats and community engagement. According to Shuga Global’s official website, its approach combines mass‑media content with partnerships involving non‑governmental organisations, service providers and young people. It also supports local production companies and young creators to develop stories rooted in their communities.

The organisation was formerly known as the MTV Staying Alive Foundation. In April 2026 it announced its rebrand as Shuga Global, signalling a new phase in its work and the expansion of its storytelling beyond the established television franchise. The rebrand followed the conclusion of its partnership with Paramount at the end of March 2026, according to an announcement reported by KBC Digital. Shuga Global’s current website lists Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa, India, the United States and Côte d’Ivoire among the places where it works.

Shuga Global’s predecessor received grants and other support for specific projects. In 2021, the Global Innovation Fund announced a US$675,000 grant to support the expansion of the Shuga campaign. The announcement also identified organisations including Unitaid, the Anglo American Foundation, Johnson & Johnson, the David and Lucile Packard Foundation, Paramount Global and Viacom18 as supporters and partners associated with the campaign at the time. Unitaid also supported an HIV self‑testing and prevention project involving MTV Shuga.