Who We Are
Building pathways between opportunity and prosperity.
Tefa works across economies and sectors to turn development opportunities into lasting, measurable results, with people at the center.
The Story Behind Our Name
The name Tefa reflects the founder's heritage and the connections that guide our work. It combines Tegerero, a Southeast Asian surname of Waray origin, and Fatajo, a West African surname rooted in Mandinka heritage.
Together, the name represents a meeting of cultures and a commitment to practical, respectful partnerships across communities, sectors and borders.
Tefa builds
Builds markets
Builds capabilities
Builds partnerships
Builds resilience
People-centered
We listen and learn before we act.
Cross-cultural
We respect context and embrace diversity.
Partnership-driven
We co-create solutions that are lasting.
Results-oriented
We focus on what creates real impact.
Our Mission
To co-create and deliver solutions that connect communities, enterprise, innovation, markets, capital and institutions.
Our Vision
Thriving communities and enterprises driving inclusive, resilient and sustainable economies.
Our Values
Integrity, inclusion, collaboration, innovation and accountability.
Founder & Chief Executive
Leadership behind Tefa
Mariama Fatajo
Founder and Chief Executive
Mariama Fatajo is an international development and enterprise-development leader with more than two decades of experience turning economic opportunities into practical programs, stronger institutions and more competitive enterprises.
Her work spans agriculture and food systems, trade, markets, investment, entrepreneurship and inclusive economic development. She has worked with communities, governments, development institutions and the private sector across Africa and internationally.
Through Tefa, Mariama brings a builder's perspective to development: solutions should be shaped with people, grounded in local realities and connected to the capabilities, markets, capital and partnerships needed to endure.
Our impact by the numbers
- 500+
- Enterprises supported
- 30+
- Countries of experience
- 100+
- Partners across sectors
- 20+
- Years of combined experience
Our Story
From our early roots in The Gambia to our establishment in the United States, Tefa has grown through one constant: local potential, when connected to the right support, can transform lives and economies.
We are not just consultants.We are co-builders of opportunity.
