September 2025
5 September 2025
Dear Team,
August has been a month of renewed energy, with many colleagues back from their breaks as we move into a busy period. In Somaliland, our teams were at the forefront of responding to the drought crisis declared by the government, travelling to the most remote corners of the country to deliver water. It has been inspirational, emotional and humbling to witness their dedication.
In Ethiopia, the Assosa school is entering its final stages with furniture delivered, and the edible oil plant achieved its food-safety certifications as the first sesame harvest from our growers began to flow in. In Nairobi, schools reopened and the team advanced the Pharo Health business plan, while in Rwanda, Pharo School Kigali is fuller than ever after local renovations.
We are preparing to host Guillaume and colleagues from Pharo Management in September for a multi-country tour. This quarter has shown me what it means to be part of the Pharo team: straightforward, pragmatic, and holding ourselves to the highest standards of execution and impact.
Onwards, Tom Mason, CEO, Pharo Foundation
Somaliland drought: our 2025 response
"Without water, there is death." When the government declared a drought emergency, Pharo Foundation was first to respond, mobilising 1,000 trucks across unforgiving terrain to deliver life-saving water to drought-stricken communities.
Making "America First" work for Africa, and why it is beside the point
By Francesca Beausang. With the closure of USAID, can humanitarian aid and "America First" coexist, and more importantly, should Africa rely on it at all?
TVET graduation in Somaliland
We celebrated 82 graduates who completed training in electrical and solar installation, plumbing, and painting and gypsum board, each leaving with a recognised qualification and the tools to launch their careers.