Ketakandriana Rafitoson appointed next Executive Director of Publish What You Pay

After a global search, the Publish What You Pay Board of Directors is thrilled to announce Ketakandriana Rafitoson will be the next executive director of Publish What You Pay (PWYP). 

Ketakandriana (“Ke”) is a respected political scientist, researcher, activist, and human rights defender. She is currently coordinator of PWYP Madagascar and Executive Director of Transparency International Initiative Madagascar. Ke is the vice chair of Transparency International, a member of the International Board of the Fisheries Transparency Initiative (FiTI), and of the African Women Against Corruption Network’s Advisory Board.

“Ke is a renowned activist in Madagascar and beyond, epitomising the principles of Publish What You Pay, with justice serving as her core value and a profound passion for driving change. Her strengths—humility, compassion, and bravery—enable her to stand resolutely with communities and those in dire need, challenging corporate and kleptocratic forces to ensure accountability. Committed to justice, Ke dedicates her efforts to elevating the voices of those silenced, offering them unwavering support and the means to claim their rights and demand the change they deserve. She brings a deep understanding of the PWYP movement and the needs of our members, as well as the devastating impact that mismanaged extractive industries can have on people.”

Carlo Merla, Chair of the PWYP Board

Ke is joining PWYP at a moment of strategic reflection as we develop a collective global strategy that responds to the intersecting crises of inequality, climate and democracy in countries with natural resources.

On her appointment, Ke Rafitoson said

“I am more than thrilled to join Publish What You Pay as its new Executive Director, after years of volunteering within the Malagasy coalition! I stand for social justice and fundamental rights, and believe in people power as the main driver of communities’ own development. I have dedicated my life to the fight for transparency and accountability, and am ready to give my best to our common cause of putting people before profit. Our voice and actions matter more than ever in an era where natural resource governance is at the heart of global concerns. Our future is at stake; let’s join forces to build a stronger movement towards a just, cleaner and fairer energy transition, and towards a better world where communities have a say. Together, we will make a difference!” 

Ke is based in Madagascar and will start with PWYP on 1 July 2024. Until then, Steph Rochford, Rami Hassouna and Joe Bardwell will continue to co-lead the Secretariat. The board is grateful for their leadership throughout this transition period. 

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Find out more about Ke: