UNAFRI Welcomes Dr Gift Joseph Kweka as Director of Training and Programs
Updated: 13 hours ago
The United Nations African Institute for the Prevention of Crime and the Treatment of Offenders (UNAFRI) is pleased to welcome Dr Gift Joseph Kweka as its new Director of Training and Programs.
Dr Kweka brings more than 15 years of experience in public service, law and legal education. Her career has included senior legal responsibilities within the Government of the United Republic of Tanzania, including service as Director of Legal Services in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation and Director of Coordination and Advisory Services at the Office of the Attorney General.
Her academic, scholary and professional work is closely connected to criminal justice and international law.
As Director of Training and Programs, Dr Kweka will lead a portfolio central to UNAFRI's regional mandate. The role covers the development of training courses on crime prevention and justice reform, the organisation and monitoring of training sessions, policy advisory support to Member States, and the identification of emerging issues that require practical and informed responses. It also supports policy dialogue, knowledge exchange and coordination between UNAFRI's training, research and strategic planning functions.
Dr Kweka joins UNAFRI during a period of renewed activity. In 2026, the Institute expanded engagement with young people through the African Youth Crime Prevention Platform, strengthened partnerships with justice and law enforcement institutions, delivered practical capacity building programmes, and contributed African perspectives at the Fifteenth United Nations Congress on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice. These initiatives reflect a growing emphasis on connecting public dialogue, professional learning, research and policy support.
Her experience across government service, legal education and international engagement will help UNAFRI build on this progress. It will be particularly valuable in designing relevant training, strengthening policy support and translating regional and international standards into programs that respond to the needs of African criminal justice institutions.
UNAFRI warmly welcomes Dr Kweka and looks forward to her contribution as the Institute advances its work in crime prevention, criminal justice reform and professional capacity development across Africa.
Many congratulations to Dr. Gift, you are exemplary and truly deserving of this great honor.