ELLA AFRICA FOUNDATION
Charitable Incorporated Organisation
Charity Number: 1207725
TRUSTEES' ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS
For the period from 1 January 2025 to 31 December 2025
Registered Office
124-128 City Road, London, EC1V 2NX www.ellaafrica.org | info@ellaafrica.org
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| CONTENTS | |
|---|---|
| Trustees' Report | Pages 3 – 7 |
| Statement of Financial Activities | Page 8 |
| Balance Sheet | Page 9 |
| Notes to the Accounts | Pages 10 – 12 |
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TRUSTEES' ANNUAL REPORT
The Trustees present their annual report together with the financial statements of Ella Africa Foundation (the "Charity") for the period from 1 January 2025 to 31 December 2025. The financial statements comply with the Charities Act 2011, the Charity's constitution, and the Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice (SORP) applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102).
CHARITABLE OBJECTIVES
The charitable objectives of the Charity, as set out in its constitution, are:
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To advance the education of women in Angola (and across Sub-Saharan Africa) through the provision of structured adult literacy classes and workshops.
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To prevent or relieve poverty or financial hardship in Angola (and across Sub-Saharan Africa) by providing, or assisting in the provision of, education, vocational training, healthcare projects, and support designed to enable women to generate sustainable income, become self-sufficient and participate actively in their communities.
VISION AND MISSION
Our mission is to create economic opportunity and restore dignity for vulnerable women in Angola through vocational skills training and adult literacy education. We believe that a woman in Africa holds the same potential as a woman anywhere in the world — she simply needs the opportunity to realise it.
Our vision is a future where every woman in Angola has access to the skills, knowledge, and confidence required to build an independent life, support her family, and contribute meaningfully to her community.
PUBLIC BENEFIT STATEMENT
In planning and carrying out their activities, the Trustees have had due regard to the Charity Commission's guidance on public benefit. The Charity's programmes directly advance education and relieve poverty among vulnerable women in Angola. All activities are delivered free of charge to participants and are designed to create lasting improvements in participants' economic circumstances and quality of life. The Trustees confirm that the activities described in this report demonstrate clear public benefit in accordance with the Charity's objects.
ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE
2025 marked the first full year of operations for the Charity and the successful transition from concept to delivery. The Trustees focused on establishing the operational and organisational foundations required to deliver the Charity's objectives effectively, including setting up governance and internal processes, securing and equipping a training facility in Luanda, recruiting local instructors, and designing programme content.
These efforts enabled the Charity to deliver its first cohort of programmes within a three-month pilot phase. 147 women enrolled across all programmes and 126 fully completed their training, representing an overall completion rate of 86%.
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Project Mwana
Project Mwana was delivered as a practical vocational training programme equipping women with income-generating skills across six disciplines: tailoring, hairdressing, culinary arts, makeup and beauty, horticulture, and event decoration.
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118 women enrolled across the six courses; 102 completed training (86% completion rate).
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Six qualified local instructors delivered an average of 51 training hours per participant.
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Participant profile: average age 24; 77% single; 23% heads of household; 38% unemployed at entry; only 3% in formal employment on joining.
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5 graduates secured internships; 3 secured full-time employment following the programme.
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Graduates received certificates of completion and reported increased confidence in their ability to generate income.
Spelling with Ella
Spelling with Ella was delivered as a structured adult literacy programme for women with little or no formal education.
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29 women enrolled; 24 completed the full programme (83% completion rate).
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One qualified literacy teacher delivered an average of 108 training hours per participant.
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Participant profile: average age 47; 99% heads of household; 82% with no formal education; 63% unemployed; average of five dependents per participant.
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Participants demonstrated measurable improvements in foundational reading, writing and numeracy.
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In Angola, fewer than 62% of adult women are literate. Spelling with Ella directly addresses that gap.
ORGANISATIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Alongside programme delivery, the Charity established its local delivery model in Luanda, built relationships with contracted instructors and community members, and implemented its initial financial and operational controls. All seven programme instructors were engaged as independent contractors, none of whom is connected to any trustee. These developments have created a strong platform for future growth.
FUTURE PLANS
In 2026, the Charity will focus on expanding its literacy programme and strengthening its vocational training offer. A key priority will be to grow income through a combination of grants, individual giving, corporate partnerships, and fundraising events. Building a reserves fund equivalent to at least three months of operational costs is also a priority for the coming year.
The Charity is in the process of registering with HM Revenue and Customs for Gift Aid, which will enable the Charity to reclaim tax on eligible donations from UK taxpayers and increase the value of individual giving at no additional cost to donors.
As the Charity's income grows, the Trustees will look to appoint an independent examiner to provide external scrutiny of the annual accounts, even in advance of any statutory requirement to do so, in order to strengthen financial oversight and build confidence among funders and supporters.
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FINANCIAL REVIEW
Financial Position
During the period, the Charity received total income of £4,871, comprising a restricted grant of £2,000 from the Kwanda Fund (applied solely to programme delivery costs, including instructor salaries, teaching materials and stipends paid to trainees) and unrestricted donations of £2,871. Total expenditure for the period amounted to £4,871.
Principal Funding Sources
The principal funding sources for the period were donations from supporters and a restricted programme grant from the Kwanda Fund. The Trustees recognise the importance of building a more diversified and predictable income stream and will actively pursue grants, individual giving, and corporate partnerships in 2026.
Reserves Policy
The Charity is in its first year of operations and does not yet hold formal unrestricted reserves. Building a reserves fund equivalent to at least three months of operational costs is a priority for 2026.
Investment Policy
The Charity holds funds in a current account with CAF Bank. Given the Charity's early stage of development, no formal investment policy has been adopted. Cash is held to meet operational requirements as they arise.
Going Concern
The Trustees have considered the financial position of the Charity and its plans for 2026. Having regard to the Charity's growing funding pipeline and the commitment of its trustees and volunteers, the Trustees are satisfied that the Charity is a going concern and that it is appropriate to prepare these financial statements on that basis.
STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT
Governing Document
The Charity is a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) registered in England and Wales. Its operations are governed by its constitution. The Charity was registered with the Charity Commission for England and Wales on 2 August 2024 (Charity Number: 1207725).
Trustees
The Trustees who served during the period were:
| Celine Moreira (Chair) | Appointed 2 August 2024 |
|---|---|
| Abiola Ramota Dabiri | Appointed 2 August 2024 |
| Charlotte Ann Morgan-Fallah | Appointed 2 August 2024 |
| Karen Astrid Vethakan | Appointed 2 August 2024 |
| Hamilton Marques da Costa | Appointed 2 August 2024 |
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Trustee Induction and Training
New Trustees receive copies of the Charity's constitution and are briefed on their legal duties as charity trustees. The Trustees maintain their knowledge of charity law and best practice through Charity Commission guidance and relevant publications.
Organisation
Day-to-day operations are led by the Founder and CEO, Samara Dias, and the Head of Operations in Angola, Carla Santos, both of whom serve in a voluntary capacity and received no remuneration, payment or benefit from the Charity during the period. Local programme delivery is managed through seven contracted instructors, one for each programme discipline, none of whom is connected to any trustee or member of the executive team.
Related Parties
No related party transactions took place during the period. No trustee received any remuneration, payment or reimbursement of expenses from the Charity during the period.
Safeguarding
The Trustees recognise their duty to safeguard the women and girls who participate in the Charity's programmes, as well as staff, volunteers, and partners. During the period, the Charity developed a comprehensive Safeguarding Policy setting out the Trustees' zero-tolerance approach to abuse, exploitation, and neglect, together with clear procedures for reporting and responding to concerns, safer recruitment practices, whistleblowing protections, and safeguarding standards for partner organisations. The policy is aligned with the Charity Commission's safeguarding guidance and applicable UK legislation. The Board holds overall accountability for safeguarding governance and receives regular reports on any safeguarding matters. No safeguarding incidents were reported during the period.
Risk Management
The Trustees have identified the principal risks facing the Charity as: dependence on a small number of funding sources; the operational and reputational risks associated with delivering programmes in Angola; and the risk of non-compliance with grant conditions. These risks are managed through diversification of funding, close oversight of programme delivery, and maintenance of appropriate financial controls.
REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS
| Charity Name Ella Africa Foundation |
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| Charity Number 1207725 |
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| Legal Structure Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) |
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| Registered Office 124-128 City Road, London, EC1V 2NX |
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| Website www.ellaafrica.org |
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| Email info@ellaafrica.org |
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| Bankers CAF Bank, 25 Kings Hill Avenue, Kings Hill, West Malling, Kent ME19 4JQ |
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TRUSTEES' RESPONSIBILITIES IN RELATION TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
The Trustees are responsible for preparing the Trustees' Annual Report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and regulations. Charity law requires the Trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial period which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the Charity and of the incoming resources and application of resources during the period.
In preparing these financial statements, the Trustees are required to:
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Select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently.
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Observe the methods and principles in the Charities SORP (FRS 102).
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Make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent.
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Prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the Charity will continue to operate.
The Trustees are responsible for keeping proper accounting records that disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the Charity and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Charities Act 2011. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the Charity and for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.
Approved by the Trustees and signed on their behalf by:
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SIGN
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Celine Moreira — Chair of the Board of Trustees
Date: _________ 21 May 2026
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STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES
For the period from 1 January 2025 to 31 December 2025
| Unrestricted Funds £ |
Restricted Funds £ |
Total 2025 £ | Total 2024 £ | |
| INCOME | ||||
| — | ||||
| Donations | 2,871 | — | 2,871 | |
| — | ||||
| Grants — Kwanda Fund | — | 2,000 | 2,000 | |
| — | ||||
| Total Income | 2,871 | 2,000 | 4,871 | |
| EXPENDITURE | ||||
| — | ||||
| Charitable activities | 245 | 2,000 | 2,245 | |
| — | ||||
| Support costs | 2,626 | — | 2,626 | |
| — | ||||
| Total Expenditure | 2,871 | 2,000 | 4,871 | |
| — | ||||
| Net movement in funds | — | — | — | |
| RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS | ||||
| — | ||||
| Total funds brought forward |
— | — | — | |
| Total funds carried forward | — | — | — | — |
All income and expenditure are derived from continuing activities. The notes on pages 10 to 12 form part of these financial statements.
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BALANCE SHEET
As at 31 December 2025
| 2025 £ | 2025 £ | 2024 £ | 2024 £ | |
| CURRENT ASSETS | ||||
| — | ||||
| Cash at bank and in hand | 167 | |||
| Total Current Assets | 167 | — | ||
| LIABILITIES | ||||
| — | ||||
| Creditors: amounts falling due within one year |
(167) | |||
| — | ||||
| Net Current Assets | — | |||
| NET ASSETS | — | — | ||
| THE FUNDS OF THE CHARITY | ||||
| — | ||||
| Unrestricted funds | — | |||
| — | ||||
| Restricted funds | — | |||
| TOTAL FUNDS | — | — | ||
The financial statements were approved by the Trustees and authorised for issue on:
Date: _________ 21 May 2026
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SIGN
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Celine Moreira — Chair of the Board of Trustees
The notes on pages 10 to 12 form part of these financial statements.
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NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS
1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES
1.1 Basis of Preparation
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) — Charity SORP (FRS 102) — and the Charities Act 2011.
The Charity meets the definition of a public benefit entity under FRS 102. The financial statements are prepared in sterling, which is the functional currency of the Charity. Monetary amounts are rounded to the nearest penny. The accounts are prepared on the historical cost basis. The comparative figures relate to the Charity’s initial accounting period from incorporation on 2 August 2024 to 31 December 2024, during which no financial activity took place.
1.2 Going Concern
The Trustees consider that there are no material uncertainties about the Charity's ability to continue as a going concern. The financial statements have accordingly been prepared on a going concern basis.
1.3 Income
Income is recognised when the Charity has entitlement to the funds, any performance conditions attached to the income have been met, it is probable that the income will be received, and the amount can be measured reliably. Donations are recognised on receipt. Grant income is recognised when the conditions for its receipt have been met. Restricted grants are credited to restricted funds.
1.4 Expenditure
Expenditure is recognised once there is a legal or constructive obligation to make a payment to a third party, settlement will probably be required, and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably. Expenditure is classified as charitable activities (costs directly furthering the Charity's objects) or support costs (costs that assist the work of the Charity but do not directly undertake charitable activities, including administration, premises, communications and media costs).
1.5 Foreign Currency
All programme expenditure was incurred in Angolan Kwanza (KZ). For the purposes of these financial statements, Angolan Kwanza amounts have been translated into sterling at a fixed rate of KZ 900 = £1, being the approximate prevailing rate during the period, as determined by the Trustees. The use of a fixed rate rather than transaction-date spot rates represents a departure from FRS 102; however, the Trustees consider this to be immaterial given the size of the Charity and the relative stability of the exchange rate during the period.
1.6 Fund Accounting
Unrestricted funds are available to spend on activities that further any of the purposes of the Charity at the discretion of the Trustees. Restricted funds are donations or grants which the donor or funder has specified are to be used for a particular purpose.
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1.7 Creditors
Creditors are recognised where the Charity has a present obligation resulting from a past event that will probably result in a transfer of funds to a third party, and the amount due can be measured or estimated reliably.
1.8 Pension
The Charity did not operate a pension scheme during the period.
2. INCOME FROM DONATIONS AND GRANTS
| Unrestricted £ |
Restricted £ | Total 2025 £ | |
| Donations | 2,871 | — | 2,871 |
| Grant — Kwanda Fund | — | 2,000 | 2,000 |
| Total | 2,871 | 2,000 | 4,871 |
The grant from the Kwanda Fund of £2,000 was restricted to programme delivery costs, including instructor salaries, teaching materials and stipends paid to trainees. Donations of £2,871 were unrestricted.
3. ANALYSIS OF EXPENDITURE
| Charitable Activities £ |
Support Costs £ |
Total 2025 £ |
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| 2024 £ | ||||
| Instructor salaries (contractors) | 1,111 | — | 1,111 | — |
| Teaching materials | 578 | — | 578 | — |
| Stipends paid to trainees | 556 | — | 556 | — |
| Premises — facility rent | — | 1,278 | 1,278 | — |
| Administration and operations | — | 654 | 654 | — |
| Meals — team and graduation | — | 278 | 278 | — |
| Communications and media | — | 417 | 417 | — |
| Total Expenditure | 2,245 | 2,627 | 4,871 | — |
Premises costs represent rent for the training facility in Luanda, Angola, incurred during the period but paid in February 2026. A corresponding creditor of £167 is included in the Balance Sheet. Charitable activity expenditure of £2,000 was charged to restricted funds and £245 to unrestricted funds. All support costs of £2,626 were charged to unrestricted funds.
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4. STAFF AND CONTRACTORS
The Charity engaged seven self-employed contractors as programme instructors during the period, one for each programme discipline. No employees were engaged during the period. None of the contractors is connected to any trustee or member of the executive team. The Founder and CEO and the Head of Operations in Angola both served in a voluntary capacity and received no remuneration, payment or benefit from the Charity during the period.
No trustee received any remuneration, reimbursement of expenses or other benefit from the Charity during the period (2024: nil).
5. CREDITORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR
| 2025 £ | 2024 £ | |
| Accruals — facility rent (Angola) | 167 | — |
| Total | 167 | — |
The accrual represents the final instalment of facility rent in Angola incurred during the period ended 31 December 2025 and paid in February 2026.
6. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS
| Balance b/f £ | Income £ | Expenditure £ |
Balance c/f £ |
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| Restricted — Kwanda grant | — | 2,000 | 2,000 | — |
| Unrestricted — General funds | — | 2,871 | 2,871 | — |
| Total Funds | — | 4,871 | 4,871 | — |
7. ANALYSIS OF NET ASSETS BETWEEN FUNDS
| Unrestricted £ |
Restricted £ | Total 2025 £ | |
| Cash at bank and in hand | 167 | — | 167 |
| Creditors within one year | (167) | — | (167) |
| Net Assets | — | — | — |
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