
The A&H Foundation launches to support education and wildlife conservation across South America and Africa.
January 3, 2023
The A&H Foundation, co-founded by Aline and Hamza Lemssouguer, has officially launched, marking the start of a philanthropic initiative dedicated to preserving wonder and opportunity for future generations. It is founded on the belief that nature and learning are deeply connected and that protecting both is essential to creating a future where humans and nature can thrive together.
At launch, The Foundation has live projects underway across three geographies and in partnership with established local organisations. These include supporting biodiversity conservation in Brazil’s Pantanal, accelerating access to high-quality education in Morocco, and strengthening conservation-led tourism and community impact in Botswana’s Okavango Delta.
Aline Lemssouguer, who brings a global perspective shaped by living and working across multiple countries, has long been driven by the transformative power of education. Hamza Lemssouguer, Founder and Chief Investment Officer of Arini, combines a background in quantitative finance with a deep personal commitment to conservation.
For several years, Aline and Hamza have operated a parrot sanctuary in the UK, supporting the continued existence of the endangered species. Through the launch of The A&H Foundation, they now aim to formalise and scale their long-standing commitment to education and wildlife protection on a global level.
A Partnership-Led Approach
From its inception, The A&H Foundation has been designed to work through partnership and the empowerment of local communities to create sustainable, lasting change. Rather than running standalone programs, it collaborates with well-established local partners, scientists, NGOs, governments, and private-sector allies to deliver meaningful and measurable impact.
“The A&H Foundation was created to support the people and organisations already doing exceptional work on the ground,” said Aline Lemssouguer. “Our role is to help accelerate, strengthen, and sustain their efforts, so that children and ecosystems alike can thrive across generations.”
The A&H Foundation is supported by Arini, enabling it to invest in initiatives that require time, trust, and sustained engagement - particularly in complex environments where short-term solutions often fall short.
Governance and Leadership
Governance is a core pillar of The A&H Foundation, guided by a diverse, internationally experienced Board of Trustees, who ensure that the Foundation remains mission-driven.
The Board includes Ken Costa, a distinguished investment banker and philanthropist with decades of experience supporting major charitable institutions; Tania Hoeding, an investor with deep exposure to private credit and conservation-driven initiatives; Sofia Senhaji Rhazi, an investor and entrepreneur committed to education and social mobility; and Hackim Abdul, a finance professional with extensive experience across African markets and a strong focus on mentoring young talent. Operational oversight is provided by Leonidas Xaplanteris, whose experience spans finance, science, and large-scale transformation
In addition, The A&H Foundation collaborates with UBS and UBS Optimus Foundation to structure and scale its philanthropic initiatives. UBS Optimus Foundation provides advisory and match funding that together enhance transparency, compliance, and measurable impact, ensuring that capital deployed through The A&H Foundation aligns with international standards of governance and outcome.
As The A&H Foundation begins its public journey, it extends an open invitation to collaborate, welcoming partnerships with organisations and individuals who share its commitment to expanding educational opportunity and strengthening wildlife conservation.