Bilal is the Managing Director, Media Programs at Media Development Investment Fund (MDIF) where he leads global strategy-setting and coordination of regional program activities. With two decades of finance, management and editorial experience he has helped media companies navigate challenging business and operational environments since joining MDIF in 2017 as the Regional Director for Africa.

Bilal is a Chartered Accountant (CPA equivalent) and has worked for KPMG, Al Jazeera and successfully scaled a digital media startup. Bilal serves as a Board Member and Treasurer for Creative Commons and has degrees in Finance, Marketing, Accounting from the University of Kwa-Zulu Natal. He holds a post-graduate diploma in Journalism and Media Studies from Rhodes University.