Africa Forum Names Advisory Board for Women Entrepreneurs

The Africa Women Innovation & Entrepreneurship Forum just took a giant leap forward in its mission to support women business owners across the continent.

AWIEF announced the creation of its first Advisory Board, bringing together four global leaders with decades of experience in business, policy, and innovation. The board will guide the organization's strategy for sustainable growth and expanding programs that help women entrepreneurs succeed.

"This marks an important milestone in AWIEF's evolution," said Irene Ochem, the forum's founder and CEO. The new advisors bring expertise from sectors ranging from international sports to publishing, all united by their commitment to advancing women's economic power in Africa.

The board includes Fatma Samoura, former Secretary-General of FIFA and a champion for gender equity. Dalia Ibrahim leads Egypt's largest publishing house and founded EdVentures, focusing on education innovation. Awa Ndiaye-Seck brings deep UN experience in gender policy and economic inclusion. Nicolas Pompigne-Mognard, founder of APO Group and twice named among Africa's 100 Most Influential, rounds out the team with his pan-African media expertise.

Their mandate goes beyond AWIEF's flagship annual conferences. The board will focus on building partnerships, influencing policy, conducting research, and strengthening the entire ecosystem that supports women entrepreneurs across Africa.

The Ripple Effect

When women entrepreneurs succeed, entire communities benefit. Studies show that women reinvest up to 90% of their income back into their families and communities, creating jobs, improving education, and lifting others up.

AWIEF has been convening women innovators for years, but this strategic expansion means more women will get the support, connections, and resources they need to turn ideas into thriving businesses. With this board's guidance, the organization can tackle bigger challenges like accessing capital, navigating policy barriers, and building networks that last.

The timing matters too. Africa has the highest rate of female entrepreneurship in the world, with women starting businesses out of both necessity and opportunity. Yet they still face enormous hurdles, from limited funding to restrictive regulations.

This new chapter for AWIEF means those barriers get tackled with serious strategic firepower and global connections that can open doors.