African Women's Business Forum Launches Advisory Board

The Africa Women Innovation & Entrepreneurship Forum just took a major step toward amplifying women's economic power across Africa by establishing its first Advisory Board.

The pan-African organization, known as AWIEF, brought together four global leaders with decades of experience in business, policy, and international development. Their mission: help the forum expand its reach and strengthen programs that support female entrepreneurs and innovators throughout the continent.

"The establishment of the Advisory Board marks an important milestone in AWIEF's evolution," said Irene Ochem, founder and CEO of AWIEF. The new board will guide everything from sustainable revenue growth to program expansion across Africa's entrepreneurship ecosystem.

The advisory team reads like a who's who of global changemakers. Fatma Samoura, former Secretary-General of FIFA, brings expertise in gender equity and youth empowerment. Dalia Ibrahim leads Egypt's largest publishing house and champions education innovation across Africa's creative economy.

Awa Ndiaye-Seck, former Special Representative for UN Women to the African Union, adds deep knowledge of gender policy and economic inclusion. Nicolas Pompigne-Mognard, founder of APO Group and recognized twice as one of Africa's 100 Most Influential people, rounds out the team with his pan-African media expertise.

The Ripple Effect

This advisory board represents more than just strategic guidance for one organization. When women entrepreneurs succeed, entire communities benefit from new jobs, innovative solutions to local challenges, and economic growth that reaches households often left behind.

AWIEF already hosts flagship conferences, exhibitions, and awards that connect entrepreneurs with investors and policymakers. Now, with this seasoned advisory board, the organization can expand its research, policy influence, and ecosystem development to reach even more women building businesses across Africa.

The board members share a proven commitment to advancing gender equality and women's economic empowerment. Their combined networks span continents and sectors, opening doors that can accelerate opportunities for thousands of female innovators.

For African women with bold business ideas and solutions to their communities' biggest problems, this new advisory board signals that support structures are growing stronger and more strategic every day.