APO Founder Joins Board Empowering Africa's Women Leaders

A powerful alliance for women's entrepreneurship just got stronger in Africa.

Nicolas Pompigne-Mognard, the Franco-Gabonese entrepreneur behind APO Group, has joined the advisory board of the Africa Women Innovation and Entrepreneurship Forum (AWIEF). The move brings his expertise in amplifying African voices to an organization dedicated to empowering women leaders across the continent.

AWIEF has become Africa's premier platform for women in business since launching in 2016. The organization hosts annual conferences that bring together entrepreneurs, investors, policymakers, and corporate leaders for two days of workshops, masterclasses, and networking focused on advancing women's economic leadership.

The forum's annual awards program has recognized hundreds of women innovators and changemakers over the past nine years. These celebrations do more than honor success—they inspire the next generation of African women leaders and foster a collaborative community across 54 countries.

Pompigne-Mognard's appointment adds significant firepower to AWIEF's mission. Named among the 100 Most Influential Africans in both 2023 and 2024, he brings connections across business, sports, technology, and international development through his work on numerous African advisory boards.

"I strongly believe African women should be empowered, equipped, and recognized for their contributions, innovations, and leadership," Pompigne-Mognard said. His company APO Group serves over 300 clients including Canon, Coca-Cola, and the NBA, giving him unique insight into elevating African stories on the global stage.

The Ripple Effect

AWIEF's impact extends far beyond annual gatherings. Through accelerator programs and strategic partnerships with organizations like UN Women, UNDP, and Nedbank, the forum creates year-round opportunities for women entrepreneurs to access funding, mentorship, and markets.

The advisory board includes other heavyweight champions like Fatma Samoura, former Secretary General of FIFA, and Awa Ndiaye-Seck, Special Representative of UN Women. Together, they're building pathways for African women to lead in innovation, technology, and business.

Pompigne-Mognard's appointment signals growing recognition that empowering women entrepreneurs isn't just the right thing to do—it's essential for Africa's economic future. When women succeed in business, entire communities benefit through job creation, innovation, and sustainable development.

The partnership between APO Group's communication expertise and AWIEF's entrepreneurship platform creates new possibilities for amplifying women's achievements across Africa and beyond. More visibility means more investment, more role models, and more opportunities for the next generation.

A continent where women lead innovation and entrepreneurship is a continent positioned for inclusive, sustainable prosperity.