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AWIEF Launches Advisory Board to Propel Women’s Entrepreneurship Across Africa
Cape Town, South Africa – The Africa Women Innovation & Entrepreneurship Forum (AWIEF) has taken a significant stride forward by inaugurating its Advisory Board. This new body is set to steer the organisation’s strategic direction and amplify its influence in nurturing women-led innovation and business ventures throughout the continent.
Introducing a Panel of Distinguished Global Leaders
The Advisory Board comprises an elite assembly of international experts drawn from diverse sectors including business, policy-making, media, and innovation. Their collective expertise will be instrumental in shaping AWIEF’s medium- and long-term objectives, focusing on sustainable financial growth, institutional resilience, governance excellence, and the broadening of initiatives that empower African women entrepreneurs.
“Forming this Advisory Board represents a pivotal chapter in AWIEF’s journey,” stated Irene Ochem, Founder and CEO of AWIEF. “The wealth of knowledge and leadership our members bring will be crucial as we strengthen our foundation and expand our footprint within Africa’s entrepreneurial landscape.”
Meet the Visionaries Behind AWIEF’s Advisory Board
- Fatma Samoura – Former FIFA Secretary-General, renowned for her leadership in sports, gender equality, and youth empowerment worldwide.
- Dalia Ibrahim – CEO of Nahdet Misr Publishing House and Founder & CEO of EdVentures, a leading advocate for education innovation and Africa’s creative industries.
- Awa Ndiaye-Seck – President of ADES-USA and former UN Women Special Representative to the African Union, specializing in gender policy, economic inclusion, and sustainable development.
- Nicolas Pompigne-Mognard – Founder and Chairman of APO Group, a pan-African media powerhouse; recognized among the 100 Most Influential Africans by New African magazine in 2023 and 2024.
Strategic Role and Impact of the Advisory Board
Beyond AWIEF’s renowned annual conference, the Advisory Board will play a critical role in enhancing strategic programming, forging impactful partnerships, driving research initiatives, influencing policy, and nurturing the broader entrepreneurial ecosystem. The members were carefully selected for their outstanding leadership credentials, cross-sectoral insights, and unwavering dedication to advancing gender parity and women’s economic empowerment across Africa.
About AWIEF: Championing Women Entrepreneurs Across Africa
The Africa Women Innovation & Entrepreneurship Forum (AWIEF) is a continent-wide platform dedicated to accelerating women’s entrepreneurship and economic empowerment. Through dynamic programs, strategic alliances, and premier events, AWIEF fosters connections among women innovators, business leaders, investors, and policymakers to scale solutions addressing Africa’s most urgent challenges.
AWIEF’s flagship Conference, Exhibition & Awards event annually convenes a diverse group of stakeholders from Africa and beyond, catalyzing growth, encouraging collaboration, and spotlighting women’s leadership in business and innovation. In 2023, the forum attracted over 2,000 participants from 40 countries, underscoring its growing influence.
Contact for Media Inquiries
Yolanda Mtshawu
Email: media@awieforum.org
Phone: +27 21 002 8264
www.awieforum.org
