Irene Ochem (Nigeria)

Irene Ochem (Nigeria)

(Founder & CEO of Africa Women Innovation and Entrepreneurship Forum, AWIEF)

 www.awieforum.org 

Meet Irene Ochem, a woman of vision and drive, who has dedicated her life to empowering African women and fostering sustainable entrepreneurship on the continent. As the Founder and CEO of Africa Women Innovation and Entrepreneurship Forum (AWIEF), Irene has created a remarkable platform that brings together leading women entrepreneurs, creating a network that spurs economic growth and job creation across Africa.

From an early age, Irene's mother served as an inspiration, imparting upon her the importance of women's economic empowerment. Witnessing her mother's resilience as a widow raising five children, Irene understood the significance of providing women with opportunities to succeed and thrive.

With over 20 years of experience in international organizations across Europe and Africa, Irene brings a wealth of knowledge to her ventures. Her academic pursuits, including an MBA from the University of London, have further honed her expertise, making her a sought-after speaker and participant in international meetings on entrepreneurship, women, and gender.

The driving force behind AWIEF, Irene envisions a continent where women's potential is fully harnessed. Through her organization, she provides skills training and capacity building to women entrepreneurs, helping them gain self-confidence and financial literacy. AWIEF's goal is to create job opportunities and foster economic prosperity across Africa, contributing to intra-African trade and leveraging the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

AWIEF's annual conference stands as a testament to Irene's dedication. This award-winning event brings together key players from government, development, corporate, and entrepreneurship sectors, facilitating interactive discussions on entrepreneurship, technology and innovation, finance and investment, agriculture and food security, and much more. The conference provides a valuable platform for networking and learning, empowering start-ups, SMEs, and professionals alike.

Irene Ochem's journey shows commitment to women's economic inclusion and advancement. Through AWIEF, she is igniting a powerful momentum of meaningful change for women in Africa. Her vision for sustainable women’s entrepreneurship serves as a beacon of hope, inspiring a generation of African women to pursue their dreams and make a lasting impact on the continent.

Join us in celebrating Irene Ochem's relentless efforts to create a better Africa, one where women thrive, economies flourish, and prosperity knows no bounds. Visit the Africa Women Innovation and Entrepreneurship Forum's website to learn more about the remarkable initiatives and programs led by this visionary leader.

(Information from Women Economic Forum, Business Day Nigeria, Africa Women Innovation and Entrepreneurship Forum)