DIRECTOR: MS THELMA EKIYOR, LLB, MBA
Ms. Thelma Ekiyor is a leading Gender Lens Impact Investor, Philanthropy Adviser, and Entrepreneurship Practitioner in Africa. She has a strong educational background with an ongoing Doctoral Researcher in Entrepreneurship from Cranfield University, United Kingdom, an MBA from Imperial College London, and a LLB Law (Honours) from University of Buckingham, United Kingdom. She also holds Executive Education Certificates from Imperial College, London and UNEP. Ms. Ekiyor has a wealth of experience in her field, having founded and led several organizations and initiatives focused on impact investing and women’s economic empowerment. She is the co-Founder of SME.NG, Nigeria’s impact investment platform that provides financing for women entrepreneurs, and co-Founder of “She Works Here”, the first ALL Women’s Accelerator in Nigeria. Additionally, she founded The Funding Space and Afrigrants, which support the growth of indigenous entrepreneurs and access to finance. She also served as the pioneering CEO of TY Danjuma Foundation and Executive Director of West African Civil Society Institute. Ms. Ekiyor is also a respected author and thought leader, with articles including “Peacebuilding Training Manual for Women in Decision Making” and “Implementing the Responsibility to Protect Doctrine in Africa”. She holds honorary positions, including Honourary Chairperson of the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Manufacturing & Agriculture (NACCIMA), and holds board memberships with the Centre for Analytics & Behavioural Change and All On (Renewable Energy Fund Established by Shell). In her free time, she enjoys reading, volunteering, and training and mentoring young women.