Ndidi Okonkwo Nwuneli facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Ndidi Okonkwo Nwuneli
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Ndidi Okonkwo Nwuneli
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| Born | March 22, 1975 Enugu, Nigeria
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| Nationality | Nigerian, American |
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| Years active | 25 |
| Known for | LEAP Africa, AACE Food Processing & Distribution Ltd, Sahel Consulting Agriculture & Nutrition Ltd, and African Food Changemakers |
Ndidi Okonkwo Nwuneli (
i//; born 22 March 1975) is a Nigerian social entrepreneur. She is an expert in areas like farming and healthy eating in Africa. She also works in helping others and finding new ways to solve problems. Since April 2, 2024, she has been the CEO of the One Campaign, an organization that fights poverty and preventable diseases.
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Early Life and School
Ndidi Nwuneli was born on March 22, 1975, in Enugu, Nigeria. Her father, Paul Obuekwe Okonkwo, was a Nigerian professor who studied medicines and how they affect the body. Her mother, Rina Okonkwo, was an American professor of history.
Her parents met at Cornell University in 1965. They were both teachers who wanted to make the Nigerian education system better. Ndidi shared that her parents taught her and her siblings about being patriotic and helping others from a young age. Even during tough times in Nigeria, her parents kept teaching, showing their dedication to their country. During holidays, her family would visit orphanages and other charities to help people in need.
In 1997, Ndidi went to Harvard Business School (HBS) to get her master's degree in business. While there, she received special awards like the Harvey Fellowship and the National Black MBA Association Graduate Scholarship for her excellent schoolwork. She was also very active outside of classes. She helped start the yearly African Business Conference and was a leader in clubs like the Africa Business Club and the Christian Association. She finished her MBA when she was 24 years old in 1999.
Ndidi's Career
Ndidi's career started when she worked as a Summer Business Analyst for McKinsey & Company in New York. This was during her junior year at The University of Pennsylvania. In 1995, she got a full-time job at McKinsey as a Business Analyst in Chicago. She also worked for McKinsey in South Africa. In 1997, her work with McKinsey involved helping to train police officers in South Africa. This led to a decrease in crime and more successful legal cases.
Making a Difference in Nigeria
In 1999, Ndidi worked as a main consultant for The Ford Foundation. She focused on important organizations in Nigeria that give small loans to people. Later that year, she went back to McKinsey. She helped companies that make everyday products and big American stores. In 2000, she left McKinsey and returned to Nigeria. She became the executive director for the FATE Foundation, which was started by Nigerian businessman Fola Adeola.
Ndidi believes that Nigerians are very good at starting businesses. However, they often find it hard to get money, connections, and help to grow. She thinks that helping women start and grow their businesses is very important for Nigeria's growth. She also believes that educating women is the best way to make a big positive change.
In 2002, she started two non-profit organizations. One was LEAP (Leadership, Effectiveness, Accountability, Professionalism) Africa. The other was Ndu Ike Akunuba (NIA), which means Life, Strength, and Wealth in the Igbo language. NIA helps inspire university students in Southeastern Nigeria to live full and meaningful lives, especially young women. LEAP Africa teaches young people about leadership, good behavior, and being good citizens. Because of her work with LEAP, Ndidi has been asked to speak at important events like the World Economic Forum.
LEAP Africa has worked with many big organizations, including the Ford Foundation and the World Bank. Ndidi was the founder and CEO of LEAP Africa from 2002 to 2007. She is still an active member of the organization's board.
Ndidi wants to make West Africa's food industry very successful, like "new gold." She works to improve farming and the entire food system in the region.
On May 23, 2024, Ndidi Nwuneli was invited to a special dinner at the White House. This dinner was hosted by U.S. President Joe Biden to honor the President of Kenya, William Ruto.
Other Activities
Company Boards
Ndidi Nwuneli serves on the boards of several companies and organizations. These include LEAP Africa, AACE Foods, Godrej Group, AGRA, and Nigerian Breweries Plc. Being on a board means she helps guide these organizations and make important decisions.
In 2023, she was also appointed as a Non-Executive director of Stanbic IBTC, a financial services company.
Non-profit Work
In the past, Ndidi was on the board of other non-profit groups like GAIN (Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition). She also took part in the World Economic Forum as a committee member from 2011 to 2014.
In 2019, the Rockefeller Foundation, a well-known charitable organization, asked Ndidi Nwuneli to join its board. In 2021, she was also appointed to the Board of the Nigerian Economic Summit Group.
Awards and Special Recognition
Ndidi Nwuneli has received many awards for her important work:
- Alumni Achievement Award from Harvard Business School, 2021
- Named among Schwab Foundation's Social Innovators, 2020
- Honored by the Global Fund for Women during their 25th Anniversary Celebration, 2013
- Winner of the Harvard Business School Nigeria Business Club 2013 Leading Social Entrepreneur Award
- Forbes: Named one of the 20 Youngest Power Women In Africa, 2011
- Excellence Award from Anambra State, 2011
- Selected for Harvard Business School's Africa Business Club's Excellence Award, 2007
- Selected as Young Manager of the Year by THISDAY Newspapers, 2005
- Received a National Honor – Member of the Federal Republic – from the President of Nigeria, 2004
- Selected as a Young Global Leader by the World Economic Forum, 2004
- Selected as a Global Leader of Tomorrow by the World Economic Forum, 2002
Author and Research
Ndidi Nwuneli has also written several books:
- Author, Food Entrepreneurs in Africa: Scaling Resilient Agriculture Businesses, 2021
- Author, Social Innovation In Africa: A practical guide for scaling impact, 2016
- Author, Working for God in the Marketplace, 2005
