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 (born March 22, 1975) is a Nigerian entrepreneur. She is an expert in African agriculture, healthy eating, and helping communities. Since April 2024, she has been the CEO of the One Campaign, an organization that works to end poverty and preventable diseases.
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Early Life and Schooling
Ndidi Nwuneli was born on March 22, 1975, in Enugu, Nigeria. Her father, Paul Obuekwe Okonkwo, was a Nigerian professor of Pharmacology. 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 grew up learning about serving her country and helping others. Even when times were tough, her family spent holidays helping orphanages and charities.
In 1997, Ndidi started studying at Harvard Business School (HBS). She earned special awards like the Harvey Fellowship and the National Black MBA Association Graduate Scholarship. While at Harvard, she helped start the Annual African Business Conference. She also held leadership roles in student clubs. She finished her MBA degree in 1999 when she was 24 years old.
Ndidi's Career Journey
Ndidi's career began 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 was offered a full-time job at McKinsey in Chicago, Illinois. She also worked for McKinsey in Johannesburg, South Africa.
In 1997, her work with McKinsey helped train police officers in South Africa. This led to more criminals being caught and a decrease in crime.
Making a Difference in Nigeria
In 1999, Ndidi worked as a lead consultant for The Ford Foundation. She focused on helping microcredit groups in Nigeria. These groups give small loans to people to start businesses.
Later that year, she returned to McKinsey. She advised companies that sell everyday products and large stores. In 2000, she left McKinsey and went back to Nigeria. She became the executive director for the FATE Foundation, which helps entrepreneurs.
Ndidi believes that Nigerians are very good at starting businesses. However, they often need more money and connections to grow. She says that helping women start and grow their businesses is very important for Nigeria's growth. She also believes that educating women is key to solving many problems.
In 2002, Ndidi started two non-profit organizations. One was LEAP (Leadership, Effectiveness, Accountability, Professionalism) Africa. The other was Ndu Ike Akunuba (NIA). NIA means "Life, Strength, and Wealth" in the Igbo language. NIA helps inspire female university students in Southeastern Nigeria to live meaningful lives.
LEAP Africa helps young people develop leadership skills, learn about ethics, and become good citizens. As the founder, Ndidi has been invited to speak at important events. These include the UN Commission for Social Development, the World Economic Forum, and the Clinton Global Initiative.
LEAP Africa has worked with many partners, such as the Ford Foundation, Citi Foundation, and the World Bank. Ndidi was the 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. She works to improve farming and the food system in the region.
On May 23, 2024, Ndidi Nwuneli was invited to a special dinner at the White House. U.S. President Joe Biden hosted the dinner for President William Ruto.
Other Important Work
Serving on Company Boards
Ndidi Nwuneli is a board member for several organizations. These include LEAP Africa, AACE Foods, Godrej Group, AGRA, and Nigerian Breweries Plc. She also serves on the DSM Sustainability Advisory Board.
In 2023, she was appointed as a Non-Executive director of Stanbic IBTC.
Helping Non-Profit Groups
In the past, Ndidi was on the boards of APF, GAIN (Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition), and Fairfax Africa. She was also a committee member for the World Economic Forum from 2011 to 2014.
In 2019, the Rockefeller Foundation 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 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, 2013
- Winner of the Harvard Business School Nigeria Business Club 2013 Leading Social Entrepreneur Award
- Named one of Forbes' "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
- Named 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 written several books:
- Food Entrepreneurs in Africa: Scaling Resilient Agriculture Businesses (2021)
- Social Innovation In Africa: A practical guide for scaling impact (2016)
- Working for God in the Marketplace (2005)
