Voice First World

Nneka Okekearu is the Deputy Director and Head of Gender at the Enterprise Development Centre of the Pan-Atlantic University. She has a 1st degree in Banking and Finance and MBA and is currently pursuing a doctorate in entrepreneurship. She has over 25 years of experience spanning banking, telecommunication, and consulting. A World Bank Master Trainer and Assessor, Nneka believes in the power of mentoring, capacity building, and networks. As head of Gender and Deputy Director at the Enterprise Development Centre, she has had the privilege of supporting women on their entrepreneurship journey.

She has implemented, supported, and managed various programs on the continent, such as the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Women; World Bank Women-X Project, Cherie Blair Foundation for Women ‘Road to Growth’ Program, the MasterCard Foundation ‘Transforming Nigerian Youths’ Program. Over the years, she has provided financial linkages for startups and social enterprises, both locally and internationally.

She has also implemented global programs such as the Global Entrepreneurship Week (GEW), focusing on enterprising women in business. Nneka sits on the board of Assembly-hub, a catalytic platform aimed at strengthening the capacities of creative entrepreneurs.