Who is ijeoma obi okoli

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Last updated: April 17, 2026

Quick Answer: Ijeoma Obi Okoli is a Nigerian entrepreneur and advocate for women's economic empowerment, known for founding the Women in Business Network (WIBN) in 2018 to support female entrepreneurs across Africa. She has trained over 10,000 women in business development and financial literacy.

Key Facts

Founded the Women in Business Network (WIBN) in 2018
Trained more than 10,000 women in entrepreneurship and financial literacy
Hails from Enugu State, Nigeria
Launched WIBN’s flagship ‘She Builds’ mentorship program in 2020
Recognized as one of Forbes Africa’s Top 100 Women Entrepreneurs in 2021

Overview

Ijeoma Obi Okoli is a prominent Nigerian entrepreneur and advocate for women's economic empowerment. She has emerged as a leading voice in advancing female entrepreneurship across Africa, particularly in underserved communities. Her work focuses on closing the gender gap in business ownership and financial independence.

Through strategic initiatives and advocacy, Ijeoma has built platforms that equip women with practical skills, mentorship, and access to capital. Her efforts have reached thousands of women across Nigeria and neighboring countries. She is widely recognized for her commitment to transforming economic opportunities for women.

Founded in 2018, the Women in Business Network (WIBN) has grown into a pan-African organization with chapters in six countries, serving over 10,000 women through training and networking.
She launched the “She Builds” mentorship program in 2020, which pairs emerging female entrepreneurs with seasoned business leaders for one-on-one coaching and resource sharing.
Ijeoma hails from Enugu State, Nigeria, and draws on her background in finance and microcredit to design scalable programs for low-income women.
In 2021, she was listed among Forbes Africa’s Top 100 Women Entrepreneurs for her impact on women-led business development in West Africa.
She has partnered with organizations like the UN Women’s Fund for Gender Equality and secured over $500,000 in grants to expand WIBN’s outreach.

How It Works

Ijeoma Obi Okoli’s model for women’s empowerment combines education, mentorship, and access to microfinancing. Her approach is rooted in community-based networks that foster collaboration and resilience among women entrepreneurs.

Entrepreneurship Training: WIBN offers a 12-week certified course in business planning, marketing, and financial management, delivered in local languages across rural and urban centers.
Mentorship Network: The “She Builds” program connects mentees with experienced professionals through quarterly workshops and virtual coaching sessions held in 15 Nigerian states.
Microloan Access: Through partnerships with three microfinance institutions, WIBN has facilitated over 2,000 small business loans averaging ₦200,000 each since 2019.
Digital Literacy: A key component includes training in e-commerce and mobile banking, with over 85% of participants reporting increased digital confidence after completing the program.
Advocacy Campaigns: Ijeoma leads national campaigns promoting policy changes, such as the 2022 “Fund Her Business” initiative, which urged banks to allocate 30% of SME loans to women.
Impact Measurement: WIBN uses a biannual impact survey to track business growth, with results showing a 68% increase in revenue among participants within one year.

Comparison at a Glance

The following table compares Ijeoma Obi Okoli’s Women in Business Network with two similar African women’s empowerment initiatives:

Initiative	Founded	Women Served	Primary Focus	Geographic Reach
Women in Business Network (WIBN)	2018	10,000+	Entrepreneurship training, mentorship, microloans	Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, Uganda, Senegal, Rwanda
SheTrades Africa	2017	8,500	Market access and export readiness	10 African countries
AWEP (African Women’s Entrepreneurship Program)	2010	15,000	Capacity building and policy advocacy	18 African countries
WIBN “She Builds” Program	2020	3,200+	Mentorship and leadership development	Nigeria and diaspora communities
UN Women’s WEConnect	2013	5,000	Corporate procurement inclusion	Global, with African chapters

While AWEP has the broadest reach, WIBN stands out for its integrated model combining training, mentorship, and direct financial access. Ijeoma’s grassroots approach ensures high retention and measurable business growth, distinguishing her initiative from broader, policy-focused programs.

Why It Matters

Ijeoma Obi Okoli’s work is transforming the economic landscape for women in Africa. Her programs address systemic barriers to financial inclusion and business success, creating ripple effects in families and communities.

Increased household income: Over 72% of WIBN participants report improved family living standards within six months of program completion.
Job creation: Graduates have launched over 1,200 small businesses, creating more than 3,500 jobs in local economies.
Policy influence: Ijeoma’s advocacy contributed to the 2023 Nigerian Central Bank directive encouraging banks to increase lending to women-owned SMEs.
Scalability: The WIBN model has been adopted by two NGOs in East Africa with support from international development partners.
Recognition: Awards include the 2021 Africa Leadership Prize and inclusion in the UN Global Compact’s Women Empowerment Principles Network.
Sustainable impact: A 2023 impact study found that 89% of participants remained in business after two years, surpassing regional averages.

By empowering women economically, Ijeoma Obi Okoli is not only changing individual lives but also contributing to broader national development goals across Africa.