Nigerian entrepreneur and Mandela Washington Fellow Ife Durosinmi‑Etti has been selected to attend the prestigious Mandela Washington Fellowship Alumni Forum on U.S.-Africa Commercial Partnerships, set for July 19–23, 2026, in Nairobi, Kenya.
The fully‑sponsored forum brings together alumni, U.S. and African business leaders, and key stakeholders to forge commercial ties ahead of the U.S.-Africa Business Summit in Mauritius. Durosinmi‑Etti will also attend that summit courtesy of the Presidential Precinct.
“In 2020, I had the incredible honour of being selected as a Mandela Washington Fellow… the gift that keeps on giving,” she wrote. “Two months ago, I got an email about this opportunity.”
The Harvard‑trained economist and founder of Herconomy (formerly AGS Tribe) has long been a catalyst for women’s financial inclusion. Under her leadership, Herconomy has helped thousands of Nigerian women access grants, interest‑free loans, and global opportunities. She also recently completed the Harambe Alliance program, which will host a session on the Prosperity Fund for businesses.
Despite tough economic times, Durosinmi‑Etti is doubling down on her mission. On May 16, through the Herconomy Academy, she will host a free session teaching Nigerians how to apply for transformational programmes like the Mandela Fellowship.
“Entrepreneurship is a lonely journey, but you do not have to do it alone,” she said. “You can get structured support… but first, you need to apply.”
Her relentless drive to connect fellow Nigerians to global platforms has solidified her reputation as one of the country’s most impactful ecosystem builders. While many celebrate personal wins, Durosinmi‑Etti uses each milestone to pull others up. That, she proves, is the true definition of leadership.
