Ndidi Okonkwo Nwuneli: Global Advocate Leading the Charge Against Poverty and Food Insecurity in Africa

In 2024, she was appointed the President and CEO of The ONE Campaign, a global advocacy organization focused on ending extreme poverty and preventable diseases.

Ndidi’s appointment underscores her commitment to tackling some of the world’s most pressing challenges, especially those affecting the African continent.

With over two decades of experience in driving transformative change, she has earned international recognition for her work across multiple sectors.

Born in Nigeria, Ndidi’s formative years were influenced by a strong sense of responsibility to serve her community and uplift those in need.

She pursued higher education in the United States, earning a degree from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania and an MBA from Harvard Business School.

In 2002, Ndidi founded LEAP Africa, a non-profit organization dedicated to developing dynamic, principled leaders for Africa.

LEAP, which stands for Leadership, Effectiveness, Accountability, and Professionalism, focuses on leadership training for youth, social innovators, and entrepreneurs across the continent.

Under her leadership, LEAP Africa has trained thousands of youth, empowering them to take on leadership roles in their communities and create social impact.

The organization has become a key player in leadership development in Nigeria and across Africa, instilling a culture of ethical leadership and fostering a new generation of changemakers.

In 2010, Ndidi co-founded Sahel Consulting Agriculture & Nutrition, a leading management consulting firm focused on transforming Africa’s agricultural sector and addressing critical issues related to food security and nutrition.

Sahel Consulting provides advisory and technical services to agribusinesses, governments, and international organizations.

Its goal is to unlock the potential of Africa’s agriculture sector, improve productivity, and strengthen value chains, with a focus on smallholder farmers.

The firm works on projects that aim to reduce post-harvest losses, improve access to nutritious food, and promote sustainable agricultural practices.

Ndidi’s work with Sahel Consulting has been instrumental in addressing challenges in food systems, such as inefficiencies in production, limited market access for farmers, and the malnutrition crisis, particularly in Nigeria and other parts of West Africa.

Through the firm, she has worked with a diverse range of stakeholders, including the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Rockefeller Foundation, and African governments, to develop sustainable solutions to these challenges.

In 2010, Ndidi also co-founded AACE Foods, an agro-processing company that produces and distributes food products made from raw materials sourced from smallholder farmers in Nigeria.

AACE Foods works with local farmers to ensure they receive fair prices for their crops, while also contributing to food security and improving the availability of nutritious products in the Nigerian market.

The company processes spices, herbs, seasonings, and snacks, providing healthier alternatives to imported products.

Through AACE Foods, Ndidi has helped to bridge the gap between rural farmers and urban consumers, fostering a sustainable agricultural value chain that contributes to rural development, economic empowerment, and enhanced nutrition for Nigerian families.

The enterprise has positively impacted the lives of thousands of farmers, providing them with the technical support and access to markets they need to thrive.

As president and CEO of The ONE Campaign, Ndidi leads the organization’s global advocacy efforts to combat extreme poverty and preventable diseases, with a particular focus on Africa.

One is known for its work mobilizing citizens, influencing policymakers, and driving international action to improve health, education, and economic opportunities in the world’s poorest countries.

Ndidi’s work has earned her numerous accolades and recognition, both within Africa and globally.