Irene Ochem

Irene Ochem is a Nigerian entrepreneur, business executive, and advocate for women's economic empowerment. She is the founder and chief executive officer of the Africa Women Innovation & Entrepreneurship Forum (AWIEF), a pan-African organisation focused on enterprise development and advocacy for women-led businesses.

Early life and education Ochem earned an MBA in International Management from the University of London.

Career Prior to founding AWIEF, Ochem worked for the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO) in Italy, served as Research Administration Manager at the University of Cape Town, and consulted for the UNECA and the African Union.

Ochem established the Africa Women Innovation & Entrepreneurship Forum (AWIEF) to support female entrepreneurs through capacity-building programmes, policy advocacy, and business events.

Public engagement Ochem has spoken on entrepreneurship, innovation, and gender at international events, including a session hosted by CNN during the Intra-African Trade Fair (IATF).

Recognition Ochem has been profiled in major African media for her work in gender-focused economic development.