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, 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. She also received a diploma in translation from Scuola Superiore di Lingue Moderne per Interpreti e Traduttori in Italy, and completed postgraduate training in project management, gender, and trade-related studies.

Career

Prior to founding AWIEF, Ochem worked for the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation in Italy, served as Research Administration Manager at the University of Cape Town, and consulted for the UNECA and the African Union.
She founded ICO Conferences & Events, a company producing business and policy conferences in Africa.
Ochem established the Africa Women Innovation & Entrepreneurship Forum 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.

Recognition

Ochem has been profiled in major African media for her work in gender-focused economic development. In 2020, Ochem was named among Nigeria’s “100 Most Inspiring Women” by Leading Ladies Africa.