Young African Woman, Adeshola Komolafe, Represents Next Generation Of African Leaders

WASHINGTON, D.C, September 19 – The Initiative for Global Development (IGD) today announced the 2014 Jennifer Potter Emerging Leaders Fellow, Adeshola Komolafe, who exemplifies the next generation of African leadership.

This fellowship, named in honor of IGD’s Founding President and CEO, Jennifer Potter, supports the rise of African leaders by giving Fellows access to an influential network of senior executives from top tier companies who invest strategically in high-need, high-potential areas of Africa. The ultimate goal is poverty reduction through business investment in the developing world, a cornerstone of IGD’s original mission.

Adeshola Komolafe is the CEO of Media Insight, a Nigerian integrated marketing communications firm, and Save Our Future, a non-governmental organization that focuses on introducing young people in less privileged educational environments to information and communications technology (ICT) and the use of technology for enhancing the entrepreneurial skills of young women.

“Ms. Komolafe exemplifies the qualities of an Emerging Leaders Fellow. She has demonstrated a commitment to building a democratic, transparent, and modern market economy and fostering a society of inclusion and progress in Africa,” said Dr. Mima S. Nedelcovych, IGD President and CEO.

As a media expert, Komolafe has worked with governments, international organizations, and development agencies, working to enhance the Nigerian business environment, transform health, and map conflict in the country. Additionally, her continued commitment to empowering the rising generation in Africa demonstrates her leadership and capacity to catalyze change. Komolafe has been one of the young leaders in the International Youth Conference, a nominee for the Future Awards, a member of the World Bank Youth Forum, and a member of the World Economic Forum’s Global Shapers.

“Adeshola maintains a strong commitment to promoting women’s entrepreneurship and women’s leadership in Africa,” said Jennifer Potter, the founding CEO of IGD. “Through IGD’s influential network of business leaders, we hope to support her continued success and advance her capacity and determination to make a difference.”

“I consider it a great privilege to be nominated as the current Emerging Leaders Fellow. I am humbled to be part of this inspirational network of business leaders in Africa,” said Komolafe.