Bridget Zalakian

Founder of She Leads Africa empowering women entrepreneurs across the continent

Bridget Zalakian is a Lebanese-Nigerian social entrepreneur recognized for founding She Leads Africa, a continent-wide network supporting African women leaders in business and technology. Launched in 2014, her initiative has impacted over 25,000 women through mentorship programs, leadership training, and funding connections. Zalakian's work addresses systemic barriers faced by female entrepreneurs in Africa, particularly in tech innovation sectors. Her 100 Women Leaders in Africa initiative (2016) identified key challenges like access to capital and created solutions through partnerships with organizations like Mastercard Foundation. In 2018, she pioneered Africa's first women's entrepreneurship summit in Lagos, attracting global investors and creating cross-border business networks. Zalakian's approach combines cultural awareness with modern business strategies, establishing hubs in 15 countries by 2019. Her TED Talk Why African women need a new kind of leadership (2017) has over 1.2 million views, spreading her vision internationally. Through her work, Zalakian has demonstrated how localized leadership models can drive economic transformation, making her a pivotal figure in Africa's growing tech ecosystem.