Hafsat Abiola

Nigerian social entrepreneur who promotes women's empowerment through education and economic opportunities

Hafsat Abiola (born October 23, 1972) is a Nigerian entrepreneur and founder of the Center for Women's Leadership. Born into political prominence as daughter of murdered presidential candidate Moshood Abiola, she chose a path of social innovation. After studying at Harvard University, she returned to Nigeria to address systemic gender inequities.

Her 《Women Will Save Nigeria》 initiative trains women in leadership and entrepreneurship. The program has empowered over 10,000 women through agricultural cooperatives and microfinance schemes. Abiola's TED Talk 'Why I'm Fighting for Women's Leadership in Nigeria' has been viewed 800,000+ times on TED.com.

In 2004, she launched Girls' Schools Initiative, building 12 secondary schools in rural areas. Her work was profiled in the documentary 《Nigeria's Next Generation》 (2016). Abiola serves on the board of UNICEF and has been honored by the Clinton Global Initiative.

Her advocacy for girls' education led to partnerships with organizations like Malala Fund. Abiola's approach combines grassroots mobilization with policy advocacy, creating sustainable pathways for women's economic participation.