Farida Yahya

Farida Yahya is an accomplished executive, leadership strategist, and ecosystem builder with over 14 years of experience spanning business development, strategic partnerships, organisational leadership, and social impact across Africa. She has successfully led high-impact initiatives that bring together the public and private sectors, development organisations, entrepreneurs, and global institutions to drive sustainable economic growth and innovation. She previously served as the 11th President of the Mandela Washington Fellowship Alumni Association of Nigeria (MWFAAN), where she provided strategic leadership, strengthened institutional governance, and fostered collaboration among emerging African leaders, development partners, and international stakeholders. Her leadership advanced initiatives focused on entrepreneurship, education, governance, innovation, and community development. Farida is the Executive Director of The Brief Academy and serves as a Non-Executive Director at Republicom Group, where she contributes to organisational strategy, leadership development, and institutional growth. Throughout her career, she has advised and mentored hundreds of entrepreneurs and growth-stage businesses across Nigeria and other African markets, supporting business model development, strategic planning, organisational capacity, and long-term sustainability. A Mandela Washington Fellow, TEDx speaker, published author, and recognised leadership advocate, Farida brings extensive experience in stakeholder engagement, executive leadership, partnership development, and programme design. As Strategic Adviser to ChodChod Management Service Limited, she provides strategic guidance on business development, institutional partnerships, stakeholder engagement, leadership strategy, and ecosystem expansion, helping strengthen the firm's relationships with government agencies, development finance institutions, private investors, and strategic partners across Africa.