Njideka U. Harry

Njideka U. Harry is a prominent social entrepreneur and the Global Vice President at Ashoka, where she is part of the Leadership Group. Her work primarily focuses on empowering rural youth and women, particularly those involved in agriculture, by providing them with access to vital information and resources. This initiative aims to enhance sustainable livelihoods and combat poverty in rural communities across Africa.12

Background and Education

Born in Ibadan, Nigeria, to a Nigerian father and an American mother, Njideka has always been passionate about entrepreneurship. She moved to the U.S. in 1993 for her education at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst. After graduating, she worked at Microsoft, where she advocated for the expansion of operations in sub-Saharan Africa. This experience led her to establish the Youth for Technology Foundation (YTF) in 2000, which focuses on bridging the digital divide and providing educational resources to underserved communities.12

Contributions and Initiatives

Njideka is known for her innovative approach to agricultural development, particularly through her initiative, Agricultural Platform Offering Women Empowerment Resources (Agric-P.O.W.E.R.). This program aims to empower youth as agricultural information workers, enabling them to deliver crucial information and support to rural farmers, thereby fostering community development and economic growth.12

Additionally, her leadership at Ashoka emphasizes strategic entrepreneurship and the importance of technology in education and social impact, making her a significant figure in the realm of social entrepreneurship and community empowerment.12