Across Africa, women are leading bold transformations, dismantling barriers, nurturing innovation, and reshaping possibilities for generations to come. They are redefining leadership, reimagining what equity looks like, and building systems where more girls and young women can dream, learn, and lead with confidence. These are the women whose work strengthens communities, inspires hope, and creates sustainable change across the continent.
Meet our HER Impact Africa Spotlight for January 2026, Timi Onafeso.
Timi Onafeso is a distinguished STEM advocate, gender equity leader, and public health professional whose life’s work has been devoted to empowering young women and advancing development across Africa. With over a decade of experience spanning education, nonprofit leadership, policy engagement, and youth development across West Africa and Southeast Asia, she has consistently used her expertise, compassion, and strategic leadership to unlock opportunities for women and girls to thrive.
Today, Timi serves as the Executive Director of WAAW Foundation, an international nonprofit committed to bridging the gender gap in STEM for African girls and women. Through this role, she leads initiatives that equip girls with the knowledge, skills, confidence, and mentorship needed to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, enabling them to become innovators, problem solvers, and transformational leaders within their communities. Her influence extends beyond program leadership into continental policy development. In 2024, she was selected by the African Union Commission as a member of the Task Force responsible for developing the Science, Technology, and Innovation Strategy for Africa (STISA) 2034, contributing to frameworks that will shape Africa’s innovation future for years to come.
Timi’s journey of impact began long before global recognition found her. As an undergraduate in 2003, she founded School Without Walls, an educational initiative that provided learning support for 266 orphaned and vulnerable Liberian children at the Oru Refugee Camp in Ogun State, Nigeria. Her commitment to service continued during her National Youth Service in Imo State, where she was honored with a State Award for outstanding community development work. In 2013, Save the Children International named her a Champion for Children, honoring her dedication to child rights and welfare.
Her courage and compassion were tested in 2014 when she volunteered as an international public health officer during the Ebola outbreak in Liberia. Working with the Liberia Ministry of Health and Social Development, she played a critical role in rural community health education, contributing to containment and elimination efforts, a testament to her bravery, expertise, and unwavering commitment to humanity. Continuing her humanitarian impact, she founded Spring Africa in 2015 as a Kanthari Alumna, providing education and psychosocial support to 351 internally displaced children across five IDP camps in Abuja.
Over the years, Timi’s leadership and influence have received significant recognition globally. She was honored as a Rise Up Global Leader in Nigeria (2025), recognized as one of 10 Women in Leadership by the Consulate of the People’s Republic of China in Lagos (2025), and celebrated as one of 50 African Female Changemakers by Ideation Hub Africa in commemoration of International Women’s Day 2025. Her humanitarian commitment earned her the Global Goodwill Ambassadors Humanitarian Award (USA, 2019) and the Africa4Her Ambassador Award (YALI Nigeria, 2020).
Beyond her accolades, Timi is a strategic advisor and governance leader. She currently serves on the Executive Boards of Prikkle Academy Nigeria and Idimma Health Initiative, and has previously held leadership roles including Executive Board Member of the Carrington Fellowship of the United States Consulate General Lagos and Executive Youth Coordinator for the Nigerians in Diaspora Organization Women’s Wing in Benin Republic. Her leadership journey is further strengthened by prestigious fellowships including YALI, Kanthari International, Carrington Fellowship, African Civic Engagement Academy, and the Lagos Business School Nonprofit Management Program for Senior Executives.
Timi’s influence also extends into faith leadership. She serves as a committed Christian leader through the Warrior Brides Network and Life in the Ark Global Ministry, empowering women with principles for purpose, leadership, and resilience. She is the author of The Journey to Forever, a profound guide on purpose discovery and intentional living.
Driven by the conviction that “our strength lies in our differences,” Timi remains a vocal advocate against racism and tribalism and continues to build bridges across cultures, communities, and nations. Her social vision is clear, an Africa where every youth has the opportunity, support, and environment needed to maximize their potential, contribute meaningfully to society, and shape the future of the continent.
Through her leadership, service, and humanity, Timi Onafeso represents the courage, brilliance, and compassion of African women leading powerful change. She reminds us that when women are empowered to lead, Africa becomes stronger, more innovative, and more hopeful.
And that is the impact we celebrate.
