At 40, while many are just beginning to reinvent themselves, Mo Abudu was already laying the foundation for an empire. Known today as one of Africa’s most powerful media moguls, her journey into entrepreneurship began with a bold leap into hospitality. In the early 2000s, she established the Protea Hotel Oakwood Park, a luxury hotel and executive training facility in Lekki, Lagos. At a time when few Nigerian women were investing in such spaces, Abudu’s move was a bold statement of ambition—and it was only the beginning.
Born Mosunmola Abudu in London in 1964, she had a solid background in human resources, working at prestigious firms like ExxonMobil and founding Vic Lawrence & Associates, a successful HR consulting firm. But she felt an urge to tell African stories—authentically, unapologetically, and at scale.
That vision gave birth to “Moments with Mo” in 2006, Africa’s first syndicated daily talk show. It wasn’t just a show—it was a movement. With guests ranging from global political leaders like Hillary Clinton to cultural icons across the continent, she turned every episode into a platform for deep conversation and global visibility.
By 2013, she launched EbonyLife TV, becoming the first African woman to own a pan-African television network. The channel aired on DSTV and showcased African narratives, from lifestyle to politics to entertainment. Her goal? Change the narrative about Africa and Africans.
She didn’t stop at TV. Mo expanded her empire into film with EbonyLife Films, producing box-office hits like Fifty, The Wedding Party (one of the highest-grossing Nollywood films), Chief Daddy, and more. These weren’t just commercial successes—they were cultural moments that captured modern African life in vibrant, relatable ways.
Mo has also broken global barriers, inking historic multi-title deals with Netflix, and collaborating with Sony Pictures Television and BBC Studios. These deals opened global doors for African content, making her not just a storyteller but a bridge between Africa and the world.
Her influence hasn’t gone unnoticed. She’s been named one of the “25 Most Powerful Women in Global Television” by The Hollywood Reporter, listed by Forbes as one of Africa’s most successful women, and honored with awards from around the globe, including the ELOY Iconic Recognition Award.
But her legacy goes beyond business. Through initiatives like the EbonyLife Creative Academy—in partnership with the Lagos State Government—she is training the next generation of filmmakers and storytellers. Her Inspire Africa Foundation supports programs for the underprivileged and promotes female empowerment.
From running a hotel to rewriting the global script for African storytelling, Mo Abudu’s story is one of reinvention, audacity, and impact.
At 40, she built a hotel. At 50, she took Nollywood global. At 60, she’s still dreaming—and building—bigger.
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