For too long, women have been stereotyped as confined to the kitchen or the bedroom, their ambitions limited by societal expectations. Yet, trailblazers like Somachi Chris-Asoluka are proving that women can lead on the grandest stages, shaping industries, economies, and futures. As the Chief Executive Officer of the Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF), she is not just breaking ceilings; she is redefining what it means to lead, empower, and transform Africa’s entrepreneurial landscape.
Somachi’s path to leadership is marked by excellence and a commitment to growth. She graduated summa cum laude in Economics from Saint Mary’s College of California, earning the Adam Smith Award for highest performance, and went on to obtain a Master’s degree in International and Development Economics from Yale University. Her academic foundation gave her the tools to analyse complex economic systems and develop strategies capable of creating lasting change across the continent.
Her professional journey began in the world of research and policy, where she cultivated an in-depth understanding of African economic development. Somachi started at the Tony Elumelu Foundation in 2014 as Head of Research, analysing the needs and opportunities for entrepreneurs across Africa. This early role allowed her to shape the foundation’s data-driven approach to supporting start-ups and informed her subsequent leadership positions.
Over the years, she expanded her influence within TEF, serving as Head of Policy & External Relations and later as Director of Partnerships & Communications. In these roles, she forged strategic collaborations with governments, global development organisations, and private sector partners, building networks that significantly expanded TEF’s reach and impact. Her trajectory reflects not just ambition but also a keen understanding of what it takes to scale initiatives that empower thousands of African entrepreneurs.
Now as CEO, Somachi guides TEF’s mission with precision and purpose. She ensures that the foundation’s support goes far beyond financial grants, providing entrepreneurs with mentorship, training, and access to networks that turn innovative ideas into thriving businesses. Under her leadership, TEF has strengthened its programmes across urban and rural Africa, enabling start-ups to create jobs, stimulate economies, and drive social impact.
Beyond her work at TEF, Somachi’s influence resonates on the global stage. She is a Deputy Champion of the World Economic Forum’s EDISON Alliance and serves on several advisory boards focused on African development and partnerships. Her global perspective reinforces the idea that African entrepreneurship thrives not in isolation but through collaboration, innovation, and strategic alliances.
Somachi’s leadership style is defined by vision and empathy. She balances strategic rigour with an understanding of the human stories behind every entrepreneur. By doing so, she transforms TEF from a funding organisation into a movement that inspires, empowers, and enables Africans, especially women, to realise their full potential. Her story shows that leadership is not determined by gender but by purpose, skill, and determination.
