Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala Honoured with Inaugural ‘Mama Africa’ Portrait at Mother Land Forum 2025
February 25The Mother Land Forum 2025 held from February 8 – 9, powered by Afreximbank and hosted by Mother Land Hub, marked a defining moment in African and diaspora engagement.
Held at SOAS University of London, the summit saw Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Director-General of the World Trade Organization (WTO), honoured with the inaugural Mother Land Annual Portrait, titled Mama Africa. Commissioned by Mother Land Hub, this prestigious recognition celebrates an African leader whose impact transcends borders, reinforcing the shared ideals of unity, collaboration, and progress—values deeply embedded within the Commonwealth.
The portrait, crafted by renowned Nigerian artist Anthony Ifechukwude Azekwoh, is a powerful tribute not only to Dr Okonjo-Iweala’s trailblazing leadership but also to Africa’s vibrant and evolving global influence. As a leader whose work has touched economies across the Commonwealth and beyond, Dr Okonjo-Iweala embodies the essence of global cooperation, economic development, and inclusivity.
Upon receiving the Mother Land Annual Portrait, Dr Okonjo-Iweala remarked:
“It shows the high regard I have for what you are trying to do at Mother Land Hub. I want to commend you and thank you and say good luck for what you are doing. I think it is really good… Thank you to all of you, I am very honoured.”
As the first African and first woman to lead the WTO, Dr Okonjo-Iweala’s work has played a critical role in fostering equitable trade policies, strengthening global supply chains, and advocating for Africa’s and the Global South’s rightful place in economic decision-making.
Her participation at the Mother Land Summit underscores the importance of engaging Africa’s youth and diaspora in shaping the future of trade and policy within the Commonwealth’s diverse network of nations.
Mother Land Summit 2025: Bridging Continents, Uniting Talent
Held at SOAS University of London from 8 to 9 February 2025, the Mother Land Summit serves as a dynamic convergence of Africa’s global talent, government leaders, and private sector representatives. Organised by Mother Land Hub, the summit is the annual platform designed to foster stronger economic collaboration and innovation between diaspora stakeholders and Africa.
Mother Land Hub is committed to reversing Africa’s brain drain by transforming it into brain gain, channelling the expertise of Africa’s global diaspora into building solutions with African stakeholders. Its mission aligns with the Commonwealth’s dedication to strengthening economic cooperation and innovation across its 56 member states.
Empowering the Next Generation: Youth-Centric Engagement
A major highlight of the summit was the Mother Land Youth Forum, which convened young entrepreneurs, professionals, and students from across the African diaspora. The Youth Forum demonstrated how African youth in the diaspora are leveraging their skills to drive economic innovation and social change.
Speakers included:
- Hamid Ibrahim, CEO, Kugali Media (Disney-partnered and multi award nominated producers of Iwájú series)
- Izzy Obeng, CEO, Foundervine (supporting African diaspora entrepreneurs)
- Jermaine Craig, CEO, Kwanda (funding social initiatives in 14 African nations)
- Oge Elumelu, Founder Africa and Everywhere Podcast & Co-founder, Running for Inhalers Nigeria
and many more…
Dr Okonjo-Iweala’s engagement with these young leaders resonated deeply, reinforcing the role of Africa’s youth in shaping global trade and governance. A significant portion of attendees across both days were young professionals, entrepreneurs, and students, highlighting the importance of intergenerational dialogue in African development.
Hand on Chest, Dr Okonjo-Iweala Salutes the work of Mother Land Hub
Strengthening Commonwealth-Africa Relations
The Commonwealth represents a unique model of multilateral cooperation, bringing together nations with shared histories, values, and aspirations for economic development and prosperity. Mother Land Hub’s work complements this vision by fostering deeper relationships between African nations and their diaspora communities—bridging knowledge gaps, driving economic partnerships, and championing inclusive progress.
At Day 2 of the Forum (Plenary Summit) some distinguished speakers included:
- Hon Abike Dabiri-Erewa, CEO, Nigerians in Diaspora Commission
- Obi Asika, Director-General, Nigeria’s National Council for Arts & Culture
- Iyinoluwa Aboyeji, Co-founder of Flutterwave and Andela, and Managing Partner, Accelerate Africa
- Jermaine Sanwo-Olu, Head of Lagos State Diaspora Affairs
- Adelaide Hirwe, Secretary-General African Union Diaspora Youth Initiative
- Varaidzo Kativhu, UN & Unicef Youth Lead
- Mr Temwa Gondwe, Director, Intra-African Trade & Diaspora, Afreximbank (Headline Sponsor)
- Imane Dryef, Minister Plenipotentiary, The Kingdom of Morocco
- William Awómọyì, UK Youth Ambassador to the Commonwealth
Mother Land Hub: A Commonwealth-Aligned Vision for the Future
By positioning itself as the premier diaspora engagement platform, Mother Land Hub embodies the Commonwealth’s ethos of partnership and shared prosperity. With the recognition of Dr Okonjo-Iweala at its heart, the summit reinforced the crucial role of the diaspora in shaping Africa’s global economic narrative while strengthening the ties between Commonwealth nations.
Media Contact:
LinkedIn: Mother Land | Instagram: @motherland.hub
Email: info@motherlandhub.org
Website: www.motherlandhub.org
Issued by:
Nnamdi M. Nduka-Eze
COO and Co-founder, Mother Land Hub
