Africa is a land of Giants in the sense that it is home to a rich and diverse array of cultures, natural resources, and a growing number of global technology hubs. However, despite its vast potential, the continent has faced persistent challenges related to power, inequality, and marginalization. This is where Ebele Okobi comes in. As a values-led, transformational leader, she is passionate about disrupting power and creating a more just and equitable society for all.
Ebele has a track record of disrupting power in various sectors. As a corporate lawyer at Davis Polk and Wardwell, she gained experience in negotiating complex deals and advocating for clients’ interests. She then transitioned into advocacy work, serving as a health policy advocate at Consumers Union and advisory services director at Catalyst.
Ebele’s interest in Africa and women’s business led her to work in brand strategy across the continent and the women’s business at Nike. She later founded and served as the Global Head and Senior Legal Director of Human Rights at Yahoo between 2008 to 2014, where she worked to promote digital rights, privacy, and freedom of expression.
Ebele’s expertise in human rights and policy led her to Facebook, where she built and led the company’s first-ever Africa and then Africa Middle East and Turkey policy team. Under her leadership, Facebook established partnerships with local stakeholders, supported innovation and entrepreneurship, and helped bridge the digital divide and connect communities across the continent.
Ebele is also a committed philanthropist and patron of the arts. She serves as an Independent Member of Council for City University, London, a Trustee of the Young Vic Theatre, and Development Board Chair. She is also a Frieze 91 Committee member, advisory board member of the Africa Soft Power Project, principal patron of the UK Pavilion of the 2022 Venice Biennale (Sonia Boyce), a patron of the Scotland Pavilion of the 2022 Venice Biennale (Alberta Whittle), and a patron of the Chisenhale Gallery, Mimosa House, and the South London Gallery.
Overall, Ebele Okobi is a true African Giant, a visionary leader who is dedicated to using her skills and experience to shift the arc of the moral universe towards justice.
Who is an African Giant?
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