Nkiru Balonwu is Founder of the Africa Soft Power Group, which includes the Africa Soft Power Project (ASP), ASP Global, and African Women on Board (AWB). She founded the group having recognised the need to mainstream vital - and all too often still unseen - African perspectives as a fundamental part of the global conversation in every aspect of life and economy. This is important not only for Africans, but the global community and economy at a time when the intersections—from global warming to supply lines and migration—are overwhelming.
Throughout recent years, these organizations have diligently propelled modern African discourse onto the global stage. They have curated and hosted the premier assembly of the continent's creative and cultural industries, advocated for fresh and impactful narratives regarding African women's leadership, and amplified African soft power at significant global events such as the UN General Assembly, US-Africa Leaders Summit, and World Economic Forum in Davos. Nkiru advises some of the world's foremost organizations on crafting successful strategies tailored for Africa.
An accomplished policy and public affairs strategist, Nkiru is experienced in designing programmes to promote national priorities, inclusive governance, and effective implementation. Adept at navigating intricate political landscapes and collaborating with diverse stakeholders, she possesses a deep understanding of the power of strategic communication in fostering engagement and nation-building through her multiple leadership roles. Nkiru serves as a trusted advisor to some of Africa's prominent leaders, providing counsel on effective stakeholder engagement.
Prior to ASP Group, Nkiru served as the CEO of Spinlet, Africa's largest music streaming app at the time, with over 2 million subscribers. Additionally, she held the position of the inaugural Lecturer of Gender & Law at the University of Lagos.
Nkiru served as a Senior Fellow at the Mossavar-Rahmani Center for Business and Government, Harvard Kennedy School, focusing on the role of the private sector in influencing and constructing gender policy in Africa from 2022-2023. In 2019, she received the 2020 Powerlist International Award for her innovative work, and in 2022, she was listed among New African magazine's Top 100 Most Influential Africans.
She holds a Doctorate from the University of California, Berkeley, a Master’s from University College London, and a Bachelor's degree from the University of Manchester.