Mrs. Olajobi Makinwa is an internationally respected lawyer, global policy leader, and advocate for sustainable development and human rights. With an extensive career spanning international organizations, academia, and leadership advisory roles, she brings decades of experience in governance, sustainability, and global development to the Board of Africa Missions.
A qualified lawyer, Mrs. Makinwa holds a law degree with honours and a Master’s degree in International Law and Diplomacy from the University of Lagos, and she was called to the Nigerian Bar as a Barrister and Solicitor of the Supreme Court of Nigeria.
Her professional journey began in legal practice and public service, including a period as a law lecturer in Nigeria’s Federal Civil Service. She later joined the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) as a Legal Officer, serving in Nairobi and Geneva, where she worked on environmental and public health law initiatives.
Mrs. Makinwa subsequently served as Executive Director of Amnesty International South Africa, where she led national and regional human rights initiatives. She later joined the United Nations Global Compact in New York, rising to the position of Senior Adviser to the CEO and member of the Executive Management Team, contributing to global efforts to advance corporate sustainability and responsible business practices.
In her role as Senior Adviser on Africa for the UN Global Compact, she coordinated the implementation of the organization’s Africa Strategy and led major initiatives including the Global Africa Business Initiative and the Africa Business Leaders Coalition, strengthening partnerships between governments, businesses, and international institutions across the continent.
Beyond her work in international institutions, Mrs. Makinwa continues to shape the next generation of leaders through academia and advisory roles. She currently serves as Chair of the Advisory Board of the BusinessDay Foundation and as an Adjunct Professor at the Zicklin School of Business, Baruch College, City University of New York (CUNY).
Mrs. Makinwa is widely recognized for her commitment to leadership that empowers others. She believes that true leadership is about creating opportunities for others to rise and building a legacy that enables people and communities to thrive.
As a member of the Board of Directors of Africa Missions, she contributes strategic guidance, global insight, and a deep passion for advancing sustainable development, ethical leadership, and community empowerment across Africa.
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