Co-Principal Investigator, University of Bristol / Brigstow Institute
This Ideas Exchange pilot explored how international collaboration can support young entrepreneurs facing structural inequalities in Bristol, UK, and Enugu, Nigeria, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. You can read the impact report here: Research Impact Report (PDF)
Project Activities & Objectives
I served as Co-Principal Investigator alongside Dr Zibah Nwako (NG/UK). Together, we secured funding to support a postdoctoral researcher and two PhD students. The project was co-developed with Nigerian and Bristol-based researchers and community workers to reflect the cohort’s diverse needs.
I served as Co-Principal Investigator alongside Dr Zibah Nwako (NG/UK). Together, we secured funding to support a postdoctoral researcher and two PhD students. The project was co-developed with Nigerian and Bristol-based researchers and community workers to reflect the cohort’s diverse needs.
We facilitated sessions with creative, social, and commercial entrepreneurs from low-income backgrounds, with many living below the poverty line, to understand their priorities, digital communication methods, and mutual support needs. Using human-centred research methods, we planned team meetings to set recruitment strategies and ethical considerations, held separate sessions in each location, and hosted collaborative workshops where participants shared experiences and envisioned a resilient international network.
Evolution & Impact
Following the pilot, Dr Zibah Nwako continued this work by first leading the Nigeria Young Entrepreneurs programme, which provided peer support, training, mentoring, and investment opportunities. Building on this foundation, she founded Affempreneurs, a social venture dedicated to transforming the lives of young women in Sub-Saharan Africa through business skills training, wellbeing support, community mentorship, and financial assistance. Through its flagship programme, Affempreneurs has helped over 130 young women start or grow businesses ranging from fashion brands and farming produce to hair and beauty and catering services, fostering economic independence and healthier work-life balance. Learn more at affempreneurs.org.
Following the pilot, Dr Zibah Nwako continued this work by first leading the Nigeria Young Entrepreneurs programme, which provided peer support, training, mentoring, and investment opportunities. Building on this foundation, she founded Affempreneurs, a social venture dedicated to transforming the lives of young women in Sub-Saharan Africa through business skills training, wellbeing support, community mentorship, and financial assistance. Through its flagship programme, Affempreneurs has helped over 130 young women start or grow businesses ranging from fashion brands and farming produce to hair and beauty and catering services, fostering economic independence and healthier work-life balance. Learn more at affempreneurs.org.