About
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I believe leadership is about bridging worlds—connecting policy with action, history with strategy, and local resilience with global impact. Born in Sudan, raised in Saudi Arabia before moving to the United States at the age of nine. I’ve dedicated my career to strengthening international collaboration, driving investment, and reshaping narratives about Africa’s place in the world.
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As Associate Director for Africa at the World Economic Forum, I engage with heads of state, business leaders, and multilateral institutions to mobilize investments and advance economic integration. Prior to this, I led private sector engagement at UNICEF in Sudan, driving corporate partnerships to support education, health, and economic development programs for vulnerable communities.
My work began on the frontlines. As a Peace Corps Health Advisor in Tanzania, I saw firsthand how economic exclusion holds communities back. That led me to found Inua Naturals Inc., a social enterprise empowering women farmers and artisans through agribusiness and tech innovation. I’ve since worked with institutions like UNICEF USA, the UN Global Compact, and the Institute for Economics & Peace, always focused on transforming ideas into action.
Beyond boardrooms, I use digital storytelling to bring global issues to life. With a growing community of over 100,000 followers and 3 million views on YouTube, I break down complex topics—from economic development to global policy and self-growth—making them accessible and actionable. My insights have been featured in CNBC, Voice of America, and The Guardian.​​
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Fluent in three languages and traveled to over 50 countries, I bring a grassroots perspective to my global mission. Through policy, business, and storytelling, I am committed to building a future that is solutions-driven, globally inclusive, and unapologetically forward-looking.
African companies invest in China, changing China-Africa equilibrium
“A lot of people don't understand Africa the way Africa really is, except from extreme poverty and disease that are being projected in the media. There is so much more to African history and culture, and beauty secrets, we would like to have an opportunity to showcase that," said Abir Ibrahim, founder and CEO of Inua Naturals, a skincare product brand from Tanzania... Read more→
How Africa and Europe together can sow the seeds of the green transition
Africa and Europe must strengthen economic ties on equal terms in order for both to achieve the green transition. Europe needs African raw materials, while Africa can benefit from European experience in scaling up its economy and institutions. Read more→
Global supply chain in crisis? How business can play a diplomacy role in the Sudan war
Sudan’s historical, geopolitical and economic significance in Africa and the rest of the world, should not be underestimated. The current conflict is affecting supply chains, interrupting the flow of essential goods from Sudan to several other countries regionally and internationally. Read more→
From Sudan to Capitol Hill
Washington DC, September 2017— UNICEF Sudan Representative, Abdullah Fadil accompanied by WFP Country Director, Matthew Hollingworth (pictured above) took the time to come to Washington, D.C. last week to advocate for the 3.24 million children in Sudan who do not have access to basic services in the areas of education, health, nutrition, water, sanitation, and protection of their rights. Read more→
UNICEF USA Joins DC Sororities to Discuss the Global Refugee Crisis
Ms. Abir emphasized the important role youth play in the current refugee and humanitarian crisis in the United States and worldwide. Through UNICEF USA's grassroots campaigns and initiatives, children and youth everywhere can use their voices to advocate for the world's most vulnerable children. Read more→
Fashion For A Cause: Washington, D.C. Youth Supports Hurricane Relief
Imagine your house flooded in a matter of seconds, leaving you with little time to react to save your life. Water up to your knees, unable to find your children in the darkness of the room, the noise of the rain, strong winds and downpour outside was deafening, but you are determined to get... Read more→
Becoming Bond Fundraiser in Support of UNICEF
UNICEF USA was honored to be the recipient of donations collected at an event that brought the host Elliot Berke’s two loves together, James Bond and supporting the world’s children. The black-tie reception was in celebration of ‘Becoming Bond’ and the life of George Lazenby. Read more→
How Shopping Consciously Can Positively Impact The Lives Of Women Across Africa
I am the first to admit that there are times where shopping compulsively is the only way I know how to shop. Mindlessly scrolling countless of online shopping sites, only to see my cart total reach the triple digits, and asking myself how I got... Read more→
Localizing solutions through inclusion of communities
UNICEF’s Private Partnerships Specialist, reflects on innovative ways to localize solutions through inclusion of communities and the private sector.... Read more→
These Tanzanian Women are Redefining What Luxury Body Care Looks Like
Inua Naturals main focus is having natural products while creating a meaningful impact. All of these products give global consumers the opportunity to make a direct impact on marginalized communities... Read more→