Our Story

Built by an Entrepreneur,
for Entrepreneurs.

Blacknest Africa was born from lived experience, and a belief that the right support changes everything.

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The Founder's Story

From Struggling Entrepreneur
to Grant-Winner

Blacknest Africa was born from the personal journey of our founder, Ellen Woshi Irozuru. When Ellen started her first business, she was filled with passion but quickly found herself facing challenges she hadn't anticipated. With no prior business experience, she had to learn everything on her own.

The turning point came when Ellen connected with the right coaches who provided the guidance and knowledge she needed. With their support, she turned her struggling business into a thriving, grant-winning enterprise.

That experience made her realise how powerful the right resources and mentorship can be. That's why she co-founded Blacknest Africa, with her husband Chux, to create a space where business owners could access the support, tools, and community needed to grow with confidence.

Work With Us
Ellen W. Irozuru, Founder
Mission

Empowering African entrepreneurs with the tools, resources, and knowledge to build, structure, and sustain thriving businesses.

Vision

To be the leading catalyst for entrepreneurial success in Africa, creating the structure, support, and momentum entrepreneurs need to thrive.

Core Values

What We Stand For

These five principles guide every decision, every program, and every interaction at Blacknest Africa.

Our Promise

We don't just teach, we fund, we show up, and we walk with you from idea to thriving enterprise.

01, Excellence
Hold the Standard
We hold ourselves to the highest standard in everything we do, from our workshops to our communications to how we treat every entrepreneur.
02, Empowerment
Lift Entrepreneurs Up
Everything we do is designed to give entrepreneurs the tools, knowledge, confidence, and funding to take control of their own futures.
03, Consistency
Show Up Every Time
We show up, in every city, every program, every time, with the same energy and standard.
04, Innovation
Keep Evolving
We constantly look for better ways to train, fund, and support entrepreneurs.
05, Community
Build People, Not Just Businesses
We build people and the networks that uplift each other across Africa.
Meet the Team

The People Behind Blacknest Africa

A passionate team dedicated to building Africa's next generation of thriving entrepreneurs.

Co-Founders
Ellen W. Irozuru
Ellen W. Irozuru
Co-Founder & CEO / Lead Consultant
Co-Founder

Entrepreneur, coach, and the driving force behind Blacknest Africa's mission. Ellen turned her own business struggle into a grant-winning success, and built Blacknest Africa to replicate that journey for thousands of others.

Chukwuma Irozuru
Chukwuma Irozuru
Co-Founder & CTO
Co-Founder

Tech co-founder and strategic partner. Chux leads all technology, digital infrastructure, and systems at Blacknest Africa.

Leadership & Team
Lilian Mwantok
Lilian Mwantok
Chief Operating Officer

Oversees day-to-day operations, team coordination, and program delivery across all Blacknest Africa activities.

Ruth John
Ruth John
BD & Sales Executive

Drives partnerships, sponsorships, and revenue, connecting Blacknest Africa with funders, corporates, and institutional partners.

Afeez Aromire
Afeez Aromire
Research, Insights & Programs Manager

Leads research, curriculum design, and program delivery. Ensures every workshop is grounded in data and delivers real outcomes.

Anna Achen
Anna Achen
Customer Support Lead & Executive Assistant

First point of contact for entrepreneurs. Ensures every inquiry and interaction reflects the Blacknest Africa standard.

Get Started

Ready to Start Your Journey?

Whether you're at idea stage or actively applying for funding, we have the right support for where you are.

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