Echo Network Africa Foundation (ENAF) President/CEO, Dr. Jennifer Riria, joined women leaders for the launch of Kenyan Women for Peace (KWP) ahead of the 2027 General Elections. Delivering a message of unity, Dr. Riria reminded the assembly: “Sisterhood is global. If you are not at the table, no one will hear you.” She underscored that stability requires grassroots action under ENAF’s banner “Peace Starts with Me,” supported by ENAF’s Running to Win capacity-building programme and financial preparedness through the Democracy Trust Fund (DTF).

As KWP prepares a national Women’s Situation Room to mitigate electoral violence, Dr. Riria warned that Kenya could take 120 years to achieve gender parity without accelerated momentum. She urged leaders to ground their work in commitment, self-drive, resilience, and legacy.

Liberty Life Celebrates Customer Service Week with ENAF

Liberty Life Business Development Executive Titus Kipngetich (L) and Business Development Manager Collins Bukachi (2nd L) present a cake to ENAF Chief of Party Sarah Muhoya (2nd R) to commemorate Customer Service Week. Looking on are ENAF People & Culture Team Lead Catherine Nganga (C) and Executive Assistant Elizabeth Kavata (R).

Liberty Life has been an ENAF partner for more than a decade, not only offering insurance services but also providing valuable training on financial wellness. ENAF deeply values this continued collaboration and excellent service.

The African Women Leaders Network (AWLN) Convenes Global Forum at the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA81), Advancing Women’s Leadership in Global Governance

Echo Network Africa Foundation (ENAF) President & CEO, Dr. Jennifer Riria, serves as the Chairperson of the African Women Leaders Network (AWLN) for both the Kenya and East Africa Chapters. We are pleased to share this global update from the recent AWLN Forum at UNGA81, reflecting our shared commitment to advancing women’s leadership.

The African Women Leaders Network (AWLN), in partnership with the African Union (AU), the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa (BADEA), the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), and UN Women, convened the AWLN Global Forum on Women’s Leadership in New York on 26 September 2026, on the margins of the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA81).

The high-level gathering brought together more than 300 African women leaders from across the continent and the diaspora, African Heads of State and Government, former Presidents and AWLN Elders, senior African Union and United Nations officials, women leaders, development partners, financial institutions and private sector executives.

Among the distinguished participants were H.E. Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, AWLN Patron and former President of the Republic of Liberia; AWLN Elders, including H.E. Sahle-Work Zewde, H.E. Joyce Banda and H.E. Dr. Ameenah Gurib-Fakim; H.E. Judith Suminwa Tuluka, Prime Minister of the Democratic Republic of the Congo; H.E. Amina J. Mohammed, Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations; H.E. Ambassador Selma Malika Haddadi, Deputy Chairperson of the African Union Commission; Ms. Ahunna Eziakonwa, United Nations Under-Secretary-General and Special Adviser on Africa; Ms. Diene Keita, Executive Director of UNFPA, Ms. Aissata De, Regional Director a.i. UNDP RBA and H.E. Madam Bineta Diop, AWLN Co-Convener.

At the heart of the Forum was a forward-looking question: What should African women’s leadership look like over the next decade, and what will it take to ensure women have the power and resources to shape Africa’s future?

H.E. Ellen Johnson Sirleaf set the tone alongside H.E. Amina J. Mohammed, H.E. Amb. Selma Malika Haddadi and H.E. Judith Suminwa Tuluka, underscoring a shared message: in today’s rapidly evolving geopolitical landscape, women’s leadership is not simply a matter of representation, it is a necessity.

Moderated by Folly Bah Thibault, Senior News Anchor at Al Jazeera English, the Leadership Dialogue brought together AWLN Elders H.E. Sahle-Work Zewde, H.E. Joyce Banda and H.E. Dr. Ameenah Gurib-Fakim to draw on their experiences at the highest levels of political leadership. The panel explored the realities of exercising political authority, navigating periods of national and economic transformation, building solidarity among women leaders and creating pathways for the next generation. The dialogue underscored that increasing women’s representation remains essential, but representation must translate into meaningful influence, institutional authority and the ability to shape decisions.

Institutional representatives, including Ms. Aissata De, Mme Bineta Diop and Ms. Ahunna Eziakonwa, emphasised the need to move beyond representation towards real influence, with women shaping continental and global agendas. Resource mobilisation emerged as a key priority, with calls for sustained investment in women leaders, women-led initiatives, and the institutions, networks and partnerships that enable women to lead and exercise influence.

The private sector was highlighted as an essential partner in this effort. Contributions from Aisha Maina, Marie Celeste Bagniakana, Ndeye Thiaw, Anta Babacar Ngom, Kadijah Amoah and Abigail Ony Nwaohuocha reinforced the importance of stronger partnerships, investment in women-led enterprises, greater access to capital and concrete corporate action to expand women’s economic leadership.

In a significant step towards strengthening AWLN’s global engagement and long-term sustainability, Aisha Maina, CEO of Aquarian Consult Limited and known for high impact initiatives, was appointed the Network’s first-ever Global Ambassador. Her mandate will focus on consolidating AWLN’s achievements, expanding strategic partnerships, strengthening resource mobilisation and amplifying the Network’s visibility and impact across Africa and globally.

The gathering also celebrated the contributions of Ms. Ahunna Eziakonwa, the new United Nations Under-Secretary-General and Special Adviser on Africa, formerly the Assistant Secretary-General and Director of UNDP’s Regional Bureau for Africa, who received the AWLN Achievement Award in recognition of her exceptional leadership, distinguished service and steadfast commitment to advancing women’s leadership and Africa’s development. H.E. Sahle-Work Zewde presented the award.

The High-Level Plenary, featuring Minister Monica Mutsvangwa of Zimbabwe, H.E. Liberata Mulamula, AUC Special Envoy on WPS, and Hon. Lesego Chombo of Botswana, underscored the need to move from representation to action. Drawing on experiences from their respective countries, leaders called for stronger political commitment, adequate financing and greater investment in women’s leadership, mentorship and intergenerational pathways, alongside accelerated national processes towards the signature, ratification and implementation of the AU Convention on Ending Violence Against Women and Girls (AU CEVAWG).

The Global Forum was preceded by a pre-Forum reception on 25 September, featuring the launch by Madam Bineta Diop and Ms. Diene Keita, of the second edition of the Positive Masculinity initiative, with UNFPA as lead partner, alongside a campaign to accelerate the signature and ratification of the African Union Convention on Ending Violence Against Women and Girls (AU CEVAWG).

The Forum was also an opportunity to celebrate UN Deputy Secretary General Amina J. Mohammed in the spirit of African culture and tradition, recognising her leadership and significant contributions to advancing gender equity within the United Nations.

As global governance continues to evolve, the Forum underscored the importance of ensuring that African women are not only just present in the spaces where decisions are made but are equipped with the agency, influence and resources to help shape the decisions that will define the next decade.

About AWLN

The African Women Leaders Network (AWLN), established in 2017 with the support of the African Union and the United Nations, is a continental platform advancing women’s leadership for peace, governance and sustainable development. Through its 39 National Chapters, intergenerational leadership model, strategic partnerships and advocacy, AWLN strengthens women’s political participation, fosters peer learning and collaboration, and supports current and future generations of African women leaders across the continent.

ENAF Marks 44 Years of Impact and 100% National Coverage as 2025 Annual Report is Presented at 2026 AGM

Echo Network Africa Foundation (ENAF) presented its 2025 Annual Report and Financial Statements at its 2026 Annual General Meeting on Friday, 28 August, marking 44 years of catalysing sustainable development, women’s leadership, and social equity across Africa. Navigating a dynamic development landscape, the Foundation recorded a 94 percent programmatic performance mark and expanded its operational footprint across all 47 counties in Kenya.

Throughout 2025, the Foundation directly impacted 86,917 beneficiaries, with young women accounting for 52 percent of the reach. Key interventions unlocked KES 89.4 million in revolving loan funding to create 10,241 youth jobs, enabled aquaculture enterprises along Lake Victoria to harvest over 25,000 kg of fish, and deployed 16 Mobile Science Laboratories alongside 16 Hesabu Clubs to advance girls’ STEM education.

“Investing in women’s leadership is not only a matter of equity but a strategic imperative for building peaceful, prosperous, and resilient societies,” noted Board Chairperson Verity Nyagah, commending management for prudent stewardship and institutional resilience.

Reaffirming the institution’s readiness for continental expansion following its US 501(c) registration, President and CEO Dr. Jennifer Riria highlighted the power of collective resolve. “When women rise, mountains move! From economic empowerment and peacebuilding to girls’ STEM education and women’s political leadership, we are witnessing our founding vision become a living reality across Africa,” Dr. Riria affirmed.

Dr. Jennifer Riria Champions Financial Power for Women at the 5th NALAFEM Summit

Echo Network Africa Foundation (ENAF) President/CEO Dr. Jennifer Riria joined women leaders and young activists at the 5th NALAFEM Summit in Nairobi to address a major challenge: making sure women in politics get the real financial support they need to lead. Dr. Riria serves as a Patron for NALAFEM (the Nala Feminist Collective, a movement bringing together young women leaders and experienced advocates across Africa). Speaking in a featured panel alongside former Nigerian Minister and World Bank Vice President Dr. Oby Ezekwesili under the theme “Power Meets Capital: When Women Back Women,” Dr. Riria shared lessons from her 35-year journey of helping women build wealth and lead.

Looking back at how far women have come, Dr. Riria pointed out that back in 1991, only 14 percent of Kenyan women had access to bank accounts, compared to almost all women today. While this is a massive win, she explained that having money to run a small business still hasn’t made it easy for women to afford running for political office. To fix this, ENAF created the Democracy Trust Fund, a special program that helps women candidates save, manage, and grow their own election funds so they can run strong campaigns without depending on unfair outside pressure.

The room shared a quiet moment of respect as attendees honored the late Hon. Phoebe Asiyo, a trailblazing Kenyan leader who mentored Dr. Riria when she first started helping women get bank loans. To close the session, Dr. Riria signed a commitment to keep backing young women through ENAF and the Jennifer Riria Foundation, before officially opening the summit with the strike of a gavel.

Watch the full panel discussion on YouTube

The Jennifer Riria Hub Nominated for Top Customer Service Award

Echo Network Africa (ENAF) is proud to announce that its flagship commercial initiative, the Jennifer Riria Hub, has been nominated for the Customer Service Excellence Award at the inaugural Nakuru Business & Talent Awards.

The nomination highlights ENAF’s institutional commitment to creating sustainable, world-class facilities that support economic empowerment and business growth. Located in the heart of Nakuru, the hub has quickly established itself as a premier destination for local entrepreneurs and corporate tenants by prioritizing an environment of innovation, safety, and seamless operations.

Mobilizing Support for the Win

To secure the award and cement the hub’s position as a regional leader, ENAF is rallying its partners, stakeholders, and the wider network to participate in the ongoing voting campaign.

The voting process is entirely public and runs until Friday, 11th July 2026. Each vote costs KES 10, and supporters are encouraged to vote multiple times to help lock in the victory.

How to Support the Campaign:

1. Access the Portal: Click here or scan the QR code on the poster using your smartphone. Link: https://nakurubusinessandtalentawards.com/nominees/a9175848-0225-4a2c-a779-49fba34432a8
2. Complete Payment: Follow the simple mobile money prompts on the portal to cast your vote.
3. Share the Link: Forward this link to your networks to help us expand our reach.

This recognition marks a significant milestone for ENAF as the foundation continues to drive impactful infrastructure development and celebrate service excellence across the region