The TRUE Africa 100 is our list of innovators, opinion-formers, game-changers, pioneers, dreamers and mavericks who we feel are shaping the Africa of today and tomorrow. We’re featuring them over 100 days and we’ve asked each of them three questions.
Isis Nyong’o is the co-founder and Principal of Asphalt & Ink, a company which advises corporations, investors, startups, governments and non-profit organisations operating in Africa. She specialises in scaling media and digital businesses across the continent. She was formerly the Managing Director and Vice President of the African operations of the world’s largest independent mobile ad network InMobi. The Ivy league-educated Isis has also worked at MTV and Google.
The consultancy firm you founded is run entirely by women. Why all the ladies?
It’s a happy coincidence!
You were nominated as Young Global Leader by the World Economic Forum in 2012. What do you need to be a young African leader?
There are three key qualities that I’ve observed in young leaders of YGL calibre. First, the ability to relate to and inspire people from across Africa and the world. Second, a singular passion for and professional commitment to the continent’s advancement. Third, a healthy scepticism for the status quo!
Who’s your African of the year?
Well, if this was 2014, I’d say Lupita Nyong’o, naturally. For 2015, it’s definitely Trevor Noah. I’m so keen to see the Daily Show bend to his humour.
Isis on Twitter @inyongo
Come back tomorrow for the next TRUE Africa 100 and keep up to date using the hashtag #TRUEAfrica