Hadia Gonji - Ethiopia

Mrs. Hadia M. Gondji is a pioneering Ethiopian entrepreneur with over 30 years of business experience. After leaving her career at the United Nations, she broke gender barriers by founding and leading successful enterprises in transport, seed multiplication, floriculture, and horticulture. As a role model, she has inspired many African women to pursue entrepreneurship. Mrs. Hadia is the President of BPW Addis Ababa and was the Africa Regional Coordinator of BPW International (2020-2024). She founded key women-focused organizations, including the Ethiopian Women Exporters Association and Enat Bank S.C., and successfully lobbied for women-friendly policies such as the U.S. DCA loan guarantee scheme. Fluent in over eight languages, she has traveled to more than 80 countries advocating for women in business. Born in Dire Dawa, she holds a Business Administration degree from the University of Nairobi. Her leadership has earned her numerous national and international awards for advancing women’s economic empowerment.