Profile of Maimoona Sheila Salim Global President of Women Community in Africa

Maimoona Sheila Salim is a distinguished social entrepreneur, youth development strategist, and nonprofit leadership mentor with over 25 years of experience across the private and civil society sectors. Renowned for her deep-rooted commitment to empowerment and inclusion, Maimoona has dedicated her career to advancing the rights and potential of women, girls, and youth across Africa.

Operating across more than nine African countries—with a focus on South Africa and Nigeria— She is the Global President of Women Community in Africa, a pan-African organization focused on solutioning around social, economic, financial amd gender insclusion.

Maimoona has become a recognized catalyst for transformational change. Her work spans the domains of entrepreneurship, education, youth development, and gender equity, underpinned by a strategic vision to dismantle the structural and social barriers that hinder sustainable development for marginalized communities. At the heart of Maimoona’s mission is the empowerment of young people and women through access to opportunity, knowledge, and self-leadership. Her practical approach to social change combines grassroots engagement with high-level strategy, enabling her to design and lead programs that address complex development challenges with measurable results.

Maimoona’s leadership track record includes over 15 years in strategic executive and operational management roles. She currently serves as the Group Chief Operations Executive of the SI Group International, where she leads regional initiatives in enterprise development, leadership training, and women’s economic empowerment. Her work in this capacity has enabled cross-sector partnerships and regional collaboration that amplify youth engagement and innovation.A seasoned facilitator and master trainer, Maimoona has led numerous training interventions in the areas of entrepreneurship, emotional intelligence, self-mastery, and STEAM education.

Her initiatives, including girl-child education campaigns and STEAM boot camps, have impacted thousands of youth, equipping them with the tools to thrive in the 21st-century economy. Her programs are designed to not only build technical skills but also to foster purpose-driven leadership and resilience.Her influence extends into policymaking and advocacy through her roles on multiple boards and advisory councils. Maimoona is the Board Chairperson of Peace Players South Africa, where she supports youth leadership through sport and conflict resolution. She also serves as a board member and Director of International Services at the Rotary Club in Abuja, Nigeria, where she champions community development, literacy, and healthcare initiatives.

Her passion for uplifting women leaders is further evidenced by her role as Summit Chairperson and Governing Council Member for the Women Community in Africa, an advocacy platform driving women's inclusion in governance and enterprise across the continent. In previous roles, she served as Vice Chair for Women in Business at the Chamber of Commerce and Industry, advocating for women’s economic participation and business development. She was also Global Fundraising Director for the African Women Leadership Organisation, where she designed and led resource mobilization campaigns to support pan-African women's leadership programs.

Maimoona’s entrepreneurial spirit, combined with a firm grounding in values-based leadership, has made her a sought-after advisor and mentor to emerging social innovators and nonprofit leaders. She is widely recognized for her ability to bring clarity, structure, and inspiration to complex organizational and social challenges. Her facilitation style is grounded in empathy, accountability, and impact, making her a trusted voice in leadership circles across Africa.

She is also a frequent speaker at international conferences and leadership forums, sharing insights on topics such as gender equity, youth agency, and nonprofit sustainability. Her advocacy work is rooted in a belief that dignity, access, and education are essential pillars for any society seeking inclusive development.

Maimoona’s influence is not confined to institutions—her leadership has touched the lives of individuals and communities, leaving a legacy of hope, growth, and resilience. Whether through designing impactful programs, building sustainable organizations, or mentoring the next generation of changemakers, she continues to shape a more just and empowered Africa.