Somachi Chris-Asoluka

Chief Executive Officer, Tony Elumelu Foundation

Philanthropy Executive, Development Economist

Somachi Chris-Asoluka is a Nigerian philanthropy and development executive and the Chief Executive Officer of the Tony Elumelu Foundation, where she leads the Foundation's work to empower young African entrepreneurs across all 54 African countries. She joined the Foundation in 2014 and previously served as Head of Research, Head of Policy and External Relations, and Director of Partnerships and Communications before becoming CEO in March 2023. Under her leadership, the Foundation has continued expanding its entrepreneurship programmes, partnerships and support for African entrepreneurs through training, mentorship, networking and catalytic funding. Somachi holds a bachelor's degree in Economics with a minor in Mathematics from Saint Mary's College of California and a master's degree in International and Development Economics from Yale University.