Toyin Abiodun, a former Strategic Advisor to the Ministry of Trade and Industry - Rwanda, under the Tony Blair Institute for Global Change, is an experienced strategist and advisor with a background in international trade, investment and development. She has worked extensively in Africa, supporting government leaders and senior counterparts on policy, strategy and delivery as well as within Chambers of Commerce verticals (Women Chamers, Young Entrepreneurs, Chambers of Tourism and Technology) to enhance regional trade and foster socio-economic growth. Toyin has collaborated with various regional economic communities, international organisations, intergovernmental organisations, including the Commonwealth and UN agencies, to promote industrial investment and trade opportunities between Europe, Africa, Americas and Asia-Pacific.  

As former Business Development Director, she worked with World Food Programme's East African largest manufacturer and supplier of fortified cereals combating malnutrition in the region. Toyin worked with a former world’s 2nd largest FMCG Food and Beverage manufacturer before its acquisition by AbInBev - SAB Miller and their global advertising and branding giant Ogilvy as B2C premium marketing lead, driving brand identity and strategy development, value proposition, digital and OOH marketing, route to market, product market fit, new product development/category brands launch and activations alongside colleagues in West Africa. She has also been involved in initiatives showcasing women in business and has a passion for sustainable food production. She invests and co-found in disruptive technologies.  

Toyin holds master’s in international development and policy from London School of Economics, International Business from Birkbeck, University of London and Business and Strategy degree from Bournemouth University and is committed to promoting diversity, equity, and social mobility. Her decades of experience have honed advisory and execution capabilities in MSMEs, organisational change, stakeholders' engagement, NPD - launch and standards, sales and marketing, brand and strategy, access to markets and finance, exports, investment, trade facilitation/promotion, value and supply chains, coalitions building and advocacy. She supports diverse startups and scaling businesses to access markets in Africa, Americas, Asia-Pacific and Europe and is NED to a clothing manufacturer and a sports digital marketing outfit.  

In her free time, she enjoys walking, travel, documentaries, music, and engaging in charitable endeavours.

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