2023: A Year in Review

Early 2023 saw general elections in Nigeria, and I shared a perspective from a Nigerian student on why so many Nigerians supported a third force candidate, Peter Obi.

I also shared a tribute to the legacy and work of legendary Senegalese filmmaker Safi Faye, who passed away in February of this year. She was a friend and creative I have long admired.

Between March and May, I was privileged to serve as a mentor under the African Fashion Futures Incubator programme , where I learnt a great deal about the fashion industry and mentored two incredible creatives, Ebuka Omaliko of Maliko and Omafume Niemogha of Pepper Row. I shared their brand stories and encourage you to explore their businesses.

In late June, I was invited to Gabon by ONG Sambas Labs NGO for the 9th edition of the Les Sambas Professionnels Skills Exchange Programme, a knowledge-sharing platform for young professionals and entrepreneurs to learn from experts. The time spent in Gabon was indeed a homecoming for my soul, and I shared the experience of those ten days .

The events I had the privilege to attend over the year include the Black Founder Event at Google , meeting pioneering polo player Neku Atawodi-Eku, meeting with the HelpMum team and seeing first-hand the work they do in reducing maternal mortality and meeting the team behind the agricultural digital marketplace Afrimash .?

I also shared reviews of two stage plays I had the privilege to watch earlier in the year: The Lehman Trilogy and Standing At The Sky’s Edge .

As 2024 approaches, it allows me to celebrate two milestones of my professional career. 2024 marks ten years since I began my engagement and work with African entrepreneurs, beginning with designing and implementing the Tony Elumelu Foundation Entrepreneurship Programme. In 2024, it will also mark forty years since my work at the Greater London Council, managing the grant aid programme and developing race equality policies for Black and Ethnic arts. I look forward to sharing memories and lessons from these periods over the coming year.?

I wish you and your loved ones a joyous holiday season and a wonderful New Year! May the coming year bring you joy, love, and fulfilment.

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About Parminder Vir OBE

Over a 40-year distinguished career, Parminder Vir OBE has passionately devoted her life to amplifying untold narratives and resourcing the skills and imagination of underserved communities. At the core of her mission lies an unshakable faith in the transformative potential of ideas and stories to ignite profound change. Her diverse expertise spans African entrepreneurship, an impressive portfolio as an award-winning film and television producer, and unwavering advocacy for the arts and culture.

Currently, Parminder Vir lends her strategic insights as an Advisory Board Member of Mamamoni Limited and HelpMum Africa , and contributes as a Narrative Advisor at Mustard Venture Agency. She is also a director of ZIKORA Media & Arts African Cultural Heritage Initiative , an inspirational cultural institution for Africa.

In her prior role as CEO of the Tony Elumelu Foundation and Advisory Board Member, she masterminded and executed a comprehensive entrepreneurship programme, impacting over 10,000 African entrepreneurs across 54 African nations from 2014 to 2021. Her tireless commitment to championing entrepreneurship as the keystone for Africa's social and economic advancement continues to be a resounding call to action.