About
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Born in Sudan and raised in Saudi Arabia before immigrating to the United States at the age of nine, I've dedicated my life to championing social and economic development, African Affairs, gender mainstreaming, and global health. My mission-driven approach has sparked national and global dialogue on youth civil engagement, diaspora in development, and gender economic strengthening plans.
As a Peace Corps Health Advisor in rural Tanzania in 2014, I collaborated with local governments to implement health sector reforms, focusing on women's empowerment. Witnessing extreme gender gaps in poverty, I founded Inua Naturals Inc., a for-profit organization empowering marginalized women farmers and artisans through agribusiness and tech innovation.
In addition to my role at Inua Naturals, I've served as UNICEF USA’s Community Engagement Fellow, mobilizing influencers, donors, and youth to advocate for vulnerable children. My work extends to various public and private institutions, including the Institute of Economics & Peace and the United Nations Global Compact.
Recognized as a Global Innovation Expert by the United Nations Global Compact and an Ambassador of the Institute of Economics and Peace, I've been honored as a Young Global Changer at the G20 Global Solutions, attended the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting of the New Champions, and named one of the 100 Most Influential African Women in 2023.
With a background in Psychology and a Master's Degree in Public Health, fluency in three languages, and travel experience in over 40 countries, I'm committed to creating sustainable solutions for gender-based inequalities through grassroots interventions and global advocacy. My work has been featured in numerous media outlets, including CNBC, Voice of America, and The Guardian.
African companies invest in China, changing China-Africa equilibrium
“A lot of people don't understand Africa the way Africa really is, except from extreme poverty and disease that are being projected in the media. There is so much more to African history and culture, and beauty secrets, we would like to have an opportunity to showcase that," said Abir Ibrahim, founder and CEO of Inua Naturals, a skincare product brand from Tanzania... Read more→
How Africa and Europe together can sow the seeds of the green transition
Africa and Europe must strengthen economic ties on equal terms in order for both to achieve the green transition. Europe needs African raw materials, while Africa can benefit from European experience in scaling up its economy and institutions. Read more→
Global supply chain in crisis? How business can play a diplomacy role in the Sudan war
Sudan’s historical, geopolitical and economic significance in Africa and the rest of the world, should not be underestimated. The current conflict is affecting supply chains, interrupting the flow of essential goods from Sudan to several other countries regionally and internationally. Read more→
From Sudan to Capitol Hill
Washington DC, September 2017— UNICEF Sudan Representative, Abdullah Fadil accompanied by WFP Country Director, Matthew Hollingworth (pictured above) took the time to come to Washington, D.C. last week to advocate for the 3.24 million children in Sudan who do not have access to basic services in the areas of education, health, nutrition, water, sanitation, and protection of their rights. Read more→
UNICEF USA Joins DC Sororities to Discuss the Global Refugee Crisis
Ms. Abir emphasized the important role youth play in the current refugee and humanitarian crisis in the United States and worldwide. Through UNICEF USA's grassroots campaigns and initiatives, children and youth everywhere can use their voices to advocate for the world's most vulnerable children. Read more→
Fashion For A Cause: Washington, D.C. Youth Supports Hurricane Relief
Imagine your house flooded in a matter of seconds, leaving you with little time to react to save your life. Water up to your knees, unable to find your children in the darkness of the room, the noise of the rain, strong winds and downpour outside was deafening, but you are determined to get... Read more→
Becoming Bond Fundraiser in Support of UNICEF
UNICEF USA was honored to be the recipient of donations collected at an event that brought the host Elliot Berke’s two loves together, James Bond and supporting the world’s children. The black-tie reception was in celebration of ‘Becoming Bond’ and the life of George Lazenby. Read more→
How Shopping Consciously Can Positively Impact The Lives Of Women Across Africa
I am the first to admit that there are times where shopping compulsively is the only way I know how to shop. Mindlessly scrolling countless of online shopping sites, only to see my cart total reach the triple digits, and asking myself how I got... Read more→
Localizing solutions through inclusion of communities
UNICEF’s Private Partnerships Specialist, reflects on innovative ways to localize solutions through inclusion of communities and the private sector.... Read more→
These Tanzanian Women are Redefining What Luxury Body Care Looks Like
Inua Naturals main focus is having natural products while creating a meaningful impact. All of these products give global consumers the opportunity to make a direct impact on marginalized communities... Read more→