Hafsat Sahabi

Hello, my name is Hafsat Sahabi Dange, and I have over a decade of experience as a corporate lawyer, business innovation, and leadership expert. I have worked extensively with the Nigerian Corporate Affairs Commission, where I rose through the ranks and spent the majority of my civil service career heading the Sokoto State office. My passion for community development and impactful work led me to focus full-time on my Company, Metro E-Corporate Services Ltd, which targets corporate compliance for SMEs, CSR consulting, gender programming, and community development.

As a social entrepreneur, I have been recognized with the Federal Government of Nigeria’s YOUWIN Award for youth enterprise innovation. I am also the founder of the Association of Northern Women Entrepreneurs (ANWE), an NGO dedicated to women’s economic empowerment in Northern Nigeria. My academic background includes a bachelor’s degree from the University of Abuja, a qualifying certificate from the Nigerian Law School in Bwari Abuja, and an training in business and entrepreneurship from Dartmouth College, USA.

I am a 2017 Mandela Washington Fellow and a Board of Trustees member of the Mandela Washington Fellows Alumni Association of Nigeria. Additionally, I am a Certified HP Learning Initiative for Entrepreneurs trainer and a 2018 African Changemakers Fellow. I am actively involved in various professional associations.

My key areas of expertise include corporate compliance, business development, nonprofit management, and leadership. I am particularly interested in supporting early-stage startup founders in their setup phase, as I believe mentors can add the most value during this critical period. My specific interests lie in legal compliance and gender-centric digital and business innovation, non-profit structuring and funding.

I am enthusiastic about the vibrant startup ecosystems in Africa and am eager to contribute to their growth and success through mentorship.

I am deeply motivated to give back to the startup ecosystem and support emerging entrepreneurs because I understand the challenges and hurdles that come with starting and scaling a business. Throughout my journey, I have benefited immensely from the guidance and mentorship of experienced professionals. Their insights and support were crucial in shaping my career and entrepreneurial ventures. Now, I want to pay it forward by sharing my knowledge and experience with the next generation of innovators.

Supporting young entrepreneurs is not just about giving advice; it’s about fostering a culture of innovation, resilience, and community. By mentoring, I aim to help these entrepreneurs navigate their challenges, avoid common pitfalls, and achieve their full potential. I believe that a thriving startup ecosystem is essential for economic growth and social development, and I am committed to contributing to this vibrant community through mentorship.

I am enthusiastic about the vibrant startup ecosystems in Africa and am eager to contribute to their growth and success through mentorship.