The AEIP introduces “Her power, her ideas”
On International Women’s Day, the Africa-Europe Innovation Platform recognises the leadership and contributions of women who are shaping innovation ecosystems across Africa, Europe and beyond. More women are stepping into leadership roles in innovation, yet they often remain underrepresented in public narratives.
With the launch of the “Her power, her ideas” campaign, the AEIP affirms a clear conviction: representation matters. By highlighting women whose achievements show that meaningful impact should not be the exception but an attainable reality, the campaign seeks to inspire and empower a new generation of women innovators to lead with confidence and ambition.
This campaign highlights the perspectives of four leaders whose work reflects the spirit of international cooperation and inclusive innovation. Each Tuesday in March, the AEIP will publish a testimonial asking what being a woman has meant for their journey in innovation and what message they would like to pass on to the next generation of leaders.
Get to know them below:
Chiara Romano
Chiara is Co-Founder and Board Member of SPICI, a digital innovation hub and international accelerator based in Naples, Italy. She leads the Internationalisation Division, designing acceleration and international growth programmes for startups, SMEs and public organisations.
Her work connects European, African and global innovation ecosystems through structured cooperation, strategic partnerships and measurable impact initiatives.
Link: Her power, her ideas: Chiara Romano
Živilė Paužaitė
Živilė is Head of Quality at Kaunas Science and Technology Park in Lithuania. Working at the intersection of innovation ecosystem development, international cooperation and entrepreneurship support, she contributes to building science, business and public sector collaboration models.
Through initiatives such as the AEIP Twinning Programme, she strengthens incubation services and fosters inclusive innovation ecosystems connecting European and African actors.
Link: 17 March 2026
Rebecca Fries
Rebecca is Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Value for Women, based in New York City. Her organisation creates better economic opportunities for women in emerging markets by shifting private-sector practices, products, and capital flows.
The organisation works with partners to create more and better jobs for women and to improve their access to capital, as well as to products and services that meet their needs. This work takes place across Africa, Asia and Latin America, and across a variety of sectors.
Link: 24 March 2026
Mary Njeri
Mary is an entrepreneur, business growth consultant and ecosystem builder based in Berlin, working between Germany and several African countries. She serves as Co-Lead of AiDiA Africa, where she helps strengthen structured cooperation between African and European innovation ecosystems.
Her work focuses on diaspora engagement, investment readiness and cross-border entrepreneurship. Through strategic platforms and high-level roundtables, she connects founders, investors and policy actors.
Link: 31 March 2026
The role of the AEIP
The Africa-Europe Innovation Platform serves as a bridge between ecosystems across Africa and Europe. By facilitating partnerships and activities, the AEIP contributes to the development of innovation systems that are inclusive by design.
The experiences of Živilė Paužaitė, Rebecca Fries, Chiara Romano and Mary Njeri illustrate that innovation requires both individual leadership and structural transformation. Through its network and programmes, the AEIP provides a space where such leadership can grow.
On International Women’s Day, the AEIP reaffirms its commitment to advancing inclusive innovation ecosystems across Africa and Europe. Become part of the AEIP or follow us on LinkedIn and Facebook to stay engaged with the growing Africa-Europe innovation community.