Nadia Hassan

St Cross-Mastercard Foundation Scholarship

Joining us from: Nigeria

MBA (2025)

My name is Nadia Hassan, and I am from Nigeria. I hold an undergraduate degree in Economics, where my interest in business, problem-solving, and entrepreneurship first took shape. I have always been drawn to building ideas, starting projects, and understanding why businesses succeed. Shortly after graduation, I co-founded a confectionery business, which became my first hands-on experience running a venture and exposed me early to the realities faced by micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).

Although the business did not survive beyond its early stages, it proved to be a defining learning experience. I witnessed firsthand the challenges small businesses encounter, challenges often hidden behind statistics. Determined to understand these issues better, I pivoted into startup consulting, where I supported early-stage ventures across multiple sectors. This role deepened my understanding of the factors that differentiate thriving businesses from those that struggle.

Alongside my formal work, I began informally consulting for friends’ businesses, which I found deeply fulfilling. I often likened the experience to being a medical doctor - diagnosing problems and prescribing solutions. Over time, this passion evolved into a broader desire to create social impact through entrepreneurship, leading me to transition into the non-profit sector. I took on the role of Country Project and Africa Training Coordinator for an organisation focused on poverty alleviation through job creation.

In this capacity, I worked closely with entrepreneurs in different communities, designing and managing high-impact grant portfolios and contributing to the training of over 3,000 small business owners across sectors, including agriculture, technology, finance, and rural development. My work has supported women, farmers, youth, and faith-based leaders in 12 African countries, including Nigeria, Kenya, Zambia, Ethiopia, and Eswatini.

Joining the MBA cohort has been a wonderful experience. The depth of perspectives, ideas, and lived experiences within the class has expanded my thinking and challenged me in ways I had hoped for. Let's also not forget the academic rigor that comes with it but all in all, grateful that I get to experience all of these.

Access, I have learned, is often the defining factor between where one is and where one has the potential to be. The St Cross- AfOx scholarship has given me that access - access to world-class education, to networks, and to opportunities that will allow me to amplify my impact. Being in the AfOx Community has been a wonderful journey. Sharing space with African leaders united by a common vision to transform the continent is both motivating and inspiring. The programme has been enriching in every sense - the mindfulness sessions, leadership retreat, and storytelling sessions have all helped refine my leadership and communication skills as a business leader. I feel truly blessed to be part of this year’s cohort.