In an era where Africa’s young leaders are redefining business, governance, and social impact, Maryjane Unanka stands at the intersection of law, entrepreneurship, and advocacy.
A distinguished lawyer, social entrepreneur, and community leader, she has built a reputation as a Catalyst for Social Change, championing legal accessibility, conflict resolution, and economic empowerment across the continent.
But her journey was not one of privilege—it was one of purpose, grit, and an unshakable resolve to create a more just and inclusive society.
Born and raised in Nigeria, Unanka’s early years were shaped by an innate sense of justice. “I have always believed that the law should not be an abstract concept but a tool that actively serves the people,” she says.
This conviction led her to pursue a degree in Law, where she distinguished herself as a sharp legal mind with a passion for mediation and conflict resolution.
Her academic journey culminated in her becoming an Associate Member of the Institute of Chartered Mediators and Conciliators (AICMC), a recognition that positioned her at the forefront of alternative dispute resolution in Africa.
But rather than settle into a conventional legal career, Unanka saw a broader mission—one that extended beyond courtrooms into communities where justice and empowerment were desperately needed.
Unanka’s career took an unconventional path. Instead of confining herself to legal chambers, she channeled her expertise into social entrepreneurship, launching initiatives that bridge legal knowledge with grassroots advocacy.
She has spearheaded community mediation programs, youth empowerment projects, and gender-focused initiatives that educate and uplift marginalized groups.
Her approach is both innovative and disruptive. Through strategic partnerships, she has leveraged technology to provide legal education to underserved populations, ensuring that individuals understand their rights and access the resources necessary to claim them.
In recognition of her groundbreaking work, Unanka has been celebrated on multiple platforms:
- 2024 Mandela Washington Alumni Association of Nigeria – HER-EXCELLENCE AWARD (Community Catalyst Category)
- 2023 Under 30 CEOs Award (Social Impact Category) Nominee
- 2024 Africa Emerging Leader Award (West African Leadership and Empowerment Center, Ghana)
- 2024 Imperial Leo Network LTD Award Nominee (for outstanding social impact work)
Each accolade underscores her growing influence as a social entrepreneur who is reshaping Africa’s legal and business landscape.
At the heart of her impact is Maryjane Sustainable Development Initiatives (MSDI), an organization she founded to drive sustainable social change through legal empowerment, mediation, and economic inclusion. MSDI focuses on equipping vulnerable communities with the legal knowledge and skills needed to break cycles of poverty, resolve conflicts, and build thriving businesses.
“We cannot achieve sustainable development without access to justice and equal opportunities,” she explains. “MSDI was born out of the need to bridge these gaps and ensure that no one is left behind.”
Through MSDI, Unanka has implemented programs that provide legal literacy training, leadership development, and business incubation support to women and young entrepreneurs.
By integrating law with entrepreneurship, she is fostering a new generation of business leaders who understand their rights and responsibilities, enabling them to build sustainable enterprises.
One of Unanka’s most innovative projects is integrating legal education into business incubation programs, ensuring that young entrepreneurs, particularly women, are equipped with the knowledge to navigate legal complexities, intellectual property rights, and business regulations. “Too often, great ideas fail because the legal foundation is weak,” she explains. “I want to change that.”
Her vision for the future is clear: a continent where law is not a barrier but a bridge to economic and social progress. Through her leadership, she is not just advocating for change—she is architecting it.
As Africa undergoes a transformation driven by youth-led innovation, Maryjane Unanka stands as a formidable force. With a career that blends legal expertise, social impact, and business acumen, she exemplifies the new generation of African leaders who refuse to be confined by traditional paths.
“The real power of leadership is not in titles or positions,” she says. “It’s in how many lives you touch and how much change you inspire.”
And if her trajectory is any indication, Maryjane Unanka is just getting started.
