When Dratech International announced its list of judges for the 2024 Dratech International Innovation Award, one name stood out: Ms. Karika Ogheneyonreme. Known for her impressive career in product management, business development, and supply chain optimization, Karika represents the new face of global leadership. Her journey from Nigeria to the boardrooms of multinational corporations and technology giants is a story of discipline, vision, and impact.
Early Life and Education
Karika’s roots are firmly grounded in Nigeria, where she developed a love for technology and problem-solving. She pursued her undergraduate studies at Covenant University, one of Africa’s most prestigious private universities, earning a degree in Electrical and Electronics Engineering. Her leadership potential was recognized early when she was selected for an exchange program with the University of Lancaster in the United Kingdom, an experience that broadened her outlook and introduced her to global perspectives.
Speaking about her formative years, she reflects: “Growing up in Nigeria taught me resilience and creativity. My time at Covenant gave me structure, and the exchange program at Lancaster gave me a global lens. That combination has guided me throughout my career.”
Professional Journey Across Continents
Karika’s career is marked by a series of high-impact roles across multiple industries and geographies.
Her professional journey began at the Africa Finance Corporation, where she led the implementation of Nigeria’s first-ever Governance SAP ERP system. This landmark project improved efficiency and accountability, proving her ability to deliver on large-scale initiatives early in her career.
She then joined Tenaris, a multinational manufacturer of energy materials, where she worked across Africa, the Middle East, and South America. In Egypt, she managed logistics for the nation’s largest energy project, valued at $11 billion, achieving seamless execution while driving $3.5 million in cost savings through process automation. In South America, she secured contracts worth $200 million, cementing her reputation as a strategic business developer.
Karika recalls: “Tenaris was a turning point. Managing projects across multiple regions taught me that leadership is about adaptability and trust. You must understand people as much as you understand processes.”
Her entrepreneurial spirit flourished at KR Ventures, where she co-founded initiatives that connected global professionals. She built the Life Series Program, a digital community of over 50,000 professionals, and launched the Women in Leadership Institute in Dubai, hosting executive workshops for multinational leaders. These initiatives highlighted her ability to scale ideas into global platforms.
At Softcom, a Nigerian technology start-up, Karika led programs that expanded financial access to over one million unbanked Nigerians. Collaborating with cross-functional teams, she ensured that technology solutions were accessible, practical, and impactful.
Her global career trajectory kept growing at Amazon, where she designed the go-to-market strategy for Amazon Business in the US Private Equity sector, earning her the Best Intern Award during her MBA internship.
Columbia Business School and Thought Leadership
Karika’s pursuit of excellence led her to Columbia Business School in New York, where she earned her MBA. At Columbia, she immersed herself in initiatives that aligned with her passion for entrepreneurship and leadership development.
She served as a Peer Mentor at the Columbia Start-Up Lab, advising early-stage entrepreneurs. She joined the Technology Club, helping to organize events that connected students with industry leaders. She also participated in workshops focused on business growth strategies and community building.
“Columbia was not just about academics,” Karika explains. “It was about being part of a dynamic ecosystem where you could test ideas, build networks, and learn from peers who were equally ambitious. It sharpened my leadership philosophy.”
Why Dratech Selected Her as Judge
When Dratech International sought judges for the 2024 Innovation Award, they looked for leaders who combined global experience with a commitment to Africa’s growth. Karika’s career, which bridges multinational corporations and grassroots initiatives, made her a perfect fit.
As a judge, she evaluated submissions in the categories of Program Management, Business Development, Data Engineering, Cybersecurity, Software Engineering, and Fintech. Her ability to understand both the technical and strategic dimensions of innovation brought depth to the evaluation process.
Dratech explained their choice: “Karika represents the kind of leader we want our awards to spotlight—someone who excels globally while remaining committed to empowering talent and innovation in Africa. Her insights as a judge were invaluable in identifying this year’s winners.”
Leadership Philosophy and Impact
At the heart of Karika’s work is a belief that leadership is about multiplying impact. She combines data-driven decision-making with a human-centered approach, ensuring that operational excellence translates into real benefits for people.
Through Karika Republic, her global community, and the LIFT program for African entrepreneurs, she has mentored thousands of professionals. She is particularly passionate about empowering women in leadership and creating platforms for cross-border collaboration.
“I believe in building communities where people can thrive. Success is not just about individual achievement, it is about creating opportunities for others to rise as well,” she says.
Inspiration for the Next Generation
Karika’s journey from Nigeria to global leadership is a powerful message to young Africans. She has shown that with discipline, vision, and resilience, it is possible to compete and lead on the world stage.
Her advice to aspiring professionals is simple: “Do not let geography define your ambition. Excellence is universal, and if you commit to it, your work can open doors across the world.”
Conclusion
Ms. Karika Ogheneyonreme’s story is a testament to the power of vision, hard work, and service. From her early days at Covenant University to leading billion-dollar projects across continents, from mentoring entrepreneurs at Columbia to driving operational excellence at Amazon, she has consistently demonstrated what it means to lead with impact.Her selection as a judge for the Dratech International Innovation Award 2024 is not just recognition of her personal achievements but also a reflection of her role as a bridge between Africa and the global innovation ecosystem.
