Sarah Adekunle-James featured in 10 Women Showing Up

Sarah Adekunle-James

Social Impact Consultant. Trade Facilitation Analyst. Managing Director, Nolton Africa

Sarah Adekunle-James is a Social Impact Consultant, Trade Facilitation Analyst, and Founder of Nolton Africa. She has led multi-million dollar projects across Africa, helping social impact organizations achieve sustainability and secure funding. Through strategic consulting, capacity building, and ecosystem development, she ensures mission-driven enterprises scale effectively and create lasting change.

WALK THE TALK & DO THE WORK

Impact Report

So far, I have:

Implemented a $4M EU-funded project across West Africa, driving policy and trade impact.
Led Nolton Africa to raise N100m for 2 nonprofit organizations in 6 months.
Developed and launched Nonprofit Funding Fast Tracker, a signature program that has equipped nonprofit leaders with the tools to secure sustainable funding and scale their impact.
Expanded Nolton Africa’s advisory and consulting reach, supporting African founders in Nigeria, Kenya, UK, Canada and Saudi Arabia in scaling impact.
Founded Luminary Circle, hosting its first conference for 35 young women. Connected them with mentors from the World Bank, Venture Capital Fund, Triift Africa, and Green Energy International Limited—leading to job placements, pitch opportunities, and refined business ideas.
Designed and facilitated trade competitiveness trainings for policymakers and SMEs in Sierra Leone, Abidjan, Nigeria, and Gambia, strengthening market access and economic growth.
Directly impacted and trained 700+ social entrepreneurs across various platforms, equipping them with innovative models for long-term sustainability.
Developed proprietary frameworks and toolkits that have become reference points for organizations looking to achieve sustainability and long-term impact.
Spoken at industry events, influencing conversations on social impact, trade, and economic development.
Designed and executed 25 successful strategy sessions in 2 years, helping organizations refine their strategic direction.
Built a thriving business while leading a lean, high-performance team.

SUCCESS LEAVES CLUES

We asked Sarah for Clues

Something that catalyzed your growth - besides working hard?

God has been the foundation of everything I do. My faith has given me clarity in moments of uncertainty, strength when the journey felt overwhelming, and doors I could never have opened on my own. Every milestone I’ve reached, every opportunity that has come my way, has been a testament to divine alignment and grace.

Also, I’ve learned the power of saying yes before I feel fully ready. Some of my biggest breakthroughs, whether leading multi-million dollar projects, consulting for high-impact organizations, or speaking on major platforms—happened because I chose to step up even when I didn’t have all the answers.

I’ve realized that growth happens in motion, not in waiting for the perfect moment. Taking bold steps, even in uncertainty, has shaped the trajectory of my journey.

Something you're most proud of?

Stepping into rooms where I was the youngest, least experienced, the only African, or the only woman, yet still owning my space. Building a business from scratch in a niche that seemed difficult, proving that when you choose to solve real problems with intention and strategy, growth becomes inevitable.

On Courage and Showing Up

The people who win aren’t necessarily the most talented, they’re the ones who keep showing up even when it’s hard. Consistency beats perfection every time.

Worth Remembering

Your next level isn’t waiting for the perfect moment—it’s waiting for you to decide.

- Sarah Adekunle-James

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Sarah Adekunle-James