Victoria Manya

Victoria Manya is a lawyer, researcher, and advocate specializing in entrepreneurship, technology, and inclusive development. With over 10 years of experience, she has led impactful knowledge exchange and policy initiatives across Europe and Africa. She is the Executive Director and Co-Founder of the Advocacy for Policy and Innovation (API) and has played a key role in shaping Nigeria’s digital economy.

As Knowledge Manager at the African Studies Centre Leiden (ASCL) within the INCLUDE Knowledge Platform, she facilitates strategic collaborations between the Netherlands and African stakeholders. She was instrumental in drafting the Nigerian Startup Act as part of the Presidential Advisory Council and helped develop Nigeria’s National Structure and Governance Framework with NITDA. She also contributes to the Online Harms Protection Bill to balance digital safety, innovation, and free expression.

Victoria mentors entrepreneurs, helping them navigate regulatory landscapes and build sustainable businesses. A sought-after speaker, she has contributed to academic and policy publications. She holds an LL.B from the University of Jos, an MA in Development Studies from Erasmus University, and is currently a doctoral candidate at Leiden University, researching entrepreneurial ecosystems in Africa.