At Just4WomenAfrica, we spotlight African women at the forefront of innovation and policy—and our recent interview with Tokunbo Ibrahim-Okuribido was nothing short of inspiring.
A seasoned lawyer and public policy expert based in Nigeria, Tokunbo currently serves as the Government Relations and Public Policy Manager for West Africa at TikTok, the world’s most downloaded app in 2024 and early 2025.
Career Journey: From Coca-Cola to TikTok
Tokunbo’s journey is as diverse as it is dynamic. She’s held impactful roles at PwC, Coca-Cola, and Glovo before joining TikTok in June 2023. At TikTok, her focus is on building trust with government stakeholders, shaping regulatory conversations, and ensuring the platform stays accountable in areas like content moderation, platform governance, online safety, and the creator economy.
What Inspired Her Career Path?
When asked what inspired her to work at the intersection of policy, business, and social impact, Tokunbo shared something powerful:
“I realized that decisions made in policy rooms affect millions—especially in emerging sectors. These policies impact not just the company but also the public and consumers. I wanted to be part of those conversations.”
That realization led her to pursue roles that bridge the gap between innovation and regulation, helping companies scale responsibly while remaining accountable to the communities they serve.
Solving Complex Regulatory Challenges
Tokunbo recounted a challenge during her time at Glovo when Nigeria’s courier and logistics regulator introduced a policy that could have forced e-commerce platforms to drastically change their business model.
“Once I saw the draft regulation, I reached out to counterparts across other platforms, and we coordinated a joint meeting with the regulator,” she said.
This collaborative approach led to a redrafting of the regulation, creating greater clarity for the sector, protecting their operating models, and saving costs.
Regulation Across Africa: One Continent, Many Realities
While many outsiders see Africa as one uniform region, Tokunbo emphasized the differences:
“Yes, we have similarities in areas like misinformation, online safety, national security, user privacy, and data sovereignty. But the differences lie in the politics and regulatory cultures of each country.”
She noted that regulatory duplication is also a challenge in some regions, where multiple agencies may overlap in responsibilities.
Why African Voices Matter in Global Tech Policy
Tokunbo was clear on this:
“Local content is important. When African voices are at the table, policies become more inclusive and relevant to the context and culture of our people.”
She advocates for inclusive policymaking that respects the nuances of the African digital ecosystem.
Innovation vs. Regulation: How She Balances Both
“Innovation is a sprint. Policy is a marathon,” Tokunbo explained. Her strategy is about shifting from a reactive to a proactive approach, managing expectations of both internal and external stakeholders.
“Regulators need to understand that clear policies build investor trust and long-term confidence.”
Final Words
Tokunbo Ibrahim-Okuribido is more than a public policy manager—she’s a bridge between tech innovation and responsible governance, helping shape a digital ecosystem that’s safe, inclusive, and empowering for African creators and consumers alike.
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